Railroaders' Nostalgia > July 30, Temple, TX Program to Discuss Motorcars

The South Central States Chapter of the Railroad and Locomotive Historical Society invites you to its July 30th program, beginning at 2 pm. Mr. Leland Stewart will be representing NARCOA (National Association of Railroad Car Owners Association) and Railroad Partners Inc. as he discusses the railroad motorcar operation and its use as safe recreational activity that enables the person to see the countryside like no other way.
Railroad motorcars, otherwise known as “speeders”, were developed in the 1920’s and were used for the purpose of inspecting track and other railroad maintenance operations. Hi-rail trucks were developed in the early 1950’s which began the slow demise of motorcars in favor of the more modern method of inspecting track. Motorcars were completely phased out by all railroads in 1985.
An all volunteer organization called North American Railcar Operators Association was formed in 1980 with the intent of saving the remaining motorcars from being scrapped and restoring them for further operation. Approximately 1,700 members across the United States volunteer their time both restoring motorcars and operating them across the United States.  Members pay annual dues and pass a written rule test to obtain an motorcar operators license.  Member meets are coordinated through individual groups such as, Railroad Partners Inc of San Antonio, who work with operating railroads to obtain permission to use  approved sections of  rail line (usually on the weekends) to operate the motorcars. Railroad Partners offer two Central Texas locations, between Marble Falls and Fairland and between Giddings and McDade, members can bring motorcars and spend a day running them across the tracks of the Austin and Western Railroad.  
This upcoming presentation will begin at 2 pm on the 3rd Floor of the Temple Public Library, 100 West Adams Avenue. Please contact Jeremy at 254-773-4759 for additional information about this upcoming program or for general information about the Railway & Locomotive Railway Society.       
 
 
 

This program has been postponed due to unforseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvience this may have caused.