Volunteers are Essential to Our Railway

It is our volunteers that work on our projects, that meet and greet our visitors, and that operate our trains. We have no paid staff. Through our newsletter and media, you might have the sense that the WW&F is a well-oiled machine that wants for nothing. While we have certainly been fortunate in most regards, the WW&F’s success rides on a dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly and enthusiastically to rebuild Maine history. As the WW&F has grown, so has the need for volunteers to keep the railway moving forward.

We encourage new volunteers to come and find a place with us. All ages, abilities, and interests are welcome- there is truly something for everyone. Because of the variety of things we do, and the potential dangers of working around railroad equipment, we require that new volunteers only do work under the supervision or guidance of project managers, at least for the first couple of months, so that we can “show you the ropes”.

A few examples of volunteer work on the WW&F Railway include:

• Buildings and grounds construction & maintenance.
• Right-of-way and track construction & maintenance.
• Archival work, including computer assistance.
• Machine Shop and Wood Shop work.
• Communications (magneto telephone) maintenance.
• Train Operations (Car Hosts, Trainmen, Brakemen, Engineers, Conductors, Dispatchers).
• Gift shop and ticket sales. Greeters. Docents/Tour Guides.
• Backend office (ticketing, customer service, IT support, web design & maintenance).
• Event planning and hosting.
• Grant writing and Administration.
• Cooking! We like to be fed.

Volunteers are always present on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Typically, work begins by 8am on Saturdays (9am on weekdays) while “closing time” is after 4 PM. Activities for volunteers are usually rain or shine, but may move indoors during inclement weather. To get involved… just show up! If you need more details, consider attending a Volunteer Recruitment Day (see below) – or email us at info@wwfry.org.

“Organized” Work Parties: You’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad

Some weekends, we have larger concentrated sessions to accomplish specific goals where a pool of general laborers are needed. These “workin’ on the railroad” dates are ideal for new or occasional volunteers to come and make a contribution. In most cases, parents with appropriately-aged children and whole families are welcome to join in the fun – volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome and needed. Note that the exact nature of the work is subject to change based on various needs and factors. Here are some upcoming dates:

Spring Work Weekend: April 25-27, 2025

Shake off the winter blues and join volunteers from around the country for our springtime work party and help us prepare for the upcoming season. Exact plans are still being finalized, but expect fantastic food, marvelous comradery, and maybe a bit of track work, painting, construction, and other projects.

The first work train of each day will depart at 7:30am from Sheepscot Station! Breakfast available starting at 6:30am at Sheepscot on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Work trains will shuttle throughout the day.

For current information regarding the Spring Work Weekend (and to ask any questions) please see our Online Discussion Forum.

Tie and Dine: May 3, 2025

A “tie and dine” is a special work day that is set aside to do maintenance along the railroad – usually installing ties and ballast. After working most of the live-long day, we all board the steam-powered special “dinner train” for a cookout or pizza party as “thank you” for our volunteers. The Springtime Tie and Dine is timed to allow those who wish to volunteer on the railway in the morning, break for lunch, then attend the Annual Membership Meeting at 2pm.

Sandy River Railroad Day (at Phillips, Maine): Sept. 6, 2025

While the WW&F never realized its dreams of connecting to the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad, today’s WW&F partners with the Sandy River Railroad Museum in Phillips on various activities and events. On Sept. 6th, some of our volunteers will be heading north to 128 Bridge St, Phillips, ME to assist with track work and other tasks. All are welcome; a carpool will leave the WW&F in Alna – check our Online Discussion Forum for details.

Fall Work Weekend: October 10-13, 2025

Join volunteers from around the country for our biggest work party. Exact plans are still being finalized, but expect fantastic food, marvelous comradery, and maybe a bit of track work, painting, construction, and other projects – all amidst New England’s famous fall foliage.

Tie and Dine: November 1, 2025

A “tie and dine” is a special work day that is set aside to do maintenance along the railroad – usually installing ties and ballast. After working most of the live-long day, we all board the steam-powered special “dinner train” for a cookout or pizza party as “thank you” for our volunteers.

Additional Work Events to be Determined

Every day the volunteers of the WW&F Railway are working on something – either on site or at home. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Online Discussion Forum for additional work parties. Or, simply email us at info@wwfry.org and let us know when you are available to join us!