Personally, I like the hole 150 hour rule, however, I have known guys at the museum, who make exceptions for people to start doing things here and there a little early, if you show genuine interest in the museum, and show up at least twice a month. I don't want to get any one in trouble, but I am just saying that is how I have experieced a few things in the past with becoming a brakemen. However, some people, have shown up, seemed real interested and then all of a sudden just decided to quit showing up all together. If the WW&F's crews would have spent time training this person, it would have only been waisted effort. I think it is honestly up to the BOD, and training officers as to who they think may be able to sneak in here or there to do a little bit of training in private, like I got when I first started.
Joe
P.S. Please no one take this the wrong way. Like I said, I like the 150 hour rule, but maybe a consideration can be made for the ones that have worked/volunteered on a railroad before. However, make sure that they are commited before any type of training.