Originally Posted By smd4 >>>That is the "Tender Run."<<< If you call it a "Tender Run," you're liable to be ridiculed by the engine crew as a Disney foamer, and possibly be denied based on that alone. The car behind the engine is correctly called the tender (because it "tends" to the wants/needs of the engine with the fuel and water it carries). There's no specific term for getting to ride with the crew. You're better off just asking the Conductor if you could have a ride on the tender, or a tender ride. You can also ask to ride in the cab (although as Dug points out, you're really riding the tender). Only engines 1 and 2 (the C.K. Holliday and the E.P. Ripley) can accommodate guests, so one of them will need to be in use. You can be denied a ride for any number of reasons, which include the need to take on water (which happens about every two hours), the need to take fuel (usually only once during a long day), the need to "blow down" the boiler (discharge sediment that boils out of the water and is detrimental to the boiler), the training of new engine crew, or the whim and wish of the engine crew, who have the final say about who can ride up there. That said, it is an amazing thing to do, and the ride will seem far faster than usual because there's so much to see and ask about. Doing it during daylight hours will allow you to see more of the controls, but there's also a special magic about the engine in the evening, with the cab lights glinting off the copper air lines and brass gauges.
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>If you call it a "Tender Run," you're liable to be ridiculed...<< That is what we were told it was by the conductor in Main Street Station. Has this changed?
Originally Posted By smd4 While there are some Conductors who are very knowledgeable regarding railroading (indeed, I know of several who have made careers on "real" railroads after working on the DRR), many of them are not aware of railroad jargon. Saying, "I'd like a tender run" to the usually more-knowledgeable engine crew would have the same effect as saying to a die-hard Disney fan that you'd like to ride the Haunted House next, followed by the Autotopia.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>If you call it a "Tender Run," you're liable to be ridiculed by the engine crew as a Disney foamer, and possibly be denied based on that alone.<< How about just yelling "Shotgun!" That usually works on long car rides.
Originally Posted By tashajilek ">>If you call it a "Tender Run," you're liable to be ridiculed by the engine crew as a Disney foamer, and possibly be denied based on that alone.<< "Saying, "I'd like a tender run" to the usually more-knowledgeable engine crew would have the same effect as saying to a die-hard Disney fan that you'd like to ride the Haunted House next, followed by the Autotopia." Seriously who cares?
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>Saying, "I'd like a tender run" to the usually more-knowledgeable engine crew would have the same effect as saying to a die-hard Disney fan that you'd like to ride the Haunted House...<< Then what is the "correct" term? Because, seriously, I have heard this referred to by no other name at Main Street Station. (No desire to be contentious-- I just really want to know.)
Originally Posted By smd4 >>>Seriously who cares?<<< Well, it's no skin off my nose what terms you decide to use. But if you want the best chance to get a tender ride. I'm telling you there are engine crew who, if they heard this term, might decide not to take the rider who stated it.
Originally Posted By smd4 >>>Then what is the "correct" term? Because, seriously, I have heard this referred to by no other name at Main Street Station. (No desire to be contentious-- I just really want to know.)<<< No worries, Dug. As I said in my first post, there is really is no specific term. Sure, you can use "tender run" if you want, but most railroaders might giggle under their breath upon hearing this. Would you ask for a "Lilly Bell run?" The term "tender run" is really sort of meaningless. What the heck is a "run?" Specifically, what you would be asking for is a ride on the tender. Or simply a "tender ride." I've also asked if "I could get a chance to ride up with the engine crew." Stating things this way doesn't make it sound like you're trying to throw around jargon in a attempt to impress--which may get you a better chance for the ride.
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 You say POtato, I say poTATo. Next time I'm going to ask for a Lilly Belle run! I would love to give the conductors a giggle and a smile.
Originally Posted By tashajilek ". But if you want the best chance to get a tender ride. I'm telling you there are engine crew who, if they heard this term, might decide not to take the rider who stated it." I really DOUBT that they expect Disneyland quests to know the correct term. I also doubt they would turn you away for saying it "incorrect"
Originally Posted By friendofdd I admit that I just usually say something like "any chance of riding the tender today?" It has always worked. When the crew learn my father was a railroad machinist and I rode on the turntables as a boy (decades before OSHA), they really open up with me.
Originally Posted By markymouse Most long time Disneyland fans have noticed the wire overhead in the hub. But not many know that if you ask nicely, you may be chosen to dress up as Tinkerbell and "fly" down the wire. CMs especially like to say yes to big burly guys because they look hilarious in the Tinkerbell costume and because they offer an easier target for the fireworks CMs. Just ask for the Tinkerbell Run.
Originally Posted By friendofdd The CMs would laugh you out of the park if you called it the tinkerbelle "run". It is properly called the Pixie Prance. There is also a weight limit for burley guys. Don't ask me how I know.
Originally Posted By YumaJohn A few years ago my family was invited to ride on the top of the Mark Twain. It was absolutely incredible. The captain put his hat on my seven year old daughter and told her to "take us around the river". My dd was convinced she was steering us around the river and to this day she sincerely believes she steered the ship the whole way. We got to ring the bell and blow the whistle. I had to give the whistle a few pulls myself knowing the story of Walt nearly running out of steam on the first trip because he was so whistle happy. We signed the book and got our official river boat captain certificates. Truly one of the most memorable Disneyland experiences ever!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo agreed Yuma John. Sarah and I got to pilot the Mark Twain on our 2nd wedding anniversary and it was a real highlight. Also as a boy, I loved riding in the nose cone. I really regret that our last trip we passed up on the chance to let Mikey ride on the tender, but there was an LP meet scheduled that meant it was one or the other. WE made the right choice, but the greedy for experience guy is sad we could not do both.
Originally Posted By Mr X ***When the crew learn my father was a railroad machinist and I rode on the turntables as a boy (decades before OSHA), they really open up with me*** Lucky you! I just love hearing little bits of history like this. What was it like?
Originally Posted By smd4 >>>I really DOUBT that they expect Disneyland quests to know the correct term. I also doubt they would turn you away for saying it "incorrect"<<< Just trying to help, and keep you from sounding like a tool. Please, call it whatever you want.
