Junior Trainman Class

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum is proud to announce the introduction of a new program for our younger visitors—Junior Trainman Class.

This is a unique educational opportunity for young visitors who have an interest in railroading to experience first-hand the training required by our regular volunteers to operate equipment at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum.

The program has yielded two excellent graduates to date, namely Erik Sotolongo, and Daniel Hames, both pictured to the right, top and bottom respectively.

Both of these young men have taken their training seriously and demonstrate their skills regularly at the Museum, learning to operate equipment, and assisting with various projects. They are also learning the behind-the-scenes operation of the Museum, including everything from maintenance to daily preparation of the grounds and equipment.

Program Overview

Attendees will participate in a two-hour class where instructors teach the basics of railroad operation at the Museum. Attendees will spend approximately one hour in classroom instruction covering the Museum's Operating Rules including whistle/horn signals, hand signals, railroad safety, and operating procedures. The remainder of the class is conducted outside in and around the Museum's cars, equipment, and right-of-way, where railroad terminology is discussed and the physical properties of the railroad are explained, including coupling cars, brakes, switches, and more. Program elements are modifies depending on the age of the participants.

Details

This class is open to visitors of all ages, however here are some considerations. Participants will receive a copy of the Museum's Operating Rules which are written for adults and may include concepts and terminology that may be beyond the level of comprehension of younger children. Of course, attendees are free to ask questions during class. Parents are invited to accompany their children during class to assist and guide them during the course.

After completion of the course, attendees are invited to take their interest to the next level. At their leisure, class attendees may take the materials home to review and study. When they feel ready, attendees can schedule to take the Operating Rules Written Exam, the same exam completed by our regular volunteers desiring to participate in Museum operations. If attendees obtain a passing grade on the exam, they will be given the opportunity to operate a standard gauge diesel-electric locomotive with their parents (under the direct supervision of our qualified crew) for a short trip to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge.

Upon successful completion of the course, Junior Trainmen will receive a personalized Junior Trainman ID Badge.

Program Fees

Participation in the Junior Trainman Program costs $75.00 per attendee (parents may attend free to assist and guide children). This fee includes a $50.00 annual Family Membership in the Museum. Existing Family Members may participate in the program for $25.00 per attendee.

Program Schedule

The program is generally offered once each month, depending on volunteer instructor availability. The next class date will be scheduled upon demand. Seating in the class is limited and on a first-come first-served basis. Please e-mail Jamie Jones, or call Jamie at 954-214-1707 with your reservation request.

Program History - Erik's Story

The Junior Trainman Program was begun due in large part to the involvement of Erik Sotolongo . Erik and his family have been members of the Museum and regular visitors for more than a year and Erik has taken great interest in rail operations at the Museum. During a Trainman Class for our regular volunteers, Erik was invited to attend in order to educate him on the rules and procedures at the Museum. Erik took the class very seriously and concentrated on studying the materials and concepts presented. Later, Erik was given a chance to take the Operating Rules Written Exam. Erik is proud to state that he passed the exam on the first try with no outside assistance, and is now a Junior Trainman. Congratulations Erik!

Some words from Daniel, our second Junior Trainman

"I wanted to be a Jr. Trainman because it is a very rare program and I get to drive locomotives. When I was authorized, I met a new friend. It is very important to have a railroad museum so you can learn a lot about railroad history. They have an exhibit of the air station that the museum used to be. If there were no volunteers there would be no railroad museum."

Daniel and his friend Erik have become invaluable parts of our operating crew.