I DROVE THIS TRAIN (and you can too!)

Watch this video to see how to drive a train from 1950.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC invited me to come and experience their "At The Throttle" session. This Drive a train experience is available to the public and I'll show you how you can participate in this incredible program that allows visitors to operate one of the museum's locomotives.
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, located in Spencer, NC - about an hour north of Charlotte - just happens to be about 45 minutes from my home in Greensboro, NC!
This facility began life as the main facility servicing and overhauling steam locomotives and other equipment for the Southern Railway, which operated lines between Atlanta and Washington, DC.
Before driving this train, we'll explore the NC Train Museum in Spencer, NC and even go inside the historic Spencer NC Roundhouse, the largest one still in use here in North America!
I was invited to operate their 6133 Locomotive from Southern Railway. It was originally built in 1950 and I learned quickly just how complicated operating this locomotive really was!
This is a lot more than just a historic train ride! We'll actually drive a historic train!
Please note: I was a guest of the NC Transportation Museum. For more about the museum (and to learn how to book your own session), visit their website!
www.nctransportationmuseum.org/
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Museum Tour
1:36 About the North Carolina Transportation Museum
3:04 Operating the 6133 "At The Throttle"
7:47 Bloopers
For more trip reports, please subscribe to my channel!
www.JebBrooksFlies.com
Check me out on Instagram:
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/ jebbrooks
And don't forget to take a look at my travel blog:
greenergrass.com/
Music:
Too Excited - Mica Emory
1993 - They Dream By Day
Downstreams - Roots and Recognition

[@Drewster327]

I was a locomotive engineer for 15 years, everyone thinks operating a train is so easy because you dont steer, but there is so much more to it than that, just operating one locomotive like you did seemed complicated, try handling 100+ cars with 10,000+ tons behind you at 50mph and still stopping and starting up hills and down hills. I appreciate the shoutout to all us railroaders, its nice to be appreciated sometimes

[@thunderbird1921]

Now add into that the fact that sometimes that 10,000 tons of freight can include industrial chemicals or even millions of gallons of crude oil from America's pump fields. No room for an error. You guys have probably one of the trickiest jobs out there, honestly.

[@rateyesmertz3785]

13,000feet 13,000 tons Remote 1978 SPRR Glidden Tx west.

[@TrainHornZoneProductions]

do we care

[@user-dz3sq9bf6s]

No

[@interstate1335]

Yeah! I would love to go into that field, even if it doesn’t roll in the money, because I’ve been fascinated in trains forever. Would love to learn from a professional just to operate these steel giants!

[@connorgagel5711]

As a railroad worker for the past 11 years I wanted to thank you for the subtle shoutout in your video. Running trains is as easy as driving a car anymore, but you brought back that awesome feeling of throwing the reverser forward for the first time. As always I always love watching you and Suzanne’s videos! Keep up the awesome content!

[@ryandavis7593]

I second this thought. I work for a short line railroad in Sunray Texas as a composite locomotive mechanic. Operating these machines in close quarters and in conditions that require pinpoint control makes us exceptional engineers. Not intending to brag. When you know what makes it tick it is easier. One of the greatest pucker factors for me was bringing a locomotive in over an open inspection pit for the first time. There’s just something not right about bringing something that big in over a hole in the track. Greetings from the high plains of Texas.

[@bobjennings6673]

"As easy as driving a car", HA! And some of those people who are engineers these days should not be driving a car either.

[@johnchambers8528]

This looks like something any interested Railfan would like to experience. As he noted it takes some skill to learn how to operate it smoothly and in control. It would even be harder with a longer train since you have to also control the cars you are pulling. Add in curves and hills and then you better know what you are doing. There is no way this is as easy as driving a car, even a manual transition one.

[@acelakid94]

@@ryandavis7593 I can relate. I used to bring subway cars into the carhouse from the yard. There's no third rail inside the building so you have to come in with some momentum and brake just right to spot it over the jacks in the floor. Otherwise you'll get stuck somewhere. Spotting was basically placing the leading wheels to line up perfectly with a yellow strip with only 2 inches of allowable error. It was super satisfying to get a perfect spot the first try, but it took a lot of practice. Learning that skill helped me greatly when I went on the mainline making station stops.

[@silvanostagni]

You have lived the dream of anybody who ever played with a model train. Thank you for taking us along!!!

