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Professional Railroaders Providing Track Car Services To Railroads Throughout The West
West Coast Railroaders Group (WCRG) provides track cars (motorcars) along with qualified operators throughout the Western States, providing services tailored to each railroad, transit agency, or museums needs.
West Coast Railroaders Group can serve the smallest short line or regional railroad up to and including Class 1 railroads.
Our services include:
- Fire patrol & protection (behind steam and diesel operations)
- Escort/Track patrol ahead of trains or on track equipment
- Minor railroad maintenance
- Rail line inspections, including transporting railroad personnel over active or out of service lines
- Motorcar excursions (including escort/piloting of motorcar excursions)
- Fundraising events for museums/non profits
- Track car operating and rules training
- Railroad filming and motion picture services
- Equipment for display purposes
West Coast Railroaders Group operators are career railroaders. WCRG operators are qualified on:
- General Code of Operating Rules
- Roadway Worker Protection Rules
- Track Car Operating Rules
- Safety Rules
WCRG operators meet all Federal qualification requirements for the operation of On Track Equipment/CFR Part 214. Many of our operators are also Certified Locomotive Engineers meeting CFR Part 240 requirements.
Other qualifications may include:
- CPR and First Aid
- TWIC Credentials
West Coast Railroaders Group equipment roster includes:
- Period correct track cars for stream era operations
- Modern track cars for diesel operations
- Un-restored track cars for an original look
- Fire patrol cars
- Various push cars available
At West Coast Railroaders Group, we are committed to safety. WCRG operates thousands of track miles each year safely and efficiently over our host railroads.
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WCRG Track Car (Motorcar) Excursion Information
WCRG offers track car excursion services, including excursion planning, track car excursion operating rules & standards, as well as providing trained and qualified railroad personnel to safely operate track car excursions over host railroads throughout the West. WCRG excursions operate with our Track Car Excursion Operating Rules and Standards Rulebook in effect 1-1-19. Rules and regulations of other organizations do not apply to WCRG excursions. Rulebooks, forms and excursion schedules are below. To register or for general questions on WCRG excursions email WCRG at: wcrgexcursions@gmail.com
Insurance Information For Track Car (Motorcar) Excursions
WCRG track car excursions operate with a one million dollar insurance policy that covers damages to the host railroad/third parties in the unlikely event damage/injury occurs during a WCRG excursion. WCRG does not charge a yearly membership fee, nor do we require track car excursion participants to purchase a yearly insurance policy. Insurance premiums are paid from the excursion registration fees. The employee in charge of each excursion, as well as the host railroad retain the certificate of insurance/proof of coverage during each excursion. Like other organizations that provide track car excursions, each participant signs a release of liability and agreement, holding the excursion organizer (WCRG) as well as the host railroad harmless for any claims for property damage or personal injury. Track car excursion participants further agree that track car excursion insurance only covers the host railroad/third parties and provides no coverage to excursion participants for damage or personal injury to track car operators or their passengers, guests, etc. WCRG, as a private organization, does not release internal documents, including but not limited to: insurance premiums, insurance agents, insuring underwriters, legal documents, agreements, or other insurance instruments to individual track car participants.
WCRG 2019 Track Car Excursion Documents. Click On Document To Download
2019 Track Car Excursion Operating Rules & Standards Rulebook**
2019 Track Car Excursion Operating Rules & Standards Worksheet**
2019 Excursion Participant Registration Form**
2019 Excursion Participant Agreement Form**
2019 Excursion Participant Release Form**
2019 Track Car Inspection Form**
Required Radio Channels For WCRG Excursions
Shunting Requirements/Instructions For Excursion Participant's Motorcars
**Required to Participate in WCRG Excursions
WCRG now offers our motorcar shunt kits for $60.00 plus shipping. The kit comes with everything needed to install shunt's on a motorcar for WCRG excursions.
