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Engineer For a
Day
Do
you love railways? Are you looking for a
Birthday or
Father's (or
Mother’s) Day gift idea they will never forget?
Come
enjoy a once in a lifetime experience by becoming a
Locomotive Engineer
For a Day!
Learn how the diesel locomotive works with hands-on experience.
Assist in preparing the train for the day's excursion and/or putting it
away for the night. Sound the bell
and blow the horn at grade crossings as you ride in the
locomotive. In order to maintain our
unparalleled safety standards and stringent scheduled time requirements, we only allow
one person to participate as an Engineer per trip.

So
here's what happens! You must arrive at
the Maintenance Shop three (3) hours prior to the train's departure to
meet your Crew and receive your
complimentary Prairie Dog Central Railway
Engineer’s hat and bandana. You will learn basic Safety Rules,
receive your own current copy of the
Operating Timetable and
General
Operating Instructions, after which
you and the Engineer will tour the locomotive
and, under the watchful but always friendly eyes of the Engineer, get
the locomotive “prepped” before actually starting the diesel engine. At
this point you may have gotten slightly dirty
so you’ll be glad that you brought that change of clothes with you!
Watch and read, in
conjunction with the Engineer and the rest of the Crew, the
day’s train orders, and see what is required for the Federal Regulatory
Safety Tests prior to leaving the Shop Track. While sitting in the cab you’ll
get to watch and listen as the Engineer and train crew convey
instructions back and forth by radio and hand signals as they line
switches and progressively “make up” the train. Make certain that the
bell is ringing as you pass in front of the Station and
be sure to wave at the awe-struck persons
standing on the Station platform. The, once
the train is in place in front of the Station and the final Air
Tests have been concluded, it’s time for a well earned cup of coffee!
At
departure time the Conductor advises the “head end crew” that it’s safe
to proceed, and the Engineer will show you how to ring the bell and pull
the handle for two whistles. Watch him as he gently pulls on the
throttle. Along the way to your first destination you will be invited
to sit in the Engineer’s seat and while
the Engineer is at your side, you will ring the bell and whistle for the road crossings. Once at
our final destination, and after the engine has
been turned on the wye, you can get out of the cab and join your family
or friends who are on the train … or go with your “new”
friends from the train crew and enjoy a well-deserved
cup of coffee and a snack.
All too soon it’s
back on board and now the Fireman on the out-bound trip is the
Engineer. You’ll get to see how another person operates the locomotive
and, as before, you will ring the bell and whistle ... always with the
Engineer immediately beside you ... for a private road crossing on the
return trip. After the train arrives at
Inkster Junction Station you can choose to rejoin your family or
friends, or, if you prefer, finish the day with the rest of the crew in
putting the passenger coaches and the locomotive back in “the barn”.
Later, once back at
home, you'll receive your Engineer For a Day
Diploma and a
photograph of YOU as the Engineer For the Day!
Q: When do
you offer this incredible opportunity ?
A: From the first operation in May
right through to the end of September
on daylight runs when Classic
Diesel locomotive 4138 is used. For safety reasons this
program is not offered for the Oak Hammock
Marsh
Evening Excursions nor for the Railway
Fall Supper.
Q: What
should I wear and bring?
A: You will require steel toe shoes, work gloves and jeans or
overalls. A word of CAUTION: please be
sure to wear steel toe shoes to ensure your safety. Please keep
in mind that your clothes could get
very dirty. We’ll provide
earplugs and of course as above you will receive the complimentary Prairie Dog
Central
Railway Engineer’s Hat and a bandana.
Q: Where does
my family or my friends ride?
A: With the Engineer For a Day Package, you receive two (2)
Complimentary tickets for your guests to ride
on board the train.
Q: Can I
bring a camera?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to bring a camera to remember the occasion.
We will also provide you
with a certificate for your "Engineer for a Day" training and a
Prairie Dog Central Railway t-shirt.
Q: I would
love to ride in the engine but I can't spend the entire day ... can I
purchase a seat aboard the
engine cab?
A: No, but we encourage our guests to visit the
locomotive cab and coaches while the train is at its major
stopover, generally at Warren.
Q: How old
must I be to ride in the locomotive?
A: You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the
Engineer for a Day. You will sign a release form
before departure.
Q: How much
does it cost and how do I make reservations?
A: The cost is $449, all-inclusive of taxes and fees. Payment in full
must be received at least 10 (ten)
business days prior to the date of the Package. Refunds will only occur if
the package date is
cancelled by the Prairie Dog Central Railway.
or if you advise us at least 10 (ten) business days prior
to the date of the Package. Please
send an e-mail or call (204) 832-5259 to make reservations or
purchase an Engineer For a Day Gift Certificate. Please note that
this Package is ONLY for Classic
Diesel locomotive 4138 and is subject to cancellation due to
training of our own Volunteer Members or
re-scheduling due to conditions beyond our control. If cancelled by us, you
will be provided the choice of
re-reserving or having your payment refunded in full.
Prairie Dog Central
Railway
now more than ever ....
More than just a
Train Ride!
© Copyright 2005 - 2008
The Vintage Locomotive Society Inc.
P.O. Box 33021 RPO Polo Park
Winnipeg MB R3G 3N4 |
phone: (204) 832-5259
fax: 1-866-751-2348 toll free North America
Information:
info@pdcrailway.com |
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