The Mission of AAPRCO
​Our mission is to promote the ownership, safe operation, and enjoyment of the private passenger rail car.
We support the continued operation of a national network of corridor and long distance passenger trains that provide access for private railroad cars.
​
We have always seemed to have a love affair with trains. Not only did the railroads build America, they took travelers through their country rather than above it.
​
The railroad passenger car represents a more relaxed and civilized time and the private car is the epitome of the elegance and grace of a bygone era.
Those days can be recreated through travel on a PV (Private Varnish.) Men and women across the country have salvaged these magnificent pieces of history from the scrap yards and brought them back to life.
​
AAPRCO was formed as a national trade organization in 1977 as a not-for-profit corporation. By March of 1978 there were 54 active and associate members. Membership now stands at around 550.
​
Three cars traveled to Chicago for the first convention in 1978. That has increased over the years. 21 cars participated in the 2016 convention special train that operated one way from Denver to Spokane.
​
Board of Directors and Staff
OFFICERS
President, John Pearson
Executive VP, Bill Gray
Secretary, Tom Lanahan
Treasurer, David Rohr
VP Amtrak Liaison, Tony Marchiando
VP VIA Rail Canada Liaison, Norm Orfall
VP Transportation, Taylor Johnson
VP Legal, Mike Margrave
VP Washington Representative, Ross Capon
Chief Mechanical Officer, Rob Mangels
DIRECTORS
Bradley Adams
Adam Auxier
Bill Gray
Dave Hoffman
Clark Johnson, emeritus
Mike Kelly
Tom Lanahan
Robert Menzies
Kevin Moore
Dale Parks
Rick Stone
STAFF
Director of Convention Services, Stephan Gerhardt
Executive Director, Julie King