Preserved lines offering short diesel driver experiences

[Class 317]

Hi All,

I'm after booking a diesel driver experience for my Dad. He has Parkinson's so it really needs to be a short experience and a railway that's ok with the Parkinson's.

Any suggestions would be appreciated ☺️

 

[Egg Centric]

Hi All,

I'm after booking a diesel driver experience for my Dad. He has Parkinson's so it really needs to be a short experience and a railway that's ok with the Parkinson's.

Any suggestions would be appreciated ☺️

I can't help as to whether they'll be ok with the Parkinsons (my guess is they'd be fine so long as he's physically capable of doing it) but the Yorkshire Wolds drivers experience suits your requirements: https://www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk/shop/drivingexperience/ (it says out of stock there but presumably you can get in touch).

Not particularly close to the Costswolds in your location but I've no idea where you father is or if location matters...

Slightly closer but in the other direction some Youtubers seem to have been able to drive the monorail at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. I don't see anything googling it that is selling driver experiences but it may well be possible. Not a conventional train either of course!

 

[158760]

Hi All,

I'm after booking a diesel driver experience for my Dad. He has Parkinson's so it really needs to be a short experience and a railway that's ok with the Parkinson's.

Any suggestions would be appreciated ☺️

For Cotswolds my immediate thought would be Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway but a quick glance at their website suggests the Diesel Driver Experiences are sold out this year. Not sure about any railways north but the Swanage Railway is running Class 20 Driver Experiences this month, which still has some availability. It is 30 minutes in length, although a bit on the expensive side.

I would suggest emailing or calling to check before booking with any railway about accommodating Parkinson’s disease. Railways all try to be as flexible as they can, but nowadays safety has to be the top priority. I would also double check your dad is able to meet any requirements listed on the website, as this can sometimes be a limiting factor for some people.

I wish you and your dad all the best finding one that works for you!

 

[norbitonflyer]

I see the Spa vaslley is offering short experiences (basically a shunting manoevre) at its Gala this weekend, but you have to be able to climb into the cab (so presumably the run will not be platform to platform)

Diesel Gala Driver for £20! « Spa Valley Railway

 

[HOOVER29]

Battlefield line, Shackerstone?