History

 RPI Leadership 

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  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




Austin & Western

McDade, TX

  Saturday, October 26, 2024  



 

Capital Metro Transportation

Fall Run
Llano, TX

    Sunday, October 27, 2024

 


 


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
12523 Georgian Oaks
San Antonio, TX 78230