Take the Throttle
Ever dream of being a real train engineer?
At the Illinois Railway Museum, that dream can come true. Our Take The Throttle program will make you engineer for an hour.
Live the fantasy of every railfan and operate a train at speed over our five-mile demonstration railroad. Ring the bell, blow the horn, wave to the kids, and smile for the camera during this once-in-a-lifetime experience! As a student engineer or motorman you will have full control, under the careful supervision and instruction of IRM crewmen. Or, if you have a railfan in the family, give a birthday or holiday gift that they will never forget!
This unique opportunity is available for a donation of only $295 per person for diesel equipment. Electric equipment is available for a donation of $200 per person. Or treat yourself (or a friend or family member) to the ultimate railfan adventure: both diesel and electric! Space for this program is extremely limited, and advance reservations are essential: reserve your spot today, while space is still available. Take the Throttle is also available for a very limited number of dates on a steam engine at $600.
Take the Throttle Dates
The museum’s Take the Throttle program operates only on the following dates in 2026:
Saturday, June 20; Sunday, July 26; Saturday, August 22; and Sunday, September 13
Take the Throttle diesel trains depart at 10:30AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Take the Throttle electric trains depart at 10:45 AM, 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 3:15 PM, and 4:15 PM.
PLEASE NOTE: Each participant must be at least 18 years old and must sign a liability waiver. Please complete the digital waiver linked in the order confirmation email prior to your arrival at the museum. IRM will selected the specific pieces of equipment. All operations are subject to cancellation or rescheduling for mechanical, operational, or safety reasons. IRM will provide confirmation of the scheduled date by mail. Participants must arrive one hour in advance of their trip departure time.
Please contact us with any questions.