Excursion Schedule Updated July 7th, 2019:
2019 Track Car Excursion Operating Rules & Standards Rulebook**
2019 Track Car Excursion Operating Rules & Standards Worksheet**
2019 Excursion Participant Registration Form**
2019 Excursion Participant Agreement Form**
2019 Excursion Participant Release Form**
2019 Track Car Inspection Form**
Required Radio Channels For WCRG Excursions
Shunting Requirements/Instructions For Excursion Participant's Motorcars
**Required to Participate in WCRG Excursions
WCRG now offers our motorcar shunt kits for $60.00 plus shipping. The kit comes with everything needed to install shunt's on a motorcar for WCRG excursions.
Excursion Schedule Updated July 7th, 2019:
Virginia & Truckee Railroad-September 7th, and 8th, 2019
Our September V & T excursion will consist of 100 miles, following steam and diesel trains up the heavy grade territory of the Comstock Division. A Test/Tune run will be offered Friday afternoon (9/6) to allow owners to test and tune for high altitude operation. There will also be a free BBQ dinner Saturday evening for all participants and guests. This will be a WCRG insured event with all WCRG rulebooks/operating practices in effect. This excursion is open to all motorcar owners, you do not need to be a member or have insurance with any other club or organization. Motorcar owners can "freelance" with WCRG. Two cycle cars as well as new motorcar owners are always welcome to join our excursions. Gang cars are welcome on this excursion. The excursion fee will be $185.00. Proceeds from the excursion will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada. Scroll down for event flyer below.
Nevada Southern Railway-October 26th And 27th, 2019
The Nevada Southern Railway excursion will be a two day event, operating over the Museum's line from Boulder City, to Railroad Pass and return. Three trips each day with a Saturday evening run included. The excursion fee will be $45.00, that includes a donation to the Museum. Scroll down for event flyer below.
The Nevada Southern Railway excursion will be a two day event, operating over the Museum's line from Boulder City, to Railroad Pass and return. Three trips each day with a Saturday evening run included. The excursion fee will be $45.00, that includes a donation to the Museum. Scroll down for event flyer below.
For past excursions scroll down the homepage
Notice: Registered excursion participants that cancel with less than 30 days notice will be required to place a non refundable deposit of $75.00 when signing up for a future excursion. When excursion fee is less then $75.00, the total excursion fee will be the non refundable deposit.
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WCRG Will Host A Motorcar Excursion September 7th And 8th, 2019 Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad
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WCRG Host's A Motorcar Excursion At The Nevada State Railroad Museum In Carson City, NV. July 4th, And 5th, 2019
Motorcars hold on the loop track for the McKeen Car to double over to the depot track.
WCRG 1813 pounds the diamonds on the loop track.
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Excursion group stops at Overman Pit, just below the town of Gold Hill.
Excursion group stops above the historic mining town of Silver City for a group photo with lead motorcar SPM 4735.
The historic Gold Hill depot on June 5th, 1938, as the last train to Virginia City stops in front of the depot.
81 years after the last train to Gold Hill, the excursion group stops in front of the historic depot for a photo stop.
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WCRG 2016 At The Nevada State Legislature May 6th, 2019
WCRG 2016 on display inside the Legislative building.
Assemblymen Richard Carrillo stops by for a photo with WCRG 2016.
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WCRG 2016 At The Heritage Rail Alliance Conference At The California State Railroad Museum April 27th, 2019
Granite Rock #10 backs down to the depot as WCRG 2016 sits on display.
WCRG 2016 on display behind a former Union Pacific caboose at the museum.
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WCRG 6634 At Union Pacific's Sparks, NV. Terminal December 8th, 2018
Santa arrives on UP 1668 as employees and family members wait to visit with Santa.
Another group of children and adults wait to board WCRG 6634 for a ride after visiting with Santa.
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Excursion group holds at railroad pass for the rear to catch up and turn for the trip back to Boulder City.
Excursion group waits to depart Boulder City ahead of the UP 844.
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WCRG 1945 At Union Pacific's Sparks, NV. Terminal September 29th, 2018
Passengers load up in front of the Sparks yard office for a round trip ride.
WCRG 1945 arrives back at the Sparks yard office with a load of employees and family members.
