The collection includes the 'Daylight' locomotive and a variety of trolley cars that once served the Los Angeles streetcar network.
The museum grounds feature a dedicated trolley loop and a mainline track for longer excursion runs.
Many of the rail cars are maintained in operational condition, allowing them to participate in regular weekend demonstration runs.
The site contains a library and archive dedicated to the preservation of Southern California transportation history.
Several exhibits include equipment salvaged from the Los Angeles Railway and Pacific Electric Railway systems.
The museum facility provides space for active restoration projects where visitors can observe technical work on historic machinery.
The layout incorporates various historic station buildings that have been moved to the site for preservation.
The museum operates a specialized electrical substation to power its overhead trolley lines.
The Southern California Railway Museum, formerly the Orange Empire Railway Museum, serves as the largest railroad museum in the western United States. The collection spans over 100 acres in Perris, featuring preserved streetcars, interurban cars, and locomotives. The museum maintains several miles of original railway track used for heritage train rides. Exhibits include a significant selection of Southern California's historic Pacific Electric 'Red Car' fleet. Visitors can explore a working restoration shop where volunteers perform mechanical maintenance on antique rolling stock. The site also functions as a repository for historical railway infrastructure, including signals and depot structures relocated from regional sites. The museum hosts themed seasonal events throughout the year, utilizing its collection of functional vintage equipment.
The Red Car photo opportunity area where restored Pacific Electric trolleys are staged against the backdrop of the museum's historic depot buildings.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes as you will be traversing gravel, dirt, and uneven track surfaces.
Check the museum's online calendar before visiting, as specific train ride schedules and equipment availability rotate frequently.
Bring sun protection and hydration, as much of the site is outdoors with minimal shade during peak summer heat.
Attempting to climb on or touch equipment without explicit permission, as these are historic artifacts; avoid visiting during peak midday summer hours without adequate water.
Operations are primarily focused on weekends and major holidays; check the official website for midweek closures or special event variations.
Stay clear of tracks when active equipment is moving and follow all instructions from conductors and docents regarding boarding and safety zones.
