O'neill's Streamline Dinner Orange Empire Railway Museum

Two of the early Los Angeles streetcars run each weekend on the half-mile long "Loop Line". A passenger diesel or electric freight train is chosen and rotated from the collection to run the 1.5-mile mainline that was once a part of the Santa Fe Railroad. All feature benches and at least two cabooses. The trip runs from the south of the museum northward to the junction with BNSF Railway, where the historic Santa Fe depot on State Route 74 stands. A Pacific Electric "Red Car" also operates on the mainline on certain weekends. The “Run One” program gives you the chance to operate a diesel switcher, a Southern Pacific 3100, or a Santa Fe FP-45 locomotive. An experienced engineer will instruct and supervise as you operate the locomotive for a full hour. Up to four people may ride along. Included is an engineer’s cap and certificate – now that’s fun! A reservation is required. The Steam Experience is an unforgettable memory for anyone who has ever wanted to operate a real steam locomotive. You arrive at 7:30 am and spend the morning with the crew learning about the engine and getting it ready for operation. Then it’s off to the mainline for a full hour behind the throttle! Reservations are required as the spaces are limited. If your well versed in your train knowledge, you’ll be quite impressed at what’s available; two Magnetic Flagman grade crossing signals, a Safetran block signal originally installed on the Southern Pacific Coastal Route , Union Switch and Signal motorcar indicators designed to warn crews of oncoming trains, and a grade crossing warning bell dated to 1910 which stood at a crossing in nearby Anaheim until the early 1960s when it was donated to the museum .

Steam Train Orange Empire Musuem

Kids Signal Garden

Click for larger image

The Pinacate Station reception center and museum store is open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm weekdays and 9:30 am to 5:00 pm on weekends. Trolleys and trains operate every weekend, and on many major holidays, between 11AM to 5PM. When planning your trip, visit on a weekend if possible when most of the trolleys and trains are running. If visiting during the week, call ahead and arrange for a guided tour, which is available for a small fee. The grounds are quite large, so dress comfortably and plan for the weather. Admission and parking for the museum is free (except for selected events). A ticket must be purchased to ride on the Museum Railway. Your ticket is good for the entire day, for as many trips as you wish, so ride all day! On regular weekends, the all-day pass costs $12 for adults, $8 for children 5-11, and are free for kids under 5. Charters are also available during the week for school groups and others. The birthday caboose for parties is a unique way to celebrate, call ahead for reservations. The Orange Empire Railway Museum is located one hour 15 minutes from Los Angeles, and about the same drive from San Diego. Lodging and restaurants are available locally in town. by Matthew Martz

---

You Might Like:

Fillmore Train take a trip back in time. Hollywood movie train	PowayRailroad located in Old Poway Park this wonderful steam train	Pacific Surfliner Sleek double deck trains offer the best view in town.	Irvine Park Railroad miniature train ride around Irvine Park.t	Santa Barbara Zoo Train scenic loop takes your around the beautiful zoo.