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Step Back in Time...

We have one of the largest collections of cabooses in the country, and we invite you to join the Operating Department to experience for yourself what it's like to be a freight Conductor!  Enjoy Railroading in its "native habitat!"

Caboose Train Picture

Feather River Rail Society Operating Department

 
The Feather River Rail Society is dedicated to the preservation, interpretation and education of the public in the history and people of the Western Pacific Railroad.   A major activity to support this goal is the operation of historic railroad equipment at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum at Portola.

Having an operating museum requires that there be an Operating Department.  Our Operating Department is dedicated to supporting the museum at the highest level of safety, reliability, courtesy, and professionalism.

The Western Pacific Railroad was more like a family than a business, with a forward-thinking attitude that shaped innovation in the industry.   Our organization strives to educate current and future generations in this rich railroad history by operating our historic collection of artifacts and providing a hands-on experience to our visitors and members.   The museum attempts to emulate an operating WP facility from the 1950's.

The Operating Department is the backbone of our summer weekend demonstration caboose trains for the public, our Run-a-Locomotive program, and our winter Santa Train charity program.   We also support maintenance and restoration activities by moving equipment as required.   We wear many hats (some of them hard!) to join other museum teams in the overall mission of the museum.   We do track work; we clean up the grounds; we contribute.   We also have the times of our lives working together.

The Operating Department is a team of about 50 people who work together to safely maintain and operate a functioning railroad.   Most of us do not come from a career in railroading.   We come from all walks of life and from near and far.   We welcome new members to our team, no experience required.   We will train you in the safe operation of a railroad.

New Members
How to Join the Operating Department
 

Reference Material

Crew

Crew Training Materials Operating Dept Training Registration
 Hand and Lantern Signals Operating Dept Crew Sign Up
Museum Bulletins Operating Dept Extra Board
Museum Forms and Documents Today's Crew
Operating Dept Forms and Documents Sleeper Reservations
Operating Department Roster  

Records
File Cabinet (password required)
 

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Operated by the Feather River Rail Society, a California 501(c)3 Non Profit Organization

700 Western Pacific Way, P.O. Box 608, Portola CA 96122-8636 | 1-530-832-4131 | email us at:   info@wplives.org

Copyright © 2023 Feather River Rail Society.  All Rights Reserved.  Page last updated:  Saturday April 22, 2023 09:21 PDT