Heritage Railway Driving Experience

[notadriver]

I'd like to hear from people who've done the Heritage Railway Driving experience. How much did it cost you and how long did you get to drive? Also what traction did you drive? Also 25 mph seems a very low speed limit so is that strictly adhered to or are you allowed to go slightly faster ?

 

[fgwrich]

This page from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railways website should help you:

http://www.gwsr.com/enthusiasts/firing-and-driving-courses/diesel-driving-courses.aspx

Though as for the Max Speed of 25MPH, I Believe this is down to restrictions imposed by the HMRC - As most* preserved railways are classed as Light Railways...As for going over 25, i wouldnt as inspectors can turn up at any given moment, usualy operating undercover, which can lead to a penalty fine - something which has happend at the odd few diesel galas over the years!

* with the exception of the Great Central Railway who's max speed is 75MPH - Though that could only be for testing purposes only?

 

[John Webb]

There's an article in the just-published September Railway Magazine, complete with a free DVD, on experiencing a footplate experience course. There are a number of adverts by various heritage railways for such courses.

Re the speed limit - the deputy editor of the RM was on a diesel and was allowed to touch forty mph on a stretch of the Mid-Norfolk Railway cleared for running at that speed for former Arriva driver training in low-adhesion conditions.

 

[Bon Accord]

If you're into steam and fancy many hours of Driving/Firing at reasonably high line speeds (20-60mph and occasionally higher), then get yourself over to Poland for the Wolsztyn Experience.
Even with flights, when comparing with UK Driver days its still cheaper and you get to do so much more, they can also organise other things for you such as Diesel Driving (on occasion) on the main line - no prior experience necessary.
Thoroughly recommended!

 

[notadriver]

That's a great idea. Its a present for someone - will consider that!

 

[David Dunning]

That's a great idea. Its a present for someone - will consider that!

While it's not a full scale train, this film shows whats on offer at Scarboro.
i have driven this train and its a lot of fun .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=savauGqasLo

 

[E&W Lucas]

Link to North York Moors offering:

http://www.nymr.co.uk/information/footplate-experience/

Certainly on the top package, you will discover that speed isn't everything.

Otherwise, the 25 mph limit is mandatory for all such railways. Preservation is no different to the mainline railway. You mess about, then there can be consequences.