Texas Railway Preservation Association

Texas Railway Preservation Association This is the official page for the Texas Railway Preservation Association and SP 3561 / T&NO 982.
(1)

Established in 1989 in Houston Texas, the TRPA has been committed to the preservation, restoration, and operation of steam locomotive SP 982. Since that time, the TRPA has been the main care taker and advocate of the locomotive. From then to now, our ambitions, enthusiam, and mission has only grown. On April 9th, 2021, TRPA was awarded the donation of the locomotive with the intent to restore the locomotive to operation in the Texas and surrounding area.

🏆 NEW ADDITION UNLOCKED: SOUTHERN PACIFIC AQUISITION SIDE QUEST! 🛤️🔧The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is...
09/30/2026

🏆 NEW ADDITION UNLOCKED: SOUTHERN PACIFIC AQUISITION SIDE QUEST! 🛤️🔧
The Texas Railway Preservation Association (TRPA) is thrilled to announce an incredible new addition to our collection: an original Southern Pacific Fairmont motor car (speeder), accompanied by two vintage US&S Type B semiphores (still tracking down where in Houston they were used) 🚦🚂✨

● What is a speeder car? A railway speeder (also known as a motor car, track-car, or putt-putt) is a small, lightweight maintenance-of-way vehicle used by railroad maintenance of way and engineering department to transport track inspectors, maintenance crews, and equipment along the tracks. Typically powered by a small gas Onan engine, these iconic machines allowed workers to quickly travel between job sites and check rail lines before being phased out by larger hi-rail trucks.

● What is a semiphore? A railway semaphore is a mechanical signal that uses a pivoting arm (blade) to display distinct operating aspects to train engineers, indicating whether they should proceed, reduce speed, or stop.

🌟 Preserving Houston Family History:

This magnificent piece of rail history was saved and carefully preserved by the late Jerry, a dedicated Houstonian whose family owned beloved local businesses in our city for decades. Jerry's passion for railroad preservation is what kept this speeder operational and fully intact.
​His wife, Paula, also has a deep connection to Houston’s growth, having previously served in the Houston City Planning Department, shaping the very city whose history we are now working to preserve.
​Yesterday, our Executive Director had the immense privilege of meeting with Paula, now Jerry's widow. At 91 years old, Paula reached out to us via email (thanks to AI) seeking more information about the speeder, which wonderfully sparked this historic connection and, ultimately, this generous donation. We are deeply honored to be trusted with their family’s incredible legacy.
To honor their enduring legacy and contribution to Houston’s rich railway heritage, we will officially be naming this speeder "Paula-Jerry" as it takes on a new lease on life with TRPA. We will be getting a brass plate to install on the speeder to commemorate this.

🤖 Connecting Through Technology
Modern preservation takes modern tools for efficient outcomes! TRPA utilizes advance AI and digital techniques to do many things, including help history enthusiasts find us—and just as importantly, to help folks like Paula find us. Technology is bridging the gap, allowing us to connect with incredible community members and rescue pieces of history that might otherwise be lost to time. 💻🌐🤝

🚚 👥 What's Next Down the Line?
We aren't slowing down anytime soon! 💨 Our next major milestone for this side quest is securing a dedicated truck and trailer rig. We will be branding and marketing it in a unique vintage style as well! This will include making a dedicated trained team of volunteers who get to travel with the speeder and operate it. We are partnering with another newly formed out of state railroad non profit to help us achieve this next step in marketing.
Once put together, this mobile setup and partnership will allow us to take the Paula-Jerry speeder on the road for intra- and interstate events. We'll be traveling to promote:
* 🛠️ The ongoing restoration of the Southern Pacific No. 982.
* 🌳 Our ambitious future plans for an expansive historical park and museum property right here in the Greater Houston area.

Stay tuned as we get this classic fully intact speeder shined up, trailered, and ready to roll out to events near you next year! Let’s keep history moving forward! 🛤️🎉🙌

Thank you Paula and Jerry & Family - we are happy to see another piece of the Southern Pacific kept alive.

