Bethlehem Steel Locomotive Engineer Experience

The National Museum of Industrial History is excited to offer a hands-on train engineer experience on its newly-restored narrow gauge locomotive! Situated in the museum’s park area, the 1941 Whitcomb diesel-electric locomotive was used at Bethlehem Steel in the Electric Furnace Melt Shop where it moved charging buggies filled with scrap metal. Restored by museum volunteers and staff to working condition, the train operates on a little over 100 feet of demonstration track. During this educational experience participants will be able to climb into the cab, learn how the locomotive works, then take the controls under the supervision of museum personnel. The short but memorable runs will let you step back in time, putting you in the same engineer’s seat as the steelworkers who helped built the country.

Each experience is limited to two adults or one adult and one child. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes and is weather-dependent. Tickets are $30 per session (includes 1-2 participants) and are non-refundable except in the case of inclement weather or cancellation by the museum.

Learn more about the locomotive’s restoration process and see it in action here: https://www.nmih.org/restoration-highlight-1941-bethlehem-steel-whitcomb-narrow-gauge-locomotive

Because of the nature of operating historic equipment, availability is subject to change without advance notice. Every reasonable effort will be made to keep your experience on track. Guests must be able to climb a three-step ladder to enter and exit the locomotive. Face masks are required.

Thank you to East Penn Manufacturing for generously providing support for the Locomotive Restoration Project.