PERRIS TRAIN FIELD GUIDE
Throttle Up: Take the Engineer’s Seat on the Run One Program in Perris
A one‑hour, instructor‑led chance to operate a locomotive or streetcar on the Southern California Railway Museum’s mainline or loop line—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who can take the controls.
Throttle Up: Take the Engineer’s Seat on the Run One Program in Perris.
Adventure brief
Throttle Up: Take the Engineer’s Seat on the Run One Program in Perris
The Run One Program at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris puts you in the driver’s seat: after a briefing from a qualified engineer you inspect the equipment, learn the controls and spend a full hour operating a locomotive or streetcar on the museum’s mainline or loop line. Each session includes an engineer’s cap and a certificate of accomplishment, making the experience as tangible as it is memorable.
The Run One Program at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris offers an exclusive experience for anyone fascinated by trains and streetcars. For one hour, participants step into the shoes of a train engineer or streetcar operator, receiving hands-on training from expert instructors. You'll learn how to operate the controls and have a unique opportunity to drive either on the mainline or the scenic loop line. This is truly a rare adventure that combines education, fun, and nostalgia, perfect for families, railfans, and adventure seekers. Participants receive an engineer’s cap and a certificate, making it a memorable keepsake to commemorate your experience. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an exciting way to spend an hour, this program at the Southern California Railway Museum connects you directly with a critical piece of American transportation heritage. Located conveniently in Perris, with easy access from Riverside and Los Angeles, it's a perfect day trip or weekend outing for the whole family.
Route Schematic
Itinerary Route Schematic
Key stops during the Run One session, from briefing to the hour at the controls.
Arrival & Briefing
Meet the qualified engineer, review the equipment and go over safety and operating procedures before climbing into the cab.
Controls Inspection
Inspect the locomotive or streetcar and receive hands‑on instruction about the throttle, brakes and other controls.
Mainline or Loop Run
Operate the locomotive or streetcar on the museum’s mainline or loop line for a full hour under engineer supervision.
Cap & Certificate
Receive an engineer’s cap and a certificate of accomplishment at the conclusion of your session.
Only one trainee is allowed in the cab with the engineer at a time unless the trainee is a minor, in which case an accompanying adult must be present; participants are 18+ or 5+ with parent supervision.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
One hour at the throttle
Under the instruction of a qualified engineer you climb into the driver’s seat, learn how the equipment works and operate a locomotive or streetcar for a full hour on the museum’s running track.
Cap and certificate
Each rental includes an engineer’s cap and a certificate of accomplishment to mark the experience.
Who may take the controls
The program accommodates adults and supervised minors: participants are 18+ or 5+ with parent supervision, and minors must be accompanied as required by the museum’s rules.
What the day feels like
What it feels like to run one
The flow is direct and hands‑on: arrival at the museum, a focused briefing and walk‑through of the locomotive or streetcar, then into the cab for a solid hour of operation under an engineer’s supervision—an intimate, mechanical lesson in momentum and control.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Each Run One session is one hour long.
Bring a digital or print copy of your tickets from your confirmation email.
Arrive at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris for check‑in and briefing.
Participants must be 18 or older, or at least 5 years old with parent supervision; museum rules govern cab occupancy during training.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is a Run One session?
Each session lasts one hour.
Who can participate?
Participants must be 18 or older, or ages 5 and up with parent supervision.
Can more than one person be in the cab while driving?
Only one trainee is allowed in the cab with the engineer at a time; exceptions for minors require a supervising adult per museum policy.
What does the session include?
The program includes instruction by a qualified engineer, hands‑on operation of a locomotive or streetcar for an hour, an engineer’s cap and a certificate of accomplishment.
What should I bring to the session?
Bring a digital or printed copy of your tickets from the confirmation email.
Where do I check in for my experience?
You check in at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris when you arrive for your scheduled session.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-05T19:26:27.084Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.