Learn to Drive a Steam Train

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

(30 ratings)
Price for 1 Participant

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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

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 to Go for Lessons and Classes Experiences in New York

Essex, Connecticut

Group Size and Spectator Info

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 can you book Learn to Drive a Steam Train

OPEN Additional Dates Coming Soon CURRENTLY CLOSED

Additional Dates Coming Soon

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 The Learn to Drive a Steam Train

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.

Does Weather Impact Lessons and Classes Experiences

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

What to Wear for Lessons and Classes Experiences

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

What To Know Before You Go

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 And Cancelation Policy

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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Drive A Steam Train Essex Customer Reviews

Average Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Great experience!

Although it took a year and a half to be able to reserve our date, my husband loved driving a steam engine! Staff was wonderful and all went very smoothly.
Lynnea Stadelmann - Inman, SC
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great Experience!

It was a great experience all around. The crew was outstanding! The best part was blowing the whistle :-)
Dominick Regina - Budd Lake, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Essex Railroad

Essex Steam Train and Riverboat is an excellent operation. Every person I interacted with was friendly and made the experience that much better. Driving the steam train was a lot of fun!
Vincent - Merrick NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hands on the Throttle

Excellent all around. A learning experience and enjoyable.
Richard O'Neill - Somerville, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Drive a Train

Great people and location. Much more than I expected. Very enjoyable and well spent afternoon.
Robert Lauriat - North Haven, CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Drive the Train

Was a wonderful experience. Very interesting and informative, and a once in a lifetime experience! Instructors and assistants were very knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you so much for an enjoyable time!
Paul Valerio - Frankford, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Live Steam in Motion

The experience was a much more inclusive study of steam locomotion than I had anticipated. Not only did I get to move a steam engine but I learned how it really works.
Danne Lorieo - Yonkers, NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Drive a Steam Train

Very educational. Good teacher. Excellent engineer on train.
Carl Fritschi - Essex, Ct
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Essex Hand on the Throttle

I received this as a Christmas present from my wife and it was one of the best gifts I ever received. I am fascinated by how things work and older "technology" so the educational and instructional component of the experience was just as fun and interesting as driving the big engine.
Kevin K. - Norwalk, CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Absolutely Amazing

I recieved this as a birthday gift and it was the best gift I have ever recieved. This is a once in a lifetime experience that is truly worth the money. Thr crew is very friendly and personable and are willing to help and train you. The driver and fireman are both really great guys who enjoy their job and this makes the whole experience a million times more enjoyable. If i could rate it higher than a 5, I would not hesitate to do so. Absolutely great gift for any train nut.
Vinny - New York
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Drive a Steam Train

The two individuals (e.g. the fireman and the engineer) were outstanding. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone that has a remote interest in understanding the concepts of driving a steam train. The Steam Train Team made me feel comfortable with the experience and overall extremely enjoyable. Thanks so much!
Susan Bostick - Gold River, CA
Verified Xperience Days Participant
You Hand on the Throttle

This was my 2nd experience and with a different locomotive. The thrill of driving it, blowing the whistle and just savoring the moment was priceless. My thanks go to my family and the expert train crew for making it a memorable day!
Armand - Staten Island
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hand On The Throttle Experience

My Hand On The Throttle Experience significantly exceeded my expectations! As good as the actual experience of operating the locomotive the interaction with Paul and Ken who provided in actual experience was better. Paul and Ken made my experience. I recommend this experience to anyone with any interested in railroading.
Ken A. Forrest - Gold River California
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hands On Train Experience

Better experience than I expected. The Engineer was very patient, explained everything clearly. Excellent Instructor. The Fireman was also great. Will recommend this to my friends.
Robert Radecki - Sussex, CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Steam Train

Absolutely Fabulous! Brian, Eric, David were very nice local people to work with. It truly was a dream come true for me and the best present ever. All my friends and relatives were shocked, surprised and later just as excited as I to watch my experience on video.
Helen Ryan - Essex
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hand on the Throttle

Ready to do it again! Was a great ride, people were great! You control a 150 ton locomotive, get to feel the rush of all that steam power moving one big machine!
Jeffrey Kier - Ewan NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hands on the throttle

This was an excellent experience. I will highly recommend it to others interested in steam railroads.
Alfred H. Brand - Kew Gardens NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Great!!!

