Join Operation Toy Train and the Dining Car Society for a “Volunteer Job Fair” at the historic Erie railyard! Learn what our volunteers do to preserve Port Jervis’s transportation history, and learn how YOU can get involved.
Volunteers from both organizations will be working on various projects throughout the yard during the day, and participants from the general public can jump in and become a “Railroader for a Day!” Enjoy a hands-on experience learning the proper painting techniques for a railroad boxcar or discovering the inner workings of an operating diesel locomotive. Help frame and build walls inside a passenger car, or even become one of the serving staff in the dining car! All tools and safety gear will be provided, and participants can enjoy a free lunch from the Dining Car Society.
We encourage everyone, regardless of skill or experience, to come down to the Port Jervis railyard. There will be several "activity stations" at the event. Attendees will be encouraged to move between the different stations to learn about each organization and try each activity:
Railcar sanding, priming, and paint prep, including historic paint scheme research
Diesel engine repairs and maintenance
Dining car kitchen tour and knife skills lesson
Dining car server/waitstaff training
Dining car food prep, cooking, and food handling training, including cooking lunch (hot dogs and burgers) for all attendees
Attendance is FREE for all participants, who will get a unique opportunity to get their hands dirty, contribute to a good cause, and explore railcars and parts of the railyard that are typically closed to the public. Many of the regularly-exhibited railcars at the Port Jervis Transportation History Center, including the museum boxcar, caboose, dining car, and theater boxcar, will also be open to the public, but some will be undergoing repairs and maintenance during the event, so not all exhibits may be accessible at all times during the day. We encourage the local community to come out and get involved to help preserve Port Jervis’s transportation heritage!
NOTE: All visitors will be required to sign a waiver and must wear closed-toe shoes in order to participate in this event. Children ages 12 and older are welcome to participate, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (that can legally sign a waiver on behalf of the child and supervise them throughout their visit). Please contact Operation Toy Train in advance at info@operationtoytrain.org if you would like to bring a larger group (such as a Scout troop) to volunteer for the day so we can make suitable arrangements.