Welcome!

Motorcar Operators West will be sponsoring rail car tune-ups and operator mentoring Excursions on the Railroad’s South Track by appointment during May 8, 2026 - August 5, 2026. 

Fee is $25 per car, per day. 

Contact EC Glenn Boatman to schedule a date, (925) 289-6423.

Come and join Motorcar Operators West as we head back to the Snake River Plain of Eastern Idaho. On May 22nd we will start setting on at about 1 pm or after the yard job has shut down for the weekend.  1050 N Emerson, Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83402 is the place to be for seton and will be the homebase for the next 3 days of riding. 

May 23rd will find us heading up to Newdale, Idaho and end of track. A rail served fresh potato packing facility in Newdale will be available for us to tour during the break and afterwards enjoy a fresh baked potato with all the trimmings for an additional $10 per person. Please RSVP if you would like to enjoy a fresh potato lunch. We will return to Idaho Falls afterwards and get ready for Saturday's ride. Miles for the day will be 76.

Saturday May 25th we will head up to Ashton, Idaho and the end of track. A local historian, Thornton Waite, will be along for the ride and will share some history of the railroad and Eastern Idaho at the stops we make. Lunch will be in Ashton at a local city park along the tracks. Total miles for the day will be 104.

Monday, May 25th will find us heading out to Menan, Idaho for a 20-mile roundtrip and a half day of riding.  This will allow those with some driving to do to get a head start home. 

There are limited facilities along the way, so gas and food will need to be brought along for the ride. 

NO setons until paperwork has been approved by the EC or designated assistants. We will have a porta-john along for the ride for your convenience all three days. Safety Meetings for all three days will be at 8 am and hoping for an 8:30 departure each day. There is limited dry camping and trailer storage within the yard facilities and will require a minimum 25' distance of clearance from any tracks. No smoking or vaping on railroad property,   Long pants and wok style boots are required. The weather here is subject to change and plan accordingly, we have had rain, sunburns and cold winds. All other NARCO and MOW rules will be in effect. A brief safety inspection will be done on all cars.

NARCOA operators, if you would like to join us, please download, and fill in the following forms found on the MOW and NARCOA websites:

MOW registration form
Excursion name: Eastern Idaho Railroad
Dates: May 22-25, 2026

NARCOA and Affiliate General Release
RR Name: Eastern Idaho Railroad
Date: May 22-25, 2026
MOW is the affiliate
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Print both pages onto 1 page, front and back

NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection Form
Excursion: Eastern Idaho Railroad

There is a new rule book dated January 1, 2026. Have a printed or electronic copy in your possession.

Please send the completed forms and a check before May 8th, made out to MOW for $330 to:

EC Richard Hawkins 
4787 Madison River Road 
Idaho Falls, ID 83401-1302 
Jakobsara@yahoo.com 
208-709-4178

Lewiston, ID, June 5 - 6, 2026

Third Sub returns!

Thank you for your interest in riding the Great Northwest Railroad from Lewiston, Idaho to Riparia, WA, formerly the third sub of the Camas Prairie Railroad. This is a one-day run, out and back. 144 RT miles. Mid-June is a great time to enjoy the semi-arid, even desert climate of the Snake River watershed. The well maintained, class 3 track makes for smooth riding and consistent track speeds. Run fee is $160.00

Set on will be Friday, June 5th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Early Saturday morning set on only by special arrangement. Following the safety meeting on Saturday, we will leave for Riparia, turn on the Wye, and return to Lewiston. More information will be available in the run pack.

Minimum 14 motorcars

RV camping is not available on railroad property
 

NARCOA operators,if you would like to join us, please download, and carefully fill in the following forms found on the PRO and NARCOA website:
 

PRO Registration Form (Click the links)

Excursion name: Lewiston

Dates of: June 5 - 6, 2026

NARCOA and Affiliate General Release 

RR name: Great Northwest Railroad

Dates of: June 5 -7 2026

Pro is the affiliate

Print both sides on one sheet of paper.

