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Reply to "The Big Boy "4014" to be back on the rails, later this summer!"

I'm curious to know how engineer's to run steamers are selected?

Each main line operating steam locomotive "organization" provide their own operating crew members, i.e. Engineers and Firemen. The Engineers MUST be FRA certified in order to comply with the host railroad's policies. The host railroad only provides Pilot Crews (Engineer & Conductor) that are familiar with the rules and THAT specific operating district.

I know that out here the BR&W has a volunteer crew. That said, how do more engineers become able to operate a steam engine?

Traing, training and MORE TRAINING, plus lots of time spent as Fireman.

Operators licence must be earned?

Not only "earned" but FRA certified under a Federally approved training/certification program.

Could you touch on this @Hot Water Imagine it's different for every railroad or steam program.

Not really. Every main line or short line or museum steam, diesel, or electric, operation MUST have a Federally approved training & certification program for their Engineers and Conductors. Main line steam operations, like the UP, NKP 765, MIL 261, SP 4449, Santa Fe 3751, etc. all have their own FRA certified Engineers.

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