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
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. 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.
Reserve your seat starting Friday, June 5th at 10:00 AM online only and begin your journey into the world of railroading!