George,

I remembered you doing this 611 At The Throttle from last year.  I am fence straddling doing a session on the July 4th weekend but it's almost as big a commitment as our Asheville excursion in April, time and money.  I know your session was a gift and wonder if it was something you'd spend the money on out of pocket.  The folks at NCTM are great to work with and the excursion could not have been better.  For me this would mean traveling from Jacksonville, FL to Spencer & back for 30 minutes, but...I'll be 70 the following Wednesday and this would be a birthday gift from me to me.  What do you think?

I'd have sent you an email but you don't list an email address.  Mine is in my profile.  If we have Private Messages (PM) as a feature on the forum then I've missed it.

Thanks and enjoy the day.

Richard Snipes

4501Safari posted:

...For me this would mean traveling from Jacksonville, FL to Spencer & back for 30 minutes, but...I'll be 70 the following Wednesday and this would be a birthday gift from me to me.  What do you think?

DO IT!

It may be a long drive for only 30 minutes, but it's 30 minutes of your life which you will never forget!

I'll second what Rich said- do it!  About 12 years ago, I had the chance to ride in a UH-1 Huey helicopter and passed because I didn't want to spend the money at the time- I STILL regret that.

Definitely do it.

I agree,  jump at the opportunity....you won't regret it!

after Christmas 2015, I was talking to Uncle Jim about the B-17 Nine Oh Nine being in the area. Dad,Jim and I are WWll buffs, especially the aircraft, and the Fort holds a special place for the three of us. Jim told me he wanted us to go for a ride in Nine Oh Nine before he kicked. and he'd pick up the tab. He passed suddenly a couple months later, never getting to take the ride. If you can make it...do it...you never know.

Rich,  I did not get to read your response until 5 hours later.  You tipped me over.  The reservation is made and a room is booked!  The folks at NCTM have been very helpful.  I cannot say enough about how helpful and positive both Lea Cook, Gift Shop Manager, and John Mercer, Event Ticket Sales & Membership Services are.   They made this happen for me with ease.

Between weekends, 611 will be on site but may be receiving maintenance so accessibility is unknown at present.  This weekend's At The Throttle sessions are filled.  The July weekend is pretty open.

Thanks for the nudge!

Richard Snipes

Just getting back to this after posting the above.  My brother and I were talking the other night and he mentioned regretting not taking a seat on a B-29 that was at the Greenville, SC airport.  He said it woud've been well worth it for the experience in hindsight and not having regrets.  It's what Dave & Mike are saying.  

I've been behind 611 many times and rode up Saluda Grade with her once.  All this was back in the day when we could walk into the yards and do photos and video and touch a living engine.  I wish there was a way to do a save of memories before we die as so much goes when we do.  Funny how some memories play instantly when not thought of for years.  They flood like a spring creek.  

Keep adding to the pages...

Richard Snipes

4501,

Rich couldn't have put it better.  I am just now seeing the forum today.  You will not regret this at all.  The only thing to regret is that you didn't book 2 slots back to back!

George

Are there any tourist railroads that will let you do this? Strasburg? Reading and Northern? New Hope? I thought Valley RR Essex Steam Train in Connecticut had such a thing?

Robert K posted:

Are there any tourist railroads that will let you do this? Strasburg? Reading and Northern? New Hope? I thought Valley RR Essex Steam Train in Connecticut had such a thing?

Many tourist railroads offer throttle time. I enjoy firing when we have guest engineers just learning the game on our railroad, the New Hope Valley in Bonsal, NC. Our little 0-4-0 saddle tanker may be small, but I know folks have a great time running her on the 8-mile round trip. $250 for an hour of throttle time is a bargain, I think!

i did throttle time on the northern Nevada steam engine. I was so nervous, but took to it as duck to water. they said I was good at it which made me proud. I have done a lot of super experiences like diving the andre dora , bikini wrecks,atocha, but this was the best of all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am 80 now and glad I did it. so kudos to you for doing it.

all depends want you want. $450-$475 for 30 minutes in a B-17,$1800-$2900 for 30-50 minutes in a P-51.

4501Safari posted:

Rich,  I did not get to read your response until 5 hours later.  You tipped me over.  The reservation is made and a room is booked!  The folks at NCTM have been very helpful.

I am VERY glad to see this! You won't regret it! The folks in Spencer run a good operation...and they're good people.

If you run into Scott Lindsay when you're there (611's Chief Mechanical Officer) tell him I said hello.

I hope to see Scott and will definitely pass the word.  Thank you again!  Looks like the weather for this weekend's events is great.  Mid 50's at night.  That is wonderful.  Really looking forward to this, 247 tons of enjoyment!  Thankfully I know a few people who like trains as much as I do.  I also believe some machines have life force, a spirit...a soul if you will.  I learned to listen when they speak to me, often in the silence of a touch.  I find they hear me as well.  It is a gift I for which I am grateful.

Take care, Richard Snipes