NARCOA Rail Vehicle inspection Form

Excursion: Lewiston

Location: Lewiston

There is a new Rule book Dated January 1, 2026. You should print that and carry it with you

Minor Passenger Amendment

Remember, if you have minor passengers, you must fill out the Minor Passenger Amendment and return it with your paperwork. Operator: you. Affiliate: PRO. Railroad: Great Northwest Railroad. Parent or guardian must sign

Return the completed excursion forms to:

ECIT Tye Tomchak

1742 Brenthaven St. Idaho Falls, ID  83402-3148

Email: ttomchak@hotmail.com if you have questions

EC: Roger Farrell (509) 334-7999

Upon receipt of the excursion forms and check for $160.00 made out to PRO, we will email a run packet with further information.

Mentoring available with EC approval.

Pro General order #6 will be in effect

PRO General order #6 (Click the link)

NARCOA insurance, operator’s certificates, spark arrestors, installed radios and boots are required

Colfax, WA, June 7 – 9, 2026

Thank you for your interest in riding the Palouse River and Coulee City Railroad from Colfax, WA to Hooper WA, and Colfax to Thornton, WA. This is the former OR&N/Union Pacific line. Otherwise known as the Hooper and Pleasant Valley subs. Set on will be Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 4:00 PM-6:30 PM. Monday, June 8 will be one destination, Tuesday, the other, Railroad discretion. 210 miles total. More information is in the excursion package. Run Fee is $180.00 The Palouse should be alive with many colors of green, yellow and brown about this time. The weather, and landscape on the Palouse in June borders on perfect. From Colfax, due to fewer road crossings, you can maintain steady track speeds for much of the day. 

14 motorcars minimum

RV camping is not allowed on RR property. We have secured alternatives. More information about dry camping in the run pack

NARCOA operators, if you would like to join us, please download, and carefully fill in the following forms found on the PRO and NARCOA website:

PRO Registration Form (Click the links)

Excursion name: Colfax

Dates of: June 7 -9, 2026

NARCOA and Affiliate General Release 

RR name: Palouse River & Coulee City Railroad

Dates of: June 7 - 10, 2026

Pro is the affiliate

Print both sides on one sheet of paper.

NARCOA Rail Vehicle inspection Form

Excursion: Colfax

Location: Colfax

There is a new Rule book Dated January 1, 2026. You should print that and carry it with you

Minor Passenger Amendment

Remember, if you have minor passengers, you must fill out the Minor Passenger Amendment and return it with your paperwork. Operator: you. Affiliate: PRO. Railroad: Great Northwest Railroad. Parent or guardian must sign.

Return the completed excursion forms to:

ECIT Tye Tomchak

1742 Brenthaven St. Idaho Falls, ID  83402-3148

Email: ttomchak@hotmail.com if you have questions

EC: Roger Farrell (509) 334-7999

Upon receipt of the excursion forms and check for $180.00 made out to PRO, we will email a run packet with further information.

Mentoring available with EC approval.

Pro General order #6 will be in effect

PRO General order #6 (Click the link)

NARCOA insurance, operator’s certificates, spark arrestors, installed radios and boots are required.

For the first time since 2018, we are once again able to enjoy the beauty and splendor of North Idaho on the White Pine Route! Join us as we travel from Potlatch, ID to Wellesley. We will then turn and travel to Harvard, ID, where we will turn our motorcars and return to Potlatch. We plan to have lunch in Potlatch where we will have the opportunity to visit the historical Potlatch depot that houses the WI&M Historical Preservation Group displays and the Potlatch Historical Society. We will then repeat the run.

Approximately 60 Miles total. Cost is $80.00. Set on will be from 8:00AM to 10:00 AM, June 7, 2026. More information in the run pack.

Minimum of 14 motorcars.

There is no RV camping on railroad property.

NARCOA operators, if you would like to join us, please download, and carefully fill in the following forms found on the PRO and NARCOA website:

PRO Registration Form (Click the links)

Excursion name: Washington Idaho & Montana Railway LLC

Dates of: June 7, 2026

 
NARCOA and Affiliate General Release

RR name: Washington Idaho & Montana Railway LLC

Dates of: June 7, 2026

PRO is the affiliate

Location: Potlatch, ID

Print both sides on one sheet of paper.

NARCOA Rail Vehicle inspection Form

Excursion: Washington Idaho & Montana Railway LLC

There is a new Rule book Dated January 1, 2026. You should print that and carry it with you.

Minor Passenger Amendment

Remember, if you have minor passengers, you must fill out the Minor Passenger Amendment and return it with your paperwork. Operator: you. Affiliate: PRO. Railroad: Washington Idaho & Montana Railway LLC. Parent or guardian must sign.