[@hoof2001]

With Suzanne’s engineering background, it would be great if she led videos focussing on the engineering you guys encounter like airports, this and all aspects. It would be good to hear that from an engineer’s view

[@Originalman144]

Is she an aerospace or locomotive engineer? That's pretty cool.

[@Cal90208]

@@Originalman144 I think she’s an engineer of some sort of aviation field. It was mentioned in the Kansas City terminal video

[@gosikh]

Yeeeeeees.

[@CDRiley]

I think she’s camera shy. You don’t see Jeb focusing on her on any of trips.

[@Originalman144]

@@Cal90208 I would hope so. The guy saying she should be leading the video that happens to feature an old diesel locomotive, just because she’s an engineer, but may be a software or biomedical engineer makes absolutely no sense. If she’s not an aviation engineer then the original comment is just weird.

[@annedewsbury3354]

This made me cry. My Dad would have loved this. He loved trains.

[@jamesrussell6123]

I love trains myself

[@stompyowl]

Jeb is such a respectful interviewer. It's a joy to watch these!

[@thomasfreeman7770]

One of my greatest adventures as a kid. My uncle was a dispatcher for the New Jersey Central Railroad. In 1967 when I was 12 he arranged a cab ride for me. It started in western NJ near the Pennsylvania border. We had 4 F7 units in an A,B,B,A configuration followed by 106 C&O open hopper’s full of coal. In a desolate section of track the engineer let me take the controls. It certainly would not happen today. I must say though that is the most power I have held in my hands to this day.

[@Survivor1547]

You're not only one i would get Excited about it Being a Train Locomotive Engineer for a day.

[@hoes747]

I remember going to the Southern California Railway museum in Perris valley CA, and i was able to operate SP 3001 it was one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life!

[@opiumextract2934]

Hello my employers fan👋

[@milwrde70]

Glad you enjoyed a taste of my day job (except moving freight, not passengers)

[@tayheelnc1]

Thank you Jeb for highlighting this gem in NC. I cannot wait to take a fun day trip there!

[@FunAtDisney]

I was able to do this with my family several years ago at the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA. So much fun! You really appreciate the skill involved in running one of these - All the levers you must constantly be on - and those engineers did it for hours sometime going 100 mph back in the 1950’s and 60’s.

[@carolsmith5531]

Thank you so much for sharing one of our (I’m a Thomasville neighbor) NC’s gems to the world. Also not only is it enjoyed by adults the kids have loads of fun too!!! Another GREAT video Jeb!!!

[@blodyholy_]

I can’t believe after all of your travels, hikes, adventures, etc. you’ve never showcased this on your channel, with it so close to your location (Forgive me if you have). This is amazing, thank you Jeb as always!

[@charleskirby9190]

My grandfather rode as a conductor between Spencer and Monroe Virginia. As a child we visited the museum and I got to meet some of the volunteers who worked with my grandfather on that route. They let me ride in the cab, told stories and made memories that have lasted 25 years. Glad you got to experience it!

[@Uptownloki47]

That looks like an amazing experience. Fun fact: the Southern Railway was one of the 4 railways that did not initially join Amtrak in 1971, instead opting to continue to offer its own passenger services, most notably the Southern Crescent and the Asheville Special. 6133 was regular motive power for the Asheville special until Southern ended that service in '75 or '76. The Southern Crescent lived on until 1978-79 before it was finally handed over to Amtrak.

[@TonyVRailfanning]

Very cool to be able to operate the F-unit, I just filmed a 1948 F3a unit at the Alberta Railway museum in Canada as they did some switching in the yard. Walking through the engine room to the cab I was amazed how much space was in the cab. Truly an experience I won’t forget.

[@transatlantictom]

As someone who has done a similar experience in the uk, I can relate to how “fast” this slow speed experience can be. It must be an awesome feeling to be at the controls of a beautiful and powerful machine such as this. I will be on lookout for these types of opportunities here thanks to you.

[@vettebecker1]

Out of all the times I’ve been to the museum, I still haven’t done this yet. Since my son and I love the F and E units, this would be a dream come true!!!!!

[@shirosenshiesq]

Like a kid in a candy store! Thanks for taking us along the ride, Jeb!

