Train Crew Member For-A-Day

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum "Train Crew Member For-A-Day" program enables the general public to act as a part of the Train Crew on Museum trains. The program will provide for thirty minutes or more of run time (actual throttle time) in one of the Museum's active locomotives. All participants in this program will be under the strict supervision of instructors at all times.

At this time the Museum operates our ACL GP-7 #1804. Other locomotives are rotated into active service from time to time including, ALCO S-2 #1, EMD E-8A #1594, and EMD E-9A #9913.

Testimonial

"I want to thank [the crewmembers] very much for an excellent and exciting "Crew" day. The experience of actually running the #1804, with switching and excursion duty thrown-in for good measure, was a totally unique experience. In all my years of rail-fanning, this is the only time that I have seen a museum offer this kind of interaction. I hope you can continue to offer this opportunity, and have a successful museum for many more years ahead. I certainly hope to visit your museum again during my next visit to Florida, and of course be a crew member again." - John Majkot, December 2003

 Program Packages

The Bronze Spike - $85.00

The Bronze Spike package will provide the following:

• Individual Membership to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum
• Half-hour of locomotive operations
• This package may be split by two people, 15 minutes each, for an additional $35.00

The Silver Spike - $145.00

The Silver Spike package will provide the following:

• Individual Membership to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum
• Instructions that will review all safety procedures and general operations; overview of Engineer, Conductor, Fireman, and Trainman positions; locomotive characteristics (including engine starting procedures if participants can arrive before opening), signals, and the Gold Coast Railroad Museum Operating Rules. The operating rules will be provided prior to arrival when possible.
• Pre-start inspection and starting of the locomotive
• Familiarization of locomotive operations
• Act as Engineer during the operation of a Gold Coast Railroad train
• Shut down procedures

The Golden Spike - $185.00

The Golden Spike package will provide the following:

• Individual Membership to the Gold Coast Railroad Museum
• Instructions that will review all safety procedures and general operations; overview of Engineer, Conductor, Fireman, and Trainman positions; locomotive characteristics (including engine starting procedures if participants can arrive before opening), signals, and the Gold Coast Railroad Museum Operating Rules. The operating rules will be provided prior to arrival when possible.
• Pre-start inspection and starting of the locomotive
• Act as Conductor during a 45 to 60 minute switch move
• Familiarization of locomotive operations
• Act as Engineer during a 30 to 45 minute switch move
• Act as Engineer during the operation of a Gold Coast Railroad train (operating weekends only)
• Shut down procedures

Reservations

The program will be by appointment only and space will be limited to two persons per day for the Sliver and Gold Spike packages. Up to two family members and/or friends may observe with a paid admission, however seating space in the cab is limited subject to Museum regulations. Questions regarding program details or to check date availability may be directed to Michael Hall by calling 305-253-0063. All scheduling will be subject to crew member and equipment availability.

Pricing and Method of Payment

Bronze Spike Package: $85.00

Silver Spike Package: $145.00

Gold Spike Package: $185.00

Extra Half-hour: $50.00

Extra Hour: $85.00

Prices and equipment are subject to change.

A deposit of 50% will be required to reserve/guarantee a date and price. Deposits are nonrefundable, however, dates may be changed subject to availability and a $20.00 fee. Method of payment will be cash or credit card.

Operations

Program must be scheduled in advance as hours may vary. Participants interested in taking part in pre-start inspection and locomotive starting procedures will need to arrange their program to begin prior to opening of the Museum. Locomotive familiarization will begin after the locomitive is ready. Switching activities will be arranged around available schedules. All package operating times are flexible depending on crew and equipment availability.

Applicants

Must be 18 years of age as well as speak and understand English.
May not have consumed alcohol 12 hours prior to classroom instruction and/or locomotive operation or be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.
Must have completed a membership application (since insurance regulations require that persons operating Gold Coast Railroad Museum equipment must be members.)