-Engineer For A Day-

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. CLICK HERE for the current Locomotive Rental schedule of available days. 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.

Sumpter Valley Railway Mikado Number 19

Number 19, Round Trip With Freight Train: $1395.00

Built for the Sumpter Valley Railway by the American Locomotive Works in 1920, this 113-ton Mikado 2-8-2 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.

Want More? You can add a second round trip, or a second participant with round trip for an additional $350.00.

W.H. Eccles Lumber Co. Heisler Number 3

Number 19, Round Trip With Freight Train: $1395.00

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.

Want More? You can add a second round trip, or a second participant with round trip for an additional $350.00.

PLEASE NOTE, Heisler locomotive availability subject to fire restrictions.

To participate in the Engineer for a Day program…

Participants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid drivers license.
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 cancelled 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 Taylor Rush at 541-979-8884 or Email him at taylor.w.rush@gmail.com. You can also E-Mail our depot staff at sumptervalleyinfo@yahoo.com. Due to winter schedules, we ask that you contact us through one of the channels listed above and please allow up to a week for response.