Return the completed excursion forms to:

ECIT Tye Tomchak

1742 Brenthaven St.

Idaho Falls, ID  83402-3148

Email: ttomchak@hotmail.com if you have questions.

EC: Roger Farrell (509) 334-7999

Upon receipt of the excursion forms and check for $80.00 made out to PRO, we will email a run packet with further information.

Mentoring available with EC approval.

Pro General order #6 will be in effect.

PRO General order #6 (Click the link)

NARCOA insurance, operator’s certificates, spark arrestors, installed radios and boots are required.

Central MT RR and Mission Mtn RR, June 10-14, 2026

Join us in June as we ride the rails, learn about the prehistoric geological features that make up the landscape of central Montana. Pacific Railcar Operators is pleased to announce a spring excursion on the Central Montana Railroad (former MILW) and the Mission Mountain Railroad (former GN). Set on will be at the road crossing west of the engine house in Denton from 3-4:30pm June 10th and at the highway crossing in Fortine, MT from 3-4:30 pm on June 12th. Do not set on in Denton until all paperwork is verified by an EC, and all passengers have signed the NARCOA General Release. Operator insurance, Operator’s Certificate, Mounted radio, Spark Arrestor, new turntable requirements, Boots, and Safety Vest are required. PRO General Order # 6 is in effect. The 5 minute breakdown rule applies. Both days you will need to bring your lunch as we will not be stopping close to any towns. Total Miles around 180. 

Excursion Coordinator is Peter Wolfgram Email: rxmaker@gmail.com 

The run fee is $300 per car, Make checks out to PRO and mail with forms to excursion coordinator Peter Wolfgram, 2701 Sheepshank Dr, Belgrade, MT, 59714. Please include your current mailing address, cell phone number and email address on the registration form. All persons and passengers must attend all safety meetings, or you DO NOT ride. 

Food, lodging, and fuel information will be in the information packet.

Dry camping is allowed in Denton and Fortine on Railroad property next to set on.  Please ask for assistance as to where to park. 

If you would like to join us, please print, and carefully fill out the following four forms.  All forms can be found on the PRO Website under the Forms tab.  << Click Here for Forms >>
 

• PRO Excursion Registration form:

Excursion name: The Sag 2026
Dates of: June 10-14, 2026
 

• NARCOA General Release, printed double sided, single sheet:

In consideration of Central Montana Railroad
Permission to enter their property on the dates of June 10-12, 2026
“Pacific Railcar Operators” is the NARCOA affiliate
 

• NARCOA General Release, printed double sided, single sheet:

In consideration of Mission Mountain Railroad
Permission to enter their property on the dates of June 12-14, 2026
“Pacific Railcar Operators” is the NARCOA affiliate    
 

• NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection form:

Excursion: The Sag 2026
Location:  Denton, MT & Fortine, MT
Date:  June 10-14, 2026

Send all forms, and a check for $300.00 payable to PRO, to:

Peter Wolfgram, 2701 Sheepshank Dr, Belgrade, MT 59714

Upon receipt of these documents and a check, an information packet will be emailed.

All qualified operators and inspected motorcars are welcome.

Join us on the Napa Valley Railroad and start your summer rail adventures. Travel from Napa to Saint Helena and return, 32 miles round trip, through lush vineyards, rolling hills and quaint towns. Set on at the Railroad yard will be available Friday, June 12, from 3 pm until 5 pm, then Saturday, June 13, 6:30 am until 7:45 am. Following a safety meeting at 7:45 am, the run will depart at 8:00 am. We will have lunch in Saint Helena, bring your favorite meal, and return to Napa at approximately 3:00 pm. The run fee is $100.00 per motorcar, no High-Rail vehicles or Home-made railcars allowed. No mentoring on this excursion. All NARCOA and MOW Rules apply. Sign up now and kick off summer in the beautiful Napa Valley! 

To join us, carefully fill out the following three forms found on the MOW web site using the information provided below: 

MOW Excursion Participant Registration  
Excursion Name: Napa Valley Wine Train Run 
Date: June 13, 2026 

NARCOA & Affiliate General Release (printed double sided, single sheet) 
In consideration of the Napa Valley Railroad, dba Napa Valley Wine Train 
Affiliate: Motorcar Operators West 

NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection form  
Excursion: Napa Valley Wine Train Run 
Location: Napa, CA 
Date: June 13, 2026 

Send all three forms, and a check made payable to Motorcar Operators West, to EC Glenn Boatman, 77 Solano Square, Suite 333, Benicia, CA 94510-2712. Upon receipt of these documents and a check, a run packet with further information will be e-mailed. 

