Lincoln, NH: New Hampshire’s Loon Mountain, known for its award-winning skiing and riding, is now appealing to train enthusiasts. The new Guest Engineer Program on its JE Henry Railway, will offer guests the chance to operate a narrow-gauge, wood-fired, steam- powered locomotive. The program will be offered August 20, September 10 and October 8 and is open to a maximum of five participants for each session.
The engine runs daily during the winter months and transports skiers and snowboarders between two of Loon’s base areas. Even though the distance is short and the trip takes only a few minutes, a ride on the “Loon Train” is one of the most memorable experiences for families who visit Loon during the winter.
The JE Henry Railway, with its German-built 0-4-0T engine, harkens back to the trains that were commonly found around New England over a century ago. Originally built to burn coal, the engine was retrofitted to burn wood when it came to Loon back in the late 1960’s. The engine burns approximately 60 cord of wood in one season. The train takes about two hours to fire up each morning -- just a part of what will be covered in the Guest Engineer program.
Each session for the Guest Engineer Program at Loon Mountain will run approximately six hours and includes a primer on the basics of steam operation, safety procedures, a brief history of Loon’s locomotive, close up look at the engine, start up procedures and close down/put away. Each participant will also have an opportunity to operate the engine for a minimum of a half hour (actual time will be dependent on number of participants).
Cost per session is $100 per person and lunch is included. Participants must be at least 18 years old and dress appropriately in long pants, long sleeved shirt, boots and work gloves. Start time is 9:00 a.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Loon Mountain at (603) 745-8111 or 800-229-LOON (5666).
# # #