For Californians, crossing the fabled Donner Pass and descending to Lake Tahoe is one of those essential rites of passage. But forget doing it in a car.

The video shows Smith riding around on a lawnmower with barrels attached to it, forming a train. The video is a sped-up version of him showing how he created a “Polar Express” train.

The NFTA and Explore & More Children's Museum have unveiled new "Thomas & Friends" themed trains that will bring families to and from the NFTA's newly constructed Canalside Station.

“But friends would say, ‘Oh, that sounds amazing, but no way am I going to plan all that.’” Sleeper train advocates, however, say the experience and convenience of riding the rails makes ...

Scenes from a ride on Amtrak’s long-distance California Zephyr train trip through the northern Sierra Nevada. (Javier Panzar / Los Angeles Times) But the best way to pass the time is the dining car.

“But friends would say, ‘Oh, that sounds amazing, but no way am I going to plan all that.'” Sleeper train advocates, however, say the experience and convenience of riding the rails makes ...

“But friends would say, ‘Oh, that sounds amazing, but no way am I going to plan all that.’” Sleeper train advocates, however, say the experience and convenience of riding the rails makes ...