History

RPI Leadership

Membership Form

Railroad Partners, Inc.
is a Texas based 501(c)3 non-profit corporation dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic rail corridors.

The mission of Railroad Partners, Inc. is:

1) to use volunteer labor and privately owned maintenance equipment to preserve historic rail corridors in partnership with communities, railroads, local governments and other entities and individuals;

2) to acquaint the public with the geography, local history and cultural landmarks of such corridors;

3) to support efforts to educate the public regarding safety within rail corridors;

4) to build community support for the preservation of out-of-service or soon to be out-of-service rail corridors; and

5) to promote safe maintenance and other activities within historic rail corridors through training and mutual cooperation with rail-related groups.

Upcoming Events

Capital Metro Transportation

Work Sessions on various dates:
Feb 1, 2019 - Jan 31, 2020

Work Sessions for line maintenance
Dates vary. Watch this web page and
contact EC Frank Glatzl for notifications.
glatzl@sbcglobal.net

Capital Metro Transportation

Work Session
Kingsland, TX
October 10, 2020
Work Session at Kingsland, TX
This event will have NO motorcars
on-track. Our work plan is brush clearing, weed-eating and mowing with
mechanical mowers.

We request VOLUNTEERS on site at Kingsland with Personal Protective Equipment
and volunteer supplied brush and
weed control tools.
We may also dig out crossings.
Please RSVP with Event Coordinator:
Frank Glatzl glatzl@sbcglobal.net

Capital Metro Transportation

Work Session
Llano, TX
October 17, 2020
- Work Session at Llano, TX
Please bring our motorcar. This is ON TRACK activity. Our plan is to run Llano to Scobee Spur, if time permits. We need to clear low hanging branches, brush and clear crossing flanges preceding the Oct 31 Fall Motorcar Run. Please bring your Personal Protective Equipment and volunteer supplied brush, weed and crossing tools.
Please RSVP with Event Coordinator:
Frank Glatzl glatzl@sbcglobal.net

Capital Metro Transportation

October 31, 2020
Fall Motorcar Run

North-East Texas update as of July 11, 2020
The North East Texas Rural Rail District (NETEX) has been working through all the issues to have a new rail operator take over operations on the Mt. Pleasant, TX to Greenville, TX segment of the former Cotton Belt (SSW). The Blacklands Railroad, that graciously allowed us to enjoy the line for over 10 years, has chosen to withdraw from operating the line.

The NETEX board has selected the North East Texas Connector (NETC) as the new operator of the line. NETC took over operations of the line on July 1, 2020. NETC is a division of Freedom Terminal Services. (freedomterminalservices.com) I have met with the management of NETC and briefly discussed resumption of motorcar operations on the line. They are well aware of our past participation on the property and are willing to discuss future motorcar operations.

It will take some time for NETC to get settled. As you can imagine starting up a new short line from scratch is an intensive process. It will take some additional time, but I will be discussing with them the possibility of motorcar operations returning to this line.ml:namespace prefix = "o" ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

Myron Malone
NARCOA Excursion Coordinator
Greenville, TX

Railroad Partners, Inc is a NARCOA affiliate and 501(c)3 non-profit organization. RPI was formed in October of 2008 for the purpose of preserving rail corridors for public transportation and recreational (motorcar) purposes. The organization is modeled after the Recreational Railroad Coalition in California who gave the RPI founders the inspiration to attempt to preserve threatened rail corridors.

Negations with Capitol Metro Transportation of Austin, TX by RPI resulted in a successful lease agreement for 27 miles of track on the west end of the Llano Branch. The leased portion extends from Scobey Spur to the end of track at Llano, TX. Since the lease became effective on November 1, 2009, RPI has provided light maintenance on the line and conducts motorcar excursions and rail safety exercises. Maintenance activities are conducted by RPI trained volunteers.

Since its founding, RPI has worked to provide Operation Lifesaver presentations, participated in Capitol Metro's rail transit safety programs, acquired rolling stock, and made rail safety and preservation presentations at public events. In addition, RPI has frequently hosted motorcars excursions in which proceeds are used to fund RPI mission activities. We are currently working with rail transportation districts across Texas to offer our volunteer services to promote and preserve marginal or threatened rail lines. We are also in need of your voluntary labor and your donations to further our efforts at preserving the Llano Branch and other marginal rail lines.

The Llano Branch now sees routine motorcar operations. However, it will take some ongoing light maintenance efforts to keep the line in good shape. We are seeking NARCOA certified and insured operators to assist with line maintenance prior to NARCOA runs. Watch this web page for announcement of work session dates.

Railroad Partners can use your donationstons support our volunteer efforts.
You are welcome to donate to us through our PayPal interface by using the "donate" button.
Or you may send PayPal payments directly to us by using the e-mail address railroad.partners@gmail.com.

You may also donate to us by check or money order.
Simply mail your donation directly to our treasurer at:
Railroad Partners, Inc.
Edward Michal, Treasurer
441 Blue Creek Dr.
Dripping Springs, TX 78620