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Run One Program

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.

Southern Pacific 3100
Price $350 ($300 members)
GE U25B
Road Switching Engine
Weight: 252,000 lbs
Horsepower: 2500
2 Seats for Riders
Access: Steep Stairs

Union Pacific 942
Price $400 ($350 members)
EMD E8
Passenger Locomotive
Weight: 315,000 lbs
Horsepower: 2250
1 Seat for Rider
Access: Vertical Ladder Only

Santa Fe 108
Price $400 ($350 members)
EMD FP 45
Passenger Locomotive
Weight: 360,000 lbs
Horsepower: 3600
2 Seats for Riders
Access: Steep Stairs

Southern Pacific 1474
$300 ($250 members)
ALCo S-4
Switching Locomotive
Weight: 230,000 lbs
Horsepower: 1000
1 Seat for Rider
Access: Steep Stairs

BOOK LOCOMOTIVE

SCRM (OERM) 1956
$300 ($250 members)
ALCo RSD-1
Road Switching Engine
Weight: 247,500 lbs
Horsepower: 1000
2 Seats for Riders
Access: Steep Stairs

Southern Pacific 1006
$300 ($250 members)
EMD SW1
Switching Locomotive
Weight: 196,000 lbs
Horsepower: 600
2 Seats for Riders
Access: Stairs

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. No refunds for no shows. Refunds will be issued in the case of operator cancellation due to severe weather and equipment issues. Rebooking options will also be made available.

Diesel and Electric Cars are available Wednesday through Friday between 9am-4:00pm, or Saturdays/Sundays at 9am & 4:30pm.

Locomotive and Electric Car capacity for additional riders varies, please feel free to email info@socalrailway.org for more information or check out capacity restrictions here.

Engineer Trainee minimum age is 18, however, trainees between 5-17 and older may operate with the help and supervision of a parent/guardian. Children under 5 can accompany a parent/guardian on this experience if space in the locomotive/electric car allows.

Our locomotives/electric cars are historic and offer different accessibility. Please review our Run One accessibility here.

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