Locomotive Experience

The National Museum of Industrial History is excited to offer a hands-on train engineer experience on its 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 trains of 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 build 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 four steps to enter and exit the locomotive. NMIH’s Bethlehem Steel locomotive experience is separate from regular museum admission. 2026 Season Dates – First and Third Sundays April through October (with some exceptions) TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH CLICK HERE. TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH CLICK HERE. Please note, online ticket sales end on midnight the night before each event. To inquire about open time slots the day of the event, please call 610-694-6644 or visit the admission desk.