Reservations Open for Portola Railroad Museum’s “Run-A-Locomotive”

PORTOLA — The Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola has opened reservations for its “Run-A-Locomotive” program, which allows visitors to operate a real locomotive in its rail yard. Two locomotives will be made available for the beginning of the 2024 season: the Western Pacific 1503, a 1973 switching locomotive with 1,500 horsepower, and the Quincy 1100, a TR6A model locomotive with 800 horsepower. The Western Pacific 1503 costs $500 per hour to rent ($400 for Feather River Rail Society members), and the Quincy 1100 costs $400 per hour ($320 for members). Money raised from locomotive rentals goes toward restoration of the Railroad Museum’s collection of historic equipment. More information can be found at www.RunALocomotive.com.

The Railroad Museum itself is scheduled to open for the season on May 2nd, with the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for youth 5 to 18 years old, $8 for seniors (65+) and active military, and free for children four and under. Family passes are also available for $25.