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Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club, Inc.About Our Organization |
The Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club, Inc. (CVRTC) began in the summer of 1992 when a group of New England rail car owners joined with a group of local railroad enthusiasts in Wolfeboro, NH. Together they obtained permission from the State of New Hampshire to operate rail cars and to maintain the former Wolfeboro Railroad including structures. The club refurbished the former Fernald Station which is now used as the CVRTC meeting place. In September 2014, the Club became a NARCOA Affiliate.
CVRTC members preserve railroad history by the use of railway motorcars and have kept alive the skills and experiences of the railroad workers who once used these vehicles ito maintaining railroad lines around the world. CVRTC currently maintains two branch lines in State of New Hampshire. The first is the Wolfeboro NH branch line and is now known as the Cotton Valley Trail. The second line is a portion of the former Boston & Maine Conway Branch between Rt. 28 and Rt.16.
Railroad motorcars are small four wheeled motorized vehicles designed to run on railroad tracks. Sometimes called gang cars, putt-putts or section cars, they were used by railroad employees to perform various maintenance tasks such as track work, bridge inspection, and signal repair. They evolved from human powered pump cars in the early 1900s and were eventually replaced in the 1960s by hy-rail vehicles (pickup trucks with small railroad wheels). Motorcars were manufactured by several companies such as Fairmont Railway Motors, Fairbanks-Morse, Railcar Canada and many others. Fairmont is the most common motorcar seen today. CVRTC members enjoy all facets of this hobby, from helping each other find cars to lending a hand in restoring the cars.
To join CVRTC, Print the form on
the Membership page.
Still not 100% sure what we are about? Feel free to ask us some questions. Click this link to find out more: Get Answers.
Follow us on Facebook: CVRTC Facebook Page
Follow us on YouTube: CVRTC YouTube Channel
Trespassing is both illegal and dangerous. All railroads are private property. Do not operate on any track without explicit permission from the railroad owner. CVRTC will assist all local, state and federal authorities in prosecuting any motorcar operator found trespassing.
Railroads are inherently unsafe places. Club members strive to operate in a safe fashion and encourage others to do the same. CVRTC supports all railroad and law enforcement organizations in the effort to prevent unauthorized motor car use.
Visit the CVRTC Safety Page for more information on safe motorcar operation.
CVRTC welcomes novices who are just learning about the hobby. Please contact one of the following CVRTC officials to discuss membership or motorcars in detail.