At the Wiscasset, Watterville and Farmington cab rides are offered, when possible, for no extra charge. People either ask, ask for their kids, or occasionally a crew member will invite a particularly a interested passenger.

We take a different approach on 'engineer for an hour'-style programs. First of all, several other nearby railways do offer such experiences. Instead of offering another similar program, we opt to get people involved as volunteers, and climb the ranks working on the railway. While it does require a significant time commitment in comparison to ''engineer for an hour', volunteering can be tailored to their availability and interests. Best of all, it doesn't have to end at the end of the day, and it isn't based on a cash transaction. This probably won't work for everyone, but it seems to work well for us.

Stephen

Watterville??? :-)

Keith

Watterville is where we keep the electric motors that run the smoke generators and power the pseudo steam locomotives. :-)

I got a free "cab ride" on White Pass and Yukon's #73 oil burning 2-8-2 in 1989 . I was talking to the engineer as he was getting ready to head out with a 2 or 3 diesel 10 car train to the shops where he would cut off the #73 after putting on a good show for the tourist on board the packed train which would then continue up to the summit pulled by the diesels. This was a regular routine at that time . When he said that his fireman was just taken for another job cause they were short handed that day , I quickly said ,"I can fire oil". He would have fired it himself just fine but he said ok, let's go . She was a nice engine to fire . No slop in the oil regulator linkage . The injectors worked as they should . I'm sure the engineer kept an eye on the water and pressure but never said a word to me while running. He had that baby really working , so since she fired so well ,I leaned way out of the window with my video camera in my left hand and started filming. With only a light haze out the stack , I gave the oil valve a goose and of course a black column of smoke shot skyward for 5 seconds . Since the pressure was just below the pops , she popped off which I really didn't want to do . We cut off the train and pulled up to the shops. I got a good shot of the snub nose diesels roaring by with the train . I thanked the engineer and he said wait here for a ride back to town. It was almost half an hour before a company official picked me up. It was very enjoyable with the mountains , #73 and the aromas of steam and valve oil . I left the engine with a full glass of water and a simmering fire. I never saw the engineer again not to mention #73 or Alaska.

This is from their website:
Experience a day in the life of an engineer and fireman in the cab of a steam locomotive. Watch them feed the fire and watch the gauges for safe and efficient operation of the locomotive.

Ride 3 1/2 hours one-way in the cab of an authentic K-28 or K-36 coal-fired, steam-powered locomotive pulling our regularly Engineer in loco cab scheduled train. Observe first-hand what it takes to operate a historic steam locomotive.

Book a morning trip from Durango to Silverton or an afternoon trip from Silverton to Durango. Ride the opposite direction in the comfort of your choice between standard train seating or riding in our motor coach on US Highway 550. Estimated round-trip train excursion time is 9 hours including layover in Silverton.
Winter Locomotive Ride: For those who choose to ride during our Cascade Canyon Train schedule, you'll get to ride in the locomotive round trip! Same fare and amenities.

Locomotive Ride Fare: $1000*