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WCRG & Roaring Camp Railroads Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area September 22nd And 23rd, 2018
Wish kid CJ stops by to take a ride.
Passengers pause for a photo before departure.
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WCRG Hosts A Motorcar Excursion September 15th, and 16th, 2018 Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Nevada State Assemblyman Jim Wheeler pauses for a group photo while riding along on the excursion fundraiser benefiting Rhettstrong.
Excursion group holds the main track at Eastgate waiting for the departure of the Carson Canyon train.
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WCRG Host's A Motorcar Excursion At The Nevada State Railroad Museum In Carson City, NV. June 30th And July 1st, 2018
Motorcar group holds on the loop track for the Museum's passenger train to pull into the depot.
Motorcar group staged on the turntable ready to proceed onto the Museum's loop track.
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Excursion group stops at Scales as it waits for the train to proceed ahead of the group.
Excursion group holds between switches on the main track at Eureka.
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WCRG & Roaring Camp Railroads Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area May 19th And 20th, 2018
Wish kid Aryan goes for a ride on WCRG 1952.
WCRG 1952 leads the consist to Roaring Camp Depot.
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WCRG 2016 At Amtrak's Oakland,CA. Mechanical Facility January 9th, 2018
Amtrak locomotives sit behind WCRG 2016 ready for service on the Capitol Corridor and San Joaquin routes.
Amtrak President Richard Anderson sits on WCRG 2016 at the Oakland Mechanical Facility.
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WCRG 6634 At Union Pacific's Sparks, NV. Terminal December 16th, 2017
WCRG 6634 waits to load employees and family members for a ride through Sparks yard.
UP 1969 pulls up to WCRG 6634 to drop off Santa to meet employees and family members at the Sparks Terminal.
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WCRG & Roaring Camp Railroads Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area September 16th and 17th, 2017
Motorcar consist ready to depart Roaring Camp depot.
WCRG motorcar consist on display between motorcar trips.
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WCRG, The Save Protect Foundation And The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Host Victor For His Special Train Day On The Virginia & Truckee Railroad June 10th, 2017
Victor ready to go on WCRG 6634 as he finishes his interview with KRNV TV Reno.
Victor is all smiles as he prepares for a cab ride in V&T Locomotive D-1.
Victor and his family on V&T Locomotive D-1.
Victor in the engineers seat of V&T steam locomotive #29.
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WCRG 2016 At The Make-A-Wish Foundation's Waffles And Wishes Event At The Grand Sierra Resort In Reno,NV. June 7th, 2017
Make-A-Wish Northeastern California and Northern Nevada's CEO Jennifer Stolo with WCRG 2016.
Display table with information on WCRG and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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WCRG 2016 At The Nevada State Legislature May 11th, 2017
WCRG 2016 on display in the front lobby.
Display table with information on WCRG and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
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WCRG & Roaring Camp Railroads Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area May 6th And 7th, 2017
WCRG 1945 leads the consist to Roaring Camp Depot.
Passengers enjoy a scenic ride through the Redwoods.
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WCRG 2016 At Amtrak's Oakland,CA. Mechanical Facility February 1st, 2017
Amtrak President Charles "Wick" Moorman with WCRG 2016. Thank you to Amtrak's Pacific Division for your continued support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
WCRG 2016 on display behind Amtrak California passenger car 8309 at the Mechanical Facility.
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WCRG, The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, Along With KNPB Host Make-A-Wish Kid Benjamin October 22nd, 2016
Benjamin and his family catch a motorcar ride to the Depot at Virginia City.
Benjamin at the Virginia City Depot riding in WCRG 6634.
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WCRG & Roaring Camp Railroads Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area September 10th And 11th, 2016
WCRG 1945 leads the consist on the way to Roaring Camp Depot.
WCRG 2016 brings up the rear at the San Lorenzo River bridge.
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WCRG Hosts Motorcar Rides At The Western Pacific Railroad Museum For Portola Railroad Days August 27th And 28th, 2016
WCRG 1945 on the balloon track at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum.
WCRG 1945 waits for WP 1503 to clear before operating around the balloon track.
