Running around the train

Rikki takes her turn at practicing running the #15 and making a joint to the coaches.
Check out the Chehalis and Centralia Railroad at www.steamtrainride.com

[@tigertiger1699]

Watching her drive.. watching her hands.., takes me back 45 years to my childhood 🙏, watching my Father’s ... flick & move over the Loco’s levers... manipulating those hundreds or thousands of tons..🌹 had me reconnect with him... he and this young woman were both gentle, beautiful people.. who I assert .. have the respect, touch and patience to be train drivers.., not all can

[@akbarazam1617]

0

[@rosemars4806]

Wonder woman

[@lindafansler7494]

⁰l

[@joebufford2972]

With people in the background laughing and bantering, it did not distract her the least bit. She is a true engineer

[@patrickscally2882]

She is brave smart and 😎 cool

[@Isochest]

My daughters aged 15 and 13 would not be afraid to try their hand at live steam like this young lass does.

[@tahsinozgur8694]

There is something so compelling and fascinating in watching a graceful young lady commanding such a wild beast!

[@americanwaffle]

I've been in the cab of this locomotive and I have rung the bell along with blown the whistle. I must say it is an amazing feeling to be able to do that.

[@RonHutchCraft2]

She is amazing, so pretty & talented! I think any parent would be glad to have her as a daughter! 🤠

[@olegivanov6163]

But someone somewhen somehow will have to have her as wife.

[@Kiwigeo8339]

Why is that whenever there's a video featuring a male engineer there's no reference to how good looking he looks but whenever its a female engineer you get the inane comments about how "pretty" she looks.

[@johnkerr1953]

I certainly Loved this video, of a young girl operating a steam engine , what a trimendous job she is doing & doing it well, her smile says it all - so many thanks to everyone who made this great video 👍👍 ( can I just say to this young girl, keep up the good work).

[@timgreen4137]

You have my greatest admiration and respect girl. No old timers coaching you, or telling you what to do. You have their respect and confidence too. You've got my dream job. I'm 56 years old, and you are only in your 20s. Way to go. My hat is off to you.

[@jillcampbell8019]

Very rare for a woman- men usually make it tougher than it has to be. Unfortunately, the usual.

[@SteamPower4ever]

That video just made my day. Well done Rikki. Good to see young people like you handling a steamer with that kind of confidence.

[@SandmansWeatherLab]

Hats off to you! Amazing to see someone this young driving the beasts that my grandpa had once ran. Keep up the good work!

[@martincreese8075]

Best bit . The smile at the end . Great to watch footplate crew at work and well done all for keeping steam alive

[@fredbright2096]

This has got to be the coolest thing I have ever seen. I can only imaging the extreme satisfacion in having a daughter like this....and she is beautiful. And did you notice that grin just as the video ended.... wow

[@patrickscally2882]

For 😊 sure

[@rushmore120]

Love that smile at the end...

[@bobjohnson2800]

rushmore120 your comment should be at the top 😁👍🏻

[@bluelighting7457]

She must have a bucket load of confidence because man she is the boss of this locomotive. Her father must be extremely proud!

[@pooorman-diy1104]

her father must stay near her ??

[@cellogirl11rw55]

@@pooorman-diy1104 He's the fireman.

[@johnyoung468]

cellogirl11RW That is True, he is !

[@waynecram6624]

@@pooorman-diy1104 dirtyoldteacher

[@danbytp]

How much you wanna bet that the guy in the cab with her Is her Dad!

[@philbartlett7898]

You can see that Rikki has supreme command of the footplate. A good driver is looking out all the time and reaching out for the controls without taking their eyes off the ball. She handled the brake very well. Pleasure to watch

[@vincentrozario9333]

Fantastic

[@kirbyellis4337]

Young lady my hat is off to you. In an era where young ladies your age are in to ipads and instant gratification you are learning an art that is truly a rare find these days. Dont let anyone sway you because despite perversion on the forum some of us like to watch you handle these steam locomotives as your ability is impressive. Thank you Miss Rikki for sharing these videos!

