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Our
goal is to promote the ownership and operation of safe, reliable
railroad passenger cars. These goals are met through communication,
education and the camaraderie of the membership.
The RPCA was formed in 1982 by three men with a singular
problem: where to find serviceable railroad passenger cars with
which to operate mainline steam excursions. They were concerned with
finding cars which were clean, functional, and able to be moved to
the excursion departure site at an affordable cost. The first
organizational meeting was held in Bellevue, OH during the fall of
1983. Some fifty-five interested individuals attended. Today, the
RPCA has grown to over three hundred individuals and member
organizations, and is managed by a ten person Board of Directors
which are selected from the membership at large. Many of the
country's most successful excursion train operators and sponsors are
regular members.
We maintain a roster of member’s cars, detailing the type,
mechanical features, and the car's availability for lease.
We publish a newsletter, The Information Exchange, five times
annually, with news of interest to the membership. Articles
concerning new federal regulations, safety, and maintenance
bulletins are regular features along with updates on the American
rail passenger scene. Contributors to the newsletter are among the
most knowledgeable in the industry.
Our annual conference is held during January and is attended by
many of America’s most successful rail passenger people. Numerous
railroad passenger car parts suppliers and contractors are regular
exhibitors at the convention. Several "put on your grubbies"
hands-on seminars are conducted on everything from truck maintenance
to marketing of your car or event. Opportunities for networking
abound. The RPCA annual meeting is one of the most enjoyable
railroad events staged anywhere!
We promote the proper operation and maintenance of safe, reliable
passenger cars through our gauge certification and single car tester
loan programs.
Other affiliated organizations include "CUPS" (the diesel Cab Unit Preservation
Society) and a new group that is just now forming which consists of
almost all the of the main line steam locomotive operators.
Milwaukee Road 261, C&O 614, NKP 765, UP 844, PM 1225 and Frisco
1522 are just a few of the main line locomotives represented in this
organization.
If you own, operate, lease, or just plain love Railroad Passenger
Cars, then the RAILROAD PASSENGER CAR
ALLIANCE is for you! Come and join us!
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