07/21/2026

We agree with Mountain Dew

LOOKING FOR TALENT; VOLUNTEER to paid SALARY OPPORTUNITIES -Apply with Idealist at https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit...
07/13/2026

LOOKING FOR TALENT; VOLUNTEER to paid SALARY OPPORTUNITIES -

Apply with Idealist at

https://www.idealist.org/en/nonprofit/1a8d341b967949eba720d2491e20df46-texas-railway-preservation-association-houston

Since 1986, the Texas Railway Preservation Association has been defined by our commitment to monumental tasks. We have only been built with local hard working Houstonians. The restoration of SP 982 and our train set are only the beginning. Our trajectory is expanding, and we are now looking toward the development of a large-scale park, museum complex, and high-mileage excursions.

To reach these goals, we are expanding our Board of Directors and leadership team. We are rotating interim positions into long-term commitments to ensure we have the right leaders for this next chapter. This is not a general call for volunteers; we are hand-picking a team of the best and brightest. If you wouldnt have applied for early stage Apple, then do not apply here. You do not need railroad or preservation experience— but we have over 50 open positions requiring expertise in strategic planning, para-legal, AI stack flow and AI training, marketing, transportation science, the machinist trades, and more. Our new board structure program aligns with our vision for board members to lead managers and teams that work creatively and independent, upon our vision of operations under the direction of our Executive Director. Currently, all board members are volunteers on flexible time and remote location ability. We are working towards salary positions and dedicated schedules.

We are looking for Houstonians with vision and drive, whether you are a college student, a seasoned professional, or a retiree. Joining TRPA puts you in elite circles, professional societies, and development groups designed to elevate your lifestyle and sharpen your talents. You will be found at corporate meetings downtown, social country clubs, and global networks of people who are like minded.

We have spent the last year ensuring the right fit, eleminating those who do not, and we are ready to grow further. Not everyone passes the check list, we will not retain those who are here for play, but we always retain the best. If you are prepared to think big and execute with precision, we want to hear from you.

Submit your resume or qualifications or why you think you deserve a opportunity at;

[email protected]

Trpahouston.org; via the chat.

Or on messenger here at Texas Railway Preservation Association.

We will be doing recruitment and trials until December 2026. Are you the person who will be a part of Houston history?

Happy 713 day 🤘! What an amazing city of industry, wonder, and beauty. Get out after work take a little stroll. Maybe ...
07/13/2026

Happy 713 day 🤘! What an amazing city of industry, wonder, and beauty. Get out after work take a little stroll. Maybe go say " Hi " to 982 post your pics!

Up coming posts about new board and volunteer positions coming soon. For information about what TRPA is building and where 982 is going next, check out; trpahouston.org


Image from; Volunteer Josh T.

Visit trpahouston.org today to learn more, or get new threads.
07/13/2026

Visit trpahouston.org today to learn more, or get new threads.

Trpahouston.org New items added every month this year. Some items are limited time only in rotation collections. ...
07/07/2026

Trpahouston.org

New items added every month this year. Some items are limited time only in rotation collections.

The story of T&NO, Baldwin, and ALCO (sometimes referred to as Brooks', as ALCO bought them in 1901) encapsulated in one...
07/07/2026

The story of T&NO, Baldwin, and ALCO (sometimes referred to as Brooks', as ALCO bought them in 1901) encapsulated in one locomotive: 982 🛠

​The 982 is a conglomerate of multiple pieces of the T&NO F-1 class, after shipment to Houston. Through an ongoing investigation of shop stamped engine numbers, tracing frame and boiler serial numbers, and combined with research from historical records and books, we have uncovered a fascinating shop history of the dedicated work at the very capable Hardy St. Shops.

