Junior Trainman Class
Miami-Dade County
South Florida Parenting
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South Florida children don't have to just dream about one day becoming a train engineer. They can do it.
Thanks to the efforts of young train enthusiast Erik Sotolongo of Miami, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum has established a program to help youngsters learn more about all kinds of trains.
This is the opportunity to experience firsthand the training required to really drive a train.
The in-depth program consists of a four-hour class in which instructors teach participants basics of railroad operation. About two hours are devoted to classroom instruction covering whistle and horn signals, hand signals, and 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.
Railroad terminology is discussed and the physical properties of the railroad are explained, including coupling cars, brakes, switches, and more.
This class is open to visitors of all ages. But participants should keep in mind that they will receive a copy of the museum's operating rules, which are written for adults and may include concepts and terminology beyond the comprehension of younger children.
Of course, participants are free to ask questions during class, and parents are welcome to accompany their children to assist and guide them during the course.
After completion of the course, participants may take the materials home to review and study. When they feel ready, they can take the Operating Rules Written Exam. If they pass, they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge by operating a standard gauge diesel-electric locomotive with their parents (under the direct supervision of the qualified crew).
If the Junior Trainman Program seems a bit much for you or your kids, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, right next to Metrozoo, is worth a visit. There you'll find fascinating exhibits of railroad equipment and cars, including the Ferdinand Magellan, which once served as the official presidential railroad car. There also are extensive model railroads, weekend rides on several trains, and several wood train layouts for hands-on play.
The layouts feature Thomas the Tank Engine and other equipment, and there is space for several children to play at once, with seating areas for supervising adults.
Participation in the Junior Trainman Program costs $75 per attendee (parents may attend free to assist and guide children). This fee includes a $50 annual family membership in the museum. Current members may participate in the program for $25 per participant.
The program is generally offered once each month, depending on volunteer instructor availability. Seating in the class is limited.
For more information about the training program, e-mail jjones@goldcoast-railroad.org or call 305-387-8709 with your reservation request.
-- KiKi Bochi
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
12450 SW 152nd St.
Miami
305-253-0063
www.goldcoast-railroad.org
Thanks to the efforts of young train enthusiast Erik Sotolongo of Miami, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum has established a program to help youngsters learn more about all kinds of trains.
This is the opportunity to experience firsthand the training required to really drive a train.
The in-depth program consists of a four-hour class in which instructors teach participants basics of railroad operation. About two hours are devoted to classroom instruction covering whistle and horn signals, hand signals, and 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.
Railroad terminology is discussed and the physical properties of the railroad are explained, including coupling cars, brakes, switches, and more.
This class is open to visitors of all ages. But participants should keep in mind that they will receive a copy of the museum's operating rules, which are written for adults and may include concepts and terminology beyond the comprehension of younger children.
Of course, participants are free to ask questions during class, and parents are welcome to accompany their children to assist and guide them during the course.
After completion of the course, participants may take the materials home to review and study. When they feel ready, they can take the Operating Rules Written Exam. If they pass, they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge by operating a standard gauge diesel-electric locomotive with their parents (under the direct supervision of the qualified crew).
If the Junior Trainman Program seems a bit much for you or your kids, the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, right next to Metrozoo, is worth a visit. There you'll find fascinating exhibits of railroad equipment and cars, including the Ferdinand Magellan, which once served as the official presidential railroad car. There also are extensive model railroads, weekend rides on several trains, and several wood train layouts for hands-on play.
The layouts feature Thomas the Tank Engine and other equipment, and there is space for several children to play at once, with seating areas for supervising adults.
Participation in the Junior Trainman Program costs $75 per attendee (parents may attend free to assist and guide children). This fee includes a $50 annual family membership in the museum. Current members may participate in the program for $25 per participant.
The program is generally offered once each month, depending on volunteer instructor availability. Seating in the class is limited.
For more information about the training program, e-mail jjones@goldcoast-railroad.org or call 305-387-8709 with your reservation request.
-- KiKi Bochi
Miami
305-253-0063
www.goldcoast-railroad.org