[@user-qb5tg4kk9f]

I just wanted to write and say how much I enjoyed this video of the NC Transportation Museum and Site. I live about 15 minutes from it in Salisbury and have been there many times. I even gave my husband for his Birthday several years ago the “At the Throttle” experience driving a steam train there. It was so exciting for both of us! Thank you for showing everyone our wonderful state of NC through your travels. It makes me so proud to be from here. I also appreciate all your world wide travel videos with you and Suzanne. I certainly will not be able to go to all those destinations but I can experience them vicariously through you two. We are going to Italy this summer with family and we are very excited about it. Keep on traveling.

[@firstlast1282]

Wow. What an experience! Thanks for sharing!

[@petepaul615]

Mr. bill kills it, what a treat having him on... Fanclub started mate, let’s hear the cheers for Bill

[@mariovieira838]

That museum is amazing. Also amazing is that 5 chime horn on the FP7. About 501, the purple E3 from Atlantic Coast Line, it used to run very fast between Richmond and Jacksonville; 90/100 Mph, with the Champion and Florida Special trains

[@coryphillips8526]

I got goose bumps after watching this video. The closest I ever got to driving a locomotive was standing in the doorway of an Amtrak EMD locomotive on National Train Day at 30th Street Station in Philadelphia several years ago.

[@thomasbrennan3767]

My wife and I visited that museum in early March 2023. It was amazing. Just when you thought you were done, there was much more to see.

[@davidsmolenski9796]

I drive the steam locomotive at my local amusement park and love it so much! She was built in 1970 and was completely rebuilt this past off season. In 12 short hours I will be back behind the controls for the park’s opening day for the year!

[@FrogFood8587]

My Dad is currently working as a architect for the North Carolina Transportation Museum, it's a really great place with lots of interesting history to unpack. Me and my family have all learned so much about the history of the site and buildings that they're hoping to renovate in the near future. There are so many interesting and fun facts I wish I could share, but that would bog down this already lengthy comment. Overall it's an amazing place that I'd recommend to anyone if you're in or around the area.

[@JosephLink]

Love your videos Jeb! Thanks for inspiring me to do so many things and you keep adding on to my bucket list. You are one of my top KZbinrs.

[@stevemcclure2879]

You find the most "off the beaten trail" adventures! I LOVE it! :) I'm thinking of a train trip to NC to see this museum :)

[@yappytown]

I live right down the road from this awesome museum, and had no idea you were right in Greensboro. A friend and myself took our little ones on the Amtrak over to Greensboro and walked to the Children's Museum last week. Fun trip and man I haven't been on a proper train ride since I was like 6 years old and it was a blast. Got me just obsessed and learning everything I can. Glad you got to see that place and sit in the drivers seat! Sadly doesn't look like they are offering it this year but hoping maybe next year. Signed up my daughter and I as members so we go there and hangout and walk around a few times a week lol. Nice video, thanks!

[@williamralph5442]

I was a conductor at the museum, but never drove 6133. She is a cool machine and a rough rider. Thanks.

[@jrwhynot3631]

We are lucky to have such an amazing facility in the center of our state!

[@kensingtonchapp4819]

I've been a locomotive engineer for BNSF out of Los Angeles for 10 years, running the Cajon Pass daily, and I still think it would be fun to check out this museum and run an old F type.

[@johnhagan7742]

I think this would be a great addition that more museums could offer. And one locomotive that I think would be great for this is the General Electric "Genesis" locomotives if any of them are preserved in museums after they retire in about 2 and a half years from now.

[@runningrauster8971]

Definitely the dream of a great many kids (and adults!)

[@elijahbrasseur7996]

So cool. I haven’t watched it yet, but I know all of your other videos are amazing so this one will be as well.

[@TheRareVideosXL]

What a unique experience. Great content as always. Keep up the great work.

[@joeclaymore]

Love this. Come to Essex CT and put your hand on the throttle of a steam locomotive!

[@ryandavis7593]

I have to admit this video was better than I expected. I do get a lot of enthusiast who start going spastic when discussing this subject. As a locomotive composite locomotive mechanic I often just shake my head and move on. This video was well made and curbed any potential misinformation sticking only to the facts. Thank you. Greetings from the high plains of Texas.

