Speeders, Railcars and Motor Cars: Riding the Rails as a Hobby

Imagine seeing the countryside by rail. Not by sitting in an large, enclosed metal tube with a lot of strangers, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper, but by breezing along in a small rail car built for 2 or 4 people. A speeder, also referred to as a draisine, railcar, motor car, or inspection car, is a motorized, fully enclosed car that runs on rails, just like a train, and was used by railroad maintenance crews. They were phased out in favor of the high-railer pickups (Hy-Rail), and private railroad enthusiasts have been purchasing these cars and fixing them up, and then organizing excursions with them.

One of the most common types is the Fairmont Speeder, built by Fairmont Railway Motors of Fairmont, Minnesota. Fairmont is the only major manufacturer still in business today. Most speeders have either a 2 cycle 5hp engine or a 4 cycle 20 hp. Top speeds are around 35 mph, but excursion groups always travel at the speed of their slowest car. Since one is sitting only two to three feet above the rails, however, it often seems as though the speed is much higher. The comfort level varies with the cars; while some have heat, others do not, and we actually traveled with a couple in a homebuilt "open air" car which left us pretty much exposed to the elements. It was wonderful, however, to be clacking along through the woods, feeling the breeze and watching the scenery go by. Most speeders are either fully enclosed, or have canvas flaps to shield riders from wind and rain.

Many planned trips take you to very remote areas which are otherwise inaccessible. Although trips are generally either one or two days, there have been some as long as a week to regions such as Mexico, Canada, and Copper Canyon.

We found the railcar enthusiasts to be a very open, warm and friendly group. They make sure that everyone stays together, and if there is a mechanical problem, there's no shortage of help to fix it. Stops are arranged prior to the trip for bathroom breaks, meals, and overnight stays if necessary. Some groups arrange for their excursions to coincide with town festivals, railroad museum activities, or other events. The speeders attract a lot of attention whenever they stop, since most people are unfamiliar with this particular hobby.

NARCOA (North American Railcar Operators Association) is a large umbrella organization which can steer you towards affiliate clubs and places to purchase a railcar, as well as photos. There are also several websites devoted to the hobby, which I will include at the end of the article.

NARCOA requires that its operators complete a training program, take a test, and run several excursions under supervision before allowing its members to operate a railcar independently.

Prices for speeders are anywhere from $1800 to $9000 and up, depending on whether or not they have been restored, and what sort of "bells and whistles" have been added. Bear in mind that you will also need a trailer and a vehicle for towing.

There are several other organizations as well which provide information, guidance, excursions, and insurance for operators of these cars. "Bootlegging", which is running your car on rails without permission, is illegal and prohibited by these organizations. This is for reasons of safety, of course; even rails which may seem abandoned sometimes run the occasional freight train, and lines which have been truly abandoned are not maintained and could have unsafe bridges, sections of misaligned track, or even missing rails.

Most cars are privately owned and run; however, if you check the NARCOA website, you will sometimes see events and fund raisers which offer rides to the public.

Speeders are a truly novel way to explore the countryside and recapture the glory days of the railroad.