2024 Train Ride Schedule

Take a ride on the Death Valley Brill Car N^o 5

Laws Death Valley Brill Car #5, manufactured by the J.G. Brill Company, was one of 147 self-propelled railcars often affectionally called “Doodlebugs.”  Brill Car #5 was purchased by the Pacific Coast Borax Company in 1927 for the purpose of bringing tourists from Death Valley Junction to the mining town of Ryan, a distance of 22 miles. This was a profitable venture for the Borax Company, and a popular three-day adventure for tourists. 

The Great Depression put an end to such luxuries, and in 1930 Brill Car #5 was sent to work in the potash mines of New Mexico. After fifteen years of hard labor, wrecked and no longer operable, she was abandoned. 

Rescued in 1967, she was returned to Inyo County.  Restoration efforts by Laws Railroad Museum and Historical Site’s Volunteer Train Crew were completed in 2004 and our “Doodlebug” joined the proud ranks of only five of the original 147 Brill Cars of this vintage to have been restored to operating capacity.

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Ride Details:

-Each 15 to 20 minute ride is narrated by a museum docent.

-Rides can run until 3:30 pm each operating day if demand warrants the extension.

-Tickets may be purchased either at the Train Station (cash only), or in the Reception Center Gift Shop (credit cards accepted)

-Prices are $5 per person, children under 10: $1 each. Small children sitting on adult's lap are free.

-Leashed pets may ride free on your lap, in a carrier, or on the floor of the railcar.

-This schedule is subject to change due to weather, mechanical break-down, pandemic restrictions or other unforeseen circumstances.

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Special Rides:

• Special charter rides for birthdays, weddings, or other special occasion can be arranged.

• Hand-car rides are also available by special arrangement.

Contact the Museum Office