Re: Of shortlines & NG, Ely and Durango

"My comparison to the NN was that for $355 less then D&S cab ride you can operate a steam locomotive! How much is Sumpter Valley's engineer for a day program?"

I believe the cost next season will be about $900 for the SVRy EFD program on # 19 and around $1,000 for # 3, but you best call to get the actual cost. This cost is based on operating expense and what you get for the money. You operate the locomotive as soon as Hostling is finished and connect to the freight train. The EFD does a brake test, then pulls the freight to Sumpter, park and eat lunch, then run the locomotive around the train, couple up and take the train back to McEwen. At McEwen you do another run around and then another round trip to Sumpter and back, a total of 20 miles for both trips. Then you put the train away, and put the locomotive to bed for the night. If you get there early enough you can participate in the Hostling. We allow you to get as greasy and oily as you like. The whole affair including Hostling is about an 10 hour gig. If you pass on Hostling it is about 5 hours of pulling a freight train.