Fireman position

Kevin,
I am just joking with you. I can see now you are much younger than I thought. Go with Earl's estimate on how long it might take you to become an Engineer if he knows you in person. I only know you on this chat page.
Max was the Rear Brakeman on the Cumbres to Antonito leg of our journey last Sunday. I believe he said he is 18 or 19 years of age. He does want to learn to be a Fireman, but says he has a lot to learn about the railroad before moving up to that position.
I am 66 years young and started learning 1:1 scale railroading in 1996. It took me 4 years to make Fireman and another year to become an Engineer on our #19 Mikado here at the Sumpter Valley. I am still training to be a Fireman and Engineer on our #3 Heisler. It will take me much longer because with the high price of firewood, we are not running her much now.
Good luck!
dan