Vintage passenger and dining cars date back as far as 1914.
On April 28th-29th prepare to be entertained and amazed by what can only be imagined as the “Renaissance of Railroading.” Steam Railfest 2018 is a celebration of the steam engine, railroading, antique tractors, vehicles and engines, vintage wares and oddities, unique performances, early transportation and culture mixed with a bit of Steampunk fun. There will be live steam locomotive train rides, a Citrus Packing House Caboose Ride Adventure, Dr. Solar’s Gypsy Wagon Medicine Man Show, Gene West “The Toymaker”, antique carousel rides, creative vendors & artisans, unique exhibits, model railroads, movie props, the Orchard Bluegrass Band, delicious food & more! Admission to the festival is free! There is no other family festival quite like this one. So mark your calendars for one of the biggest events in Ventura County’s little historic town of Fillmore, CA! Visit http://steamrailfestival.com for more info.
The Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society non-profit organization is hosting this one-of-a-kind event. Established in 1993, the Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society’s mission is to assist in the preservation and restoration of the railroad corridor between Montalvo and Saugus, California. This railroad corridor, commonly referred to as the Southern Pacific’s Santa Paula Branch, is a unique and historic asset to the residents of the Santa Clara River Valley and surrounding areas. To maximize the economic, educational and recreational value of this asset, the organization will acquire, preserve, exhibit and operate historic railroad equipment; in addition, it will collect and display artifacts, photographs and operational documents unique to the region.
Sponsoring the event is Fillmore & Western Railway. This legendary railroad is home to vintage passenger and dining cars that date back as far as 1914. It’s also home to a 1913 fully restored and operating #14 Baldwin Steam Engine. Fillmore & Western is known as the “Home of the Movie Trains” that have been used in film productions such as Disney’s Lone Ranger, Water for Elephants, Sea Biscuit, Get Smart, Bedtime Stories, Race to Which Mountain, Tall Tail, Inception, Anger Management, Fear Factor, X-Files, Bones, Westworld, American Horror Story, Criminal Minds, CSI and many more. They welcome all production companies to visit and contract with them to film either on-site or on location throughout the United States. Additionally, they have a wide variety of train related props for use on sets.
Another amazing part of this railroad is the opportunity to ride the movie trains! All year long they offer train tours such as Weekend Scenic adventures, Murder Mystery Comedy Lunch & Dinner trains, Holiday trains, Special Event trains, Steam train rides, School trains & privately chartered Group trains. Visit fwry.com or call 524-2546 for more details.
