Hi!
I'm also 15 and hopefully a future fireman or engineer. This is what I've heard about this subject. Flame away all you want steam engineers- you're not going to offend me. But I thought it would be helpful to share what I've heard. I also won't be offended because it's important that the information be accurate which this may or may not be.
It depents on a number of things. One of the big things is whether the railroad/museum you work with is insular. What I can tell you is that the regulations change, but in what regards, someone else will have to shed light on. (Generally speaking, an insular railroad is a railroad which operates on private property, a non insular railroad is one that crosses public roads and right of ways) Also, it's likely that your state has their own requirements/laws. Generally, to be an engineer on a steam locomotive the requirements are something like: 1)You must be 18 or 21 years of age (it is 21 here in MA, but 18 in ME, where I would like to volunteer), you must have a boiler operator's license, you must take an oath, and, you usually have to take an exam operating a locomotive with an inspector(like a driving test), and after that they grant your "license to operate a steam locomotive". I guess you do finally get one license, but, you before you can get a license to operate a steam locomotive, you need a boiler license, and you need to maintain it after you get your steam locomotive license. Here in MA, you're also required to take 6 hours of continuing education in boiler maintenance and/or operation. You will also see with the requirements for getting your boiler license a given number of hours as an apprentice boiler operator. In most cases this can be completed at a museum or where you work. I know members of the local museum that runs steam who got there license without doing any apprenticeships anywhere but at the museum.
In most places, working as a fireman, you don't need an engineer's license, you work under his/her license, but you do need to be the minimum required age. Also, remember that technically under FRA regulations, minors are prohibited from the cabs of operating locomotives.
My advice to you if you are interesting in being a future fireman/engineer is to get involved with a museum. Introduce yourself to the crews on steam run days--get familiar with the people, make donations if possible, come and volunteer, prove yourself as being responsible and willing to work. Scrape paint and sweep the shop floor until you are of age. By that time I'll bet the crews will be happy to have you join them among the ranks.
Hope this helps,
Trevor Hartford
