Trains Magazine has asked me to come up with an updated article for them on the various formal "Engineer for an Hour/Day" programs out there on North American excursion/museum operations.

We have an outdated list from 2001 of lines with such programs: Valley RR, RMNE (who has apparently trademarked the phrase "Engineer for an Hour"), Golden Gate RR Museum (well, so much for that), Monticello, and Portola/Western Pacific RR Museum. In addition, I am now informed such a program is in the works for PRR 0-6-0 643 in Penna. this year.

I would like to hear from, or at least about, other museums/lines that officially operate such programs or plan to, even if it's only for one day a year. I'd like to get everyone on the definitive list. I'd also like to hear from any persons responsible for such programs that are willing to be interviewed and/or quoted about such programs, the type of people who participate, etc. (Yes, Howie and J. David, I mean you two, for starts!)

You may reply on this list for more publicity, or you may e-mail me directly at the link below or at LNER4472 --at-sign-- bcpl.net.

Not (necessarily) for the article, but does anybody happen to have any "war stories" of amateur engineers "gone wrong"--a minor derailment, someone disappointed that he wasn't allowed to go 75 mph, someone who couldn't reach the throttle,. or someone who should never have been let behind the wheel of a car, let alone in the cab of a locomotive?

Horror stories are numerous but a good rule of thumb is pilots are usually good as flying is done by touch and naval officers are awful (I've experienced both Royal Navy & US Navy) because they are used to telling others what to do. Most shouldn't be allowed anywhere near a shovel - an exception was a pig farmer!

Details of Nevada Northern's are on their web site.

The specific URL for the locomotive rental program at the Nevada Northern Railway is:
http://nevadanorthernrailway.net/locore ... rental.htm

It has been operating for at least a decade (longer I'm sure), offering both steam and diesel rentals either in the yard or on the main line.

For more information contact Executive Director Mark Bassett:
nnry1 --at-sign-- mwpower.net

After several years of planning the Sumpter Valley in northeast Oregon is offering an "Engineer for a Day" program on our narrow gauge line. The locomotive is an original SVRy inside frame ALCO Mikado dating from 1920. The participant is given six hours of throttle time with a vintage freight train, along with a few extras. We're still getting the program started, and will have a dedicated page on the website shortly.

Thanks, Taylor Rush, SVRR

I believe that the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum has a Guest Engineer Program. For details, see:

http://www.mngrr.org/guestengineer.html

-John

In my opinion one of the best oportunities to run geared locomotives in their natural habitat up steep grades through the redwoods... where else but Roaring Camp. A decent price which includes the famous "Death Burger"!
From their website for 2006
Engineer For A Day

The perfect gift anytime for your favorite railroad buff. Make him or her an Engineer For A Day! He or she simply shows up at the engine house at about 9:00 a.m. and checks in with the Supervisor-on-Duty for the official engineer cap and bandana, polishes brass to a fare-the-well, assists in oiling the engine, receives a verbal briefing on the internal workings of a steam locomotive, rides in the cab for the day's scheduled trips and boasts thereafter, to all envious friends and relatives. Must be over 18 years of age. $125.00. Call (831) 335-4484 to order.



Uncle Tom[/img]

Orange Empire Railway Museum offers our "Run One" program on weekdays. Program details can be found at http://www.oerm.org

Under "calendar", click on "special events" and scroll to the bottom of the page. I can send a program logo if you would like one.

Thanks,

Corey Wylde

As I recall, both the Seashore Trolley Museum and the Shore Line Trolley Museum have such programs. Check their web sites to verify if they do.

The Florida Railroad Museums' Florida Gulf Coast Railroad offers a "Locomotive Rental" with a choice of running an EMD GP7, Alco RS3, or GE 44 tonner. At this time, the rental is for one hour and for a light locomotive. The fee for the 44tonner is lower than the others. Details are at www.frrm.org/information.shtml . Scroll down to the Locomotive Rental section of the page.

There are some restrictions and the participant has to have a valid driver's license. Discussions are currently going on regarding possibly expanding the program to include more options such as running a deadhead train, spendiing a day with the crew, etc.

So far, the rentals have been very positive for the museum, gaining us new members and even one sizable donation beyond the rental fee. We have not had to decline anyone that I know about but we reserve the right to do so if someone shows up in an unresponsible condition. An engine crew goes with each rental and participants are given a certificate after their run plus a year's membership. We don't offer this on occupied passenger trains.

-Jim Herron

Illinois Railway Museum has long had what we call Take The Throttle which is basically a one hour instruction and operating program over our 5 mile railroad. Equipment is offerred based on what is scheduled and running that day - and can be diesel, electric cars, and steam (no steam in 2006 as of this writing). All fees go directly to the restoration programs.

Info from takethethrottle@irm.org

Times are scheduled usually in late afternoon on weekends after passenger operations wind down, but there is some flexibility as special cases demand.

Bob Kutella

Cooperstown & Charlotte Valley, located in upstate NY. Engineer for an hour program-

http://www.lrhs.com/

I believe this the only one in NY, yes?

Joshua

Dear Sandy:
Yes indeed, the Valley Railroad's "Your Hand on the Throttle" program is alive and well. We have two sessions in 2006: April 22-30 (getting close to sold out) and November 14-22 (some weekend spots still left, as well as weekdays).
Our program remains popular (most sessions sellout) and a predictable source of revenue for the railroad.
Our oldest participant to date was 92 and got up into the by himself (we have had folks for whom we had to spot the locomotive at the coal ramp).
I suppose that the oddest incident was a fellow who really didn't care about running the locomotive, he just wanted to blow the whistle! I ran and he had a great time whistling for the crossings, etc.
Good luck with your artical, if you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Valley.
J.David

Here's a list of all the ones I'm aware of:

http://www.railroaddata.com/rrlinks/Eng ... _Programs/