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Our Newsletter: Hot Rail!

The Southern California Railway Plaza Association (SCRPA) (formerly the Fullerton Railway Plaza Association or FRPA) and SCSRA have issued a combined newsletter since 2003.

  • Fall 2016 Issue, Volume XIV, Number 3 (PDF; 2.8MB) - Current Issue! - Welcome one and all to the Fullerton Train Museum's opening day celebration on October 1, including free tours of five vintage railcars on permanent exhibit; museum has already drawn a crew shooting a 1950s film and Amtrak police training their K-9 units; coming up is a Mount Lowe Railway presentation at the October12 Members Dinner.

  • Summer 2016 Issue, Volume XIV, Number 2 (PDF; 3.9MB) - Celebrating the huge success of Railroad Days 2016 in Fullerton, captured by our photo memories; a look at American railroading during World War II and a preview of July 16 Movie Night's classic World War II film "Berlin Express"; plus an insert flier/RSVP for SCRPA's Sept. 10 excursion to the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum and train ride.

  • Spring 2016 Issue, Volume XIV, Number 1 (PDF; 3.4MB) - Featuring all the exciting plans and many participants lined up for Railroad Days 2016 in Fullerton, presented by Amtrak®; a look at the much-anticipated arrival of our two Union Pacific 1949 lounge cars at their new Fullerton home; plus details on our Movie Night tribute to Walt Disney films.

  • Winter 2015 Issue, Volume XIII, Number 4 (PDF; 3.1MB) - Featuring details from the massive transit of our recently acquired 1942 Union Pacific caboose 25052 from East Los Angeles to the Fullerton Depot house tracks; a video program of the project will be presented at SCRPA members Quarterly Dinner Meeting on January 13; Railroad Operations Committee (ROC) volunteers prepare our two U.P. lounge cars that will soon make the move to the Fullerton station; a World War II classic film, "The Train," will be screened at the January 16 free Movie Night.

  • Fall 2015 Issue, Volume XIII, Number 3 (PDF; 2MB) - SCRPA October 14 Members Meeting and Dinner program spotlights Rick Wright, a 50-year collector of railroad china and artifacts; fall Movie Night highlights railroad history in Cecil B. DeMille's 1939 Union Pacific; Railroad Operations Committee's Saturday work sessions are nearing completion on conserving our vintage cabooses; third annual Crockpot Cook-off is planned for December 5 at the Fullerton Train Station.

  • Summer 2015 Issue, Volume XIII, Number 2 (PDF; 4.2MB) - Members Quarterly Dinner program presents an overview of Positive Train Control federally mandated railway system, July Movie Night features railroad history and melodrama, annual Dinner at the Depot in Fullerton get-together for train watching and socializing on July 25, celebrating successful Railroad Days 2015 with photo memories and volunteer appreciation, plus announcing plans for a fall excursion to Orange Empire Railway Museum.

  • Spring 2015 Issue, Volume XIII, Number 1 (PDF; 2.6MB) - Featuring all the fantastic rail cars, model train layouts, the food court and dozens of other participants you'll enjoy at Railroad Days 2015 in Fullerton presented by Amtrak® -- plus a tribute to the all-important sponsors; our Movie Night film details, including the date being rescheduled to April 25; and a special announcement of a major addition to the SCRPA rail collection of three Union Pacific cars; and other notes of interest.

  • Winter 2014 Issue, Volume XII, Number 4 (PDF; 2MB) - Check out a special feature on the long-held Hollywood film fascination with trains; join us at the January 14 Quarterly Dinner Meeting for updates on the cabooses at the Train Station, including a report on the first free monthly tours; "Alfred Hitchcock Night" is the theme for our January 17 Movie Night; learn the details on a spring excursion to Travel Town and the Los Angeles Live Steamers; and other notes of interest.

  • Fall 2014 Issue, Volume XII, Number 3 (PDF; 2.3MB) - Caboose tours now planned twice monthly; Oct. 18 movie night will feature short subject and Agatha Christie's Murder She Said; Oct. 15 quarterly dinner at Sizzler will update membership on recent and upcoming plans; 2015 Railroad Safety Poster Contest in works; tours planned for Knotts Berry Farm; and other notes of interest.

