STEAM Engine driver EXPERIENCE courses

Drive a steam train on a STEAM Engine Driver Experience Course - An Ideal gift

Learn to drive a steam railway engine on a magical steam train trip

Learn how to drive a real steam train. You will drive and fire a coal fired steam railway locomotive pulling a private train.  You and/or a friend or partner can fulfil the dream of becoming an engine driver. Your family or friends can also come along for the fun.

Our courses are normally a full day and for a maximum of two participants (although one person is normal) and are great  birthday gift or present. The course  starts with a safety briefing so that you understand the basic safe operation of the railway and steam locomotives. Then it's your turn to help prepare the engine for the days work which means cleaning it, oiling round and raising steam. This is where you will learn how the theory works in practice and how the parts of the engine work. You do not need to know how a steam engine works before starting the course. Our trains are real coal fired half sized narrow gauge steam engines.  You will concentrate on learning new skills and having fun rather than on physical endeavour.

steam engine No.9 Pendragon is also used for driver experience trainingSteam engine No.6 ready for the next driver experience course

The trainee drivers on previous courses have praised the quality of instruction and personal tailoring to match their specific needs. Our one to one approach means that we can offer a high quality experience that is fun and interesting. Some have enjoyed it so much that they have become volunteers so they can repeat the experience.

Once steam is raised on the engine we will couple up to a train and start the most exciting part of the day. On the first trip you will be asked to fire the engine to keep up the steam pressure and to learn the layout of the railway. If there are two trainees you will take it in turns with the person not on the engine learning the job of guard before swapping roles for the next trip. After you have acted as fireman its time to swap sides of the cab and take the regulator and drive the train on the three mile return trip.

On the full day course you will have normally have four return trips on the footplate. A packed lunch can be brought as local catering facilities are not always available. Complimentary hot drinks are provided. You should bring your camera as there are great photo opportunities. The public cannot travel on these trains for safety reasons but family members travel free on all our courses. A shorter half day course can be booked if time is limited with two return trips. The aim of the day is to enjoy yourselves and the course will be tailored to the pace you are comfortable with.

  Steam engine No.7 Merlin runs through the snowsteam engine Merlin in the snow in 2002

A gift voucher valid for 9 months is always provided. Please let us know when booking if its a gift although we always send all information direct to the purchaser. We can fix a specific date when booking or leave it for the recipient to arrange it to suite themselves. There is no upper age limit but we have a minimum age limit of 12 for anyone taking the courses.

About the Driver Experience Day

We provide complimentary hot drinks but suggest the course participant and family bring a packed lunch. We also ask you to bring a boiler suite/ overall and wear some boots or old shoes.

Do bring your camera or video. There are plenty of photo opportunities for family & friends..

Our international reputation meant the latest overseas visitors came especially from Thailand.

Special Driver needs?

We have welcomed many people to our courses with a variety of special requirements and they have had a great day with us. We have a 'can do' attitude to solving problems so please call to discuss how we can make the day with us great. We were pleased to assist a couple recently where the lady proposed as part of the course. He said YES!!

Group Engine Driver Experiences

We ran some very successful group courses with 6 people using two trains. Please contact us to discuss the options

 BOOK Now!

Ring  Peter Moore on 07824 340777 or email us at driver@rlsr.org    or

Print the engine driver booking form available on this link.      Then click on Back at the top left of your screen to return to this page. Then complete the form and post it to us at the address shown on the form.      

We always send the engine driver experience details , gift voucher etc to the person who books the course      

    Some Comments from past participants:

'a superb day',  ' we learned much more that we would have on a full size engine'

'Richard is an excellent teacher and extremely patient',   'We had a super day'        'great fun'    

'Thank you for that wonderful time that my husband and I had '

'our instructor had been extremely helpful and friendly throughout'

'The railway is wonderful and I had a fantastic time'  'I will certainly be back'

'We had a great day on Saturday' ' I have no hesitation in recommending it'

 

Costs & dates

Costs (from 1st November 2008) Prices  were reduced to account for VAT reduction. Prices will rise after February 2010 to meet increased VAT and other costs

  • A full day driver course for one person costs £190 inclusive of VAT.
  • A half day driver course for one person costs £135 inclusive of VAT.
  • A full day driver course for two people costs   £130 each inclusive of VAT   ( i.e.  £260 for 2 people)

    • A special course can easily be tailor made for a larger group or as a corporate event and these have been well received. Please contact us to discuss the possibilities.

    Remember

    You have the sole use of the railway( unless you choose to share with a person you know).

    Family and friends are welcome to ride the train while you drive.

    You progress from cleaner to engine driver in one shift

    2010 Dates

    These are available midweek throughout the year apart from late July & August. There are also some weekend dates in February, March & November 2010.

    Please ring Peter to check for specific dates on 07824 340777

    To  discuss these courses or make a booking or fix a date please email driver@rlsr.org or ring Peter Moore on 07824 340777