Termination of the railroad cantilever signal project
Summary
A 1915 Santa Fe cantilever signal has sat in storage at Horse Thief Canyon Park since 2021, waiting on donations to build its display at the San Dimas Railroad Museum site in Rhodes Park. Only about $4,000 of an estimated $50,000-$60,000 has been pledged, so the council gave the project 90 days to show real fundraising progress before deciding whether to build it or donate it to another city or museum.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 3
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed May 26, 2026.
Impact analysis
Unfunded balance of roughly $50,000-$60,000; a possible $6,000 city pledge and prevailing-wage questions remain open.
Railroad history enthusiasts and park visitors would gain an operating piece of 1915 rail technology at Rhodes Park.
If fundraising fails, the city is left storing a deteriorating artifact and may donate it to Travel Town or another historical society.
Mentions & discussions (3)
City Council Meeting - May 26, 2026
Five years after accepting the donation, the council ended the project to restore the historic signal: only $6,000 of $60,000 was raised and the required Metro and BNSF letters never came. The cantilever may now go to the Pacific Electric Society or a Griffith Park rail museum.
City Council Special Meeting - Feb 24, 2026
A 1915 Santa Fe cantilever signal has sat in storage at Horse Thief Canyon Park since 2021, waiting on donations to build its display at the San Dimas Railroad Museum site in Rhodes Park. Only about $4,000 of an estimated $50,000-$60,000 has been pledged, so the council gave the project 90 days to show real fundraising progress before deciding whether to build it or donate it to another city or museum.
City Council Meeting - Jan 27, 2026
A volunteer-led project to restore a 1915 Santa Fe cantilever signal (and formerly a caboose) for the San Dimas Railroad Museum has stalled, with only ~$1,600 raised of what is now an ~$80,000 need. The council wants the piece kept whole if possible and gave the coordinator about two weeks to report back or the city may release it to another city like Pasadena or Griffith Park interests.
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