Is it possible to tour or do a ride along on a train?

Question

I live in Columbus, OH and we have CSX and NS going through town and I would like to just see an engine up close and personal and get a ride on one. Is this possible and if so how can you get the process started?

Answer 1

Your local railway museum will let you ride, and if you volunteer to help, they'll let you operate the equipment yourself, work on equipment, track or trolley wire.  And they don't worry too much about 9/11 :-b

The nearest one to you is the Ohio Railway Museum in Worthington, one of the oldest museums in the country, and one of the few that's electrified to operate streetcars and interurbans.

http://www.ohiorailwaymuseum.org

I believe there are several other railway museums and tourist railways in southern Ohio, but I don't have my directory handy. The nonprofit museums tend to be receptive to volunteer help.   Them, or a local shortline, is your best bet for a cab ride.

Answer 2

I used to get rides with my dad on NS. He is an engineer. That's honestly the only way you could get a ride, unless you meet a friendly crew in a highly secluded location. It's all about liability, and if you were to get hurt, it would be the crew's ***. Scenic railroads, or museum railroads, like someone has already stated are the best bet. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad from Cumberland-Frostburg, MD offers cab rides in their steam locomotive for a price of around $125. It's worth it!

Answer 3

You bet.  And, it goes way beyond a ride.

The Nevada Northern Railroad in Ely, Nevada (a bit off the beaten path for you) has a "rent an engine" program, with two steam engines to chose between, as well as diesel electric power.

Ya pays your money, climb aboard, and YOU get to run the engines, either on the main line or in the yard.  I wanted to go this year, but it didn't work out.

The main line trip is aboard a Consolidation, and is the most expensive at around $600.  All the money goes back into restoration work.

So, save your pennies and plan a trip for next year, for the ultimate "ride along."

Answer 4

you need to go to a rail road muesem.  there is one in Monticello ILL.  for 50 bucks you can ride in the cab and run the thing.

Answer 5

Not anymore due to 9-11 and insurence reasons. sometimes if a close family member works for a railroad you can get a ride.  If you really want a cab tour visit a local Railroad musuem or tourist RR.

Alex

Answer 6

Probably not. Insurance reasons.