By Lisa Smith
Correspondent
Area train aficionados got a chance to live their railroad fantasy with a behind-the-scenes look at the East Troy Electric Railroad during its inaugural Train Camp Aug. 14.
“The goal of this camp was to make more of a recruitment effort,” said Gary Silbar, who handles public relations for the railroad. “We want to show the people all the opportunities there are to become a part of this experience.”
During the immersive four-hour camp, railfans waked the entire facility, got an up-close tour of several historic trains and learned about the many opportunities available at the railroad.
Silbar said the experience was the entryway to becoming a volunteer at the railroad in positions that range from conductor to mechanic to cashier in the gift shop.
Currently about 40 volunteers keep the living history museum and its more than 20 rail treasures, including cars, locomotives, streetcars and interurban coaches, running.
Dennis Hale, who has spent more than 40 years as a conductor and locomotive engineer, is marking his third year as a railway volunteer.
“Every train is different. With these old cars, many levers and buttons are in different spots depending on the car. You have to know each one,” he said.
Tricia Mesarich attended train camp her husband Jeff.
Tricia said she was surprised to be the only female there.
Her grandfather, Gilbert Counsell, was a conductor in 1936. He was the “spark” that got her family interested in historic railways.
Tricia said she discovered more than 120 “Rail & Wire” magazines (some dating as far back as 1925) in her grandfather’s belongings that her family is donating to the museum.
Mesarich was among many others at the camp who plan on finding their niche at the East Troy Railroad hoping to be part of Wisconsin history.
For more information on becoming a railroad volunteer, call 642-3263 or visit www.easttroyrr.org.