  • Summer 2014 Issue, Volume XII, Number 2 (PDF; 2.6MB) - A Railroad Days 2014 wrap-up, including photos and many thank yous; the 21st Ridenour Award presentation during the annual Dinner at the Depot; July 16 Quarterly Dinner Meeting's program speaker David B. Housh, curator for the Pacific Railroad Museum & Library in San Dimas, in connection with the October 11 SCRPA excursion; July 19 Movie Night's 1934 RKO feature film Silver Streak, starring the Burlington Zephyr; and the 2014 Railroad Safety Poster Contest winning entries.

  • Spring 2014 Issue, Volume XII, Number 1 (PDF; 2.3MB) - It's "all aboard!" for Railroad Days 2014 in Fullerton; April 16 members dinner meeting offers opportunities for volunteer sign-ups; two pages of lists: the all-important sponsors, featured participants providing tours, model layouts, exhibitors and vendors, food court booths and other details of event on May 3 and 4 at the Fullerton Train Station; Movie Night on April 26 features Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in the 1955 film You're Never Too Young.

  • Winter 2013 Issue, Volume XI, Number 4 (PDF; 2.5MB) - Transportation Celebration in May 2014 highlights Trains (Railroad Days 2014), Planes (Airport Day) and Automobiles (Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival) on three consecutive weekends; January 15 Dinner Program features Benash, Norris and White outlining the Southland's development of railroads; "Trains, Trees & Traditions" at the Nixon Library features miniature railroad scenes; Movie Night on Jan. 18 offers two silent shorts and Western Pacific Agent, as well as wine tasting; ROC committee report; and many historical notes of interest.

  • Fall 2013 Issue, Volume XI, Number 3 (PDF; 2.5MB) An earlier-than-usual Movie Night scheduled for Oct. 12 presents Union Station as well as wine tasting; October dinner program presents rail-crossing projects on Oct. 16; UP's acquisition of Big Boy 4014 featured; Christmas Party/Train Watching/Pot-luck scheduled for Dec. 7; RSVP deadline extended for October excursion to Campo on Oct. 26; ROC and H&MC committee reports; and many historical notes of interest.

  • Summer 2013 Issue, Volume XI, Number 2 (PDF; 6.7MB) - Railroad Days 2013 wrapup with many photos; Jeff Schulze wins Ridenour Award; Movie Night presents The Titfield Thunderbolt in special digital format; July dinner program features a history of the Harvey Girls on July 10; Railroad Safety Poster Contest winners featured; ROC and H&MC committee reports; and many notes of interest.

  • Spring 2013 Issue, Volume XI, Number 1 (PDF; 2.4MB) - Railroad Days 2013 update, including equipment roster, sponsors, exhibitors, and special after-hours fund-raising event "Train Station BBQ"; next quarterly dinner Apr. 10, to discuss RRDays participation (as we give away two collectible Disney Vinylmation characters in a free raffle); Streamline Express is the Apr. 13 movie; railway safety poster contest update; H&MC report; and other notes of interest.

  • Winter 2012 Issue, Volume X, Number 4 (PDF; 2.2MB) - Metrolink Holiday Toy Express a success; next quarterly dinner Jan. 16; SCRPA board reelected; Major and the Minor is the Jan. 26 movie; fall excursion to Sylmar report; Murder Mystery lunch at Fillmore outing planned; H&MC and Caboose Restoration reports; and other notes of interest.

  • Fall 2012 Issue, Volume X, Number 3 (PDF; .7MB) - Railroad Chapel Cars featured at Oct. 10 Dinner meeting; Report on Huntington Museum outing; Annual Dinner door prize winners; membership renewal time; the comedy Shot in the Dark to be featured at movie night; historical piece on D. William Brosnan; H&MC and Caboose Restoration reports; and other notes of interest.

  • Summer 2012 Issue, Volume X, Number 2 (PDF; 6.7MB) - Photos and report on Railroad Days in Fullerton 2012; ROC report; Diamond Jim movie night; info on two upcoming excursions, to Huntington Library and Nethercutt Museum and Collection, RSVP required; poster contest awardees and photos; 2012 Ridenour Award goes to SCRPA president Harold Benash; and other notes of interest.

  • Spring 2012 Issue, Volume X, Number 1 (PDF; 4.3MB) - Latest on Railroad Days in Fullerton 2012; ROC report; Pink Panther movie night; 14th annual poster contest underway; Dinner at the Depot info and RSVP reminder; Fillmore and Western RR outing report and photos; and other notes of interest.

