The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola announces that it will open its 2024 season Thursday, May 2. The museum will be open noon to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Caboose train rides will operate on Saturdays and Sundays this year starting Memorial Day weekend.
To help kick off the new season, the museum will offer special motorcar rides Sunday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also called speeder cars or putt-putts, motorcars are small, self-propelled work vehicles once common on America’s railroads. These cars replaced human-powered handcars to allow crews to inspect the line or reach a worksite without using a full-sized train. Today, this work is performed by trucks and SUVs with retractable “hi-rail” wheels and the classic motorcar is only operated by some museums, shortlines and private owners.
“Come join us for this rare chance to ride these historic cars and experience a different side of railroading,” say organizers. Rides on May 5 are free with admission to the museum.
Museum admission costs $10 for adults and $5 for youth 5 – 18. Discounts are offered for seniors and active military personnel, and family passes are also available.
The Western Pacific Railroad Museum is operated by the nonprofit Feather River Rail Society. Learn more at https://www.wplives.org/.
Information provided by Western Pacific Railroad Museum
