On Centre: Around Bellefonte Train enthusiasts take to the rails
By Connie Cousins
It was cold and windy at 7 o'clock on a recent morning as I approached the railroad tracks near Coleville.
I had been invited there by George Baney, a one-year member of the North American Railcar Operators Association. Soon there was a line of trucks towing all kinds of trailers loaded with motorcars. These cars look much like the old-time handcars seen in the movies but are motorized.
They were once used for railroad inspection. Today the motorcars are used in a hobby that attracts entire families as a way to enjoy an interest in history, railroads and spending time together.
The occasion was a planned run to Tyrone and back on the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Most of the NARCOA members present had run on the Everett Railroad at Hollidaysburg the day before.
Larry Maynard, a 17-year member from White Deer and the coordinator for Central Pennsylvania excursions, explained that most of the runs are planned for two days because the participants come from West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey and Ohio, as well as Pennsylvania. There were three members from Bellefonte on Sunday’s run and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.
NARCOA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and safe legal operation of railroad equipment, according to the organization's Web site, www.narcoa.org.
The group's secretary, Joel Williams, of Lock Haven, said he formed the first group in Pennsylvania.
There are 1,800 members across the U.S. with 20 affiliates, three of which are in Pennsylvania. There are also groups in Europe, Canada and Australia.
NARCOA welcomes anyone, but those riding must be 5 or older for safety reasons. New members are monitored. Members receive a rule book that outlines the national association’s standards for membership and there is excursion insurance.
In addition to yearly dues, members pay from about $50 for a local run to as much as $800 for a five-day run in Colorado. Members must be willing to adhere to safety issues and have some mechanical ability in order to maintain their own car. No alcohol or drugs are permitted.
A motorcar costs $1,500 to $10,000 or more and those interested can find cars for sale in the bimonthly publication “The Offset” or in the group’s newsletter, Williams said.
I felt chilled to the core when I got back in my car, but with some new knowledge about railroads, motor cars and family fun.
Connie Cousins writes about community news from the Bellefonte region. If you have news in Bellefonte or Benner, Spring, Marion or Walker townships, e-mail her at connie.cousin@yahoo.com or call 308-8390.
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