I think there are still some places that let you rent time in a Steam Locomotive. I believe the Nevada Northern does it (
http://nevadanorthernrailway.net/locore ... rental.htm). I have heard that some foreign countries like Poland even allow people to run their regularly scheduled trains, still pulled by steam, under the watchful eye of the regular crew. Too bad you don't live in Britain: there are tons of opportunities to volunteer and slowly work up to engine driver. If you want to run a steam engine badly enough, there are possibilities. If you just want a cab ride, then that is something else.
You could always do what I am doing: build your own 1/8 size steam engine! Then, you can ride in/on it all you want!
Let's make sure this thread doesn't turn into an insurance bashing thread.
Benjamin L. Maggi
A&A Railroad Forum Moderator