Train Camp

Synopsis:

You will have the opportunity to observe up close the tasks that must be performed to operate a passenger railroad safely.  These opportunities include direct observation, explanation and demonstration of tasks performed in switching and regulated service operations.  Afterwards, you will spend the night in the crew house (bed [4 twin, 2 full, 1 queen, and 2 inflatable twin mattresses], linens, towels and wash cloths provided), and report for duty early the next morning where you will shadow the conductor, ride in the cab with the locomotive, or observe how the train functions with paying guests.  While you are welcome to stay as long as you want on Saturday during operations, you are free to leave at any time.

Items to Bring:

Appropriate attire (work jeans, boots, high visibility vest and/or safety colored shirt), gloves, safety glasses and personal hygene products.

Itinerary:

The itinerary of events is as follows - all times Central Time Zone (estimated times, duration of tasks may vary):

Friday:

2:00 pm - Report for duty for a mandatory hour-long rules class.

3:00 pm - Start the locomotives, perform locomotive brake tests, charge brake line, release handbrakes, perform train brake test.

4:00 pm or whenever control of the track is released to us - Take project cars to storage track, bring back cars to be used for the weekend, switch cars into correct order, shut down equipment and set handbrakes.

7:00 pm - Crew will be taken to the crew house and released for the evening.

Saturday:

8:00 am - Report for duty, start the locomotives, perform locomotive brake tests, charge brake line, release handbrakes, perform train brake test, meet for crew briefing.

10:00 am - Take your choice of riding in the cab, shadowing the conductor, or shadowing the onboard services chief.

1:00 pm - Take your choice of riding in the cab, shadowing the conductor, or shadowing the onboard services chief.

4:00 pm - Take your choice of riding in the cab, shadowing the conductor, or shadowing the onboard services chief.

Sessions are limited to 9 guests and are offered at $150.00 each.  Guests must be 18 or older.  Guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 21 or older.  All participants must make their own meal arrangements.  All sales are final.  No refunds will be issued unless the scheduled event does not operate.