Rail Preservation 101 - Volunteering through the Ages

With Howard Pincus

Howard having a late day staff meeting with Turbo in Thomaston Shop.

How have the range of volunteer opportunities in rail preservation changed in the past several decades? What are the crucial roles for volunteers at preservation organizations? How can you prepare to volunteer with rail preservation organizations?

Howard has been involved with heritage railroading since 1969. He currently is an active part of Railroad Museum of New England, where he has served since 1982. Additionally, Howard was one of the primary participants in starting and developing the Naugatuck Railroad operation of RMNE, in 1995.

Over the years, he has restored rolling stock, painted cars and locomotives, raised money, dealt with Class One railroads, dealt with state agencies and elected officials, fired and operated steam locomotives, built and maintained track, wrote and administered over $3 million in state track rehabilitation grants (2013-2024), plus numerous other things. He is currently a licensed engineer and conductor.