Throttle Time (Diesel) 2026

Our Throttle Time program lets you try your hand at being a locomotive engineer using a vintage diesel locomotive. Our Throttle Time program lets you try your hand at being a locomotive engineer of a vintage diesel locomotive pulling a train! Throttle Time sessions are offered starting on April 25th and on most Saturdays and Sundays through October 11th. The fare for this experience is $325. For this hour-long session, you will first spend 20 minutes observing and learning how to operate one of the Museum's diesel locomotives from an experienced Museum engineer. You will then spend 40 minutes at the throttle of the locomotive on the Museum's main line, under the supervision of your engineer. The fare includes room for two riders in the cab with you to watch and document your experience. Additional family members and friends may ride in the caboose for the standard ticket fare. During your Throttle Time only family members, friends, and the Museum crew will be on board the train. You will run whichever one of the following locomotives the Museum is using that day, as per maintenance and availability: • Canadian National FPA-4 #6789 built in 1959 • Illinois Central GP11 #8733 rebuilt in 1980 from a GP9 originally delivered in 1958 • Wabash F7 #1189 built in 1953 • Chicago and Illinois Midland RS-1325 #31, built in 1960. Equipment used is always subject to change due to availability. In order to participate in Throttle Time, 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. Please arrive at the Nelson Crossing Depot at the museum 15 minutes prior your time slot. Happy railroading! For additional information, contact us at [email protected].