How do you learn how to fire a steam engine? Well, according to Tommy, you stand outside the Train Masters door until he hires you. Then you find Engineers who will take you out on training trips. In this episode, he talks about learning how to fire over the Tehachapi Loop, one of the most intense grades in the United States. 

Intro and Outro: Sounds of Santa Fe Steam Locomotives by Stan Kistler Track 14 At Riverside, October 16 1950, 4-6-2 1369 is on No. 54