April 20 and April 21, 2013 
Blacklands Railroad / North East Texas Rural Rail District

Spring Motorcar Run - 120 round trip miles between Greenville and Winfield each day.  No mentoring on this run.  Hyrails welcome.  Trip fee of $80 for one or both days.

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.

Negotiations with Capitol Metro Transportation of Austin, Texas by RPI have 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 in 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.

Weekend Railroaders

This is a unique documentary film about railroad motor car excursions and the people participating in them.  The Director of this film, Scott Peterson, is an independent filmmaker based in Dallas, Texas.  He was introduced to the motor car hobby by his father, Ron, who is an active rail fan that participates in events throughout the country.  Ron is also a member and active participant with Railroad Partners, Inc.

Weekend Railroaders explores the excitement, satisfaction and camaraderie of railroad enthusiasts through personal interviews and action footage from rail cars during speeder runs. Featuring author and historian Leon Sapp, relive the history of railroad motor cars through their restoration and rebirth in the hands of hobbyists. A must for all rail fans, experience a weekend ride on working freight railroads with a colorful cast of riders.

Filmed at various locations in Texas, including Rockwall, Llano, Dallas, Carrollton, Greenville, Commerce, and Sulphur Springs. Additional footage was shot in Wilburton, OK.

Much of the film footage was captured during RPI runs on the Blacklands Railroad.