enginer for an hour programs

Jack A.Siffert · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 9:30 am

I'm looking for information from the groups currently doing this.I'm wondering about insurance,sucsess of the program,problems,and the different ways the various programs are run.

irss@eriecoast.com

Wowak · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 10:45 am

> I'm looking for information from the groups
> currently doing this.I'm wondering about
> insurance,sucsess of the
> program,problems,and the different ways the
> various programs are run.

The Michigan State Trust for Railway Preservation runs sporadic "Engineer for an Hour" programs with Superpower Berk Pere Marquette 1225. However none appear to be scheduled at this time.

MSTRP-PM1225

mrwowak@yahoo.com

Erik Ledbetter · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 12:13 pm

Portola has perhaps the most well-known operation (http://www.oz.net/~samh/frrs/), and RRM of NE at Naugatuck (http://www.rmne.org/) has been very active as well.

eledbetter@rypn.org

Greg Scholl · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:15 pm

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Greg Scholl · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:16 pm

Sorry about the last one....quick trigger.
Just going to add...The Valley Railroad in Connecticut. JDC can provide URL to web site if they are indeed doing this again this year.
Greg Scholl

Videos
sales@gregschollvideo.com

Kevin McCabe · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:32 pm

> Sorry about the last one....quick trigger.
> Just going to add...The Valley Railroad in
> Connecticut. JDC can provide URL to web site
> if they are indeed doing this again this
> year.
> Greg Scholl

We've run our "Take The Throttle" program for about 7-8 years, on electrics, diesel, and (some years) steam. No problems at all, just lots of smiles. SInce there's a qualified crew or motorman aboard, and we're not running on general system track, there's a minimum of complications. Financially, it's been quite a success.

Kevinmccabe@avenew.com

Kevin McCabe · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:33 pm

> Sorry about the last one....quick trigger.
> Just going to add...The Valley Railroad in
> Connecticut. JDC can provide URL to web site
> if they are indeed doing this again this
> year.
> Greg Scholl

Okay, I THOUGHT that I had mentioned that this was at IRM, but . . . once again, the fingers type slower than the brain thinks.

Kevinmccabe@avenew.com

Bob Yarger · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 1:49 pm

I think a place that could really use such a program is the C&TS. The Friends do very well with their work gatherings, but I think they might get more attendees if the volunteers were each rewarded with an hour at the throttle for their efforts. Assuming they eventually had enough operable backup engines, they could run at both Chama and Antonito. The RR could continue to make money most of the year also, with regularly scheduled individual sign-ups.

Certainly novices wouldn't be allowed on Cumbres, but hostling in the Chama and Antonito yard shouldn't be a problem. For a few more $$$, individual participants might do a bit of switching or possibly pull a short freight from Antonito out to Lava Loop and back, with grandma and the kids in the caboose. And of course more $$$ could be had from making a vanity tape for the new engineers to take home and share the experience with others.

bobyar2001@yahoo.com

Greg Scholl · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 2:32 pm

> I think a place that could really use such a
> program is the C&TS. The Friends do very
> well with their work gatherings, but I think
> they might get more attendees if the
> volunteers were each rewarded with an hour
> at the throttle for their efforts. Assuming
> they eventually had enough operable backup
> engines, they could run at both Chama and
> Antonito. The RR could continue to make
> money most of the year also, with regularly
> scheduled individual sign-ups.

> Certainly novices wouldn't be allowed on
> Cumbres, but hostling in the Chama and
> Antonito yard shouldn't be a problem. For a
> few more $$$, individual participants might
> do a bit of switching or possibly pull a
> short freight from Antonito out to Lava Loop
> and back, with grandma and the kids in the
> caboose. And of course more $$$ could be had
> from making a vanity tape for the new
> engineers to take home and share the
> experience with others.

Nice idea Bob, I have suggested something like this with a 2-3 day session, where they haul a real train for just such a group. Problem is right now its hard to even get a cab ride, let alone run one. Back in 93 I sponsored two days worth of charters and was turned down when I asked to ride the cab for 2-3 miles to the next runby location. I did get to ride in 487 once behind the rotary for maybe a mile or so, but thats it in all the years I have been going out there. During the Barholomew years I understand he sold cab rides for $50.00 on the Osier to Cumbres leg, but beyond that I think the insurance has something to do with no cab rides.
Plus, there is not extra motive power this year, or so it seems.

Videos

sales@gregschollvideo.com

Tom Shreve · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 3:08 pm

> I'm looking for information from the groups
> currently doing this.I'm wondering about
> insurance,sucsess of the
> program,problems,and the different ways the
> various programs are run.

Roaring Camp has had an Engineer of the Day Program for about 10 years now. The EFD shows up with the hostler, signs a standard release and helps out in the preparation of the engine for the day's run. He (or She) then rides with the crew as part of the crew until the end if the day's runs.

ironbartom@aol.com

Keith Albrandt · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 5:13 pm

The Nevada Northern Ry Museum has a student engineer program. Choice of steam or diesel, yards or main line. There's a link for "Engine Rental" from their main web page -- click below.

I'm not sure who to contact at the museum for more detailed information on the program, but you may want to try their general email and ask for a referral: nnry@mwpower.net

Cheers,
Keith Albrandt

Nevada Northern Railway Museum
kalbran1@san.rr.com

dan · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 5:29 pm

> Roaring Camp has had an Engineer of the Day
> Program for about 10 years now. The EFD
> shows up with the hostler, signs a standard
> release and helps out in the preparation of
> the engine for the day's run. He (or She)
> then rides with the crew as part of the crew
> until the end if the day's runs.

Tom,

Running for 10 years means it must be a success! Could you tell apprx. how many Engineer for a day you get during the summer season? I thought you also have an Engineer for an hour program?

dan

svry@attbi.com

Al P. · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 6:11 pm

In southern New England Visit the Naugatuck Railroad, Railroad Museum of New England. follow the link to there web site for Engineer for and hour information.

Al P.

Railraod Museum of New England
alp@cheshire.net

G. Mark Ray - TVRM · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 6:34 pm

I am curious how those who do this handle the Title 49 Part 240 issues. Wouldn't the "engineer" need a Class 3 License to operate a locomotive? And if so, does he provide his driving record as well as hearing and vision acuity tests? And what about the efficiency testing? Once he's got a card, he's got to be tested. If he doesn't need a card to operate, please explain to me how. I seem to remember the FRA may have issued a ruling on this but my memory is foggy. Can someone remind me?

We used to do this at TVRM but have gotten away from it because of, well you guessed it, insurance. And it was a good money maker.

G. Mark Ray - TVRM

TVRM Shop Updates
aw90h@cs.com

ESinclair · **Posted:** Wed Apr 17, 2002 8:00 pm

Golden Gate Railway Museum in San Francisco has such a program. They had one about three weeks ago with the 2472.

edwinsinclair@hotmail.com

enginer for an hour programs

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