About RPCA

Founded in 1982, the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance was created as a resource to owners and operators of privately owned railroad passenger equipment. The primary goal was to coordinate efforts for pooling their equipment for mainline steam excursions. The popularity of the organization quickly grew and today includes over 400 members.

Today RPCA offers networking and skills training opportunities for individuals or organizations owning passenger rail equipment.

RPCA provides essential services to passenger rail equipment owners including access to shared RPCX reporting marks and RPCA’s members-only insurance program.

RPCA is a growing and forward thinking organization led by railroad industry professionals capable of thinking outside the box. As an organization, RPCA plays a critical role in supporting excursion train operators and keeping individual passenger car ownership viable. RPCA welcomes your membership and participation.

RPCA’s Mission

The purpose or purposes for which the corporation is organized shall be to foster and assist in the preservation, display and operation of rail passenger equipment and museums preserving the history of rail transportation in North America, and the free exchange among members of research data pertaining to railroad equipment.

To support the purpose of the organization, RPCA shall:

  1. Conduct meetings, seminars symposiums, and other educational programs relating to the safety, operation and maintenance practices, and the restoration and marketing of rail passenger equipment.

  2. Buy, sell, lease, mortgage or otherwise encumber real property, and to accept as donation, title to real property, to store and from which to dispense information, parts, historical items and personal effects pertaining to rail passenger transportation.

  3. Foster the development and operation of excursion trains and railroad-oriented museums.

  4. Promote the preservation of railroads and railroad artifacts, and to document and preserve railroad history.

  5. Produce and make available to members and nonmembers, by sale or free distribution, interpretive and educational literature and materials, including, but not limited to, books, maps, pamphlets, visuals, and recordings relevant to the passenger rail excursion and railroad preservation industries.

  6. Develop and publish guidelines, procedures, and standards for the safe operation, maintenance, restoration, and display of rail passenger equipment and artifacts.

  7. Facilitate the availability of insurance, equipment, supplies, and services for the passenger excursion and railway equipment preservation community.

  8. Promote positive relationships between the railroad preservation community and freight and passenger railroads through establishment of procedures and standards of ethics for the conduct of business.

Cab Unit Preservation Society

The Cab Unit Preservation Society (CUPS) is a special interest group that was originally created by members of RPCA. CUPS is dedicated to the preservation and operation of historic cab unit locomotives. When joining RPCA you have the option of also becoming a CUPS member. The group hosts a yearly seminar and discusses topics relevant to owning EMD & ALCO cab unit locomotives.

RPCA members can join CUPS at no additional charge when joining or renewing their membership.

RPCA Foundation

RPCA Foundation Inc, RPCA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, accepts tax-deductible gifts and donations. These funds support RPCA’s educational efforts including: Fuehring Fund scholarships, NRHS RailCamp scholarships, and other outreach programs.

The foundation accepts direct contributions of Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) payments from retirement accouns.

For more information the RPCA Treasurer Roy Wullich: rjwullich2@aaol.com or 650-245-2994

To donate, mail to: RPCA Foundation, Inc. PO Box 719 Quinton, VA 23141-0719