One of the best times I've ever had had....can't wait to do it again!
Brian McKeen - Hanson, MA
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Drive a Steam Train

It was terrific!!! I took the class at noon on April 20th and rode the train at 4 PM. While everyone was very friendly and behaved like they really enjoyed their job, I would like to call specific attention to the crew on the train. They were very friendly and eager to share their knowledge about railroading. They made you feel right at home and put you at ease. Their attitude was that they were happy I was there and eager to share railroading with me. I would recommend it to anyone interested in trains!!!
Keith J. Nevrincean - New Jersey
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Train Experiece Day

'The Hands on the Throttle' Train Exp.Day was awsome. It was a dream of a life time for me. The crew and instructors were very good and patient with all of us. It was worth the drive to Essex to see and drive a real Steam Locamotive,what an Awsome piece of machinery. Thanks again for the RIDE!! PS:Special thanks to my Spousal Equivalent and her 2 Daughters for making all of this possible for me.
Roger Chagnon - Lyman, ME
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Steam Train

WOW - what an exciting and exhilarating experience! Getting the chance to start, run and stop a steam locomotive was awesome. Feeling the engine rumble and sway along the track, smelling the coal smoke and swirling steam, and of course, blowing the whistle for grade crossings and kids (seeing them smile and wave to me was pure pleasure!) on this 8 mile trip are some of the sensations and images I'll always treasure. The instructors and engine crew were truly professional, very patient and answered all my questions about operating the locomotive. I tip my engineer's cap to them. Thank you to the Valley Railroad, and especially my family, for this wonderful gift. Now, it's your turn. The engine and crew are waiting for you. GO!
Armand - Staten Island, New York
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Train Driving Adventure

I got this as a birthday present and it was amazing, I loved every minute of this experience.
Nathan - Thompson
Verified Xperience Days Participant
LEARN TO DRIVE A STEAM TRAIN

As a life-long lover of anything having to do with railroads and especially steam locomotives, this was the experience of a lifetime.
HAL MARSHALL - LAKE LOTAWANA MO
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Steam train

The experience was fabulous. The folks at Valley Railroad are enthusiastic about sharing their love of steam trains and making the event everything it was advertised to be. I'll likely do it again and one of my friends is ready to sign up as well.
Ray James - Williamsburg, VA
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Steam Train

Driving the steam train in Essex was a wonderful experience. Moving 80 tons of metal was the thrill of a lifetime. More importantly, I have made a small contribution to railroad preservation.
John Sharkey - Essex CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Drive a Steam Train

For a few hours last Friday, I became a little boy again, driving a steam locomotive along the Connecticut River Valley. It was a dream I have had for over fifty years since I was just a kid playing with my electric trains at Christmas. Words cannot describe the thrill!
Ken Buettner - Essex, CT
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hands on the Throttle

What a wonderful adventure! The crew and staff could not have been better. I was at the throttle for #97, a 2-8-0 Consolidation. Now I have one up on my other train friends - I have actually driven a steam locomotive!
Danny Seymour - Howell, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hands on the Throttle

Fantastic, great bunch of people. Lots of fun, one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Michael Lux - Warren NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Drive a Steam Train

Fantastic, start to finish! I'll be back with friends!
Peter - New Hampshire
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hand on the Throttle

This experience exceeded my expectations. The classroom activities covered all the principles of operation of all the major components of the steam engine. It was well presented utilizing a real engine and models with plenty of time allocated to questions. It is amazing technology for the time. Once on the engine, the engineer and fireman did a fantastic job giving me the guidance to actually operate this amazing machine myself. I highly recommend this experience.
Ray Marino - Bridgewater, NJ
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Learn to Drive a Steam Engine

Outstanding adventure. Great people at the Essex Valley RR drove a 282 consolidation steam engine, apretty big engine. Class was first then drove the train for 1 hour through Conn. Valley along the river. Absolutely terrific day. I'm going to do it again. The RR is a living museum of stores, repair shops and yards.
David Robertson - Mt Sinai NY
Verified Xperience Days Participant
Hand on The Throttle

One of the great moments in my life time.
Instructors were very helpful and considerate of our needs to learn a lot in a very short period of time. The engineer and fireman did a great job in making me comfortable at the trottle! I will return soon to do this again! Thanks again!
Arthur Tuttle - East Lyme
Verified Xperience Days Participant
'Hand on The Throttle'

My siblings and I purchased this for our Dad's milestone birthday. He had an absolutly amazing time. The faces on the 4 engineers we saw, including Dad's, after their time at the throttle were priceless...like a young boy Christmas morning. I would highly recommend this once in a life time adventure for any steam train buff. Must be at least 18. Just be sure to reserve in advance as this expereince is limited and always sells out. The staff at the Essex Steam Railroad Museum were great and provided everything needed (release, train manual, etc.) well in advance. Again, I highly recommend this adventure!!
Rebecca Pervere - New Hampshire
Verified Xperience Days Participant
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Questions about Drive A Steam Train Essex

Question: Would I be able to purchase a ticket to ride on the train WHILE my husband did this experience?

