Engineer & Fireman School

An Engineer Preparing
Have you ever dreamed of shoveling coal or pulling on a throttle? Check out the Fireman & Engineer school for a chance to live out your dream!
During our 4-day Fireman Class, you’ll learn to fire an antique K-36 Baldwin locomotive with actual running time on the rails.
The 4-day Engineering School and Advanced Class will take you even further with more running throttle time, and a hands-on education into the daily service and maintenance aspects of the railroad.
2022 Dates:
- May 27-30, 2022 – Sold Out
- June 2-5, 2022– Sold Out
- June 23-26, 2022 – Sold Out
- August 11-14, 2022 – Sold Out
- August 25-28, 2022 – Sold Out
Reservations are available by phone. Please call to be added to the 2023 waiting list.
1-575-219-3306
Questions? Please email Tracy Ontiveros –[email protected]

Stoking the fires
Fireman and Engineer School Itinerary
Please note that there may be changes, but you will be made aware of any changes ahead of time.
Day 1
9:45a.m., Meet at Chama Depot
10:30a.m., Start classwork at meeting room at Fosters
1:30p.m., Break for lunch (provided by Railroad) at Fosters
2:30p.m., Meet back at Chama Depot for familiarization section of training
5:30-6:00p.m., Class concludes
Day 2
7:45a.m., Meet at Chama Depot
8:00a.m., Board train for departure for first round trip to Cumbres
12:00ish, Lunch at Chama Depot (provided by Railroad)
12:45p.m., Board train for 2nd departure to Cumbres
4:30p.m., Train arrives back at Chama
5:15p.m., Switching completed (switching is an optional activity)
Day 3
7:45a.m., Meet at Chama Depot
8:00a.m., Board train for departure to Antonito
11:00a.m., Box lunch at Osier
12:15p.m., Meet # 215, depart Toltec
4:00p.m., Arrive at Antonito
4:45p.m., Take the bus to Chama
6:00p.m., Back at Chama and done for the day
Day 4
5:30a.m., Coffee, juice and donuts at the Chama Depot
6:00a.m., Depart Chama in company vehicles for Antonito Depot
7:00a.m., Arrive in Antonito and prepare to take the train out
11:30a.m., Lunch at Osier
12:45p.m., Depart Osier for Chama
3:30p.m., Arrive in Chama for graduation ceremony
What to bring – Required:
- Ankle supporting steel or similar toed boots
- Eye protection
- Cap
- Work gloves
What to bring – Recommended:
- Overalls- no polyester
- Long sleeve shirts-no polyester
- Sunscreen