Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

You’ve Been Workin’ on the Railroad

Join the WW&F Railway's volunteers on an "open" work session and be a part of rebuilding Maine history

Quick Details

Volunteers Shop volunteer (machining, assembly) for the Build Locomotive 11 project.

We have the following work sessions planned for select weekends.

Join us for one or all of them! 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.

Spring Work Weekend: April 28th – 30th

Join volunteers from around the country for our spring 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 as nature awakes from its winter slumber.

Tie and Dine: May 20th & Sept. 23rd

These special work days are 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 at our event pavilion as “thank you” for our volunteers.

Fall Work Weekend: Oct 6th – 9th

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.

How to Sign Up

Please click the calendar date to reserve your “ticket” to these volunteer sessions These RSVPs are greatly appreciated (but not required.)

Can I Volunteer on Another Date?

ABSOLUTELY! Please contact us when you are available and your area of interest. Or, feel free to just “show up” on any Saturday, Tuesday, or Wednesday – and we’ll do our best to plug you into the day’s projects. For more information, please see our page on Volunteering.

What to Expect

  • Volunteer shifts begin around 8:30AM at 97 Cross Road, Alna, Maine
  • Wear heeled, fully enclosed above the ankle boots (safety boots are preferable)
  • Wear full legged pants (no shorts, etc.)
  • Tools will be supplied, but feel free to bring ones that you are comfortable working with.
  • During spring/summer months, ticks and bugs are included at no extra charge during outdoor work sessions. Appropriate repellant (and sunscreen) is recommended.
  • Cut/burn sessions (aka “Steam and Saws”) feature large bonfires. Wear appropriate clothing as it will be damaged by cinders.
  • Volunteers will ride the train (or carpool) to the work site, depending on the work being done.
  • On Saturdays, lunch will be available for a modest donation – or pack your own. (Tues/Wed/Thus volunteers should bring a lunch.)
  • Work will conclude by 3PM.
  • Younger volunteers are welcome under appropriate adult supervision.

Questions?

Please see our page on Volunteering and/or email us at [email protected]