[@carmattvidz4426]

I am Australian, and I am lucky enough to say that I get to drive trains for a living. Driving a modern suburban train is not as hard as some may think. Sure, there are many skills you need to master, but most of them are learned skills. You just need to put in the time and effort. What you do need to know is that operating the train controls and systems is only half the job. The rest is building up your track knowledge, which involves learning where all the signals are located because trains take time to stop. If you only start braking when you sight the signal at stop (red), it may be too late. You will have a SPAD (running a red signal), and that is not a good thing. Track knowledge is what keeps a train safe. Overall, once you learn everything you need to know, it is surprisingly easy to drive a modern suburban train. You just need to remember that this job can go from being very easy to a nightmare within seconds. I have PTSD from this job, but it is still a great job if you are lucky enough to get it.

[@andrewmazzarini2742]

Oh Jeb, that's a dream come true for me. I can't begin to imagine the number of times I've contemplated asking MBTA operators if I can drive a T commuter rail train between two stops, or at least see the operations in the cab, which I think I would be decent at considering I've clocked 200 hours in a train simulator. I really wish I was closer to heritage railroads that allowed me to do what you did in this vid

[@ck4426]

This was so neat to see and gives you such a better perspective of what it’s like. Thank you so much!!!

[@robertmainerd7145]

It's an amazing experience to be in the cab. My wife and I rode the cab of the Royal Gorge RR and it was an experience I'll never forget.

[@henryjpridejr]

Nice video I didn't know train museums showed people how to operate a locomotive I did it for a living for 30 plus years great job

[@hikingmansteve]

Great video. I am so envious of you getting to do this. That locomotive is a work of art. The restoration and/or maintenance of it is top notch. SR

[@joshuatrower1698]

Jeb at Spencer? Now he truly is one of us!

[@lilsisasu]

One of my great uncle’s used to work there when Southern Railway still owned it. Everyone in the area called it Spencer Shops. During the Christmas parade, the judges sit in one of the cars.

[@randybutler4772]

Thank you for sharing.

[@verne5024]

Jeb, Thank you for your videos. I especially enjoyed this one, as I once rode in the engine cab of an identical unit, Southern Railway #6137, between Greensboro and High Point,NC in 1975. I got to pull the chord, with that same type of chime horn, as the 6137 roared through Jamestown,NC at 70 mph! I'm still thrilled by that memory today. This was an awesome video - Thanks again! - Verne Brummel, Madison,WI

[@davidbeveridge8226]

Living MY dream, Jeb. Thanks for your great videos

[@LeRoyShow47]

My Grandpa drove the locomotive at the Museum of Transportation in St Louis for many years. Seeing this video brought back so many memories of being a kid

[@wolfgangschrader4645]

You lucky so and so !!! Must have been great. Keep it up, we are enjoying your reports . Thanks !!

[@HRHBailey77W]

This is goals!!! How cool!!

[@wesmcgee1648]

I've always been fascinated by trains. When I was a young cop in the 80s I once asked a KCS conductor if I could ride his freight to the next stop some 50 miles away. He said I'd have to fill out paperwork a mile high beforehand, and even then the brass would probably not approve it.

[@TheWolfHowling]

This is certainly another destination I’ll be adding to the Wishlist next time I’m stateside. Looks like a fantastic place to spend a day

[@gracechadi]

Thank you for sharing!

[@NicholasF0810]

That’s so cool!!! ❤

[@fldpgny]

Thanks Jeb for all your great vlogs. I love train travel as you do. Most of it back and forth from NY Penn Station to Hudson NY on annual trips to the town of Catskill NY. My favorite was 23 years ago on the Shangalolo Express. 16 days from Johnannesburg SOuth Africa to Cape Town. They still run luxury tours through Africa. Keep up the super trips. Doug

[@billneal8995]

What a fantastic experience!

[@killerqueen9298]

Jeb, your enthusiasm is infectious. Another great video😊

[@jamessmith6402]

Brilliant video what an experience 👍 thanks Jeb

[@robertlalor8090]

Awesome Jeb. Properly unexpected and so delightful. Thanks

[@waynemacfarland1546]

You know, ever since I was a kid, I've always dreamed of driving a train. Of course, I'm into hot air balloons now, but after watching your video, I think the North Carolina Transportation Museum can help make my boyhood dream come true!