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WCRG & The Virginia &Truckee Railroad Host Vintage Motorcar Rides Benefiting Make-A-Wish Northeastern California & Northern Nevada July 9th And 10th, 2016
WCRG 1945 pulls the heavy grade back Virginia City Depot from Gold Hill, NV. with a full load of passengers. Riding a motorcar is a very unique way to see the famous Virginia & Truckee railroad.
WCRG 1945 stops at Gold Hill, NV. as passengers look over the town of Gold Hill, NV. Seven trips each day were offered to take passengers over the line, raising money to support Make-A-Wish Northeastern California & Northern Nevada.
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WCRG 2016 At Amtrak's Oakland,CA. Mechanical Facility June 3rd, 2016
WCRG 2016 sits on display behind Amtrak President Joe Boardman's train at Oakland,CA. Thank you to Amtrak's Pacific Division for your continued support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Amtrak President Joe Boardman with WCRG 2016. Thank you to Mr. Boardman as well as his staff for taking time out of his schedule to be photographed with WCRG 2016.
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WCRG 2016 On Display At The Fillmore & Western Railfest April 30th And May 1st, 2016
Andy and Teresa Wilkinson on WCRG 2016. Thank you Dave, Andy, and Teresa for supporting WCRG and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
WCRG 2016 with WCRG 506 on Display at the Fillmore & Western Railfest 2016.
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WCRG 2016 Highlights WCRG's Support For The Make-A-Wish Foundation
WCRG is proud to place WCRG 2016 service January 2016. This track car highlights WCRG's continued support for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, bringing awareness to the railroad industry with this Make-A-Wish themed track car.
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WCRG 1813 prepares to depart the Virginia City Depot with Koran for his motorcar ride over the railroad, following the Candy Cane Express Train.
V & T Candy Cane Express arrives at Scales with Koran and his family on the train, while SPM 4735 and WCRG 506 hold between switches on the siding. The pushcar is loaded with gifts for the family to receive at Virginia City.
Koran gives a thumbs up during the motorcar ride.
Koran next to SPM 4735 at the Virginia City Depot
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WCRG Pilots NARCOA Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad May 15th And 16th, 2015
WCRG Pilots NARCOA Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad May 15th And 16th, 2015
WCRG 1945 safely pilots NARCOA to the end of track in Virginia City. The excursion endured harsh winter weather conditions most of the first day.
Lead pilot car WCRG 1945 leads NARCOA at Moundhouse, NV.
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WCRG Adds Fire Patrol Push-Car WCRG 509 To The Roster To Meet The Increasing Demand For Our Fire Patrol Services
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WCRG On Location Transporting The Film Crew Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad During Filming For The Great Scenic Railway Journeys Program Oct. 2014
WCRG 1952 runs ahead of the Carson City train for filming at Donovan with creator and producer Robert Van Camp of Great Scenic Railway Journeys.
WCRG 1952 transports Robert Van Camp of Great Scenic Railway Journeys as he films the railroad and it's operations from Virginia City to Carson City.
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Tim Broughton, Manager of Operating Practices prepares to pilot the group from Virginia City to Carson City.
Excursion Group holds the main track at Scales behind the Carson train. The pilot cars have fire patrol duties as well as the push car full of food and drinks for the excursion.
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WCRG Provides Fire Patrol For The Santa Cruz Portland Cement #2 Steam Excursion Over The Santa Cruz, Big Trees And Pacific Railway, And Santa Cruz And Monterey Bay Railway July 11th-13th 2014
WCRG Provides Fire Patrol For The Santa Cruz Portland Cement #2 Steam Excursion Over The Santa Cruz, Big Trees And Pacific Railway, And Santa Cruz And Monterey Bay Railway July 11th-13th 2014
Santa Cruz Portland Cement # 2 takes the east leg of the wye at Santa Cruz, as SPM 4735 and WCRG 504 hold between switches on the SCMB main track.
WCRG fire patrol holds in the clear at the north end of Santa Cruz on the SCMB line, as Santa Cruz Portland Cement # 2 proceeds back to Felton.
