As mentioned above, I volunteer for one of those museums that'll let you operate their equipment if you volunteer. In my case, it's the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. Though my first "cab ride" and chance at operating the car in my avatar (Twin Cities Rapid Transit #1300) came just last year, I was under the direct supervision of the shop foreman. Besides, we're not a common carrier nor linked to any such railroads, therefore not subject to the same rules. The train museum in our town is subject to full FRA certification though, and has largely substituted caboose rides for cab rides.
Whatever the case, definitely a humbling experience to operate a 20-ton, 200-hp car that's just celebrated its hundredth birthday.
Whatever the case, definitely a humbling experience to operate a 20-ton, 200-hp car that's just celebrated its hundredth birthday.