Restoration Projects
OERM has a number of important restoration projects underway at this time, all of which are made possible by the genrous support of friends and members. Your finanical support is leveraged by OERM's volunteers who put thousands of man hours into each project. We also use contractors to assist where appropriate, greatly speeding up the time to complete these complicated projects. Restoration work is also greatly aided by our extensive library of original photographs, documents and technical information.
Each restoration project typically has numerous opportunities for you to participate, from financial and material support, to volunteer opportunities associated with the project. Read the project descriptions below for more specific information on how you can become involved.
San Diego Electric Railway PCC 508This streamlined PCC-type streetcar has the destinction of being the first streetcar to arrive at the Museum's (then new) Perris site, way back in 1958. 508 ran in regular service at the Museum for many years, but the ravages of decades of outdoor storage finally took their toll and required its removal from active service (thankfully the car now has an indoor home). With the help of some significant financial support from the Peters and Myers families, we are now moving forward with a complete restoration project. These two families have generously put up a $10,000 challenege grant in order to raise the car's fund up to the $35,000 level needed for project completion. They're matching your gift dollar for dollar up to $10,000! Learn more of PCC 508 by clicking here. |
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Pacific Electric 498This classic "Big Red Car" is a "combine" (railroad slang for a combination baggage-coach) and will become the second car in our two-car train of restored PE "Blimps". The 498 was one of only four combo "Blimps"; all of which were used almost exclusively for Catalina Special service from Downtown Los Angeles to the docks in Wilmington, where connections were made to boats for Catalina Island. After being on hold for a number of years, this project is once again active and is currently undergoing final preparation prior to getting a full repainting. Previous work on the car completed major bodywork, including new steel welded in place at the bottom of every window post on the car. The Twentieth Century Electric Railway Foundation has put up a $5,000 challenge grant ans will match your donations dollar-for-dollar throughout the Summer 0f 2012. To learn more about PE 498 click here. |
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Southern Pacific SW1 1006This 1939 switch engine was from the Southern Pacific's first production order of diesel locomotives. The 1006 was also used on the Pacific Electric from 1956 until about 1966. It was rescued from a local scrap yard in 1986 and came to the Museum in very tried condition. The 1006 is in the midst of a major restoration to return it to its as-delivered appearance. The main hood and fuel tanks were removed entirely to gain access to internal components, but after much work the major pieces are now back together and all of the refurbished sub-systems are now being reassembled on the locomotive. To Learn more Click Here. |
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ATSF 98The Diesel Crew continues cleaning the ATSF 98 carbody and is about 90% finished with the engineer compartment frame, removing extensive scale and rust from the structure. Greg Houle has continued sheet metal work repairing rust damage. He has completed repairing the cab roof where the add-on air conditioner was mounted. Also completed is the reworked fireman’s door. Project Manager Jeff Williams is working on a mid-project schedule and budget update. To Learn more Click Here. |
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