Today, U.S. 395 conveniently follows the valley found east of the imposing Sierra-Nevada Mountains. Running parallel to the California and Nevada border, this wide open corridor enticed a few railroading entrepreneurs in 1880. Connecting the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, the new narrow gauge line headed south toward Owens Valley. Dubbed the Slim Princess by the locals, the railroad offered passenger service as well as an avenue to ship out Owens Valley livestock.
     Built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works in 1909, Engine No. 9 was rebuilt and put into service on the Carson and Colorado Line, o[erated by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. The steam locomotive polished the narrow gauge rails for 25 years.
     Overtime, the Slim Princess name was not only used for the railroad, but was also transferred to the locomotive itself. Donated by the city of Bishop, the 4-6-0 Baldwin is now the centerpiece of the Laws Railroad Museum. A lineup of historic cars, some weighing over nine tons, offer an authentic view of the Slim Princess Line. As with most Southern Pacific engines, No. 9 ran on oil, but could have also burned a rare fuel of wood or coal. The Laws Museum not only features railroad equipment, but a string of period railroading homes and furnishing.