[@lennoxpurinton9059]

We have a female diesel engineer, steam engineer, steam fireman, brakeman, conductor, and shop hand at our railroad. Shes been here for a long time.

[@lennoxpurinton9059]

***** Ok, so tell me. What "Railroad" is this? The railroad I volunteer at is the Nevada Northern Railway. Actually, the Nevada Northern Railway used to run for over 148 miles. It also linked up with what used to be the Southern Pacific line. The Nevada Northern also hauled ore from the copper mines to the mill and smelter for processing, so that the copper then could be used for phone and electricity lines.

[@lennoxpurinton9059]

***** wait.... Sorry I think that I thought you were saying that the railroad I volunteer at wasnt a real railroad........ anyways sorry about that. Wellp.... Now you have a little bit more history on the Nevada Northern.

[@anthonydestefano7250]

Kirby Ellis no

[@kirbyellis4337]

?

[@sjtom57]

She looks like a seasoned pro at those controls. Very nice vid.

[@nlo114]

Lovely, and good to see. My mates missus grew up with traction engines from when she was 3, and is one of the most competent drivers I know; light-up, oil-up and drive away. (drinks pints as well)

[@snubbedpeer]

The driver of the train certainly seems very capable, she operates the various handles while looking out of the window so she knows her way around this train!

[@Incognito-vc9wj]

This would be my dream job. Kudos for her, young age and already running a loco.

[@fernandokonig8681]

beautiful to see this girl driving this locomotive congratulations

[@bnsf805]

I think its great that she has the mindset and the SKILL to do this. The youth of today will be the Leaders of tomorrow! I am a Disabled Veteran and a Railfan since I was 4. My grandfather would take me and my brother out to watch train when we would spend the weekend with my grandparents. We would spend hours watching train. Now that I am a grandfather, all of my grandkids love to go watch and ride trains with me. So Rikki keep doing what is fun to you and don't worry about the resf

[@michaelhamilton7393]

My great gratitude to this young lady for her great interest in wanting to keep these old locomotives running and her great interest in railroading great job

[@NiekkieNick]

After a short trip to the highest point in Northern Germany called Brocken (1142m) in a steam locomotive I got interested in these mighty machines. Never realised that it takes a lot of skills to operate such a machine. Respect for the girl who is operating this train! Love these steam locomotives. 100% pure mechanics!

[@amtrakinoscale9811]

After having operated a diesel, I certainly wonder what it's like to actually operate a steam locomotive. Rikki makes it look easy. Hats off to her for doing such a great job.

[@vetterfellow]

I can't stop watching this video, I'm very impressed !!!...

[@johnreading645]

About 20+ years ago one Lynn Bjorklund was both running and firing steam and diesel power at the Nevada Northern tourist railway in Ely, NV -- she was the focal point of NN's first photo weekend in November 1994. She left the NN (and railroading) some time afterwards, when she changed jobs and relocated to New Mexico. Rikki is proudly carrying on the tradition!=

[@paulbalbin1334]

I am so glad that there are people like this coming on....

[@Ford0815]

Glad to see a woman behind the controls, keep up the great work!

[@KD0IDB]

Very impressive how she controls that machine like an old pro!

[@poppabob69]

She very obviously knows her way around that cab. The smile at the end says it all. :-)

[@southwestpilot]

She is clearly the master of that machine. Very cool to see those skills. One of my favorite videos in quite awhile. You go girl.

[@andrewcanterbury880]

awesome job driving that steam locomotive someone taught you well

[@tomnewham1269]

It is great how the controls are light for her to use. I have seen other videos of steam trains being driven and the driver has trouble moving the regulator. Attitude and knowledge should be the determining factor if a driver is qualified or not, not whether they are strong or not.

