Re: Drive a train at CRRM?

You mnight want to look into the Nevada Northern's locomotive rental program. for a fee, ALCO 2-8-0 93 or an ALCO RS-2(?) can be rented for a mainline round trip. Steam goes to Keystone, and the diesel goes the opposite direction. Their program seems very successful.
Renters are required to pass a written exam, and a regular engineer, fireman and head end brakeman are on board. The renter operates the locomotive under the watchful eye of the crew. This is a light engine move in both directions, and the regular engineer takes over to turn 93 on the wye at Keystone, and to back into the yard at East Ely.
The crews are very competent and willing to help the renter get things right. The NNRy. is raising some needed funds for their restoration programs this way.
I think it's a good program. My son-in-law and I split a run on 93 in August and both felt it was worth the time and money spent. It's one of the few places where the railfan can actually get some throttle time.
Regards,
Ed Stabler