We are looking for a few volunteers to take on the project of getting our orange passenger trailer fixed up and ready for use on our motorcar excursion runs to New Freedom. These excursions frequently sell out, and we could really use the additional seating capacity. This car can accommodate 8 to 10 passengers.
The trailer is in generally good condition but will need some cleaning and painting, a few wood pieces replaced, a new floor installed, and a brake handle added. The railroad has all the necessary tools, and materials can be easily purchased. If you’re interested in helping with this project, please let David Williamson or Mike Ruane know.
We are also looking for a couple of volunteers to wire brush and paint the two fuel tanks, as keeping them in good condition is important for long-term use. In addition, we are continuing work on the station bench construction project. Most materials are already on hand, and we are currently fabricating the curved slat supports before assembly and painting.
Our May work weekend will be May 15–17. We plan to be out on the line addressing problem areas between MP4 and Deer Creek Bridge. Very little work has been done on this stretch in many years—there are loose rails, and new ties are needed. The area was recently inspected and gauge rods installed prior to the weed spray operation, but additional work is necessary to safely sustain ongoing operations. It’s also some of the most scenic track on the railroad.
In June, we will focus on the section between the auto body shop crossing and the township building crossing, extending the Class I track and making improvements to the existing track. This extension will require three to four days of work, including installing 64 ties plus several “ghost ties” up to Bridge 5.
July will be dedicated to replacing failed ties in the Class I track.
It’s shaping up to be a busy few months as we head into the warmer weather. As always, there’s plenty to do—and we can use your help!
A reminder that the April work weekend is this coming Friday (18), Saturday(19) and Sunday(20). We will be out on the line so bring your lunch.
We have four big tasks:
We had a good crew on Friday the 10 th and got a lot done on a brilliant sunny Spring day, including removing a fallen tree, cleaning out a clogged culvert and fixing some gauge problems and replacing broken joint bars.
We are planning a special workday on Monday, March 30.
This is your railroad, and this is essential work to keep the line connected, safe, and ready for motorcar excursions and ongoing restoration efforts. We could use a strong crew, and this is a great opportunity for anyone who works weekends or is retired to come out and lend a hand.
If you have any questions or comments, please call or message David Williamson.
We will have our March work weekend next weekend, March 13, 14, and 15. The winter has been rough on us, with snow present on site or descending the last THREE work weekends! We have not been able to get out on the track and do any worthwhile work since November. We are looking forward to getting out on the line and starting our tie work program for 2026.
After the switch work is done, we will move out on the line in April and start putting ties in the Class I track to fill in some gaps there. We are looking for sold-out Bunny Trains. We have large expenditures coming up for insurance, crosstie purchases, and then an early summer/late spring thorough weed spray over the entire line!