[@travismcgee9333]

oh my god, I want to meet her. She is amazing at her job. I can't believe it took me 10 years to find this video, with how much I love steam locomotives.

[@nagorncaraba4310]

Congrat Young Lady. Never loose that hobby.

[@torgeirbrandsnes1916]

Man, I am impressed! She knows the moves like it is all she has ever done! It makes it looks so easy. Good job!

[@daniels4227]

She did an absolutely amazing job!! Hopefully, 7 years later, she is still taking time out from her life to continue to operate.

[@steamhillbillys6443]

I think this girl does a great job

[@loosecannon1096]

Very impressive. Her face tells it All, she loves doing this. The ones who taught her should be Very proud also. Great job, keep it up. I wish I had a daughter like you.

[@jamesmay6820]

If you don't mind me saying so you are one of the cutest railroad engineers I have ever seen in my whole life honest to God

[@SleeTheSloth]

A beautiful girl who run a steam engine that well, I'm impressed. I tip my hat in admiration and respect.

[@gayathrisathianarayanan8490]

😊👌

[@mayhemmike1789]

DON'T 4get who taught her!

[@bijumenon54]

In this era of easydoings ,nice to see a young lady living the hard way

[@SkyWarnSpotter82]

Outstanding job young lady!!! Be proud of what you're doing!!

[@sooline3854]

She handles that steamer like a pro!

[@sombhaipatel141]

Sxa

[@armageddon1981]

I work for UPRR and if she ever asked me to put a word in for her i would...and i would be honest with her about the politics too😂😂😂😂

[@TallTexasGMan]

It was good to see the old locomotive. Being from Boistfort I have seen her moving down the crossings on Ocean Beach Highway 6 many times. I am a little jealous of Rikki though getting to operate the locomotive. Never had that opportunity.

[@Barflax]

My regards to her, noticed that she knows how to handle the controls without looking at them, well done Rikki.

[@KPearce57]

Glad to see the knowledge being passed on, Great job!

[@mongo5888]

I was VERY impressed with her ability! She's a natural! We've almost got our steamer fired up here at our museum. Installing tubes starting today. You guys should come over sometime! :)

[@gordonwiessner6327]

In case of an EMP the skills of steam engineers will be in high demand. Beauty and the Beast.

[@bigshnitzeljesse]

Hmm. The damaged electronics of modern engines could be replaced or worked around. Diesel motors don't necessarily need wiring. Fun to imagine a steam-powered world though

[@user-iv6nk7qe4s]

Hats off to her parents! They are wise and kind people.

[@danielgrimm6782]

great job young lady I'm glad to see someone taking interest in somthing like this vary rare these days.

[@ronnronn55]

Wow! She is soooo competent. And she stays focused on everything related to what she is controlling. And someone did a great job of teaching her, piece by piece, over a long period of time. Definitely bookmarked this one. Ronn

[@glp53]

"Dad, can I borrow the engine. We're going to the movies." "Oh, OK, but don't stay out too late. Can you steam it up?" "Yes. Thanks, Dad, you're the greatest."

[@dergenmusic2081]

glp53 Lol best comment

[@erikj.2066]

Make sure to bring it back with a full tender of wood now.

[@VersusARCH]

Plot twist: the couple and the engine are IN the movie (being filmed). Probably a re-make of Buster Keaton's "The General".

