> 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.

Howard Pincus (occasional poster here at RyPn) sent me some information on their program (brochure, flyer, waiver, etc.). As we finish getting set for this next operating season, the CMO wants an "EFD" program in place for the volunteers this fall (to work out the bugs) and for the public Spring 2003.

Trains.com has an article on their website (link below)

"The Thrill of a Lifetime"
utweyesguy@aol.com

The Naugatuck Railroad (NAUG) is owned and operated by the Railroad Museum of New England. For various regulatory and other reasons, NAUG is a common-carrier, general-system railroad. Our regular engineers are all Part 240 compliant. The EFH program is operated under a waiver issued by FRA. We do have certain requirements; if any of you are interested in the details, contact me off-list.

Howard Pincus
NAUG/RMNE EFH Manager



hpincus@mindspring.com

> 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

I remember TVRM had this program cause we talked about going down there to do a video of it, but then the policy changed.

It is a shame there are not more places for folks to do this. Not only does it bring in some revenue but does give some folks a chance to get "hands-on" experience. Some of these folks may join the preservation movement.

I have no desire to be an engineer full-time, but I think it would be neat to do this once someday. I was just looking at some old film which shows my dad running a B&O Pacific in the late 50's. The Real engineer shot the movie. Pretty cool remembrance of him for me!

As for schooling, I know the group in Michigan had a lot of training sessions before the guys were allowed to take controls. Some sort of certification may have been involved. Not sure if they do this any more.

For me the experience would be much more interesting with a decent train behind to get a feel for what power is needed to do the job!

Greg



Videos
sales@gregschollvideo.com

Fla Gulf Coast RR Museum has a program, too. For $ 100 you can "rent" a GE 44tonner and for $ 150 you get your choice of an RS3 or GP7. All movements are light engine movements and an introductory training session is held, The renter is always accompanied by a qualified engineer and the session involves a four mile round trip. A certificate is presented to the renter at the end of the rental. The museum reserves the right to decline applicants it deems unsuitable.

The prices used to be lower but since they increased, so has the demand. It's a good income producer for the museum.
-Jim Herron

hrvideo@mindspring.com

> 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

We get aprox. 2 per weekend all summer long as well as durring the spring and fall. It is probably one of the best values of it's kind. For $125 you spend a whole day with the crew on a logging engine, receive a cap and bandana, all the abuse you would ever want, and we even feed you!

We do an engineer for the hour on Father's Day as part of that promotion as a lottery thing. The conductor picks the winner out of a hat from the ticket stubs.

ironbartom@aol.com

> We get aprox. 2 per weekend all summer long
> as well as durring the spring and fall. It
> is probably one of the best values of it's
> kind. For $125 you spend a whole day with
> the crew on a logging engine, receive a cap
> and bandana, all the abuse you would ever
> want, and we even feed you!

> We do an engineer for the hour on Father's
> Day as part of that promotion as a lottery
> thing. The conductor picks the winner out of
> a hat from the ticket stubs.

This all sounds interesting....I have seen your name on this board, but have no clue as to what rail operation this is associated with. Can you elaborate a bit for us in the dark?
Greg


Videos
sales@gregschollvideo.com

I know this story may break your heart. It is a story of addiction gone wrong.

I did the Roaring Camp EFD about 2 years ago. Now they can't keep me away.

It all started because of Air Canada. They have these fares that make staying over the Saturday night a lot cheaper than doing the usual "business" flying.

Budgets being budgets, it is much cheaper for our company (the Canadian Government) to send people away over the weekend, to pay for their hotel and car. I am silly enough to agree with this practice.

My work takes me to San Jose/Monterey once or twice per year. Initially, I would just drive to the Roaring Camp, ride a couple of times, then just sit and watch the action. Certainly much more interesting than the topless beach half way to Monterey.

Then, one year, I brought along my wife. She read of the "Engineer for a day" program, and signed me up.

No longer did I have to sit behind the "Do not enter" signs. No longer did I have to wonder what was in the engine house. I was an Engineer for a Day.

Now, they can't keep me away. My work clothes travel with me. My coveralls have done more frequent flying than most people. I email my intentions, just so the regular employees can find all those tasks that they don't want to do. "Hey, the Canadian is coming. Let him figure it out".

I have found release forms for the EFD's to sign. I sign one myself. Last trip I brought along a video camera. Filmed all kinds of stuff, and even mailed a copy to the EFD who was on that day.

I volunteer to do *whatever* they want me to do. Whether it's fixing brakes on the riding cars, or showing the EFD how to get covered in grease when changing the grease gun cartridges. I do it. I try very, very, hard to work safely, and to not get under the feet of the employees. The last thing I want is to be viewed as a pain-in-the-butt.

Do I have fun? You bet. Do the airport security people get worried when their X-rays can't penetrate those workboots in my luggage. You bet. Do my workmates think I'm crazy. You bet.

It's been almost 3 months since my last Fix. My hands are shakey. Fortunately, in February I had a week at Utah with 3 2-8-0's to keep me sane. But still, I know that soon the shaking will start again.

> Roaring Camp has had an Engineer of the Day
> Program for about 10 years now.

luigi@mainframe.dgrc.crc.ca

Greg
I've worked for the Roaring Camp & Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad in Santa Cruz County, Ca.for the better part of 30 years.

ironbartom@aol.com

> Greg
> I've worked for the Roaring Camp & Big
> Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad in Santa Cruz
> County, Ca.for the better part of 30 years.

Cool, we have Roaring camp in our America By Rail-The Heartland video shot in 1994. If I were closer the engineer for a day sounds like fun!

Steamingly,
Greg Scholl

Videos
sales@gregschollvideo.com

> 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.
Jack- Check the latest Railfan and Railroad Magazine.(with Great Western/Heber Valley #75 on cover.) They have an article on Portola's program and an insert of several other lines which also have engineer for an hour programs.


jburke@aydindisplays.com

> I know this story may break your heart. It
> is a story of addiction gone wrong.

Good post John! You have a way expressing how I feel as a volunteer. I wish your travels took you near Baker City. We could use your dedication and railroad devotion.

Not go to the topless beaches? Well... But when you've seen two you've seen them all. Gee, I must be a rail nut also.

dan
SVRy volunteer Engineer, Trainmaster, Board Member, Conductor, Brakeman, deck builder and whatever else they'll let me do.

svry@attbi.com

>> Not go to the topless beaches? Well... But
> when you've seen two you've seen them all.

Unlike diesels, there are some very fascinating variations worthy of study.

About this posting, actually I was wondering how many operating groups offer visiting qualified engineers stick time officially or otherwise?

Dave

irondave@bellsouth.net

> 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?

On the Naugy, we meet the Part 240 requirements be indeed having the prospective engineer provide her/his driving record (federal & state), vision & hearing test results & a physical. At that point, the candidate is ready to become a student engineer. There is about 15 minutes of equipment familiarization before the student is allowed to operate a light engine only.

We worked with the FRA on this seeking their approval for the qualifications needed, the section of track to be operated on and the consist of the train.

The section of track is isolated via a derail & barrier to prevent either the regular operating train, or the student's train from entering each other's territory. Also, the Form D's cut for each train specify a buffer zone.

The students are tutored by a DSLE for their time at the throttle. We try to make this a learning experience - the fun part is automatic.

Since the candidates are technically students, we don't have a problem with our insurance carrier.

Engineer for an hour
agalanty@oxhp.com