The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola has announced that reservations for its Run-A-Locomotive program are now open. With guidance from a Run-A-Locomotive instructor, participants can operate a real locomotive in the museum’s historical railyard.
Group events can also be scheduled, and the museum encourages guests to bring a friend or bring the family. Admission to the museum is included with a Run-A-Locomotive session, letting everyone explore the historical railroading collection, one of the largest in the country.
Two locomotives are available for the start of the 2024 season:
Western Pacific 1503
Western Pacific 1503 was the last switching locomotive acquired by the Western Pacific Railroad. The 1503 has been restored by the museum to its original appearance. An SW1500 model built in 1973, this locomotive worked yards in San Francisco, Oakland and Stockton for the WP.
The 1503 offers 1,500 horsepower and weighs in at 129 tons. Up to two people can be in the cab at a time. The cost is $500 per hour, $400 for members of the Feather River Rail Society.
Quincy 1100
A rare TR6A model locomotive and now the last of its type, the Quincy 1100 was built in 1950 and was owned by the Southern Pacific Railroad and later the Quincy Railroad for its operation in Susanville.
The Quincy 1100 weighs 115 tons and offers 800 horsepower. Up to two people can be in the cab at a time. The cost is $400 per hour, $320 for members of the Feather River Rail Society.
Reservations are recommended. To reserve a Run-A-Locomotive experience, call 530-832-4532. For rules and other information, visit www.RunALocomotive.com.
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is operated by the nonprofit Feather River Rail Society. For more information, visit www.WPLives.org.
Information provided by Western Pacific Railroad Museum
