The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum (HVRM) in North Judson, an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization, is offering two different Guest Engineer Programs. All guest engineers must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid drivers’ license, and be physically able to climb into the engine cab.

Men and women have come in from as far away as New York, Louisiana and California for this experience at the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum. They all leave with huge smiles on their faces, museum volunteers report.

The half-hour guest engineer program is in the HVRM yard which is about a mile long with side tracks. Yes, the guest engineer is in the engineer’s seat the full time, under the supervision of a qualified engineer.

For the hour-long guest engineer/throttle time program, the guest engineer completes the same program as the half-hour guest engineer program before coupling up to several cars and pulling them out on the mainline for the last half hour. 

Prices are: $100 for half-hour and  $240 for hour-long.

For both of the guest engineer programs, one person is usually allowed to ride in the cab of the engine with the guest engineer.  A guest engineer is not allowed to pull cars with passengers on them. Guest engineer programs are scheduled on Saturdays, and in accordance with State of Indiana Covid-19 guidelines.

Advanced reservations are required - email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 574-896-3950. Leave a voicemail and one of the volunteers will get back with you as soon as possible. Additional information at www.hoosiervalley.org. Payment is due when your guest engineer program is scheduled.

If you are interested in giving a guest engineer program as a gift, a flyer can be sent you to give as the “gift.”

The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum is dedicated to the preservation, education, and history of railroading and the surrounding area.