You may want to strongly consider finding a museum you can volunteer at doing track work. This will give you good experience and may give you exposure to Rails that are volunteering doing the same work. If they see that you are a good, safe worker, they'll probably be willing to point you along in the right directions in finding gainful employment with a Class 1.

Don't expect this to happen overnight. It will probably take a year, but more than likely 2-3. In the meantime, it's good experience and the organization should be grateful for your help.

Groups that immediately come to mind that have good track crews working are Niles Canyon, Orange Empire, Portola does some work occasionally, same for Rio Vista, and PSRMA in Campo.

OERX