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DEPARTMENTS
Intro to the SCSRA
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Southern California Scenic Railway Association (SCSRA) was to provide a historical insight into the numerous contributions that railroads have made to the development and growth of our region from the 19th century onward, through our support of the Southern California Railway Plaza Association (SCRPA) and through the conservation of our two cabooses. (The SCRPA was formerly called the Fullerton Railway Plaza Association; this link is to the former website which is no longer updated.)
SCRPA's ultimate goal was the creation of a premier destination attraction to present the spirit of the Southland through this railroad heritage. Called the Southern California Railroad Experience (SCRX), it was to include exhibitions, programs, and activities that are educational, interactive, and fun for all ages. Unfortunately, this lofty goal was not to be. Instead, SCSRA decided to transfer its assets, both monetary and property (including the two cabooses), and its membership, to the SCRPA, and dissolve the SCSRA (effective November 7, 2017), so that complete focus of effort could be towards the development of a museum, and that goal has been reached in the creation of the Fullerton Train Museum.
In addition to museum planning and development tasks, the SCSRA and the SCRPA sponsored programs and projects to promote interest in rail safety, history, and education. The SCRPA carries on this mission at the Fullerton Train Museum.
Nonprofit Organization
The SCSRA was incorporated in 1984 under the non-profit corporation laws of the State of California, and was a 501(c)(3) educational organization. Thus, donations were tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
The SCSRA was governed by a Board of Directors acting through its President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer, and other appointed officers and superintendents. The Board of Directors typically met at 7:30PM on the second Tuesday of March, June, September, and December, and associates were invited to attend the meetings. The agenda always included a time for comments and questions from all attendees.
The SCSRA had no paid employees. All members at all levels were volunteers!
The SCSRA was a "non-member" organization. Thus, those who joined were actually "associates" of the organization, the only "voting members" being the Directors. This arrangement was intended to keep the organization free of the political malaise that often characterizes so-called "member organizations," and to help us focus on projects rather than on individuals' special interests.
The Southern California Railway Plaza Association (SCRPA) was our strategic partner in our activities in Orange County, including the planning and development of the Fullerton Train Museum. We recommend you visit their website and consider becoming a member.
Volunteer Opportunities
The functional organization of the SCSRA was similar to an operating railroad, with work areas divided into Departments. Each Department was under the supervision of an appointed Superintendent. Members would volunteer in the activities of any or several Departments. Superintendents were listed on the back page of each issue of the SCSRA newsletter, The Hot Rail.
The administrative organization of the SCSRA was along traditional corporate lines, with appointed administrative Managers for the various work areas. These Managers were also listed on the back page of The Hot Rail.
Our work location was adjacent to the Amtrak Depot in Fullerton, which is the current site of the Fullerton Train Museum.
Members participated in a variety of activities ranging from equipment restoration and maintenance to constructing track to operating a demonstration railway. Members also performed administrative functions such as fund raising, management, record keeping, historical research, maintenance of archives, bookkeeping, publication of museum newsletters, etc.
- Among our Mechanical Department activities, we maintained two vintage cabooses. Also, we maintained a modest fleet of support vehicles and maintenance-of-way equipment.
- Our Maintenance-of-Way Department crews constructed and maintained track and signals, and various support facilities.
- Our Operating Department trained and administered operating crews for demonstration railway operations for many years at Travel Town in Griffith Park, before we left Travel Town in 2006.
Quarterly Newsletters
SCSRPA produced a quarterly newsletter, The Hot Rail, that was mailed to members as well as being posted online. In addition, we published docent guides, equipment informational handouts, and similar exhibit related material.
Safety - our Most Important Concern
Our primary concern was safety, from the proper handling of tools to the proper operation of a locomotive. We had a Safety Officer who maintained an overview of all our operations and was always available, along with our Superintendents and Managers, to answer questions and provide instruction in the safe use of tools and equipment. The SCSRA Operating Dept. was proud to have maintained a 100% safety record during 12 years of railroad operations at Travel Town, while carrying over 110,000 passengers, and our Mechanical and M/W Departments have never been marred by a lost time accident.
