$20 discount of hour price for walk in RAL using already running locomotive(s)
½ hour option – 40% discount off hour price
2 hour option – 14% discount off combined hour price
3+ hour option – 20% discount off combined hour price
*Please note that while advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, walk-ins will be taken on a time available, first come first served basis, weather, personnel, and locomotive availability permitting.
The "R-A-L program" has three basic plans, all include private instruction from a qualified engineer.
Do you have a friend or family member that loves to remind you how large their vehicle is? At the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, you and your family can take the throttle YOURSELF in one of our vintage diesel locomotives! (with a qualified engineer/instructor of course!) Upon completing your engineer experience, you will receive a certificate, suitable for framing so YOU can brag to all of your large vehicle driving friends and family. When they boast about the size of their vehicle, brandish your "Engineer's Certificate" and show them the pictures. They'll either be envious, or will get really quiet, really quick.
All persons intending to operate a locomotive under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed release of liability.
- - NOTICE - - RAL operations are suspended for the remainder of 2020 due to the COVID-19 Health Emergency.
Listen to our RAL Radio Spot....
For Further Rental Information and Appointments... call
530-832-4532
- Run-A-Locomotive Rental Information
If no answer, please call the museum Museum Store at
530-832-4131
*Please note that while advanced reservations are strongly encouraged, walk-ins will be taken on a time available, first come first served basis, weather, personnel, and locomotive availability permitting. We reserve the right to change locomotives in the program with one of equal or greater rental value before or after guest arrival in the event a locomotive becomes unavailable due to mechanical ailment, or for any other reason. Every effort will be made to accommodate specific locomotive requests.
Call
530-832-4532
and leave a message to reserve your Locomotive Rentals
WP 512
American Locomotive Co. S-1
Yard Switching Engine
Horsepower: 660
Weight: 202,000 Pounds
(101 Tons)
3 Seats for riders
Currently out of service.
Level "B"
$275 per hour
US Army 1857
Fairbanks Morse
Model H-12-44
Yard Switching Engine
Horsepower: 1200
Weight: 246,000 Pounds
(123 Tons)
2 Seats for riders
Temporarily out of service for maintenance and repairs.
Western Pacific #707
EMD/General Motors Model "GP-7"
Road Freight Engine
Horsepower: 1500
Weight: 251,700 Pounds
(126 Tons)
3 Seats for riders
Currently out of service.
Level "D"
$400 per hour
Western Pacific #1503
EMD/General Motors Model "SW 1500"
Horsepower: 1500
Weight: 267,870 Pounds
(134 Tons)
2 Seats for riders
Will be available for RAL after dedication celebration on TBD.
Western Pacific #2001
EMD/General Motors Model "GP-20"
Road Freight Engine
Horsepower: 2000
Weight: 256,890 Pounds
(128 Tons)
2 Seats for riders
Western Pacific #917-D
EMD/General Motors Model "F-7"
"Streamlined" Freight
Horsepower: 1750
Weight: 230,000 Pounds
(115 Tons)
2 Seats for riders
Currently out of service.
RAL Timetables for 2020
RALs are available most days the museum is open to the public.
Non-Caboose Train Days*
RAL #
Time Slot
1
0900-1000 ( 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
2
1015-1115 (10:15 AM - 11:15 AM)
3
1130-1230 (11:30 AM - 12:30 PM)
4
1315-1415 (1:15 PM - 2:15 PM)
5
1430-1530 ( 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
6
1545-1645 ( 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM)
Caboose Train Days**
RAL #
Time Slot
1
0900-1000 ( 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
2
1015-1115 (10:15 AM - 11:15 AM)
3-Sat
1530-1630 (3:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
3-Sun
1430-1530 (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)
4-Sat
1645-1745 (4:45 PM - 5:45 PM)
4-Sun
1545-1645 (3:45 PM - 4:45 PM)
* Non-Caboose Train Days are:
All days April 2nd - May 22th
Monday - Friday May 26th - Sep 30th
(Memorial Day and Labor Day are Caboose Train Days)
Thursday - Sunday October 1st - October 23rd
(No RALs during WP Celebration: Saturday and Sunday August 1st & 2nd)
(No RALs on Pumpkin Express Days: Saturdays and Sundays October 17th, 18st, 24th, 25th)
** Caboose Train Days are:
Weekends May 23rd ~ Sept 7th, Memorial Day, Labor Day
"Saturday" schedule applies to Sundays of Memorial Day & Labor Day weekends.
"Sunday" schedule applies to Memorial Day & Labor Day.
No RALs during WP Celebration: Saturday and Sunday August 1st & 2nd
No RALs on Pumpkin Express days: October 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th.
Dates not listed may be available weather, equipment and personnel permitting; please call for more details, special approval and Extra Fare may be required.
We will take "walk-in" rentals IF time and schedules allow, however, it is best to book your reservation in advance to ensure the time slot and equipment that you desire.
Please allow at least 24 hours to schedule a rental. We have to ensure that an instructor is available.
Summer months are the busiest rental times, we highly recommend making reservations at least two weeks in advance.
Sessions may be shared amongst friends & family. However, the maximum number of occupants in the locomotives at any one time depends on the number of seats on that particular locomotive. If there are more people in your party than we can seat in the locomotive at one time, we load the first part of the group, do some of the session, then stop and exchange places with the other members of your party. We will make every effort to make sure everyone gets a turn at the throttle!
All participants must be seated at all times while locomotive is moving.
ALL RAL Operating clients must have a completed release (pink form) before Operating. To be verified by the RAL Instructor.
Due to the age and historic nature of these locomotives, it may from time to time, be necessary to temporarily remove one or more of them from the rental fleet for inspection, maintenance, or repair. In the event that this is necessary, that particular locomotive will be replaced with a similar locomotive. If none are available, guests will be offered a rental of greater value.
Specific locomotive requests will be accommodated when possible, substitutions may be necessary.
Rentals are from mid-April through mid-November (weather permitting) by appointment.
A certificate suitable for framing is awarded after every rental.
All persons intending to operate a locomotive under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed release of liability.
Do you have a friend or family member that loves to remind you how large their vehicle is? At the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, you and your family can take the throttle YOURSELF in one of our vintage diesel locomotives! (with a qualified engineer/instructor of course!) Upon completing your engineer experience, you will receive a certificate, suitable for framing so YOU can brag to all of your large vehicle driving friends and family. When they boast about the size of their vehicle, brandish your "Engineer's Certificate" and show them the pictures. They'll either be envious, or will get really quiet, really quick.
All persons intending to operate a locomotive under the age of 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult and have a signed release of liability.
