Train & Railroad Links

The California State Railroad Museum Foundation is an official cooperating association with California State Parks and a nonprofit, public benefit corporation. CSRMF provides funding for ongoing support of numerous programs at both the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown.

Welcome to the official Friends of SP 4449's website. We're a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the former Southern Pacific steam locomotive based in Portland, Oregon.

The Southern California Railway Plaza Association (SCRPA) operates the museum which features three cabooses, representing the three railroads that served Orange County in early days, and two 1940s Union Pacific lounge cars in period décor. The museum is open the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Admission is free.

The SCRPA also hosts Railroad Days — a free, two day event in Fullerton, California, showcasing a variety of railroad equipment, model railroad layouts and host of train-related booths and attractions.

Since 1901, the Grand Canyon Railway has been taking people on a fabled journey into the heart of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. For those fortunate to have traveled on this iconic train, the Grand Canyon Railway is more than just a mode of transportation: It’s a trip back in time to what many consider the most awe-inspiring place on Earth.

The Museum of the American Railroad exists to share the rich history and heritage, as well as current and future developments of the institution of the American Railroad through artistic, cultural, and educational programming.

The non-profit Orange Empire Railway Museum has been preserving Southern California’s railway history since 1956. Home to over 200 historic railway cars and locomotives from Los Angeles and the West, the museum’s 90-acre site in Perris, California is open to the public 363 days a year.

Today people travel from all over the world to ride the rails into the Verde Canyon — an average of 90,000 people per year. They come to experience the sights and to revel in the casual elegance of train travel as they discover the heritage of the landscape. It’s a journey worth taking. It is the scenery that lures them but it is the Railroad that still brings them … because it’s always a good day when you’re on a train.

For each surviving steam locomotive there exists a unique story about it. It can be interesting to track the history of a steam locomotive from the time it was retired to where it is today.

A comprehensive source for railroad information including rail travel, model railroading, rail history, railfanning, and other aspects of the rail industry, including an extensive collection of railroad photos and rail travelogues.

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak, is a corporation striving to deliver a high quality, safe, on-time rail passenger service that exceeds customer expectations. Learn all about Amtrak here from every angle.

BNSF is a critical link that connects consumers with the global marketplace. For more than 160 years, BNSF has played a vital role in building and sustaining this nation's economy.

CSX is a leading supplier of rail-based freight transportation in North America. But there’s more to CSX than you might expect. Discover what we’re doing for our customers, environment and communities.

Through the years, a series of mergers helped Union Pacific create the strongest franchise in North America. The addition of Missouri Pacific more than doubled UP’s route miles, Western Pacific track led UP to the Ports of San Francisco and Oakland, Katy gave UP access to Texas through Oklahoma, Chicago & North Western brought UP to the Twin Cities, and Southern Pacific and Denver & Rio Grande Western provided the legendary Sunset Route and a direct route through Colorado.

The Fairplex Garden Railroad is considered the oldest and possibly the largest miniature railroad of its kind in the United States and possibly the world. The railroad began as a special static exhibit for the third Los Angeles Fair in 1924.

Little Engines was founded by Martin and Irene Lewis in the late 1930s. The current owners have continued to sell parts, drawings and accessories for the 1-1/2 inch scale locomotives. Examples like the Modern Mogul are representative of the high quality products they offer.

The National Model Railroad Association, Inc. advances the global scale model railroading community through education, advocacy, standards, and social interaction.

The mission of the San Diego Model Railroad Museum is to preserve the heritage of railroading through a series of miniature representations of California railroads, as well as research and preserve the history of model railroading. A main component of our mission is to educate the public on the history and aspects of railroading. It is our goal to actively engage people from every community and demographic, to delight and teach the art of model railroading and the history of railroads.

The Southern California Live Steamers are a model railroad club featuring working scale models of steam and diesel locomotives. The club was established in 1948 on the grounds where Little Engines was founded. The models are 1-1/2 inch scale ride-on trains that are built and maintained by club members. The club offers free rides to the public on the first Sunday of each month 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from noon to 3:00 p.m.

The Carolwood Pacific Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the personal railroad legacy of Walt Disney. Walt Disney helped to build, and enjoyed sharing, one of the most intricately detailed miniature live-steam home railroads ever created: the one-eighth scale Carolwood Pacific Railroad, the backyard pike located at his estate in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles.

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks.

The main, historic lodge and fully equipped, authentic caboose cars in the hills all house decor reflecting the Inn’s historic past, surrounding nature and laid-back Montana style. Our ski-in and out cabins offer private lodging right on the trail system with all the other lodge amenities. Twin porch swings hint at the Inn’s slower pace and no-rush dining in The Dining Car and our new heated covered patio , affords guests the chance to take a break from the trails and have a hot beverage and local specialties while taking in stunning mountain views, fresh air, and the occasional passing train.

There are many places on the web to buy, sell, and swap items. This one caters to the needs of the rail preservation and shortline community.

The Western Museum of Flight is a non-profit, educational institution dedicated to preserving and displaying aircraft history and artifacts of Southern California's aviation heritage.

The Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is a facility of the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks and the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation. The mission of the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum is to display and teach the history of the Civil War, with an emphasis on California's role in the conflict.