Passenger Car HVAC Workshop

RPCA HVAC Workshop

This course equips attendees with some of the specialized knowledge required to select, install, service, diagnose, and maintain HVAC systems on railroad passenger cars. It will include classroom and extensive hands on training.

Participants will learn about the refrigeration cycle as it applies to railcar environments, including system components, controls, and differences between railroad, residential and commercial HVAC equipment. The curriculum emphasizes practical troubleshooting of both refrigeration and electrical systems, proper brazing and soldering techniques, disassembly and assembly of contactors and tips and tricks used by experienced railcar HVAC technicians. You will recover, leak test, evacuate and charge air conditioning systems.

Heating systems will be covered in depth, including electric heat (overhead and baseboard), hydronic systems, and fuel-fired options such as propane or fuel oil. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of railcar HVAC systems and the practical knowledge needed to diagnose issues, perform basic repairs, and effectively work with or support experienced technicians in the field.

Registration is open now!

The participants will take several written quizzes and have a hands-on review.  At the end of this course, successful students will receive a certificate of completion. 

Registration fee: $999 per person.

Registration fee under the age of 30: $499 per person. Attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cancellations are allowed.  If the space can be resold, there is no cancellation fee.  If the space cannot be resold, there is a 25% cancellation fee.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and some meals.  Lunches and possibly some other meals will be provided on-site as part of the registration fee. Recommendations for reasonably priced lodging will be provided. 

There will be some lodging available on passenger cars and cabooses at the workshop location (showers available on site) at no charge. Younger attendees will be given the first chance for these lodgings to help minimize overall costs.  

Participants should bring their own hard hats, safety glasses, work boots, and reflective vests when possible. We also recommend that you bring a laptop or tablet to access information provided electronically, although this is not required.

Please note: This workshop is being offered by the Railroad Passenger Car Alliance for its members. In order to attend you must be a RPCA member or a member of a RPCA member organization.

For additional information please contact Kenneth Bitten at 410-336-1605 or ken@classicrail.com

Event InFO:

Dates: OCT 1-5, 2026

Location: 220 Willow Street, Nashville, TN 37210

Host: Tennessee Central Railway Museum

Registration fee: $999 per person*

*Discounted registration fee for attendees under the age of 30: $499 per person.

Questions?: Contact Kenneth Bitten at 410-336-1605 or ken@classicrail.com