[@kauneushoitojanice3821]

Hello you all nice people. Hows your day? I want to share you all this information. This is a message from your loving God. God is a loving God and want to save us all. God dont want anybody to suffer or have a hard life. Meaning of life is love and that God wants. Thats the meaning of life. If we would take care and love each other that would solve all the problems. But world is not like that. World is a sinful world. God dont destroy this world but we humans do. His immediately ready if you want to serve him. God will show you the right path what leads to life. Its a path of love. God have made us and have eternal love and mercy. This world is not what God wanted. But he gave us free will. You can choose good or bad. Thats why he send he's only son Jesus that we had mercy. Jesus is God too because he is God's only son. Now this world have went to very wicked and our God is crying. So many peoples are on the path of destruction. World have allways been wicked but now is extremely bad time going on. God want's peoples to come back to serve him and he wants to give forever life and happiness. God is a God of love, mercy, justice and a judgment. He love us peoples as much as hes son Jesus. There is one big lie going on this world. Its a evolution lie. First please think this thing. Why the all the fruits, berrys and vegetables taste so good? Anybody can go to own home kitchen and try to do same taste. Then look up please and watch those extremely beautiful birds. Do you really believe birds came to dinosaurs? We need very light bones, right size, correct shape, a bird's beak and feathers. And the same time birds are very beautiful. I send only these two questions to evolution professor and nothing came back(Why berries taste so good and how those little birds survived without wings) Then they say evolution gave animals camoflash to survive. Well if we look black panther. They say it's black because it's a night-time hunter and that black color also give it protection during night-time. First thing: evolution dont have brains and it gave that black color they say. Second thing: Think please how many shades of colors are and all animal have to be black. Third thing: Then they say there were many panthers with another color also and the best color was left. Because it's the best color in the nigh time. This is s lie also because: if you think like evolutionist's: the animal system also have to know to do black anymore. Rabbit is also brown when it's a summer and white when it's a winter. We need intelligence to do that. They also say evolution develops animals or Humans what kind of element we live. Why then fish have gills and whale have lungs? They say first came the first cell and that was finally a fish. And then finally fish came to land and it was frog or something. But thats inpossible because gills should also transform to lungs under the water. They brake their own logic when they say that. And how about a whale. Whale proves also God is real because it have lungs. Theory of evolution tells everything started to ocean. They also say that plants come from ocean and thats why we have them now. Thats a lie because: The plants have an underwater pollination system. If something comes to the beach it will die for it. And they are breaking their logic again. Fish and other water animals and plants belong to sea. Only our loving God can create life and everything what we humans and animals need. People can try to think but the deeper we try to dig the more lost we are. We cant ever create life from nothing. A simple car engine also needs its maker, parts, fuel and the right structure to work. I had health problems about six years. Finally it was so bad i thought im gonna die. My heart was beating hard. My blood pressure was high. Then i started to lose my energy. When i try to walk my legs felt heavy and my stamina went very bad also. Then i started losing my sleep. Eventually i crashed a little into the road and asked God and Jesus to help. Finally I started to run in the toilet all the time too. Then the very awful thing came. I lost fastly almost all my ability to sleep and I started to loose my weight. Blood came out my nose and I started to lost my hairs too. I visit hospitals and private hospitals too but they couldn't help me. They gave me beta blockers to my heart and finally medicine to my high blood pressure too. I wanted to get inside the hospital but they refused to take me in. In private hospitals they couldn't understand why they dont take me in the main hospital. Finally I contact to other country and I asked can you take me in the hospital. Then they asked where are you here? I told im in the other country and I need a help. But they told me we cant take you in because you dont live here. So I can tell you money didnt help me. Later I told my family im gonna die very soon because I felt completely awful. Finally I asked again God to help me. Then finally my mother saw one angel vision first and then three visions of Jesus. After that it took 2-3 days and my health came back. I got my sleeping back, my heart started to calm down, I started to gain weight, blood pressure went back to normal and finally I got all of my hairs back too. This is very short version what happend to me but I was close to death. God is real and loves us very much. When you begin to seek God, you will find true love. God bless you all.

[@DAPchatt]

This engineer is rikki durden, she currently works at TVRM as an engineer, steam and diesel, and a fireman

[@norman7179]

LOVED the smile at the end !!!!!!!!! Made my day.

[@roffolo5491]

Comments: 30% train 70% the girl driving the train

[@Kiwigeo8339]

Nah..70% the physical appearance of the girl driving the train.

