Quick Details
During the Great Freight Experience you will get up close and personal with a 1,500 horsepower locomotive. You will work on the ground and in the cab, learning about hand signals, throwing switches and performing air tests. You will operate a freight train consisting of one or more freight cars and a caboose from the KRM train yard to Gethsemane, Kentucky and back, the total distance is approximately six miles. On arrival at Gethsemane switching will take place so the engine is on the front end of the train for the trip back to New Haven.
For this 3.0 hour-long session, you will spend the first 30 minutes going over the rules and safety procedures and learning how to operate one of the Museum’s diesel locomotives from an experienced Museum engineer. You will then spend the remainder of your time at the throttle of the locomotive and on the ground of the Museum’s main line; the former Lebanon Branch of the Louisville and Nashville Railroad, under the supervision of your engineer. Requests to operate a specific KRM locomotive can be honored depending on equipment availability and operational considerations.
During locomotive operation, the KRM certified engineer is in charge of the locomotive and is ultimately responsible for its safe operation. The participant is placed at the controls of the locomotive and is allowed to operate the engine under the direct supervision of the certified engineer. The engineer may at any time take partial or full control of the locomotive in order to demonstrate a particular task, to assist the student with the operation of the locomotive, or to maintain the safe control of the locomotive.
In order to be an engineer of the day, you must be at least 18 years old, physically able to climb up to and enter the locomotive cab, and able to operate the locomotive controls. You must hold a valid driver’s license in your state or country of residence. Sturdy closed toe shoes are required, no open toe shoes are allowed in the locomotive. Please arrive at the Kentucky Railway Museum 15 minutes prior your time slot.
For additional information or to reserve your unique experience, contact us at (800) 272-0152. All ticket sales are final.
This experience is available on the following dates at 1:00 pm
April 21
May 19
June 23
July 21
August 18
September 22
October 13