Santa Cruz Portland Cement # 2 at Roaring Camp. As the train has stopped to discharge passengers, WCRG fire patrol flags up behind the train.
SPM 4735 with WCRG 504 as its trailing unit hold the main track at the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz on the SCMB Railway. SPM 4735, a Fairmont S2-F built for the SP in 1944 is back on "home" rails. The fire partol will proceed west to follow the Santa Cruz Portland Cement # 2 Excursion train back to Felton.
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Make-A-Wish Foundation Train Trip June 20th-22nd 2014 For Jonathan Makes A Wish Come True
WCRG, Amtrak, BLE Division 144, and the Virginia & Truckee railroad came together to give this special boy his wish to ride the Locomotive of Amtrak's California Zephyr over Donner Pass, and then over to the Virginia & Truckee railroad to ride the steam train, and ride along with the fire patrol crew. Special thanks to everyone that made his wish come true.
Make-A-Wish Foundation Train Trip June 20th-22nd 2014 For Jonathan Makes A Wish Come True
WCRG, Amtrak, BLE Division 144, and the Virginia & Truckee railroad came together to give this special boy his wish to ride the Locomotive of Amtrak's California Zephyr over Donner Pass, and then over to the Virginia & Truckee railroad to ride the steam train, and ride along with the fire patrol crew. Special thanks to everyone that made his wish come true.
Jonathan prepares to depart Sacramento, CA for Reno, NV. His custom engraved reverser can be seen in the controller.
Jonathan's ready to ride SPM 4735 with WCRG 506 at Eastgate, all decked out in new overalls donated by Tom Gray, General Manager of the Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
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WCRG Hosts The Dayton Depot Days Motorcar Excursion/Fundraiser Over The Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad June 13th And 14th, 2014
WCRG Hosts The Dayton Depot Days Motorcar Excursion/Fundraiser Over The Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad June 13th And 14th, 2014
Tim Broughton, Manager of Operating Practices protects the rear of the group, operating rear pilot car WCRG 1993 between Dayton,WA. and Prescott,WA.
Lead pilot car WCRG 1956 with WCRG 506 pilot the group out of Dayton,WA to Prescott,WA.
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WCRG At The California Express Railroadiana Show February 9th, 2014
Tim Broughton, Manager of Operating Practices greets attendees at the show.
SPM 4735 and WCRG 506 on display at the show.
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WCRG Pilots Pacific Railcar Operators Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad May 16th And 17th, 2014
Excursion group heading east holds between switches on the main track at Haywards.
Excursion group at Virginia City on the main track, with pilot car SPM 4735/WCRG 506 in the siding waiting for the group to depart.
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WCRG Pilots Pacific Railcar Operators Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad May 18th, 2013
Photo stop near Haywards, where SPM 4735, a Fairmont S2-F built for the SP in 1944, and WCRG 506 as its trailing unit lead the group
up the heavy grade to Virginia City.
Excursion group holds between switches at Eastgate as WCRG 1813 runs around the group.
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WCRG Pilots Motorcar Operators West Over The Virginia & Truckee Railroad Sep. 7th And 8th, 2013
Lead pilot car SPM 4735 and WCRG 504 as its trailing unit lead the excursion from Eastgate to Virginia City. Along with piloting the group, fire patrol is also provided as the group follows the Carson train up the heavy grade to Virginia City.
Rear pilot cars WCRG 1952 and WCRG 505 as its trailing unit, along with WCRG 1813 and WCRG 506 as its trailing unit provide protection for the rear of the group. Along with providing fire patrol, WCRG push car 506 carries a full load of food and drinks for the excursion group.
West Coast Railroaders Group proudly supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation
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"West Coast Railroaders Group", "WCRG","Safety By The Mile", and "Safety By The Mile" Circle Logo are Trademarks of West Coast Railroaders Group.
"West Coast Railroaders Group", "WCRG","Safety By The Mile", and "Safety By The Mile" Circle Logo are Trademarks of West Coast Railroaders Group.