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The Run One Program is your chance to become a train engineer or streetcar operator. It lets you get behind the controls of some of our favorite equipment. When you arrive at the Museum for your experience you will be instructed by a qualified engineer. You will look over the locomotive or streetcar and learn how it works. Then you will climb into the driver’s seat and learn how to take it out on our mainline or loop line for a full hour.

Each rental includes one engineer’s cap and certificate of accomplishment plus a huge sense of control! This is an amazing experience for anyone and makes a wonderful gift.

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The Ultimate Run One Steam Experience

Our Steam Locomotive, Ventura County Railway No. 2, is currently undergoing its 1472 inspection and will not be available to rent through the Run One program. For more information on the 1472 inspection and how you can help please visit https://socalrailway.org/sco/.

The Ultimate Run One Steam Experience
The Ultimate Run One Steam Experience

Diesel Locomotives

Enjoy operating one of our diesel locomotives on our mainline track. Throttling up one of these large powerful machines is an unmatched thrill.

Freight ($340/non-member $300/member per hour)
Southern Pacific 3100

Passenger ($390/non-member $350/member per hour)
Union Pacific 942

Passenger ($390/non-member $350/member per hour)
Santa Fe 108

Switcher ($290/non-member $250/member per hour)
Southern Pacific 1474

BOOK LOCOMOTIVE

Switcher ($290/non-member $250/member per hour)
OERM 1956

Switcher ($290/non-member $250/member per hour)
Southern Pacific 1006

Electric Streetcars

You can operate an electric streetcar on our mainline track or on the loop line that circles part of the Museum grounds. Enjoy a trip to the past where these streetcars carried people through the Los Angeles area.

Mainline ($190/non-member $150/member per hour)
Pacific Electric 418

Mainline ($190/non-member $150/member per hour)
Pacific Electric 717

Loop line ($140/non-member $100/member per hour)
Los Angeles Railway 1201

Loop line ($140/non-member $100/member per hour)
Los Angeles Railway 3001

BOOK STREETCAR

Loop line ($190/non-member $150/member per hour)
Los Angeles Railway 3100

Loop line ($140/non-member $100/member per hour)
Pacific Electric 332 (Birney)

Reservations

This activity is very popular and sometimes books up well in advance of available days.

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance with deposit via credit card. No refunds for no shows unless severe weather conditions (heavy rain, floods, high winds, snow). Locomotives and streetcars will usually run rain or sunshine.

Diesel and Electric Cars are available Friday between 9am-4:30, or Saturdays/Sundays at 9am.

Up to four people may share a rental hour.

Engineer Trainee minimum age is 18, however, 5 years and older may ride along with an adult. Train availability varies; please call the Museum Front Desk for details.

The safety of our staff, volunteers, and visitors is the Museum’s highest priority. In order to continue offering this unique experience SCRM has enacted the following safety protocols:

  • Face masks must be worn throughout the duration of the experience.
  • Only one person is allowed in the cab with engineer at a time (unless the trainee is a minor, in which case an adult must be present).
  • Please review our most current COVID-19 guidelines HERE.

To book your Run One experience, call the Museum at (951) 943-3020, or email info@socalrailway.org for more information.

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