  • Winter 2011 Issue, Volume IX, Number 4 (PDF; 3.7MB) - SCRPA Community Celebration at Fullerton Station article and photos; Excursion to Fillmore and Western Rwy planned (download RSVP flier); AT&SF slide show at January 11 dinner; Caboose progress and modeling project updates; Railroad Days 2012 on track; private car journey report and photos; and other notes of interest.

  • Fall 2011 Issue, Volume IX, Number 3 (PDF; 10.7MB) - October dinner again at Fullerton Sizzler, with speaker W. Peter Godfrey; many photos of Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum trip; movie night in October is Carry On Nurse; caboose restoration showing progress that will be exhibited at December Train Watching party; and other notes of interest.

  • Summer 2011 Issue, Volume IX, Number 2 (PDF; 4.4MB) - Quarterly dinners moving to Sizzler in Fullerton; July speaker from Operation Lifesaver; Fullerton School Board honors Railway Safety Poster contest winners; August 20 day-trip to Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum (fill out RSPV form, due July 23); movie night in July is Train to Tombstone; caboose restoration showing progress; and other notes of interest.

  • Spring 2011 Issue, Volume IX, Number 1 (PDF; 3.1MB) - Caboose restoration begins (plus caboose history piece); SCRX "show" at Knott's Berry Farm in April; Railroad Safety Poster contest underway; Metrolink official to speak at April 13 dinner; Annual Dinner@Depot coming up (RSVP form); movie night in April is Kansas Pacific; final installment of Whittier's First Railroad; and other notes of interest.

  • Winter 2010 Issue, Volume VIII, Number 4 (PDF; 1.7MB) - New Railroad Operations Committee (ROC) formed; Lupe Valdez to speak at Jan. 12 dinner meeting on Union Pacific; Yeoman's Guide to Railfanning; SCRPA directors reelected and officers named; movie night in January is Twentieth Century; part one of Whittier's First Railroad; and other notes of interest.

  • Fall 2010 Issue, Volume VIII, Number 3 (PDF; 3.8MB) - George Barlow to tell story of restoration of No. 3751 at Oct. Dinner Meeting; Annual Dinner at Depot report, photos, and door prize list; Dennis White writes about early railroading in La Habra Valley; Movie Night is moved to Nov. 6 and will feature Terror Train; plus update on Railroad Days, SCRX, and other notes of interest.

  • Summer 2010 Issue, Volume VIII, Number 2 (PDF; 11.1MB) - Railroad Days drew record crowd in Brea Downtown; RRdays recap and photos to be presented at 7/14 quarterly dinner; movie night on 7/24 will feature screwball comedies, with the main film Some Like It Hot; SCRPA Railroad Safety Poster winners announced; article on UP's Newhal Pass; and other notes of interest.

  • Spring 2010 Issue, Volume VIII, Number 1 (PDF; 3MB) - Railroad Days in Brea issue; Movie night and wine tasting on 4/24 will feature Silver Streak; Alhambra's PE trolley spotted at Rose Parade; article on Tehachapi Loop; and other notes of interest.

  • Winter 2009 Issue, Volume VII, Number 4 (PDF; 2.3MB) - SCRPA elects new officers, board members; Passenger Train advocate Chilson to speak at Jan. 13 quarterly dinner; Norma Goble retires from SCRPA membership chairmanship and board; Caboose Train Watching party photos; Green Goat hybrids seen on UP; Historic Tehachapi SP Depot Reborn; Kathy White on being married to a Railfan; 2010 calendar; and other notes of interest.

  • Fall 2009 Issue, Volume VII, Number 3 (PDF; 1.5MB) - SCRPA debuts new website, www.scrpa.net; search continues for new site for SCRX and Railroad Days; Art Brown to speak at Oct. 14 dinner meeting; Movie Night on Oct. 24 is program of 1950s TV Show Episodes featuring Railroads; Annual Dinner at Depot report, photos, and prize list; Dennis White reminisces about being in a (rail) Traffic Dept. in 1972; and other notes of interest.

  • Summer 2009 Issue, Volume VII, Number 2 (PDF; 3.0MB) - FRPA renamed Southern California Railway Plaza Assn. (SCRPA); H&MC/SCSRA Annual Dinner at Depot on July 25; Students Honored in Rail Safety Poster Contest; July speaker rescheduled from April, will speak on Santa Fe RDC cars; Oct 24 Movie Matinee/Lunch Bus Trip details and RSVP form; etc.

