Does the Roaring Camp have that info on their website? I can't seem to find it...

PS - If you know of one that I've missed, and it has a web page, please let me know and I'll add it. (I couldn't find web pages for several of the ones mentioned above, which seems like a real oversight if they really want to promote them...)

Roaring Camp's info for "Engineer for a Day" is found in the "Store" section of the website. Scroll down and you will find it.

http://www.roaringcamp.com/store.html

JB

You may want to verify the existence of the GGRM program...especially since most of their equipment has left the property at Hunter's Point.

sc 'doc' lewis

One of the most noteworthy in the past several years that has not been mentioned here is the Pere Marquette 1225 program. It was written up in at least one magazine in the past. I assume the still do it. They are the Michigan group at Owosso I think. MSTA or some such initials.

As a subcategory to this piece, why not mention which ones offer a light engine, versus pulling some sort of train. While I have never actually played engineer, I have had many cab rides, including sitting in the engineers seat. I have always thought that if I were going to do something like that, I surely wouldn't want to do it on a light engine. Of all the ones listed so far the most inviting one I have seen seems to the new Sumpter Valley one. Don't know the cost, but an authentic engine on its Sumpter right of way, pulling a freight train has some appeal in itself.

I sure wish something like this was available on the Cumbres and Toltec or Durango and Silverton. Imagine the experience of running a train from Chama to Cumbres, or Antonito to Cumbres!!! Probably won't happen but thats where I would want to go!!!

Greg Scholl

Http://www.gregschollvideo.com

PS Our Garratts of Zimbabwe program with be released on DVD next week. Its on the website under Vintage Steam DVD's

The New Hope Valley Railway in Bonsal, NC (just outside of Raleigh) runs its Operate-a-Loco program from May to November. Budding engineers have their choice of operating either a GE45 ton diesel, a GE80 ton diesel, or an 0-4-0T steam locomotive, each type for a different price. The run takes about an hour, and covers the entire length of the line. All runs are under the direct supervision of a qualified NHV Engineer. Further details can be found at the website (http://www.nhvry.org), by telephone (1-919-362-5416) at the Yard Office, or by email (info@nhvry.org).

Bob Crowley
Corporate Secretary
East Carolina Chapter, NRHS

It's still listed on their website, but that could be out of date...

Not any more (or the website is out of date, not sure which):

http://www.nhvry.org/oploc.htm

This program has been suspended for 2004 until further notice

Due to the renewal terms of our liability insurance, we are presently unable to offer this popular program for the 2004 operating season. We regret this requirement on the part of our insurance carrier. For over 8 years we have conducted the operate-a-loco program safely and without incident. Close to 200 individuals have experienced the thrill of operating a switch engine over our line. Hopefully we will be able to resume this popular program sometime in the future. Thank you to all who have participated!

The Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association offered this for almost 10 years. We have not offered it since 2001 since 643 has been out of service. 643 will be back this year, and so will the program. We usually run it the week of our Steam show (Aug 27-Sept 4th in 2006) and is one of our more popular activies, and it allows us to keep the locomotive fired most of the week instead of just on the heavier passenger days. We have been taking names for the waiting list since 2001, we are usually sold out, and this year we may run extra days depending on how many folks sign up (still being discussed, main priority is still getting 643 back together!)

We usually run the locomotive light for the training. We give you instruction on how everything works, and then, under the supervision of our instructor engineer, you can make as many runs as you can fit in your 30 minutes up and down our mile of track. (We sell the time in 30 minute blocks, and we do allow you to purchase several in a row if you like)

We've had all sorts come out over the years. One of the most common issues is a heavy hand on the throttle, I've seen some "interesting" driver slips while instructing.

If anyone is interested in further information feel free to e-mail me at prr643@hotmail.com

BTW 643 passed her PA State Boiler Inspection this past week, so we are 100% good to go for this year!

Tom von Trott
Crew, PRR 643

Mr. Harbison,
I'm afraid the website is a bit out of date. Mr. Crowley's post about the NHVRy is accurate, our insurance carrier has permitted us to again run our Operate-a-Loco program. Sorry for the confusion.

Please have your webmaster update it and then I'll restore your listing to my links directory.

The New Hope Valley Railway most assuredly IS running its Operate-a-Loco program, folks. The webmaster was apparently just a bit behind in making the update to the website. That is being remedied today.

Bob Crowley
Corporate Secretary
East Carolina Chapter, NRHS