Learn to Drive a Steam Train

Learn How To Operate a Steam Locomotive During This Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

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About This Experience Gift

  • Enjoy a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Dive a Steam Train
  • Learn About and Actually Operate a Full Size Steam Locomotive
  • Enjoy Gorgeous Views of the Connecticut River Valley Along the Way

General Information

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Put your Hand on the Throttle and Learn to Drive a Train! This once in a lifetime experience is your chance to operate a full-size Steam Locomotive on Connecticut’s beautiful Valley Railroad.

This unique experience begins with instruction on safety aspects, basic locomotive theory and operation. Following instruction, you will join a member of the crew, climb onto the majestic 4-6-4 Steam Engine and embark on a one hour journey as a Railroad Conductor. As you depart from the Valley Railroad Station, your hand will be on the throttle as you travel past some of the most beautiful scenery and landscapes the Connecticut River Valley has to offer. Under direct supervision, you will learn how to operate and control your speeds as you marvel at the power of one of the most important and influential inventions in history.

So whether you have always dreamed of driving a train or are a history buff, this Learn to Drive a Steam Train experience in Essex is the ticket, and makes the perfect gift for train lovers!

Where It's Located

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  • Essex, Connecticut

Who Is Included

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Participants
The Learn to Drive a Steam Train Experience Gifts Certificate is valid for one participant. You will be joined by three additional students during the instruction period of the experience.

Guests
This experience is not suitable for guests or spectators.

When It Is Offered

OPEN CURRENTLY CLOSED hide

The Learn to Drive a Steam Train experience is offered on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in April and November, subject to availability. Lessons begin around 7:40 AM and 12:00 PM. Your drive time may take place a few hours after your class time is over, depending on availability.

How Long Is It

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The Drive a Steam Train Lesson includes an instruction period plus one hour of driving the train and has a total duration of approximately 4 hours.

Weather

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The Drive a Steam Train may be rescheduled by the Conductor in the case of severe weather.

What To Wear

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Dress comfortably, in casual attire. Closed-toe rubber-soled shoes and socks are required.

Additional Information

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At the beginning of each class session, students will be instructed on steam locomotive operation followed by a safety test. After the test, each student will take a turn operating a steam locomotive under the direct and constant supervision of the engine crew for approximately one hour along the Valley Railroad.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Only one participant will be allowed on the locomotive with the train conductor at a time. Guests are not permitted onboard the train.

Participants are required to sign a Liability Release Form.

ITEM/SKU NUMBER: 02GO38000B

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Reservation Information

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Changes to reservations for the Learn to Drive a Steam Train Experience cannot be made once the date of this Experience is reserved.

Xperience Certificates® cannot be exchanged once a reservation for the experience has been made.

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