Railroad Reality Week

Spend a week this Summer workin' on a National Historic Landmark railroad, and the best preserved standard gauge railroad in America.

Members receive 25% off on all Hands on History Experiences. Become a Member!

What does the Railroad Reality Week offer?

Experience what it was like during the golden age of railroading. Become an integral part of the preservation in-progress.

You begin the camp by attending our rules and safety training. And yes, you will be tested on the training materials. After training and testing you will rotate through train operations, working in the shop and out on track.

As part of the crew you will help get a train over up the hill and back again safely. In the shop, you will get hands on experience maintaining the locomotives and cars. It is dirty, oily, greasy work. Without it, trains don't run. As part of the track crew, you will see up close what it takes to keep the railroad running.

Everything comes together at the end of the week. You are part of the switch crew that make up a train in the yard. You'll rotate through the positions of engineer, brakeman and switchman. The training from the week will now make sense as you couple up and move the cars.

Why choose Railroad Reality Week?

At Railroad Reality Week you will have the greatest adventure of your life! It's hands on, intense, and takes you behind the scenes on what it takes to keep a railroad running, but feel free to take it a pace that is comfortable for you.

Come and be part of it this Summer.

Railroad Reality Week Requirements

Participant Requirements

Any person over 18 who has the physical capability to get into a locomotive cab by themselves, has a valid drivers license, and a sense of adventure can join the program. Note that the Adult/Teen week is for teens 14-18 and their parent or guardian participating together. The teen does not need a drivers license, but must be an enrolled student in good standing at their school during the previous year and must be physically eligible for a drivers license when they are of age.

Local Conditions

Ely, Nevada is at 6500 feet above sea level. At that elevation it has a climate more like Denver or Salt Lake than Las Vegas or Phoenix. It is a dry climate, but expect it to rain several times each week. It can get cool in the evening and may get up to the low 90s during the day. Be prepared for these conditions. We provide water at all locations.

How to get here and where to stay

We have compiled quite a bit of information about the area, how to get here, and where to stay. At the main menu (above), select Planning Your Trip and you can find everything you need there.

Parent or Spouse Suggested Activities (for those not participating in Railroad Reality Week)

Day 1 Tour Great Basin National Park and Lehman Caves

Day 2 Ward Charcoal Ovens, Tonopah Canyon and Garnet Hill

Day 3 Success Loop and Cave Lake State Park

Day 4 Mural Tour, Renaissance Village and Downtown Walking Tour

Day 5 Pioche Tour and Lunch

What to Bring

The Nevada Northern Railway is an operating 19th century railroad with all the dirt and grime, you’d expect. We ask that you bring clothes that you can get really, really dirty. You will need work boots and work clothes that can hold up to dirt, sweat, and grime. You will also need at least one long sleeve cotton shirt to be worn in the cab of the locomotives. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses (or clip-ons), and a hat for when you are out in the sun. If you wear glasses, please bring a pair of safety glasses or goggles that will fit over your glasses.

Equipment provided

The Nevada Northern will provide hard hats, safety glasses, and work gloves, although you are welcome to bring your own. You will also receive the Nevada Northern Handbook of Operating Rules and a binder with information on the surrounding area as well as history of the railroad, mining, and track repair information.

Railroad Reality Week Schedule

Friday
Arrive 4:30 p.m. Welcome train ride and introductions

Saturday
7:45 AM – Railroad safety and rules training with NN Ry crews Sunday
8:00 a.m. – Railroad safety and rules training with NN Ry crews
1:00 p.m. Railroad safety and rules test Open

Monday
8:00 a.m. Work Day – Track, Shop or Operations (in rotation)

Tuesday
8:00 a.m. Orientation – Video Ore to Copper; History of the Nevada Northern Railway. Morning Director’s tour of the National Historic Landmark.
1:00 p.m. Tour of Robinson Copper Mine

Wednesday
8:00 a.m. Work Day – Track, Shop and Operations (in rotation)

Thursday
8:00 a.m. Work Day – Track, Shop and Operations (in rotation)

Friday
8:00 a.m. Operate a diesel locomotive; switchman; brakeman Operate Speeder and Velocipede
1:00 p.m. Tour of depots
4:30 p.m. Caboose Ride and Pizza
6:00 p.m. Graduation and Group Photos

Saturday
11:00 a.m. Ride on train for all attendees and their families Please be advised that the schedule may change due to operational considerations.

Available Dates and Tickets

What would be a greater holiday, birthday, or special gift than being at the throttle of one of our engines for a real engineer experience? You can buy an "open ticket" as a gift and select the exact date later.

Members Receive a 15% Discount, click to join.

BOOK THE EXPERIENCE

Hands On History Gift Certificates

Perfect for train enthusiasts or those seeking a unique gift, our gift certificates allow you or your loved ones to become a train engineer for a day. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because, a railway experience is a fantastic way to create lasting memories. Command the rails and discover the excitement of rail travel with our hands-on adventures!

SEE GIFT CERTIFICATES