As some of you may know, two years ago I began volunteering at our local tourist railroad, the New Hope Valley Ry., in Bonsal, NC. My title then was "Assistant to the Junior Engine Wiper's Apprentice," meaning I was most definitely the low man on the totem pole!

Last weekend--without my knowledge--I was being secretly graded on the second of two qualifying runs as I fired the engine during our annual Santa Train trips. I passed.

After two years of hard work, studying, and supervision in the cab, I finally earned my offical "Engine Crew" hat, and became a qualified fireman on our road. I still have lots to learn, and it's still sinking in, but I wanted to share that with my friends here on the boards.

Cool! Congratulations! I think I would rather not have known that they were grading me. Less pressure that way.

Congrats!

Congratulations, Steve!

That's awesome, Steve! If this were the late 1800's, you'd only have something like 8 more years to make it to hogger!

Wonderful, Steve.

Congrats Steve!

Thanks, everyone!

Michael, I'm probably looking at another 5 years--although they let me run the engine light around the yard every once in a while.

Congratulations Steve!

Congradulations!