1920S Steam Engine Visits the Port of Los Angeles; Free Rides on Vintage Red Cars All Weekend.

SAN PEDRO, Calif. -- Calvin Coolidge was the nation's president, Ford was phasing out the Model T in favor of the Model A, and Bing Crosby was at the top of the pop charts. The year was 1927 and while steamship commerce was just starting to take shape, steam engine transport was already a burgeoning industry. This weekend, step back into time and experience the Roaring `20s at the Port of Los Angeles with a visit from Steam Locomotive 3751, the oldest locomotive of its type in existence.

The historic train will be available for free public tours at the Port of Los Angeles on Saturday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Occupying Pacific Harbor Line's rail yard at 6th Street and Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro, onlookers will be able to experience the sights and sounds of a fully functional steam locomotive.

"How many people have access to Los Angeles' rail history right in their own backyard?" said Harbor Commissioner Tom Warren. "Riding the Red Cars and touring Locomotive 3751 is definitely a unique, entertaining way to spend the weekend. What's best of all is that it's free!"

Now owned by the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society (SBRHS), Locomotive 3751 was built in 1927 and operated along the Santa Fe Railway until 1957, when she was donated to the City of San Bernardino as a park display. Santa Fe Locomotive 3751 generated steam by burning coal, and later oil, while hauling passenger trains during World War II. In 1991, the SBRHS restored her to operating condition after purchasing her from the City of San Bernardino.

The harbor display is part of the SBRHS' Educational Outreach Program, designed to teach local fifth grade students about railroad safety, history and modernization.

To complement "The Steam Era," the Port of Los Angeles will offer free rides on its authentic and replica Pacific Electric Red Cars, both available throughout the weekend. Three private train cars: the Pony Express, Overland Trail and Pacific Sands -- original baggage, lounge and sleeping cars, respectively -- will also be available for public tours.

For more information, call the Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Information Line at 310-732-3473, or visit the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society Web site at www.sbrhs.org.

The Port of Los Angeles is America's premier port. As the leading containerport in the nation and a critical hub in the international supply chain, the Port generates thousands of stable, well paying jobs. It has also placed a high priority on smart growth initiatives combined with high security, environmental stewardship and community outreach. The Port of Los Angeles is a proprietary, self-supporting department of the City of Los Angeles. The Port of Los Angeles ... Anchoring a bright future.