RAIL PASS
We discuss the day to day runnings at the Southern California Railway Museum, chatting to volunteers and interesting people. We share event information and talk to the people and vendors at the events.
Southern California Railway Museum Podcast
Previous Episodes
Santa Fe 5704 – Bicentennial Locomotive
As a true classic piece of Americana, the Santa Fe 5407 holds immense significance to railroad history, and SCRM is honored to add it to their collection and care. Join us as we explore the locomotive's storied past and learn about the exciting journey of its cosmetic restoration.
Tales from the Rails Video Series
Volunteers Bryan Watts and John Cunningham are part of a team that produce a video series called Tales from the Rails. This series explores the history of the trains and trolleys in Southern California Railway Museum’s collection and provides updates on ongoing projects.
Ghost Hunting at SCRM
Welcome to a spine-chilling episode of Rail Pass - brace yourself as we explore the mysterious world of the supernatural at Southern California Railway Museum (SCRM). In this hair-raising episode, we meet a group of courageous volunteers who fearlessly conduct ghost hunts in various locations within the museum.
Information Systems – with Allen Holliday
Southern California Railway Museum was founded by volunteers, and when this Perris location was selected in 1958 there was little infrastructure - meaning that volunteers were tasked with the installation of many things we may take for granted in our modern world, such as our information and communication systems like phones and wifi. To help our listeners understand this facet of SCRM RailPass is talking to Allen Holliday who is the Chief Information Officer at SCRM.
Emma Nevada Restoration Project
Southern California Railway Museum is a working restoration museum. Volunteers work diligently to restore and maintain historic trains and trolleys for future generations. One restoration project that is currently underway is the Emma Nevada. Join me, your host - Sarah Harty - as we talk to the volunteers behind the restoration of this 141 year old steam engine.
Emergency Services
Southern California Railway Museum is the largest railway museum in the Western United States, and as such it contains numerous priceless and irreplaceable artifacts, both large and small. In order to maintain the safety of our collections SCRM implemented a Fire and Emergency Services unit. In this episode we talk to Chris Baldwin who spearheaded the implementation of this unique discipline and learn the different ways that FESU protects our unique collection.
Rail Fanning with Harvey Laner
In this installment, we have the privilege of reconnecting with founding member number 7, Harvey Laner, as he takes us on a journey through his experiences as a passionate rail fan. Join us as we delve into the early days of Harvey's start in the hobby, where his love for traction and railways ignited. Through his vivid recollections, we gain insight into the thrill and excitement that drove him to capture the beauty of trains in motion and the stories they carry.
Electric Collection Introduction
Southern California Railway Museum houses both an extensive diesel and electric collection. In this episode we are going to delve a little deeper into the electric collection with the help of Collection Manager Rod Fishburn. We will hear about what projects are going on and coming up.
Diesel Services
SCRM has an amazing fleet of historic operational diesel locomotives that provide train rides to the public and unique Run One experiences for those interested in testing their skills at operating these massive machines. Restoring and maintaining a collection like this is no easy matter, and would not be possible without the help and guidance of the Diesel Services Foreman Dave Althaus.
VC-2 1472 Inspection Introduction
SCRM's iconic Ventura County Railway No. 2 is undergoing its regularly scheduled 1472 inspection. To help us understand what is involved in this rigorous process RailPass is talking to Jeff Lamb, the Steam Crew Foreman about the inspection, what they have accomplished so far, and what work is still needed to get VC-2 back up and running at SCRM.
PE 1299 Restoration
Pacific Electric 1299 is a truly unique piece of SCRM's collection. This is a Pacific Electric deluxe business car. This car was purchased in 1958 and was originally brought to the Pomona Fairgrounds - it was not until 1998 that it came to SCRM. Since coming to the Museum PE 1299 has not been operational - until now! This podcast provides a brief introduction into the initial restoration of this unique car.
Restoration Carbarn 3 Introduction
Join us as we meet two dedicated volunteers, George Chapman and Bill Face, who are hard at work in this restoration barn. Together, they are undertaking the meticulous cosmetic restoration of LARy 665, restoring LARy fareboxes, crafting trip number plaques, and assembling battery boxes for Pacific Electric streetcars. Tune in to hear about the passion, dedication, and craftsmanship that goes into preserving these invaluable pieces of transportation history.
