The question of whether "guest operators" must be FRA certified doesn't depend on whether the train runs over a public crossing. Rather, the issue is whether the railroad itself is subject to the FRA engineer certification rule (49 CFR Part 240). A "non-general sytem" tourist railroad isn't subject to this rule, even if it operates over public crossings (ditto the "conductor" certification rule at 49 CFR Part 242).

On the other hand, a guest operator on a "general system" tourist road would need at least a "student engineer" certificate unless the railroad had a waiver for the operation. FRA has, in fact, granted several waivers for guest operator programs on general system tourist roads.

The New Hope Valley Ry. in Bonsal, NC, just southwest of Raleigh, has an "Operate a Loco" program. Your choice: steam (1941 Vulcan 0-4-0T) or diesel (GE Center cab). The route is four miles out and back (8 miles round trip) through the woods, up and down several grades, over a trestle, lasting about an hour.

$250.00 for steam, $125.00 for diesel.

With steam, it's pretty hands-on. If you want to come early and help us steam it up, load fuel/water, oil 'round, etc., we'd be happy for the help!

We've discussed having a program operating our locomotive but haven't gone any further with it. My question would be how does it impact your insurance costs?

That's the Million Dollar (liability policy) question. I know of at least one tourist railroad that explored the possibility and only got as far as something along the lines of "Is it OK if we let un-trained non-certified personnel operate the train?" before getting a resounding "Hell no!" (Or so I was told anyway...)

I haven't done any of the programs, but the ones that have been around a while seem to have some factors to mitigate this. 1) They often make you a member of the organization. 2) Many offer some classroom training, so at least you know basic safety. 3) Of course it's done under very close supervision. 4) Most, but not all, seem to avoid public crossings.

If you do an "engineer" program, never to do it with a regular train, and the best way is with a light engine. Never cross a public (or semi-public) grade crossing; if you must, use your own qualified engineer. Operate outside your regular hours -- do it on a day you do not regularly operate or at the very start of the day before regular operations.

We've talked about doing hand on the throttle programs but our president believes we need to put the participant through our entire training program, which make the opportunity virtually pointless. Nobody is going to go through hours of training to take a light engine back and forth through yard limits for 30 minutes.