Steam Traction Engine Operation Course

The nine-day Steam Traction Training Course teaches, in a combination lecture-practical format, the basic maintenance and safe operation of steam traction engines and familiarizes you with antique steam-powered machinery, including a 75 HP Case and 36 HP Case steam engine.

The course covers WDM safety practices, boiler operation, firing with wood and coal, practical experience as both Engineer and Fireman, steam engine maintenance and belting up to other equipment.

Registration

Yorkton & Moose Jaw

Training course in Yorkton: April 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 25

Written exam and driving test in Moose Jaw: May 2 & 3

Fee for WDM volunteers and members $600 + GST; public fee $1050 + GST

Priority registration opens to WDM Members and Volunteers in good standing at the end of February. If spots remain available, registration will open to the public on March 13.

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North Battleford & Moose Jaw

Training course in North Battleford: July 10 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 25

Written exam and driving test in Moose Jaw: July 28 & 29

Fee for WDM volunteers and members $600 + GST; public fee $1050 + GST

Priority registration opens to WDM Members and Volunteers in good standing on May 12. If spots remain available, registration will open to the public on June 1.

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Limited Power Engineer (Steam Traction Operator) Exams & Licence

For Saskatchewan students, the course and the WDM exam prepare you to challenge the Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan Limited Power Engineer (Steam Traction Operator) exam. The TSASK examination requires an exam fee payment to TSASK. Successful completion of the exam allows you to request your Steam Traction Operator License for an additional fee payable to TSASK. These TSASK fees are NOT a part of the WDM course fee. You can contact TSASK here.

Our training course policy on booking and refunds can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a WDM volunteer to take these steam courses?

No, but if you want to run the WDM steam engines after completing the course you must be.

How do I become a WDM volunteer?

Complete our orientation! Contact your local Volunteer Coordinator for upcoming orientation dates.

When does the course run, and how many students are in the course?

Courses typically take place between April and October, depending on the weather. Each course has a capacity of 12 students.

Does this course offer information on power engineering?

The course does not cover any industrial power engineering material and will not enable you to challenge any power engineering exam other than the Limited Power Engineer (Traction) license exam.

What does the traction engine course teach and what do you need to know beforehand?

This course teaches, in a combination lecture-practical format, the basic maintenance and safe operation of steam traction engines and familiarizes you with antique steam-powered machinery. The course does not cover any industrial power engineering material and will not enable you to challenge any power engineering exam other than the Limited Power Engineer (Traction) license exam.

What does my course fee include?

1. 75 hours of instruction (approximately):

• 40% in-classroom
• 60% hands-on with the equipment

2. WDM Steam Traction Engine Operation Course Manual and handouts

3. WDM written and driving tests. These tests reinforce the information needed to operate steam engines and allow students to demonstrate skills learned. Note that these tests are for the WDM only and do not mean you are licensed to operate steam engines by TSASK, the provincial governing body for antique steam engines.

4. Noon meals

What doesn’t my course fee include?

1. Limited Power Engineer (Traction) license exam fees payable to TSASK. There are two TSASK exams:

• TSASK written exam – costs approximately $50
• TSASK practical operational test – costs approximately $66

Students must register for both exams on TSASK’s website. The WDM will email you a link to the online registration form following your registration in our Stream Traction Course.

2. Limited Power Engineer (Traction) license fee payable to TSASK. When you pass TSASK’s examination and testing, you will need to purchase your TSASK license which costs $45 for a two-year license.

3. Appropriate clothing

Where can I get my WHMIS certification?

Anyone residing in Saskatchewan can access a free WHMIS for Workers course through the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety. Add the WHMIS for Workers course to your cart. You will see the total amount that you would have to pay if you are not a Saskatchewan resident. During the “checkout” process, once you have confirmed that you are a Saskatchewan resident, the amount you see will be reduced to $0.

What will a typical day be like?

Days will run from around 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Mornings involve classroom work indoors.

Weather permitting, afternoons will be spent on practical work on engines outdoors.

What is needed to operate Western Development Museum steam-powered equipment?

All WDM volunteers who operate WDM steam-powered equipment are required to have a valid Limited Power Engineer (Traction) license and be approved to operate each piece of Museum equipment by the WDM Chief Engineer and Restoration Manager. All WDM volunteers are required to undertake the Museum orientation at the Museum they wish to volunteer for (Moose Jaw, North Battleford, Saskatoon or Yorkton WDMs).

For more information, contact trainingcourses@wdm.ca.