[@fedorhabarov8942]

Не, девка точно знает что делает. И реверсом и регулятором и краном машиниста управляется в лист. Респект и уважуха!!!

[@neville132bbk]

absoliutno soglasen ! ( tastatura ne mozhet po russki :-) )

[@kennethmccann6402]

I've watched her every moves on controls in locomotive as my experienced and she's does it a good job.

[@The_Real_Indiana_Joe]

That is one proud dad! Excellent job by that youngster!

[@passacaglia28]

This woman is so awesome! :)

[@luigicorte]

I love this girl!

[@cjbalke8691]

A lucky lass, to be running such a fine locomotive. I had the opportunity to ride in the cab when I was just 6. The only thing I remember about the trip was my sister's hat blowing off the open car and the crew helping look for it. Nice bunch of folks, and really friendly too.

[@shirleynarsi]

She good at what she does. And loves what she does. Way to go girl . I'm jealous

[@michaelsneed4195]

She knows what she is doing !! You rock Lady engine driver.

[@lucienpetrus6906]

duh

[@mayhemmike1789]

What's the name of the person who taught her!

[@silvianifauziah5650]

J

[@henrikholmkristensen759]

She´s running it like a pro... awesome

[@clarification007]

Why ”awesome”? It is simply normal, it is about time to get women doing this job!

[@aimee2014]

Mad respect for her

[@karl-heinzbohm5472]

👍❤ noch nie eine Frau am Regler einer Dampflok gesehen - macht ihren Job großartig. Ich war 47 Jahre bei der Eisenbahn.

[@lennoxpurinton9059]

Beautiful job Rikki! You handled this iron giant BEAUTIFULLY! Great to see a young lady like you NOT on her phone or iPad ALL DAY! Instead you enjoy these beasts!

[@danbytp]

If she is on her device,she is playing a train app.

[@aveekraymukherjee3386]

Beasts? Locomotives resemble as living goddesses to me !!!

[@TimMillerTmillz1361]

Very nice driving. This girl got it right, she looks like she enjoys driving these beasts instead of being on her phone constantly like many girls. Very glad to see that the art is not dying.

[@stevenmifsud7496]

IV just now seen this update and let me just say this a job very well done and I loved it

[@brittfarms2018]

I was watching her, so much concentration, and she was enjoying her time there..so much respect for her..awesome..

[@calebsantos1308]

They don't make em like they used to! And I ain't talking about the locomotive ;) RIKKI DONT LOSE THAT NUMBER!!

[@MrSd40jk]

That is so awesome. She's got a skill. That I envy and takes discipline to master. Judging from the relaxed atmosphere in the cab. She is more than capable to do a fine job. This is not a engine slapped on a flat car AKA Diesel. She has many system's to manage. Pressures. Damper, Temp.And Timing to contact.Etc. Very impressed. And thank you for posting this young lady's skill. Bravo..:D

[@Galvan198]

Pressure, Temp, Damper and don't for get Water Level is all taken care of by this fireman Dad/ Grandad?

[@williamkennedy5492]

I drove a steam train once for 20 miles then shoveled coal for another 20 miles then we headed back 20 miles i was on the foot plate. this is one of my memory days ! steam is special its a happening !

[@drummerboy1390]

Great to see young people, male or female keeping doing the business. They're the future. Without them videos like this would become a thing of the past.

[@TheTomar33]

most people can only dream of running a steam engine.

[@PhonyGamer-po8ci]

man she's goooood

[@Timrathmore]

incredible how she runs that steam locomotive. When your surrounded by great people your most certainly destined for greatness. She's running it like she's been doing it all her life. It sure would be nice for rail roaders to see this video. I love trains and doing what she's doing would be a dream come true. Most of the steam locomotives you see are static on display; so to see it run made me have an appreciation for the techinicalities of what it takes to run a steam locomotive. You go gurl! you are making history. Have fun while you do it!!!.

