May 25, 2004 > Railroad Motorcar Rides

Southwest Railcar Ltd. is offering the public a chance to participate in a unique railroad experience in June. The club, which organizes railroad motorcar trips throughout North America, is donating its vehicles and their operators to provide a thrilling ride on the Niles Canyon Railway on vehicles seldom seen and rarely used by the public.

Railroad motorcars, also referred to as "speeders," are seven foot long vehicles that sit low to the track and were used to carry track crews along railways to maintain the tracks. Recently, they've been replaced by "high-railers," pickup trucks equipped to travel on roads and on the rails. Most speeders are now owned by private parties such as members of Southwest Railcar Ltd.

Speeder rides will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 6 and again on September 12. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children and will benefit the Niles Canyon Railway.