Junior Engineer Program
Become a Railroad Engineer for the Day at Irvine Park Railroad
Have you ever wondered what it takes to operate a railroad? Join us for our Junior Engineer Program, an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience where aspiring engineers learn the fundamentals of railroading while working alongside the Irvine Park Railroad engineers.
Participants will explore the locomotive, passenger coaches, track system, and railroad infrastructure while taking part in real railroad preparation activities. From learning locomotive components and whistle signals to operating switches and helping prepare the train for service, students will gain hands-on experience and discover how a railroad operates safely and efficiently.
At the conclusion of the program, each participant will take part in a special safety test ride aboard the train and graduate as an official Irvine Park Railroad Junior Engineer.
Registration Includes:
- Official Irvine Park Railroad t-shirt, engineer hat, and railroad bandana
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes railroad experience
- Hands-on activities alongside an Irvine Park Railroad Engineer
- Special train ride and engineer training session
- Railroading workbook to take home
- Golden spike souvenir
- Personalized Junior Engineer Program Certificate
- Commemorative locomotive photo opportunity
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Price
$125 per student
When
Fridays and Saturdays starting at 8:30 AM
Program Length
Approximately 90 Minutes
Group Size
Up to 10 students per session
Recommended Age
Ages 6 and up
Advance Reservations Required
Reserve online below starting June 5th at 10:00 AM
Looking to reserve a group?
Please call 714-997-3968 ext. 2230 if you are interested in booking 7 or more students for one program.
Bonus:
Each student will receive an official Irvine Park Railroad T-shirt with admission, which also grants them FREE train rides on Wednesdays.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Students will learn:
- The parts and operation of a locomotive and coaches
- How steam locomotives work and why wheel arrangements matter
- Railroad whistle signals and their meanings
- How train braking systems operate
- The purpose of railroad switches, frogs, and crossings
- The difference between narrow gauge, standard gauge, and broad gauge railroads
- How railroad tracks are constructed and maintained
- The responsibilities of engineers, conductors, and train crews
Participants will also assist with hands-on demonstrations including checking sanding equipment, lubricating locomotive components, inspecting railroad hardware, handling authentic railroad materials, and operating demonstration switches.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by one adult for the duration of the program.
- Additional family members or guests are not permitted to participate in program activities. The only exception is the train ride, which family members may attend with a purchased ticket.
- Additional parents and family members who wish to ride the train with their Junior Engineer must purchase a train ticket upon arrival.
- Closed-toe shoes are required for participant and chaperone. Sandals, slides, slippers and Crocs are prohibited.
- Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, including railroad ballast.
- Program operates rain or shine unless weather conditions are deemed unsafe.
- Advance reservations are required.
- Irvine Park Railroad reserves the right to modify or cancel the program due to weather, operational requirements, or staffing needs.
- Participants must follow all instructions provided by railroad staff at all times.
All hands-on activities are supervised by Irvine Park Railroad personnel.
Make a reservation for the Junior Engineer Program
Ready to earn your engineer certificate?
Join us for Irvine Park Railroad’s Junior Engineer Program and discover what it takes to keep a railroad running safely and smoothly. Space is limited and advance reservations are required.
Junior Engineer Program FAQs
The program is recommended for children ages 6 and older through adult . Participants under 16 years of age must be accompanied by one adult throughout the entire program. Adults are welcome to register and actively participate in all activities and learning experiences.
The required adult chaperone accompanies the participant throughout the experience for safety purposes. The hands-on activities are designed for the registered Junior Engineer.
Only one adult chaperone may accompany each participant during the program. Additional family members are welcome to join the special train ride by purchasing a train ticket upon arrival but may not participate in the behind-the-scenes activities.
Each session is limited to a maximum of 10 students, allowing for a more personal and interactive experience.
No. For safety reasons, participants do not operate the locomotive. They will observe railroad operations up close and participate in supervised educational activities.
Closed-toe shoes are required for both participants and their accompanying adult. Sandals, slides, slippers, and Crocs are not permitted. Comfortable clothing suitable for walking outdoors is recommended.
Participants should be comfortable walking and standing for approximately 90 minutes, including walking on uneven railroad ballast and outdoor surfaces.
Groups of seven or more students may request a group reservation. Please call 714-997-3968 ext. 2230 for availability and booking information. This is a great option for birthday parties, school groups, and more!