Lomita Railroad Museum

On a day created for why we live in California, it was an unexpected treat and surprise to discover not only the city of Lomita, but the  charming Lomita Railroad Museum, dedicated to the proud era of the steam engine that's the hallmark of the Museum.
The Museum, the first of its kind west of Denver, Colorado, was founded in 1967 by Mrs. Irene Lewis who commissioned the Museum in memory of her husband Martin, and bequeathed it to the City of Lomita. The Lewis' had owned "Little Engines of Lomita," a business that manufactured miniature live steam locomotives, and so Irene Lewis was most familiar with the history and operation of railroads. After researching train depots and stations nationwide, she chose to copy the Victorian architecture for her replica of a 19th century depot, the Boston & Maine's Greenwood Station in Wakefield, Massachusetts.
Inside you will find such treasures as the Locomotive Whistles, Locomotive Classification Light Collection, Tie  Date Nails, Keeler Cooler, Link and Pin Coupler, Hand Lantern Collection, and much more.
Outside there's a Southern Pacific Railroad steam locomotive and tender in operation from 1902 to 1960. Close by is a 1910 Union Pacific caboose and a modern all-steel Santa Fe caboose. Across the way is a 1823 Union Oil tank car, and 1913 Southern Pacific,outside braced  box car; and a wooden railroad water tower.
You are welcome to board the steam engine, explore the caboose, and tour the Museum gallery with over 1500 rare and historic artifacts on display.
The Museum located at 2137 Wesr 250th Street, Lomita, CA 90717 is at the corner of Woodward and 250th Street. There is an entrace fee. They are open Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and for more information and reservations phone: (310) 326-6255 or www.lomita-rr.org