Sign Up for this event HERE

Central Coast Railway Club is pleased to offer its members and their guests a rare field trip to view the historic restoration of the Pacifica Historical Society's Ocean Shore Railroad Coach #1409, a rare artifact of this historic railroad. This will take place on Saturday May 18, 2024, at 10:00 am. This visit will also include time to view a working model of the Ocean Shore RR located in the Pacifica Coastside Museum, across the street from Coach #1409.

The Ocean Shore Railroad is a fascinating and important railroad for the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. It was incorporated in 1906 to be a high-speed double track line to run from San Francisco to Santa Cruz California along the Pacific Coast. The impetus was to develop real estate for housing along the Coast. The railroad had spectacular scenery as much of what was built clung to edge of the Pacific Ocean.

Unfortunately, this was part of its downfall as weather along this rugged coast required significant maintenance to keep the line intact. It was only built from San Francisco to Tunitas Glen and Santa Cruz to Swanton. The line in the middle from Tunitas Glen to Swanton was never built. The line ran from about 1907 until 1920. Today certain cities and towns along the original completed right of way trace their history to the building of the Ocean Shore Railroad.

Coach number 1409 is a very special and significant artifact from this railroad as there are very few of such examples remaining. The Pacifica Historical Society has been diligent in trying to save remnants of this railroad and has put in many volunteer hours working on the restoration of the car. We will be able to be shown recently completed work done on the coach.

This will be a drive-to field trip. The presentation on the car and the visit to the Pacific Coastside Museum will be about 2 hours and will allow for photography.

Some of the group may want to informally meet afterwards for lunch at the Vallemar Station Restaurant, one of the few remaining Ocean Shore depots in existence, and the only remaining depot open to the public.

The tour will start at 10:00 am. If coming from San Jose, please allow about 1 hour drive time. We will send directions to the car, the museum, and the restaurant to all who sign up along with further details.

Please contact Steve Ferrari (steveferrari@yahoo.com or 408-504-0112) with questions.

Note: Due to limited space, this field trip is reserved for Central Coast members and their guests.

Sign Up online for this event HERE (There is no charge for this event)

Information and Sign Up form HERE (download, print out and complete this form and mail it to the address provided)