Who still does "u-drive?"

Matt Conrad · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2003 3:19 pm

What operations, preferably in the US, still have those "u-drive" locomotive programs? Anybody do it with steam?

Please, let's not get into how bad an idea such programs are -- that topic was beaten to death a few weeks back. I'm just interested to find out who does it so I can maybe take advantage of one of the progams while I still can.

The South Carolina Railroad Museum, Inc.
mconrad@msmgmt.com

jimwrinn · **Posted:** Mon Dec 22, 2003 3:24 pm

RR Museum of New England (diesel)
Valley Railroad (steam)
Portola (diesel)
Steam Railroading Institute (PM 1225 and an 0-4-0T)

Check trains.com. There's an article on there and I belive it lists ALL engineer for a day/hour operators.

NCTM has filed its paperwork with the FRA to offer this in 2004 using diesel. We've not done any advertising but we've already got a waiting list.

http://nctrans.org
Wrinnbo@aol.com

sc 'doc' lewis · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2003 3:04 am

> What operations, preferably in the US, still
> have those "u-drive" locomotive
> programs? Anybody do it with steam?

and unlike some of the other programs, we offer the scenario of actually pulling a train (usually box, flat, gon, and caboose). We limit the class to 3-4 engineers and start the day with instruction, walkaround inspection, then take the class out to MP7.5 for runs between Decker Bay and Wallsburg (MP 11) each engineer has the opportunity of making the run in each direction.

For more information contact John Rimmasch (435) 654-5601 xt 105.

sc 'doc' lewis

Heber Valley Railroad
utweyesguy@aol.com

Bob Kutella · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2003 7:11 am

> What operations, preferably in the US, still
> have those "u-drive" locomotive
> programs? Anybody do it with steam?

Illinois Railway Museum still has a "Take the Throttle" program for trolley cars, diesels, and steam. These are for private trips not hauling the public and usually involve a one hour time frame, or a little more. They remain popular and sometimes need to be scheduled well in advance. And subject to the usual disclaimers about mechanical breakdown, substitution of equipment, weather, the price of tea in Patagonia, etc.

Bob Kutella

68trolley@comcast.net

John D · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2003 8:24 am

TVRM used to have an awesome u-drive program (steam or diesel). Any updates?

Jerry Huck · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2003 11:16 am

Sumpter Valley Ry is planning to offer a program in 2004, using Mikado # 19 or Heisler # 3.
Contact SVRR at 541-894-2268 or 541-523-3453,for more details........Jerry

Sumpter Valley Ry
lmcx@eoni.com

Bob Davis · **Posted:** Tue Dec 23, 2003 10:04 pm

> Sumpter Valley Ry is planning to offer a
> program in 2004, using Mikado # 19 or
> Heisler # 3.
> Contact SVRR at 541-894-2268 or
> 541-523-3453,for more details........Jerry

If I recall correctly, Golden Gate RR Museum (San Francisco CA) was offering turns on an EMD, an Alco, and an FM switcher earlier this year. Quite appropriate considering that SF was one of the last places where FM's ran in regular service.

Mark Bassett · **Posted:** Fri Dec 26, 2003 10:54 pm

The Nevada Northern Railway Museum offers such a program. You have your choice of Locomotive 93, a 1909, ALCO 2-8-0. On the diesel side of the house you have your choice of a RS-2, RS-3 or a ex-SP SD-9.

Rental prices range from $200 to $550. Trip time is about 2 hours. You head out on our mainline track. One branch has grades of 3%, two tunnels and three road crossings.

All money received this year from the rental program will go to completing the restoration of Locomotive 40.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum
nnry1@mwpower.net