FVRR volunteers work on a vast array of projects on the grounds of the Valley Railroad. Most of our work requires only one skill: enthusiasm. If you're interested in volunteering, here are some opportunities:

 

•  Equipment restoration: Join in as we finish work on our own H.K. Porter 0-6-0T switcher and begin rehabilitating our N-5 caboose.

•  Tree cutting and brush clearing: Help us finish our Valley Line clearing project as weather and time permit.

•  Track restoration: Have you ever wanted to know how track is built and maintained? The Saturday Track Gang could be for you.

•  Caboose host: One weekend a month during operating season, we need friendly people to spend the day riding in the FVRR Ralph Gibson caboose, entertaining riders in our fundraiser-on-wheels. No experience necessary; we will train.

•  Wednesday night Shop Night: Volunteers work in the Essex locomotive shop Wednesday nights on projects such as the Valley's locomotive and coach restoration, our own caboose maintenance and more.

•  Equipment maintenance: Various projects come up during the year requiring “elbow grease.”

•  Annual Haddam Meadows Antique Machinary Show: Host our booth and motor handcar rides on long-dormant trackage at this annual September event at Haddam Meadows State Park.

•  Goodspeed Yard Office: Grounds work and landscaping around the preserved 1871 North Chester (CT) depot, rescued and relocated to Goodspeed Yard in Haddam. Interior construction of walls, flooring, and electrical wiring still needs to be done—the finishing touches on a true Connecticut railroad gem.

•  And much more! Help preserve the past for enjoyment today, and the future.

 

To see a sampling of completed FVRR equipment projects, click here. For FVRR trackwork, click here.