[@christopherroberts1695]

Personally I think it's great that she is running a steam locomotive and enjoying it as well. My daughter loves steam trains, engines and cars and I hope she never decides she is "too girlish" to play with all the steam stuff. She also has the touch for the throttle, they can be very touchy.

[@locomovego4997]

Great job.. she is very concentrated what she are doing...

[@MrDomb101]

Very impressive

[@gregorynedblevins5428]

I'm the proud father of two strong daughters and a little grand daughter who is a strong woman in training. I love this video! Rikki obviously knows exactly what she is doing! I would like to know more about Rikki and what she is doing now.

[@ediunicko]

Excellent work lady! Congrats.

[@WideWorldofTrains]

Awesome video

[@sinclairopaline]

Wide World of Trains q

[@ThatsnewsTV]

Good skills. A great train driver in the making, there. Hope she's still driving.

[@pauladams9067]

The inside of this Steam Engines cab, really brings back some great memories of my Childhood. Being from a Railroad Family .My Dad, my Two Grandads , Dad's Two Brothers, & a Great uncle plus many cousins all worked most of their lives for the NC&StL & Southern Railway in Atlanta.& Geotgia In those days of my Childhood 1940's & 1950's , I was allowed to ride the Steam & Diesel Engines, Baggage Cars, Cabooses on Passenger & Freight Trains. One of my vivid Memories, was when I was allowed to sit in the Brakeman's seat & look out the side of the Engine, straight up the track ahead, and Watch That " BIG HOSS" " snake up " the track ahead. I wish every young pre- teen & teenager could experience that Thrill of Steam & Diesel POWER, Moving up to 100 freight cars up the tracks. My Childhood Memories are great!!!!!

[@andrewrobinson7600]

A pleasure to watch such a confident driver, well done.

[@wolfgrizzer]

What a Beauty! Plus a great operator! Wish I could find a gal like that around here. Also a Huge fan of Locomotives.

[@walgar2]

A lady friend of mine is a Daddy's Girl, too. We both drive Kenworth's. And dagnabbit ... she can shift a 13-speed Eaton Fuller better than I can. (Ya hear that, Tam?) Any woman who can drag her behind out of bed on a cold winter morning and grind herself into the dirt all day won't put up with any guy who is a loser. Any real man would be blessed to have a woman like that!!!

[@robk1310]

Girls that can hang with the guy's are sexy. That's one reason why Country Girls rock!!!

[@alanlasowski5012]

Wallis Garbotz

[@robehulsk7288]

Wallis Garbotz hi

[@djburland]

This girl is amazing, best wishes to all on the railroad.

[@270crazyguy]

Very nice. What a remarkable skill. My hats off to you

[@esoomreltna]

Great to give the younger folks an opportunity to get involved. Keep up the good work. Regards!

[@Duinbertje]

That lady is very good ! She has has the feeling !

[@dmcalut]

What a relief to see this young lady taking charge of the loco. All´s not lost. On the other hand she is greatly outnumbered by so many zombies glued to their iphones.

[@Ahzlon]

All I can say is i'm envious of this experience.

[@ricpou8300]

With my 12 years experience on a British footplate, this young lady is doing well, she has to give the reverser a tug, but her skill is fine. I would be interested to see how she coped with firing a small coal locomotive. She should visit the UK and present her credentials at a line like the Severn Valley. I'd start her out on an Ivatt 2 or even my chunky unique Ivatt 4, the Flying Pig. Nice easy rocking grate!

[@robman3398]

I would like to see more of her driving and the railroad in operation too.

[@jackoesterlejr.3454]

She Is Awesome! She Knows Everything! Makes It Look Easy! She Is So Serious! Always Be Blessed! MoPac Jack Kirkwood, Missouri 🚂

[@motard811]

Keep up the good work Rikki, you really made my day with this footage.