The Feather River Rail Society in Portola California has a rent a locomotive program. The fee covers a short training session and then a set amount of time at the throttle. There is a long list of locomotives to chose from.
http://www.wplives.org/ral.html
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
If you want to 'drive' a real train, come to Maine. Boothbay Railway Village is offering an Engineer's Society: Put Yourself at the Throtttle. A short course in how to operate one of the museum's Henchel 2 foot gauge steam locomotives. This is a hands on opportunity. Check here for more details:
http://railwayvillage.org/events/engineers-society/
Lots better than any old cab ride!!
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Best seat on the Skytrain rapid transist sytsem in Vancouver. More photos and info at http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.ca/2015/06/drive-train-in-vancouver.html
John Longhurst, Winnipeg