  • Spring 2009 Issue, Volume VII, Number 1 (PDF; 6.6MB) - February closed dinner meeting gives details of SCRPA redirection; Bob Root remembered; April speaker is author of book on Santa Fe RDC cars; railway poster contest open to 13,000 students; Fullerton train modules; list of defunct railroads; etc.

  • Fall 2008 Issue, Volume VI, Number 2 (PDF; 7.1MB) - Annual Dinner at Depot wrap-up; Oct speaker urges saving museums; next Movie Event on Nov 15 (new date), Von Ryan's Express; PE Depot model photos; How the Santa Fe got to California; more Fullerton Railroad Days photos; etc.

  • Summer 2008 Issue, Volume VI, Number 1 (PDF; 14.9MB) - 10th Fullerton Railroad Days wrap-up; NARP president to speak at July dinner; next Movie Event on Aug 2 (new date), Last Train from Gun Hill; yet another great update on Cajon Pass construction; South Bay train research trip; Annual Dinner/Dinner at Depot RSVP info; etc.

  • Spring 2008 Issue, Volume V, Number 4 (PDF; 11.9MB) - Disney artifact expected at 10th Fullerton Railroad Days, as well as celebrations of Fullerton Fire Dept's 100th anniversary; Disney historian Broggie to talk again at April 9 dinner; next Movie Event in Bakersfield, CA: Dodge City; SCSRA Cabooses get ready for RRdays (photos); another great update on Cajon Pass construction; interview with a Brakewoman; etc.

  • Winter 2008 Issue, Volume V, Number 3 (PDF; 14.9MB) - Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Member Tomory at Jan 9 dinner; next Movie Night Jan 19, Danger Lights; April Movie Event in Bakersfield (reserve by 2/28/08); new SCSRA dues to encourage dual members, boost caboose rentals; caboose batteries removed prior to upgrade; and update on Cajon widening.

  • Fall 2007 Issue, Volume V, Number 2 (PDF; 2.5MB) - Study's findings show FRPA generates 11.5% of the Fullerton Arts/Culture economic activity; Annual Dinner at Depot 2007 wrapup and photos; article and photos on Cajon widening; Metrolink Manager and Fox Fundraiser at Oct 11 dinner.

  • Summer 2007 Issue, Volume V, Number 1 (PDF; 10.5MB) - Redevelopment Agency seeks direction on Rail Museum; FRPA offers free CD of proposed museum schematic; Railroad Days a Success with appearance of Steam Engine 3751, Disneyland exhibits, and other equipment/vendors (many color photos); Mt. Lowe talk scheduled for July dinner; SCSRA and H&MC combine for annual affair; historial piece on Pacific Electric.

  • Spring 2007 Issue, Volume IV, Number 4 (PDF; 3.6MB) - Disney C.K. Holliday Steam Engine and Kalamazoo hand car to appear at Railroad Days; rail-themed slides donated to FRPA to be featured at quarterly dinner; various updates on SCSRA cabooses, H&MC activities, and FRPA membership.

  • Winter 2007 Issue, Volume IV, Number 3 (PDF; 2.5MB) - Redevelopment Planning Workshop participants find museum a key component; two short films screened at Jan. 10 Quarterly Dinner; one-day FRPA conference on museum elicits ideas; Holiday Party/Movie Night wrap-up including wine tasting details; fascinating illustrated histories of Fullerton, the Caboose, and TrainWeb.com

  • Fall 2006 Issue, Volume IV, Number 2 (PDF; 5MB) - Upcoming Planning Workshops to garner public opinion on use of Fullerton Transportation Center; Buena Park Mayor Art Brown speaks at Fall FRPA dinner; FRPA Safety Poster Contest winners honored; SCSRA annual dinner report and photos; BNSF Special Train report and photos; bus and train conspiracy theories debunked; and FRPA honors four extraordinary members who have recently passed.

  • Summer 2006 Issue, Volume IV, Number 1 (PDF; 7.2MB) - Railroad Days 2006 photos and article on centerpiece of show, Disney's steam engine E.P. Ripley; Disney authority Michael Broggie to talk at July FRPA dinner; SCSRA Cabooses moved to Fullerton (story and lots of photos); Orange County freight train article with photos, etc.

