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1 person is interested
Diesel Locomotive/Heavy Machinery Mechanic
ORGANIZATION: West Chester Railroad Heritage Association
Please visit the new page to apply.
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1 person is interested
The West Chester Railroad is a tourist railroad along the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in Pennsylvania. We are conveniently located 45 minutes outside Philadelphia. We offer a variety of nostalgic 90 minute train trips and special events throughout the year.
You can help us keep our railroad equipment in tip top shape. We have five operable vintage diesel locomotives that require regular routine maintenance and occasional repairs and overhauls, as well as our fleet of track maintenance machines and historic passenger cars. You will work with a project manager who will assign various jobs around the railroad. If you are not interested in working on the train crew, but still want to learn about the equipment, this option might be best for you.
We value any volunteers with mechanical knowledge and skills, especially in heavy machinery, but also welcome anybody who wants to learn these skills and assist our experienced volunteers. Locomotive maintenance is typically performed on Saturday mornings in spring and summer, and on other days and times on an as needed basis. Please note that all maintenance is performed outdoors, weather permitting.
We are an all-volunteer, not for profit corporation which is totally dependent upon the volunteer spirit of its members to conduct operations of the West Chester Railroad. Operating rules and job training are provided for members.
Membership is available on an annual basis to those interested in the West Chester Railroad Heritage Association and its purpose. Membership benefits include free passage on trains on a space available basis and copies of all publications by the association.
For more information and to become a member of the WCRA, please visit https://wcrailroad.com/volunteer.html
More opportunities with West Chester Railroad Heritage Association
No additional volunteer opportunities at this time.
About West Chester Railroad Heritage Association
Location:
500 S ADAMS ST, WEST CHESTER, PA 19382, US
Mission Statement
The West Chester Railroad Heritage Association is an all-volunteer, not for profit corporation which is totally dependent upon the volunteer spirit of its members to conduct operations of the West Chester Railroad. The purpose of the WCRHA is to collect, preserve, and exhibit railroad equipment and artifacts relating to railroading with emphasis on the southeastern Pennsylvania region; to operate a demonstration railroad for the education and enjoyment of the public. In order to accomplish this mission, the following goals have been established: 1. The WCRHA shall acquire equipment, documents, and artifacts relating to railroading. 2. The WHRHA shall work to preserve and restore equipment, documents, and artifacts so as to present to the public an accurate picture of railroad history. 3. The WCRHA shall interpret the equipment and artifacts for the public. Publications will be available to the membership and public.
Description
The West Chester Railroad is a tourist railroad along the beautiful Chester Creek Valley in Pennsylvania. We are conveniently located 45 minutes outside Philadelphia. We offer a variety of nostalgic 90 minute train trips and special events throughout the year.
Over 160 years ago when most people in this country had never seen or heard of a Railroad, the businessmen and community leaders of West Chester, PA. chartered the "West Chester Railroad Company." It became one of the nation's earliest railroads through an act in the Pennsylvania legislature in 1831. A quarter century later, West Chester got its second railroad, the "West Chester & Philadelphia Railroad," which opened on November 11, 1858. Both became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad system by 1881, when they were known as the "Frazer branch" and "Media branch," respectively.
For the next eighty-nine years, the Market Street station was West Chester's gateway to the world. Penn Central and SEPTA continued to carry passengers until 1986. For a nearly decade, the line remained unused until a group of railroad enthusiasts approached the Borough of West Chester about restoring service. Today the new West Chester Railroad Company is 100% volunteer operated by members of the West Chester Railroad Heritage Association, who are dedicated to preserving the "Media branch" of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Thanks to their efforts, one of the nation's oldest "Fallen Flags" now flies again, bringing rail service back to West Chester!
CAUSE AREAS
WHEN
WHERE
500 South Adams StreetWest Chester, PA 19382
DATE POSTED
May 31, 2024
SKILLS
- Mechanical Engineering
- Transportation
- Electrical
- Project Management
- Auto Mechanics / Repair
- Welding
GOOD FOR
N/A
REQUIREMENTS
- Driver's License Needed
- Must be at least 16
- Orientation or Training
- 4-12 hours a day, 1+ days a week, subject to management availability, railroad excursion schedule, project scope, weather, etc.
- Uniform/safety gear requirements: Safety gloves, safety glasses, work boots or shoes with a defined heel of less than 2 inches with ankle support. Tools and supplies are available at our facility, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools.