Las Vegas Trip - Any Idea's?

You may find the Hoover Dam interesting.   There is a Dam tour.  You can access the O'Callaghan Tillman bridge observation deck below the dam for a fantastic view of the structure.  Also there is a set of railroad tunnels near the Hacienda Hotel and Casino that is an interesting walking trail to the dam site.   Click on the underlined phrase to access a slideshow.  You may find Boulder City, Nevada near the Hoover Dam a little less intense than Las Vegas.
 
The Great Southwest and parts of California, Imperial Valley, would still be dust, dirt, and the desert with out this project.  IMO.  Mike CT

There are a few hobby shops to visit:

1. HobbyTown USA on Sahara Ave.

2. Westside Trains on Durango (lots of Lionel trains)

3. Train Exchange on Boulder Highway

There's also some good train viewing at Apex near North Las Vegas

The Train Engineer (Marty) on Chandler across from McCarren airport is the best bet along with John at Westside on Durango. Forget the other two. Also visit the museum outside Boulder City.

Go to the grand Canyon railway... The steam engine there is one of the many saved by LS&I railroad in Michigan.

I thought the Grand Canyon Railway was mostly operating the former CB&Q 2-8-3 #4960, at least whenever they do operate steam. Plus it is about 225 miles from Las Vegas to Williams, AZ, which is a bit of a drive, especially if the steam isn't operating.

Power of choice last time I was to the South Rim of the Canyon. F40FH

On a good day with the new O'Callaghan-Tillman bridge at the Hoover Dam. Williams, Az. is at least 4.5 hrs. Note that there has been recent press concerning water problems at Williams.   Recent western draught may have affected this communities water system.  Another 1 hr. from Williams to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.  Picture is at the South Rim, Oct 2011.
2010 picture of the LS&I consolidation on display at Williams.

2008 picture of the CB&Q locomotive on display at Williams.  Workmen were removing the steps to the walkway on the locomotive.

Thanks for linking you slide show, Mike CT. Beautiful pictures. A lot of changes since my last visit to the dam, perhaps some twenty years ago. What is the function of the sprawling structure at the top of the dam on the Nevada side?

Thanks again, Mike. I agree, taking cues from the dam's Art Deco styling, the new center fits in well. As beautiful as it is, and as rewarding of a view it must be, I'm not certain I could gain enough intestinal fortitude to walk across that bridge.

On the weekend, the Nevada Southern museum and train ride in Boulder City (on the way to the dam). Great for kids... They have the "other" UP844 (a GP-30) pulling their train.  The cab is open for visitors between trips and it is possible to ride in the cab for an extra fee if space is available.

Thanks for the info and ideas.  We are definitely going to the Hoover Dam and taking the tour.  And NOW, we are definitely going to go look at those amazing tunnels and visit the O'Callaghan Tillman Bridge Observation Deck.  On the way we will go by the Nevada Southern Museum.  That beautiful CB&Q locomotive might just make the trip to Williams, Az worth while.  While the family is at the casinos, I will mosey over to Westside Trains.  They can gamble all they want.  I’d rather spend my money on trains...lol.

Man, that just kills me. I rode twice behind 29 when my wife and I were there. We lucked up, caught the train up and back the final year of daily steam ops. Managed to ride steam both ways, normally you ride diesel one way or the other. Took the dome up and the business car coming back and stayed overnight in one of the corner top floor rooms at the El Tovar (had a balcony almost as big as the room itself, overlooking the depot). It wasn't cheap but it was worth every penny.

Some notes.
(1.) The large open field area behind the Hacienda Hotel and Casino, Nevada side of the Hoover Dam, was the staging area. Part of the area is now Lake Mead Recreational Area, I've overnight tented here a couple of times, Usually, even in late October, very hot.
(2.) The (5) tunnel system, that has been turned into a walking trail, delivered product to the construction site.  The height of the tunnels was to accommodate large structural pieces.  Staging area also included the concrete plants.   Concrete was poured 24/7.
(3.) It appears that the last one or two tunnels closest to the dam site may have been double track tunnels. 
(4.) There was an interesting concrete cooling system that involved piping in the continuous concrete pour, hooked to a refrigeration system.  Some say this huge monolith has yet to cure. 
(5.) The town of Boulder, Nevada was housing for all those who worked on the project.   All to make the desert bloom.  We have frequented restaurants, and done church in this community, Very nice community. IMO. 
(6.) There are other dams and structures both down river and up river, (Colorado), that are part of this project, or other projects.   The Glenn Canyon Dam, one of the last to be built on the Colorado, is above the Grand Canyon.
(7.) This plaque and bronze statue is near the visitors center.  A dedication to those who died during the project.  Noted from the plaque is that the first and last death are father and son.

With the bridge under construction. High Scaler image is Joe Kine. who worked on several of the Great Southwest projects. He died 1998.
Bridge under construction.

Bridge complete.

After several trips, you get the sense of amazement, about what can happen, if we all work together.

Last time I was there we went to the dam, on the way back stopped to get gas and looked across the street and - hey, what are all those old train cars and engines doing there?? Guess that was the Nevada Southern, didn't know about it (and didn't have time to stop on that visit - maybe next time!).

Say Hello to Bill Arndt at the museum when you are there. He is a fellow 3railer too.