NARCOA insurance, operator’s certificate, motorcar spark arrestors, approved up to date turntables, if equipped, installed radios with NARCOA channels in all cars, and long pants, boots and safety vests, are required. 

Contact EC Glenn Boatman via e-mail at glenn.boatman@att.net or by phone at (925) 289-6423, or EC Carl Shellhorn via email at chaserskip@comcast.net or by phone at (707) 695-9722 should you have any questions.

Excursion Information:

Please join us on this 192 mile 2 day motorcar excursion across approximately 100 bridges and 9 tunnels. This includes two swing bridges and tunnels that range from 477 feet to 4,177 feet long. Due to the FRA closure of the North Bend/Coos Bay bridge, we can no longer run our motor cars into Coos Bay, nor can we make the third day run between Coos Bay and Coquille. This is still an exciting excursion with incredible views of the Oregon coast, mountain passes and coastal lakes. 
 

Information for the June Excursion:

• The excursion coordinator will be Guy Howard. Ralph Burks will be the ECIT.
• Set-on is Friday, June 26 from 1-6 pm at the Rosboro Mill in Vaughn, Oregon. 
• Dry camping is available at the set-on site. Please contact ECIT Ralph Burks if you intend to dry camp at the location. 
• There are hotels both in the Eugene and Junction City, Oregon areas for accommodation the night before/after set-on.  
• On June 27 (Saturday) we will travel from Vaughn to Jordan Cove, near Coos Bay. A bus will be used for transportation to and from the hotel where we will lodge overnight. (Hotel accommodations are not included in the run fees). 
• We will spend Saturday night (June 27th) at the Best Western Holiday Hotel at 411 North Bayshore Drive Coos Bay, 541 269-5111. A block of rooms has been set aside with a rate of $175. The unused rooms will be released two weeks before the excursion date so don’t delay booking a room. Please tell hotel staff you are with “Pacific Railcar Operators” when booking your rooms. 
• June 28 (Sunday) we will make the return trip to Vaughn for set-off. 
• A minimum of 25 cars is required. 
• The run fee is $420 per motorcar. 
• Sorry, no Hi-Rail vehicles. 
• Friendly dogs on leashes are allowed. 
• Refunds will be available up to 3 weeks before the excursion. 
• PRO General Rule # 6 will be in effect for this excursion (spark arrestor, no smoking or e-cigarettes, long pants, boots on RR property and fixed 2 way radio) 

Mentoring: 
A mentoring class will be available on June 26 (Friday) before set-on. Please contact ECIT Ralph Burks in advance to make arrangements. 

How to sign up:
Please carefully fill out the following three forms from the PRO website under the Forms tab. 
 

PRO Run Registratiom Form:
Excursion Name: Coos Bay Rail Line Motorcar Run
Dates of: June 26, 27, 28, 2026

NARCOA General Release, printed on both sides, single sheet of paper. 

Fill out three releases with the following information:
Copy #1 - In consideration of the Coos Bay Rail Line
Copy #2 - In consideration of the Rosboro Lumber Company
Copy #3 - In consideration of the Port of Coos Bay
Permission to enter their property on the dates of June 26, 27, 28, 2026
Pacific Railcar Operators is the NARCOA Affiliate. 

NARCOA Rail Vehicle Inspection Form. 

Excursion: Coos Bay Motorcar Run
Location: Coos Bay, Oregon
Date: June 26, 27, 28, 2026

Send all five (5) forms and a check made out to Pacific Railcar Operators for $420 via mail to ECIT Ralph Burks at 91149 Territorial Highway, Junction City, Oregon 97448. Upon receipt of forms and a check, additional run information will be sent to you via email. 

Questions:

All questions should be directed to ECIT Ralph Burks. 541 228-0833, ralphburks@rocketmail.com

Pacific Railcar Operators plans to return  to the Wallowa Union Railroad in Elgin, Oregon, October 2-4, 2026. A two day run with an overnight stay, 126 roundtrip miles. We are working on a possible run in advance of this event.