The mission of the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad (SMVRR) is to preserve, improve, and interpret historical and contemporary aspects of the SMVRR. We provide our members and the public with educational programs such as history, current business practices, and trends related to railroading in general and the SMVRR in particular.
Friends also conducts various activities such as field trips, tours, and travel. Friends is a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible organization.
More information is on our About page.
We welcome your Donations to Friends!
Current Activities:
2026 Rail Photo Contest
Submission Deadline in One Month
Our 6th Annual SMVRR Railroad Photo Contest is now open and accepting submissions. Showcase your favorite Santa Maria Valley Railroad photographs. Photos must be submitted by October 1, 2026. The winning photos will be presented in the Friends Winter January 2027 Newsletter.
Info on our photo contest page.
August 15, 2026
BBQ and Open House at the SMVRR
We had another great BBQ this year. We changed up the food this year and enjoyed a BBQ Buffet plus we had tours of the new 210 Caboose, the Amtrak passenger car and the new 2025 locomotive.
Photos of this year's fun on the BBQ Page.
May 16, 2026
Dinner Gala and Fundraiser
We had our best Gala ever --- thank you very much to all our donors, attendees, and sponsors. Everyone really enjoyed a nice evening visiting with friends, eating a delicious dinner, and sharing desserts with others.
More Info
Caboose 210 Comes Back to SMVRR
The Santa Maria Valley Railroad’s Caboose 210 returned home to the SMVRR on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The caboose will now be restored by the Friends of the Santa Maria Valley Railroad. Help us restore 210 with your volunteer time, donations, or other support.
Click here
for more info and photos of the move.
Click here
to donate to the restoration of Caboose 210.
OUR SPONSORS:We welcome new sponsors to expand our programs and tours, and fund educational activities. |
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