Great recent article about driving a steam locomotive.

https://www.citylab.com/transportation/ ... ry/596917/

The Gramlings have some industrial steam switchers that travel to different tourist lines in the warm months. While mostly in the eastern US, they offer the opportunity to be an "engineer" for a short trip. While not as exhilarating as the Nevada Northern experience, the cost is a lot more reasonable and can nicely check off a bucket list item.

Here are a few places where you can.

https://telfordsteamrailway.co.uk/attra ... eam-train/

https://nnry.com/pages/engineer.php

http://essexsteamtrain.com/seasonal-exc ... -throttle/

Some of the old tractor shows that have railroads may allow a guest to pull the throttle. It doesn't hurt to ask.

If you want to go to Germany, the Harzer Schmalspurbahnen and the Mansfelder Bergwerksbahn both have some type of student/rentals. There is also a private club in or near Meinengen Dampflokwerks which has a private Kriegslok which can be hired out.

And, so far as I know, Wolstyn, Poland still has their student firing/driving program going.

Add IRM to the mix as well. Electric, Diesel, and Steam.

Good article, I liked it. I almost never drove trains myself, because I was engaged in their design, but it was always mesmerizing :)

I can attest that the Wolstzyn Experience is well worth the trip. The US representative is Carl Franz and he has some spots available for 2020.

Also, the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR has a great fireman/engineer student program. I've done that three times. If you want a true 1930's experience firing and running D&RGW K36 2-8-2s pulling trains of wooden freight cars, don't miss it. You can check it out on their web site at https://cumbrestoltec.com/about-us-2/en ... -school-2/

-JH