  • Spring 2006 Issue, Volume III, Number 4 (PDF; 1.9MB) - Barry Howard (CSRM designer) to speak at April 12 dinner, Railroad days update and participant list, editorials in support of rail museum in Fullerton, update on Fullerton Redevelopment actions, Caboose Move status, SCSRA Annual Dinner info and RSVP form, historical article on DC-3, etc.

  • Winter 2006 Issue, Volume III, Number 3 (PDF; 1.2MB) - Call for Railroad Days 2006 volunteers, SCSRA nears 75% of caboose move fundraising goal, Rob Zur Schmiede to speak at Jan. 11 FRPA Dinner, four Fullerton Transporation Center developer finalists selected, upcoming FRPA Movie Night in February, SCSRA dinner in March, etc.

  • Fall 2005 Issue, Volume III, Number 2 (PDF; 3.7MB) - SCSRA cabooses coming to Fullerton in 2006, two films to be shown at Oct 12 Quarterly Dinner, H&MC Dinner at the Depot wrapup and photos, SCSRA Annual Dinner report, "Foamerton" (Fullerton) rated third most popular railfan trainwatching spot, etc.

  • Summer 2005 Issue, Volume III, Number 1 (PDF; 1.6MB) - Railroad Days 2005 wrapup and photos, Pacific Electric Historical talk at Quarterly Dinner, FRPA Poster Contest Winners, next Movie Night, Fillmore and Western Mystery Dinner Train in November, historical pieces on Niles Locomotive Works, train crossing noise complaints, etc.

  • Spring 2005 Issue, Volume II, Number 4 (PDF; 567K) - Railroad Days 2005 update, Bay Area Rail/Bus Trip details, Gold Line Talk at Quarterly Dinner, next Movie Night, Annual Dinner venue and reservation form, histories of Newhall Pass and second transcontinental railroad, etc.

  • Winter 2005 Issue, Volume II, Number 3 (PDF; 1.4MB) - Reports and photos of San Diego trip to Midway, Railroad Days 2005 update, upcoming Private Car trip in April and rest of 2005 schedule, Morse Telegraph Club at Quarterly Dinner, History of Steam Whistles, etc.

  • Fall 2004 Issue, Volume II, Number 2 (PDF; 1.4MB) - Reports and photos of Colorado and New Mexico and Hearst Castle trips, Colorado/N.Mexico slide show/talk at Oct. dinner, upcoming tour to San Diego and USS Midway (Dec 4), history of Olinda Spur, etc.

  • Summer 2004 Issue, Volume II, Number 1 (PDF; 4.2MB) - Railroad Days wrap-up with photos; Fillmore and Western Dinner and SCSRA Annual Dinner photos and recaps; update on Colorado-New Mexico dream tour; latest on railfanning in California and status of Coyote Hills; updates on FRPA, SCSRA, H&MC activities, etc.

  • Spring 2004 Issue, Volume I, Number 4 (PDF; 1.8MB) - Railroad Days preparation; new tours scheduled include Murder Mystery Train evening, Hearst Castle weekend, Colorado-New Mexico dream tour; Annual Dinner info and RSVP; wonderful histories of Santa Fe Springs, Troop Trains, PE cars; updates on FRPA, SCSRA, H&MC activities, etc.

  • Winter 2004 Issue, Volume I, Number 3 (PDF; 8.9MB) - Fall rail trips to Santa Barbara/Solvang and San Diego prove a big hit, Railroad Days coming up (more help always welcome), updates on FRPA, SCSRA, and H&MC activities, history of Harvey House, lots of photos, etc.

  • Fall 2003 Issue, Volume I, Number 2 (PDF; 500K) - Upcoming Amtrak trip to San Diego, quarterly dinner talk on Fullerton Railroading in 60s and 70s, $50K Phelps grant received for museum design, etc.

  • Summer 2003 Issue, Volume I, Number 1 (PDF; 4.7 MB) - Our first joint newsletter with FRPA. Includes update on Railroad Days 2003 (with photos), Annual Dinner meeting, upcoming rail/bus trip to Santa Barbara and Solvang, next FRPA dinner on July 16, etc.

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Also see the archive of past issues of The Headlight, SCSRA's former newsletter.


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