About 4 dozen vintage ‘speeders’ with the North American Railcar Operators Association (NARCOA) stopped at the Tamaqua Railroad Station yesterday (Sunday, April 12, 2015) on their “Ride The Rails” two-way trip from Port Clinton to Jim Thorpe.
Members of this unique non-profit organization brought their vintage restored, self-propelled, gasoline powered rail ‘speeders’ to ride the rails between Port Clinton and Jim Thorpe. Tamaqua served as their stopover point for one hour to get off, stretch their legs, take photos of their cars in front of the Tamaqua Station, and lastly as a stop to use the portable toilets up near the cabooses.

During the morning visit, members of the Tamaqua SOS organization and Tamaqua Historical Society welcomed the visitors to come in and view the main Concourse Visitors Center room and also visit the gift shop.
“Historically these small motorized cars were used to carry railroad workers who were responsible for maintaining the railroad right of way and making repairs,” said Dale Freudenberger, President, Tamaqua Historical Society. “They carried their tools and supplies with them on the Speeder cars and sometimes had several other cars coupled together to carry more supplies and more workers.”
The tour was a private tour for owners of these unique speeder cars and their invited guests.
Ride organizer was NARCOA member Gary Shrey of New Freedom. Shrey stated his appreciation to S.O.S., Tamaqua Historical Society and the community for their support.
You can find more details about this group by going to the website for NARCOA.com.

Click HERE to read a later story by Donald Serfass.

TamaquaArea.com Video:
 

Click HERE to view a video courtesy of Ryan Fannock.

TamaquaArea.com Photos:
(Click HERE to view Facebook photos of the Speeders traveling the other way through Tamaqua courtesy of Thom Ritter.)