Locomotive Rentals: 
Engineer for a Day and Engineer for an Afternoon

Engineer for a Day Program


This is your opportunity to have your hand on the throttle and learn to operate a vintage steam locomotive! The Sumpter Valley Railroad's Engineer for a Day program allows you to actually operate one of two historic narrow gauge steam locomotives under the supervision of a qualified Sumpter Valley engine crew. Participants will learn how to maintain and operate a locomotive, take on water and switch in the McEwen yards, make up a full freight train, complete with caboose, and head out onto the main line. The Engineer for a Day program makes for a full and unique experience you won't be able to find anywhere else! And remember, it also makes a great gift for that special someone who thought they'd done everything.

The Engineer for a Day program is available on Fridays where applicable from the end of May through the end of September. If demand warrants, extra days will be added where available. The days added will generally be Thursdays, though there is the opportunity for occasional Mondays or weekends at either the very start or end of regular season.


Engineer for a Day: Mikado Number 19

Note: Due to maintenance issues, this program has been suspended for the time being. Please check back.
Picture


Sumpter Valley Railway Mikado Number 19

Round Trip with Freight Train and Caboose
Want More? Add a second round trip, or a second participant with round trip.

Bring an extra guest.
Built for the Sumpter Valley Railway by the American Locomotive Works in 1920, this 113-ton Mikado type was the last new steam locomotive purchased by the line. Though built for service in Oregon, number 19 also operated on the White Pass & Yukon in Alaska before being retired in 1958. In 1977 the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc. returned the locomotive to Oregon, and undertook a complete restoration. Repairs were completed in 1996, and number 19 has been in regular service ever since. 

​For more information or to inquire about or make reservations, please contact info@sumptervalleyrailroad.org.

Engineer for a Day: Heisler Number 3



W.H. Eccles Lumber Co. Heisler Number 3 

 Round Trip with Freight Train and Caboose

Want More? Add a second round trip, or a second participant with round trip.

Bring an extra guest.
The Heisler Locomotive Works built number 3 for the W.H. Eccles Lumber Company in 1915. This wood burning geared locomotive weighs in at 42 tons and was principally used for hauling timber on the hastily built logging lines that radiated from the Sumpter Valley mainline. Operated out of Austin, Oregon until the mid 1920’s, number 3 was later transferred to a company holding in Idaho, where she operated for several years before being set aside as a back-up boiler for a large sawmill. She was returned to Oregon and restored to service by the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc. in 1976. Number 3 is currently one of the only regularly operated wood burning locomotives in North America. 

​PLEASE NOTE, Heisler locomotive availability subject to fire restrictions, crew availabilty, and motive power rotation.

To participate in the Engineer for a Day program…

  • Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid drivers license or other proof of identity.
  • A qualified second person may be a family member or friend, and can share time in the Engineer's seat with the  two-person package.
  • Up to two people are welcome to participate per locomotive per day.
  • A certificate, one year membership, and family pass will be given upon completion of the program.
  • Prior to your arrival at McEwen, you will be sent a packet of pertinent information containing a welcome, summary of the Engineer for a Day program, release form, list of recommended items to bring, a set of Sumpter Valley Railroad Rules and Safety books, a helpful study list, activity schedule, and a list of local lodgings and restaurants.
  • Gift certificates are also available. Contact us for more information.
  • To confirm an Engineer for a Day reservation, the Sumpter Valley Railroad requires a down payment of half of the program cost. This down may be paid by a check, or with either a Visa or MasterCard. There is no penalty for paying the price in full. Payment is refundable if the reservation is canceled within ten days of the scheduled date. Please contact us if you have any questions pertaining to payment.

For more information or to inquire about or make reservations, please contact info@sumptervalleyrailroad.org.

Engineer for an Afternoon Program

You’re the engineer for an exciting journey over the mainline of the Sumpter Valley Railroad. You’ll be at the controls of a vintage narrow-gauge steam locomotive for 12 scenic miles under the guidance of a trained engine crew for the ultimate hands on approach to railroading!

The Engineer for an Afternoon is available on Fridays and after scheduled passenger runs on most regular operation weekends, major holidays are excluded unless otherwise noted, Memorial Day Weekend through the end of September.Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid drivers license or other proof of identity. If demand warrants, extra days will be added when available. 

Engineer for an Afternoon: Mikado Number 19

Note: Due to maintenance issues, this program has been suspended for the time being. Please check back.

Sumpter Valley Railway Mikado Number 19

Round Trip                               

Bring an extra guest along
Built for the Sumpter Valley Railway by the American Locomotive Works in 1920, this 113-ton Mikado type was the last new steam locomotive purchased by the line. Though built for service in Oregon, number 19 also operated on the White Pass & Yukon in Alaska before being retired in 1958. In 1977 the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc. returned the locomotive to Oregon, and undertook a complete restoration. Repairs were completed in 1996, and number 19 has been in regular service ever since.

Engineer for an Afternoon: Heisler Number 3

W.H. Eccles Lumber Company Heisler Number 3

Round Trip         

Bring an extra guest along
 The Heisler Locomotive Works built number 3 for the W.H. Eccles Lumber Company in 1915. This wood burning geared locomotive weighs in at 42 tons and was principally used for hauling timber on the hastily built logging lines that radiated from the Sumpter Valley mainline. Operated out of Austin, Oregon until the mid 1920’s, number 3 was later transferred to a company holding in Idaho, where she operated for several years before being set aside as a back-up boiler for a large sawmill. She was returned to Oregon and restored to service by the Sumpter Valley Railroad Restoration Inc. in 1976. Number 3 is currently one of the few regularly operated wood burning locomotives in North America. 

PLEASE NOTE, Heisler locomotive availability subject to fire restrictions, crew availability, and motive power rotation.

To participate in the Engineer for an Afternoon program…
  • To confirm an Engineer for an Afternoon reservation, the Sumpter Valley Railroad requires a down payment of half of the program cost. This down may be paid by a check, or with either a Visa or MasterCard. There is no penalty for paying the price in full. Payment is refundable if the reservation is canceled within ten days of the scheduled date. Please contact us if you have any questions pertaining to payment.
  • Gift certificates are also available; please contact us for more information.

For more information or to inquire about or make reservations, please contact info@sumptervalleyrailroad.org.