The Pacific Railroad Society has reached a turning point with our private car, the National Forum. We are in the same boat as the 3751 group, in that Amtrak has raised the rent to store the National Forum in Los Angeles. We just can't afford it any longer. We are forced to find a new home for the National Forum.

The PRS Board of Directors are contemplating several solutions to this problem. Among our options are:

Storing the car at New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society at Albuquerque NM. There are several advantages to this. Security, extremely low rent and the possibility of running behind recently restored ATSF 2926. We have an agreement on the table and approval by the PRS Board of Directors is pending. Though the NMSL&RS is enthusiastic about the idea, there are several logistical problems storing the car out-of-state. Amtrak will not pick up private cars at intermediate points such as Albuquerque. The cost of shipping the car back to Los Angeles on the BNSF for excursions, is well beyond our means. Once it goes to Albuquerque, it may never return.

Storing the car at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris CA. The SCRM is generally open to this idea. Though no details or formal agreement has be made or discussed. They already have a National series UP sleeper and the addition of the 'Forum to their existing train set would make an attractive UP excursion or "movie" train. This would present another logistical problem for us. Metrolink or Southern California Regional Rail Authority, charges several thousand dollars to temporarily cut the mainline and provide rail access. This would make future National Forum excursions on Amtrak, such as LA to San Diego on the Surfliner, unlikely. Captive excursions on SCRM property are feasible. This option would keep the National Forum a lot closer to us. Though like Albuquerque, once it goes in, its unlikely to get back out.

Storing the car at the San Bernardino History and Railroad Museum in San Bernardino. The San Bernardino Historical & Pioneer Society is very enthusiastic and motivated to have us park the National Forum at their facility. Though the "application fee" (think security deposit) is significant, the monthly rent would be very reasonable. Instead of being "buried" at Amtrak, it would be accessible to members and the public via Metrolink. The car would be located "in our own backyard" so to speak. This option also has a logistical problem in that pulling the car in and out of SBHRM requires coordination with both Metrolink and BNSF. Theoretically, it would still be possible to run excursions in Southern California. Though it would be costly and probably be very difficult.

While these are good options for us, some would require air brake work that is estimated to cost upwards of $10,000! Some Board Members are in favor of outright donation of the National Forum to the SBHRM or some other group. This would cost us next to nothing. But it would forever terminate our National Forum private car operations. Let your PRS Officers and Board Members know how you feel. Email us at info@pacificrailroadsociety.org.