Speeder Day at Seashore
June 1
Speeder Day at Seashore is back again this season by popular demand!
Perhaps you are wondering, “what’s a speeder?” A speeder is a gas (or diesel) powered vehicle formerly used on railroads around the world by track inspectors and work crews to move quickly to and from work sites. Also known as a railway motor car, putt-putt, track-maintenance car, crew car or inspection car. They are now used by hobbyists to cruise along active (with permission) or abandoned (but maintained) railroad lines.
Speeders come in a variety of sizes and designs. They can be open or enclosed. Really small or somewhat large. They can be powered by gasoline or diesel. People who own them may choose to leave them very “bare bones” or outfit them with many creature comforts. Plush seats, heat, two way radios and intercoms are not uncommon amenities. Some are even equipped with hydraulic, turntable lifts for lifting the car from the track and allow it to be spun in the reverse direction.
On Speeder Day at Seashore (Saturday, June 3), we will be joined by regional speeder enthusiasts from the Cotton Valley Rail Trail Club. These volunteers are happy to provide our guests with an experience that falls somewhere between riding our streetcars and our pump car. Speeders will operate on our main railroad, along with our trolleys. The main line run will provide a sense of what railroad maintenance crews experienced decades ago.
Speeder operators love their hobby and will be happy to regale you with many anecdotes of how they enjoy the rails! Join us as Seashore broadens its offering of unique railroad experiences with a ride on an authentic “Speeder”.
The Pump Car will also be available for rides this day, weather permitting. You have seen them in cartoons and old movies. Perhaps imagined yourself working the see-saw motion of that handle. Well, now you can as you operate our vintage pump car. Pull it up… push it down… and make the wheels go ’round and ’round. For a mere $2 per person you can live the dream. You will ride along under the watchful eye of one of our qualified operators on a dedicated section of track. We always keep it safe! You may think you want to take it on the main line but outrunning a trolley with a handcar is tough.
Railroad speeder car
These rides will be available with only a request of a “free-will” offering. All donations received will go toward the renovation of our own B&M 500 work car (speeder). This car at present is in the Restoration Shop, being worked on by staff and volunteers who would love to see it running again.
B&M 500 after restoration
B&M 500 present condition