As an all-volunteer non-profit corporation, the Society tackles new restoration projects each year as it works to preserve, maintain, and operate the icons of one of the country’s greatest industries. Our members support and take part in some of the most challenging railroad preservation in the midwest, racking up thousands of hours each month preserving and making railroad history, and operating the 765 through dozens of cities each year.
Memberships strengthen the backbone of the Society, keeping the lights on and the wheels rolling and are crucial to the financial foundation of the organization and its ability to operate the 765. With several levels to choose from, members benefit from supporting the organization and more.
How Membership Benefits You
- Approved to volunteer and participate in Society operations
- Subscription to Short Lines, the official quarterly newsletter of the FWRHS
- Invitation to member’s only events and excursions and subscription to member specific mailings
- Support one of the largest and long-standing mainline steam locomotive operations in the country
New in 2012
- Access to our new and exclusive online member’s area The Crew Car
- Get special 24/7 access to the Society
- Weekly updates from the shop and on ongoing projects
- Archival materials including vintage railroad paper materials, manuals, documents, newsletters, and more
- First-run media, images, and photos before they’re made public
- On the road updates from the 765 and up-to-date excursion and operating information
To become a member or volunteer sign up over the phone or by downloading this form or sign up online.
How Memberships Benefit Us
Have you ever wondered how memberships benefit non-profit preservation groups like ours? Annual memberships fund excursion start up costs, administrative expenses, marketing, and more.
Click on the image below to learn more about how important memberships are to the success of the Society.
UPCOMING MEMBER EVENTS
Volunteer Meetings
Volunteer meetings will be held on a quarterly basis this year on the first Saturday of each month after the day’s work session has concluded. We’ll review upcoming work, operations, and open the floor for comments and suggestions. The dates this year are: August 4th, November 3rd.
Training Sessions
This year’s formal training sessions have concluded.
2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bill Otter, President
Member since 2005, formerly Secretary and Vice President, and grew up within sight of the Nickel Plate Road outside Cleveland, Ohio. Otter has 34 years in the industrial food industry and is leading the Society in its 40th year.
Will Woodward, Vice President
Member since 2004, and board member since 2010. With a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Butler University, Woodward is president of a midwest mining company and co-chairs the 765′s operations task force.
Michael Guptail, Treasurer
Member since 1995 and board member since 1997, Guptail has served as treasurer since 1999. Now retired, he has over 30 years experience in the financial industry and maintains the Society’s membership roster and administers the gift store and merchandising.
Wayne York, Excursion Manager
One of the original founders of the FWRHS, engineered the removal of the 765 from Lawton Park in 1974. York served terms as President, Vice President, Secretary and Director for 28 years. York works in management and civil engineering in the public and private sectors, has restored and owned a variety of passenger cars, and helps plan a variety of the 765′s excursions.
Steven Winicker, Mechanical Manager
Member since 1975, served as Chief Mechanical Officer during the 765′s rebuild 2000-2005 and has held the office of President and Secretary. Oversees all of the maintenance and servicing of the 765. Winicker has been a District Forester for the Department of Natural Resources since 1974.
Kelly Lynch, Communications Manager
Member since 2000, son of former Society President Dan Lynch. Has worked for and promoted the steam operations of the Ohio Central Railroad, RJ Corman, and others. Lynch handles public relations, marketing and outreach for the society. His company specializes in marketing and creative project development in the media and transportation fields.
Tom Nitza, Training and Facilities Manager
Member since 1988, past president and treasurer. Nitza has 41 years experience in the trucking and railroad industry and was formerly with the Chicago, Fort Wayne & Eastern. Currently oversees the Society’s training program, property maintenance, and ongoing maintenance of our on-site train ride equipment.
Rick Popp, Director
Hank Germann, Director
Member since 2002. A life long farmer, Germann worked for Aeroquip-Eaton for 38 years as a millwright-machine repairman.
EX OFFICIO MANAGERS
Rich Brinkley, Secretary
Member since 2006 and secretary since 2011. Brinkley has masters degrees in both education and music and has been a Lutheran teacher and church musician for 40 years. Brinkley has served as secretary to a number of boards and organizations over the years.
Richard Melvin, Operations Manager
Member since 1982, former Superintendent of Operations, Road Foreman of Engines for Ohio Central Railroad, Youngstown, Ohio. Presently an engineer with Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Melvin also coordinates the logistics of the 765′s excursions and has operated the locomotive over 32,000 miles in excursion service.
Al Rayner, Safety Manager
David Cox, Deputy Mechanical Manager
