Western Railway Museum Announces "Scenic Limited" Trains in April

Experience the joys of spring combined with a real ride into history when the Western Railway Museum operates the fourth annual "Scenic Limited" trains. From April 2 - 24, the "Scenic Limited" departs Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, 12:30 pm, and 2 pm, and Wednesdays at 11 am.

The Museum's restored electric-powered railcars make a leisurely 10-mile round trip heading South from the museum through the rolling Montezuma Hills. Passengers enjoy unparalleled vistas of Mt. Diablo, Suisun Marsh, and 1000's of acres of lush green farms and pastures where grazing sheep out number people by a wide margin. April is often the best time for viewing the area's brilliant displays of wildflowers.

Shot of No. 7, above right, a "box motor" car built by J. G. Brill Company in Philadelphia in 1929 for the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Electric Railroad, pulling No. 751, a steel, open platform, observation car built by Niles Car Company in Niles, Ohio in 1914 for the Salt Lake and Utah Railway (SL&U), along the former Sacramento Northern right-of-way.  Photos courtesy WRM.

In addition to rides on real electric trains, visitors will also enjoy a hand-built model train layout in the museum's Visitor Center. Vacaville residents John and Mike McKenzie will operate their "Red Mountain Mudhens" S-Gauge layout at the Western Railway Museum from April 9 - 17. The McKenzie brothers have toured their modular layout from Seattle to Los Angeles, and from Santa Clara to Denver.

Two classes of service are offered aboard the Scenic Limited. First Class passengers ride in an antique parlor-observation car originally built for the Salt Lake and Utah Railway in 1914. This car is fitted with overstuffed individual chairs, dark wood paneling, bronze light fixtures and a handsome floral carpet. In addition, uniformed attendants serve lemonade and assorted cookies.

First Class passengers ride in an antique parlor-observation car fitted with overstuffed individual chairs, dark wood paneling, bronze light fixtures and a handsome floral carpet.

Coach passengers ride in a car that spent its working life on the very same rail line the Museum now owns and preserves. The Oakland, Antioch, and Eastern (later known as the Sacramento Northern) took people all the way from Chico, through Sacramento, to Oakland. Just like in the old days, this car still sports plush red seats, dark wood paneling and crystal clear windows.

Visitors can also tour the Rail Car Display House, use the Museum's spacious picnic grounds, and browse in the museum bookstore. Parking is free.

Admission is just $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65 years and older, and $5 for children 2 - 14. No extra fare is required for Coach service. First Class service is only $5 extra. Groups of 12 or more are encouraged to make advance reservations by calling the Museum at (707) 374-2978, extension 114.
 

The Western Railway Museum is located on California State Highway 12 in rural Solano County, midway between Interstate 80 and the Sacramento River town Rio Vista.

The Museum is open every Saturday and Sunday year-round from 10:30 AM until 5:00 PM. For more information, visit their website or call (707) 374-2978.

(WRM press release)