Southern California Railway Museum (SCRM) | Perris, CA
The Southern California Railway Museum (SCRM) is the largest railway museum in the western United States and an unparalleled filming destination for productions seeking historic, industrial, and transportation-based backdrops. With a vast collection of over 200 full-scale pieces of rolling stock and thousands of historic artifacts, SCRM offers unmatched flexibility and authenticity for film, television, and commercial productions.
Spanning over 100 acres, the site features eras ranging from the 1870s to the 2010s, with equipment that includes steam and diesel locomotives, streetcars, freight cars, passenger coaches, light rail vehicles, and switchers. Many pieces are fully operational and mobile, while others can be repositioned or staged as static set dressing. Select rolling stock may be transported offsite for filming, subject to availability and at the producer’s expense.
Notable locations and equipment highlights:
- Fully operational diesel locomotives (1939–1967)
- Fully operational steam locomotive (1922)
- Operational Los Angeles Railway and Pacific Electric streetcars (1906–1958)
- Modern light rail vehicles from 1989–2015
- Period-correct passenger coaches (1911–1980)
- Over a mile of mainline track extending into open fields and residential-adjacent areas
- Authentic 1950s downtown streetscape with storefront facades
- Historic 1890s-1940s depot and 1940s-1980s station building
- Vintage brick loading platform and turn-of-the-century turntable
- Vintage Motor Pool and Machine Shop
- Deserted industrial sidings, junk piles, and remote stretches of rail
- Operational crossing signals, switch stands, and trackside signage
- Expansive train barns and industrial storage buildings
SCRM offers a self-contained, film-friendly environment with ample parking for base camp and crew, power access, and on-site support for logistics and rail operations. The museum’s Southern California location provides consistent weather, flexible shoot schedules, and easy access from Los Angeles.
Whether you’re recreating a 19th-century rail journey, capturing a gritty industrial landscape, or showcasing the golden age of streetcars and passenger trains, the Southern California Railway Museum offers an unparalleled combination of authenticity, accessibility, and production value.
For scouting, availability, or logistics inquiries, please contact the museum directly.