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FANSASTIC BIRTHDAY GIFT/// MY HANDS WILL BE ON THE THROTTLE

Alex MAlex MOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hello everyone,

 

    I hit the big 50 in January and my awesome wife surprised me with a fabulous gift. We will spend a weekend in Essex Connecticut and I will have the privilege to learn to drive a steam engine. I'm really looking forward to this, but I need all the real pro's on this Forum to give me some tips. There's a lot involved before I could even get into the cab.   There's a study booklet and then a one hour class before I get behind the throttle. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!  Has anyone else been on this excursion?

 

Thanks very much,

Alex

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leavingtracksleavingtracksOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Alex...you are a lucky guy.  You tell Dina that LaKeeta and I say she is an ANGEL!!  AND...Happy Birthday to you....wish I was 50 again...!!

 

Now for some advise:  Whatever Elliot says, don't do it and you should be just fine!!..LOL!!! (Elliot, I had to say it...just had to..!)

 

Have a wonderful time Alex and both of us look forward to seeing you two at York!!

 

Alan

Alex MAlex MOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Guys,

 

 Thanks Johnny, Dave, Alan,Thomas, and Dave B, for the kind words !!!!!!!!!!!

 

Johnny, Yep this is a great gift, see you at York

 

Dave, I really like a Mikado too. I also love your saying, that's the path I follow too.

 

Alan, Dina and I thank you both very much, Looking forward to seeing you guys at York.

 

Thanks Thomas I'm glad you also enjoyed your train run

 

Dave B, yes I agree with you, this is going to be way harder then upgrading a Lionel engine.

 

Thanks,

Alex

C challenger3980OGR Forum Member

Alex, you are going to have a GREAT time. The first Steam locomotive that I got to run was an H.K. Porter 0-4-0T that belonged to the Father of a Family Friend, the only downer to that day was the opportunity was during the Final Steam Up in Clyde's Honor after his passing, Clyde had MANY steam and other old machines, several Steam Donkeys, several Steam tractors and even a Stanley Steamer Automobile.

 

 The next Steam locomotive that I ran was the Nevada Northern 4-6-0 #40, just a light engine day, but was still an unforgettable event, made even better by adding their SD9 #204 to the pkg.

 

 The last Steamer I ran was the Sumpter Valley narrow gauge Mikado #19, that was with a complete (though short, only about 9 cars) train. The day that I was able to reserve for that, just happened to be one of my Nephew's 4th Birthday. The people at the Sumpter Valley were Great, when they found out it was Will's B-Day they let Him, his Brother, my Sister Brother in Law, my Mom and Step-Father all ride in the Caboose.

 

Doug

Picture 162

Picture 323

Picture 319

Picture 640

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Images (4)
  • Picture 162: Clyde's H. K. Porter 0-4-0T
  • Picture 323: Nevada Northern 4-6-0 #40
  • Picture 319: Nevada Northern SD9 #204
  • Picture 640: Sumpter Valley Mikado #19
John C.John C.OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER
Really liked the photo of the Porter.  They used these in Sommers Montana at a tie plant that existed for years!
 
Originally Posted by challenger3980:

Alex, you are going to have a GREAT time. The first Steam locomotive that I got to run was an H.K. Porter 0-4-0T that belonged to the Father of a Family Friend, the only downer to that day was the opportunity was during the Final Steam Up in Clyde's Honor after his passing, Clyde had MANY steam and other old machines, several Steam Donkeys, several Steam tractors and even a Stanley Steamer Automobile.

 

 The next Steam locomotive that I ran was the Nevada Northern 4-6-0 #40, just a light engine day, but was still an unforgettable event, made even better by adding their SD9 #204 to the pkg.

 

 The last Steamer I ran was the Sumpter Valley narrow gauge Mikado #19, that was with a complete (though short, only about 9 cars) train. The day that I was able to reserve for that, just happened to be one of my Nephew's 4th Birthday. The people at the Sumpter Valley were Great, when they found out it was Will's B-Day they let Him, his Brother, my Sister Brother in Law, my Mom and Step-Father all ride in the Caboose.

 

Doug

Picture 162

Picture 323

Picture 319

Picture 640

 

G GreggOGR Forum Member
Originally Posted by Scrapiron Scher:

Alex, I can tell you exactly what to do.

First, be sure to dress like a real locomotive engineer. 

 

Eliot and 765

 

Second, make sure you have the "real" crew in the cab with you in case the loco derails. 

 

Eliot and Rich Melvin

 

Third, be sure to have your sneakers available because if the loco does derail, they will chase you out of town !!! 

 

Scrapiron's Wreck

The Fireman

Third  Pic.. Somethings not quite right.. The box car has quite a lean to it, Derailment??

Last edited by Gregg
NJCJOENJCJOEOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Alex,

 

Happy Birthday.

 

Chris did the same thing for our anniversary a few years ago. The Valley Railroad's Hand on the Throttle was an awesome experience. You are going to have a blast. The railroad sends you some instruction materials which you should read and understand before you go. Once you get there you go through a one hour training course and then take a short test on the information you just covered. You then are given a time slot for your one hour run behind the throttle.

 

I was expecting the crew to let you blow the whistle and ring the bell and that's it, but I was wrong. You are actually running the locomotive during that time. I suggest you learn as much as you can about basic locomotive operation before you go. The reason being, is that the more you know the more the crew will let you do. At least that was my experience during my run.

 

We have some pretty good wives. This is something you will remember for ever. Enjoy it. If you have any questions let me know. For those of you who want to know more about the program, here is the website.

 

http://www.essexsteamtrain.com/throttle.html

Captain JohnCaptain JohnOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBERMEMORIAL SUPPORTER

Happy 50th Alex. I'm sure it will be an experiance you will never forget. I was able to do it once with an F40PH and it is still etched in my mind. I've taken my sons and grandchildren to the Valley Steam train and have always enjoyed the times we have spent there

 

Dina has given you a wonderful 50th birthday present!!  Have a great time.

Alex MAlex MOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I thank you all for the nice comments, and great info, and input !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Doug (challenger 398) thank you for the nice photos

 

Lightningstripe, thanks for the tip about the video

 

Ben thanks, I would enjoy hearing about the subway trains!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Gerry thanks,  yes 50 is the new 35, I actually feel 35.

 

John B, and N5CJonny and Spence thank you.

 

Paul, good idea forward the thread too MJ

 

Pat & Jean, thanks for the photos, looked like you guys had a great time !!!!

You guys look like pro's .

 

Doug N, Great too hear from you, I will let you know the date I'm going. We could get together and talk trains.

 

Steve, we will try to see and do as much as possible, I heard it's a great time

 

Joe, yes we do have great wives!!!!, I will email you when the date gets closer. Maybe you can give me some tips. 

 

John (captain John) thanks for the great info!!!!!!

 

John S, I will tell Dina too talk to Michele !!!!!!

 

Brian, thanks so much. I could never wear overalls LOL LOL just regular jeans!!!!

 

RickO, LOL I'll be a student that day and listening very closely. This is way way out of my league.

 

Art (Chugman) No smoke unit upgrade for me that day. LOL

 

Jim thanks

 

Once again I thank you all, I hope I didn't forget anyone!!!!

 

Thanks,

Alex

 

 

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