​Records and books show and imply that mid way in her life, the 982 underwent a boiler swap. The boiler of 982 and parts may have been repaired and serviced, but its "engine" portion required major work. Her sister 974, may have had major boiler repairs needed, but its "engine" portion was in better shape. To earn revenue and get the locomotive back on the road as quickly as possible, the "ready" boiler was placed on the 974’s engine portion. ​We can prove this history through the "mechanical fingerprints" found on the locomotive, specifically the builder’s plates in photographs. For instance, by looking with a magnifying glass at the round Baldwin builder’s plate on the smokebox, one can identify it as number 52053, which was originally outshopped by Baldwin in July 1919 for 3651, AKA T&NO 982. This contrasts with the 974, identified by builder’s number 57977. These swaps are further supported by historical photographs, such as one taken on August 23, 1932, at El Paso by Wm. Moneypenny, and another taken in April 1948 at San Antonio, which document the use of these boilers across different frames to keep the F-class locomotives in service (we will post those images in the comments at a later date after we photocopy them or aqquire the originals). 974 was in the same batch of locomotives of 970 through 981 specifically built for and delivered directly to the T&NO from Brooks', better known as ALCO. This batch came before 982 (3651) and was built circa January 1918. The 982 was built in the batch of 3611-3651 for SP, and was later sent to the T&NO and renumbered 982 from her builder sent number 3651. Without evidence they were swapped again, it would be reasonable to believe the current engine portion we see on 982, is from 974, and they put 982s running gear parts onto it during that swap. This swap would have almost certainly happened close to the first major shopping for 982 which was circa 04-03-1931 (stamped on tires and would fit maintenance / rebuild schedules). This is a clear indication of how useful the Southern Pacific found the F-class (2-10-2) locomotives for both freight and passenger service. Despite their age, you will find consistent images, videos, and records of the F-1 through F-6 classes working all types of revenue service from California to Texas and between. Much like the SP MK-5 class, they were used for reliable service in all types of terrain.

​Furthermore, our newer mechanical team have rediscovered in 2024 that the trailing truck axle* at the very least, is a cannibalized part from her sister 979. We are currently operating under the assumption that this component was installed during the 982's final 1952 rebuild at Hardy Street, however it could have happened in the 1931 rebuild or inbetween (maybe 1944) but not prior to 31. This is supported by the fact that the running gear- locomotive number stampings are extensive but mismatched, with the year 1952 appearing frequently on all the parts of the attached running gear / appliances and findings of fresh boiler, firebox, and built- up frame work. 982's 1952 shopping was detail-oriented and preparing the engine for a sustainable preserved storage or operational future, or simply a "nod" from Hardy St to preserve as many pieces as possible on one locomotive. In 1956, the engine was donated for display at Hermann Park.

​This essentially means the 982 is not just a Baldwin representation; it also incorporates parts from ALCO builds (974 and 979). Technically, we have a Baldwin/ALCO hybrid locomotive—a unique mixture of two premier locomotive builders and American railroading history. A heart transplant and organ donor recipient, musical chair of sorts!
​These mechanical fingerprints are essential for piecing together the true service history of these steam locomotives and are a vital part of history for the Houstonians who worked through hot summer days and brutal winter nights at the SP and T&NO Hardy Street Shops to feed their families. Many on this page are directly related to both operation crews and mechanical shop workers of these engines.

​One interesting detail we are currently investigating is a major repair to the pilot and the frame’s front end of 982. This could be the result of an accident, a change in appearance (though highly unlikely), or a number of other reasons within the T&NO and SP shops' standard practice in Houston. This COULD be an indication she was swapped back to her original engine portion after a mishap and repair...we cannot yet confirm any theory but we can clearly identify the unusual work / damage still on the locomotive. While this does not affect the integrity of the locomotive, the story behind it could be equally compelling. We will post more about this investigation as we confirm further findings.

That was a mouthful! Even though the TRPA has been around a while, some things are still being saught after. We do not have original records or builder images of 982 as the original 3651. We do not have all of the T&NO Hardy St Shops records for each occurrence of her or her sisters work. However, we piece by piece put together what we can find from her and books that speak about the F-1 class and SP "antics". Hope you found this as interesting as we did!

*there is absolutely 0 AI info in this post. Not sure why Facebook claims there is.

Address

3130 Navigation Boulevard
Houston, TX
[TEMPORARY]

Telephone

+13462285869

Website

,

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Texas Railway Preservation Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Texas Railway Preservation Association:

Shortcuts

Share

Category