Hi Ron, Depending on where you are and how much disposable $$$ you have, check out
LARail.com. They do an annual LA-PDx round trip this year June 4-10. Many day trips are available, mostly LA to San Diego or San Luis Obispo. All the LARail people are the nicest
Cal Zephyr Railcars (Silver Lariat & others) do positioning moves. Looks like many opportunities for LA/OAK. There are others around the country.
Be sure to check out
Trains & Travel International, a California based tour operator with lots of interesting and sometimes rare mileage excursions.
The
2015 aaprco tour/convention will revolve around the midwest KY, MO, TN in late September through early October and will be pricey.
Other folks will have equally interesting advise.