Answer: Unfortunately, the provider does not allow anyone on the train during the lesson. Only one participant will be allowed on the locomotive with the train conductor at a time. Guests are not permitted on board the train. However, you will find that there are several things for you to do that are close to the train station.
Question: My husband loves trains and I am thinking about this experience for his 60th birthday. How long is the train ride and is he in the cab the entire time? Would I be able to ride in the passenger area of the train or is there an area I can wait in?

Answer: During the Drive a Steam Train your husband will first have a lesson on how to operate the train and a safety test. He will then enjoy one hour of conducting the train. The total duration of this experience is approximately 4 hours. Unfortunately passengers are not permitted to ride along in the train during the experience. Essex is a beautiful waterfront district with plenty to explore. You may enjoy a visit to a museum, a morning at the spa, or take a leisurely stroll browsing the storefronts and spend the morning shopping.
Question: I would like purchase this gift for my husband, a train enthusiast. Does everyone in the class board the train take turns at the controls or will he have his own time?

Answer: There are four students to a class, and you learn how to operate the train and take the safety test together. Then you will take turns boarding the train for a solo hands on lesson. Only one student will be on the train conducting at a time.
Question: My son loves trains and is getting his driver's license this year. I'd like to surprise him by having him drive us to the train station and letting him learn to drive a steam train. What are the age requirements?

Answer: All driver's must be at least 18 years old.
Question: I would like to purchase this for my 84 year old father who uses a wheelchair. It has been a dream of his for a long time. Is the train wheelchair accessible?

Answer: Unfortunately because of space and physical requirements of driving the train this is not handicapped accessible.
Question: I would like to buy this experience for my dad for his birthday. It says that this is a 4 hour experience, 1 hour instruction, 1 hour of driving, but you are with other people learning too. What would my dad do for two hours after he learns but cannot be the first of the group to drive the train?

Answer: During the time that the participants wait for their turn, they will be in the dining car with the other participants and an instructor or representative from the railroad. As reflected in the reviews, this is an extremely popular and enjoyable experience.
Question: I want to purchase this as a gift for my husband. We are from Canada and would drive down in the spring for him to partake in this. Currently his license is expired. What form of Canadian license does he need?

Answer: A driver's license is not required for the Learn to Drive a Steam Train experience. Registrants must be at least 18 years old, in good health and physically able to operate a steam locomotive. Proper clothing, shoes and eye protection must be worn while participating in the program. A general release signature is required at time of registration.
Question: I understand that there are no passers allowed. I was wondering if there was a place along the route where we would be able to take photos of them doing their drive?

Answer: You may go along to take pictures when he is getting on and off of the train. You would not be able to ride along. There is one intersection that you will be able watch from as the train goes past, the location of which is provided on the day of the event.
Question: What is the 'Learn to Drive a Steam Train' experience?

Answer: The 'Learn to Drive a Steam Train' experience is a unique gift that allows you to get behind the controls of a real steam locomotive. You'll learn how to operate a steam train with guidance from experienced instructors, making for an unforgettable day.
Question: Who is this experience suitable for?

Answer: This experience is perfect for anyone who has a passion for trains, adventure, or unique gifts. It’s suitable for adults and older teenagers, making it an excellent family or friend bonding activity.
Question: How long does the experience last?

Answer: The total duration of the experience typically lasts around 2 to 3 hours, including instruction time and the actual driving of the steam train.
Question: Do I need any prior experience or qualifications?

Answer: No prior experience is necessary! The instructors will provide all the training you need to comfortably and safely drive the steam train.
Question: What should I wear for the experience?

Answer: It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes that can handle a little dirt, as you may be in outdoor settings and around machinery.
Question: Is this experience gift suitable for special occasions?

Answer: Absolutely! Whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary, retirement, or just because, the 'Learn to Drive a Steam Train' experience makes for a memorable and unique gift.
Question: Can I purchase this experience as a gift for someone else?

Answer: Yes! You can purchase this experience as a gift certificate for someone else, allowing them to choose a date that works for them.
Question: What if the weather is bad on the day of the experience?

Answer: If weather conditions are unsafe, the experience will be rescheduled for another date. You’ll be notified in advance if any changes occur.
Question: How can I book this experience?

Answer: You can book the 'Learn to Drive a Steam Train' experience directly through the Xperience Days website. Just select your preferred date and complete the purchase.
Question: Are there any age restrictions for this experience?

Answer: Participants must typically be at least 16 years old, but it’s best to check the specific requirements on the booking page as they may vary by location.

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