The coal and water tower complex in the East Ely Yard is the focus of activity on this sunny, and relatively mild February morning. Two very different locomotives from the Nevada Northern stable have left the engine house and are repositioning to be fueled and watered. Under the coaling tower, is the brutish Alco Consolidation #93. She's a freight hog, pure and simple, built for power, not speed or beauty. Most often, you'll see ore hoppers behind her. In the distance, the handsome Baldwin 10-wheeler #40 makes her approach to the chute on the upper track. With 69" drivers, this horse was made to run, and run fast. Although purchased and used primarily for passenger service, she's equally at home on the front of a short, express freight. These two engines are very representative of the primary types that could be found in the engine house, during the hey-day of this line.
Although largely intact and in decent structural condition, the imposing coal tipple that you see is no longer operational. Easily one of the tallest structures in Ely, it is visible from all over town. Its primary function these days is as a giant prop for great rail photography.
