Preserved line driver experience days

[theageofthetra]

My father & a friend (both live in Southeast) are looking at doing one of these days & I was wondering if anyone had done one recently & could give a review of it. Years ago my dad did one on the Bluebell & enjoyed it. I have heard the Epping Ongar is a good one too. Ideally they want one where you have no more than 2/3 sharing the driving. They are both in good health and are aged 74 so should be 'young' enough! I have suggested the Mid Hants & K & ESR due to the gradients and the length of the trip. The Romney Hythe & Dymchurch would be fun but for obvious reasons it is just you & the driver. Any thoughts or experiences?

 

[gazthomas]

I've done a couple - a 50 on the Severn Valley and double headed 56's on the Nene Valley. I found it more serious than fun, I guess that's the point. Cab rides when you're not driving is more fun.

 

[transportphoto]

I would suggest the North Norfolk Railway which offers a fantastic package, however their top age is 70... http://www.nnrailway.co.uk/page.php?pid=12

TP

 

[steamybrian]

Spa Valley Railway includes a 1 in 88 gradient on the approaches to Tunbridge Wells.
Choice of locos (subject to availability) class 33, 73 or 37 plus class 207 "Thumper" no. 1317

 

[theageofthetra]

Good point re age limit. Has anyone done the Epping Ongar? They have just 2 doing the course which means less hanging around.

 

[mark46245]

Do they want steam or diesel? That will be the deciding factor.

 

[theageofthetra]

Sorry should have said steam.

 

[steamybrian]

Sorry should have said steam.

I have been informed that steam driving courses on the Spa Valley Railway are already fully booked for 2014 .

 

[mark46245]

The Mid Hants is probably your best choice for what you want. Decent length and gradients plus you'll likely get a good sized loco. Choice of £350 or £500 depending on whether you want an Introductory or Advanced experience. Sounds good, I might book one myself!

 

[martinr1]

Delightful experiences from Bronze to Gold. All available on line www.e-v-r.com

Scenes from today http://youtu.be/_N8rJQdt6b0

 

[Mvann]

Nene valley railway are doing driving experience courses with tornado on the 12th and 15th September.

 

[Alistair G.]

I bought my mate a package on the GCR Loughborough. They offer different levels dependent on budget and how much you want to do for the day. My mate had the diesel experience so can't comment about the steam side, but he said eh nada fantastic day and the group were very accommodating as he really wanted to drive a particular loco they had (37198) and despite it being in the middle of a pack of diesels, a few shunt moves later it was free and ready for him to enjoy

 

[VauxhallandI]

I did the one on the Great Central at Loughborough.

Got to be the best due to size of loco and rake of carriages. Not to mention length of journey and speed achievable.

 

[Beveridges]

I want to pay to drive a Class 37 on the East Lancs. Does anyone know when the next one available is ?

 

[jasonkerner]

ELR post their types and dates here

http://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/things-to-see-do/footplate-experience/course-dates/

I did a steam engine FXP last September on 80080 and it's brilliant.

Shovelling coal is harder than you think - practice chucking mud round your garden first because you need to lob it a long way into the boiler. And just controlling the engine yourself is something else.. pictures here...

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonkerner/sets/72157635647711936/

 

[BestWestern]

Do Blackpool Transport still offer their tram driving experiences? I'd love to take the power handle of a Balloon for a trip to Fleetwood!

 

[bluegoblin7]

Do Blackpool Transport still offer their tram driving experiences? I'd love to take the power handle of a Balloon for a trip to Fleetwood!

Sadly not, for a number of reasons it's not possible to offer them on the upgraded tramway.

However, the majority of the UK's tramways do offer reasonably priced tram driving experiences of varying types. Off the top of my head this includes Crich Tramway Museum, the Seaton Tramway, the Heaton Park Tramway, Beamish and the Manx Electric Railway. All offer something different and an array of vehicles so there's bound to be one that appeals to everyone. Most allow a specific car to be requested, more-so if it's not your first time.

Finally, I'll just stress that I've never actually done a TDE myself (When you volunteer there's little need!) so can't comment on how the courses are run, with the exception of Crich as I've helped to facilitate them. I have, however, been given instruction and driven at a number of tramways listed and have always been made extremely welcome and offered full tuition and support and advice where needed. Despite the slower speeds and shorter lengths of some the experience is just as good and you'll have a great deal of fun.