Operation Toy Train, the Dining Car Society, and the Tri-States Railway Preservation Society will have their railroad equipment open to the public for Railroader for a Day from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. During this event, members of the public are invited to come out and try their hand at volunteering with our trains!
The caboose, theater/gift shop boxcar, museum boxcar, dining car, and commuter coach will be open. Admission and participation is free, but donations to support the Erie Turntable’s ongoing preservation efforts are highly encouraged.
This is a great opportunity for visitors to learn what our volunteers do to preserve Port Jervis’s transportation history, and learn how YOU can get involved.
Volunteers will be working on various projects throughout the yard during the day, and participants from the general public can jump in and become a “Railroader for a Day!” Enjoy a hands-on experience learning the proper painting techniques for a railroad boxcar or discovering the inner workings of an operating diesel locomotive. Help frame and build walls inside a passenger car, or even become one of the serving staff in the dining car! All tools and safety gear will be provided, and participants can enjoy a free lunch from the Dining Car Society.
We encourage everyone, regardless of skill or experience, to come down to the Port Jervis railyard. There will be several "activity stations" at the event. Attendees will be encouraged to move between the different stations to learn about each organization and try each activity:
Caboose paint restoration, including historic paint scheme research
Passenger railcar interior renovations, including basic plumbing, electrical, and carpentry
Introduction to dining car service and cooking
Museum docent training
Attendance is FREE for all participants, who will get a unique opportunity to get their hands dirty, contribute to a good cause, and explore railcars and parts of the railyard that are typically closed to the public. We encourage the local community to come out and get involved to help preserve Port Jervis’s transportation heritage!
NOTE: All visitors will be required to sign a waiver and must wear closed-toe shoes in order to participate in this event. Children ages 12 and older are welcome to participate, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (that can legally sign a waiver on behalf of the child and supervise them throughout their visit). Please contact us in advance at info@erieturntable.org if you would like to bring a larger group (such as a Scout troop) to volunteer for the day so we can make suitable arrangements.