[@deanchapman6425]

It is a fantastic and enjoyable adventure to operate a 70 yr. old locomotive. If you are out west in Northern California around Lake Tahoe just a short drive to Quincy, is the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. You can operate one or more of 8 operational locomotives from the late 40's to early 60's. Growing up in the WP family I first learn at the age of 9 while sitting on the engineers lap. And later as part of a job, a SW1500 all day for several months shuttling car for a copper smelter during labor troubles. I wish you well in your travels and enjoy as many things as you come across.

[@JRich71]

Incredible. This is very cool.

[@waynemacfarland1546]

Hell, yeah! You just earned MY subscription!

[@markakira8988]

*that was awesome*

[@bugbuddy1771]

Thank you for taking us on this amazing experience.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Great vlog as always! I am glad you enjoyed the training. Keep up the good work. Be safe!

[@fleishum]

So COOL!!!

[@WaynoGur]

The dream if every railfan. Thanks for taking us along.

[@iamcoreilly]

I love the look on your face as you concentrate on the job at hand.

[@cleopatrabonz]

Wow Jeb, I bet that was so fun!

[@michaelgalea5148]

Great video Jeb. I am happy that you are having fun.

[@saigonexile531]

I had seen that sign many times in the past but never stopped. Someday, when I'm back in the US, I may just stop by and drive a train! Cheers!

[@jamesk370]

... and another experience has been added to my bucket list.

[@denault3985]

I remember when the museum was actually a closed shop, visited in the 1980's on vacation.

[@SNOOPY_-]

thanks for the effort of conversion from miles to KM Jeb. if i may speak for all europeans,thanks mate

[@wafflesnfalafel1]

super nice vid - love the close with that FP7 prime mover idling away in the back ground.

[@mathewmclean9128]

That's awesome! I will definitely have to do that.

[@davidphillips3090]

I live in Salisbury, NC and the Transportation Museum is a great way to entertain out of town guests when they come. Great video! Thank you

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Cool....just really cool !!!

[@therooster6104]

Blessings brother 🙏🏼

[@ROLLMEAWAY]

Another great adventure! I went there many years ago with my kids and rode the train.

[@slatesworld518]

I’m proud Jeb brooks

[@maclairetx]

Jeb Brooks you live the coolest life! WOW!!!

[@FanRailer]

If the Norfolk and Western No. 611 ever makes it back down to Spencer for another stay at the museum, it’s definitely worth checking out. There’s just something about being behind the throttle of a living, breathing steam locomotive that just blows the diesel experience out of the water.

[@WBDE]

Fun fact: as mentioned by Jeb, the turntable at the Spencer roundhouse has a length of 100 feet. The N&W class J 611 has a wheelbase of 98.5 feet. Spotting the 611 on the turntable is a very precise maneuver

[@pezzamag0953]

I'm a train driver in England. It's honestly the best job in the world ❤

[@howardzhao4685]

Love this one! Never forget those days in history when I waited on the side of track waiting for train to pass……

[@Rikevis10]

Great video. That Atlantic Coast Line locomotive is a beauty. I live in NC, and visited the museum when my daughter was about 12. A lot of fun. And you looked like a kid in a candy store!

[@donaldmickunas8552]

Fun video, Mr. Sausage Maker. Great to see the preservation of such an important part of our past.

[@pmaitrasm]

I rode this locomotive. I hope they have a live steam event there. Thank you for posting.

[@yappytown]

I ask them ALL the time if they will have any operational Steam there soon and they always say if they will just sign up for the newsletter on their website and it would be there. I was told sometimes personal owners will bring their engines there for service sometimes too. They are going to get so sick of me asking them so many things!

[@pmaitrasm]

@@yappytown, They did have that fireless locomotive out once for visitors to operate. Tickets were $100.

[@yappytown]

@@pmaitrasmOh man, I miss all the cool stuff :(

[@thomasmccardle725]

I took a vacation there one year and I had a great time filled with great memories!

[@andrewjohnston6841]

Another great video Jeb

[@mr_monkey818]

Another amazing video 👍

[@crisn565]

I went in 2019. Loved it

[@jdyoung3284]

Such a cool video Jeb! It brought back memories of my father when he used to work for Southern.

[@terryrobertson8382]

Awesome.

[@jqgoldstriker8096]

Nice! Strasburg Railroad in Pennsylvania offers throttle sessions for steam locomotives on select weekends each year. Worth a visit there imo, Jeb! :)

[@pmaitrasm]

They even had a steam locomotive session at this museum. I was there, but could not afford it, because I was a broke college student then.