SOLD OUT
To book, call 01780 784444 between 10 am and 2:30 pm
The Package
You will arrive at Nene Valley Railway's Wansford Station for either a morning or afternoon session on Friday 17th May and participate in a short tutorial about the driving of a diesel locomotive by one of our resident drivers. You will then be given an insight into working a freight train from the perspective of a Goods Guard.
Once the theory is done and dusted, the practical fun begins and you will be able to put into practice all you have learnt as you get to drive a freight train over part of our 7 1/2 mile line. As an added thrill, you will have the opportunity to ride in a Brake Van when not in the cab of the locomotive and witness the Guard handling your very own freight train. Once you have finished with the train, you will have the opportunity to visit Wansford Signal Box and witness the duties and responsibilities of the Signalman on duty.
This course is limited to a maximum of 20 people (8 in the morning and 12 in the afternoon), so early booking is advised. Each participant is permitted to bring a guest to ride in the Brake Van, and other guests are welcome but will not be able to travel on the train due to limited space.
The Price
The whole package is priced at £175.00 per person. This includes light refreshment.
The Course
This course is designed as a taster experience themed around the working of a British Railways Goods Train. You will join seven other people in the morning or eleven others in the afternoon and spend approximately 4-5 hours enjoying all aspects of working a Goods Train on a heritage railway. Whilst with us, you will have two opportunities to drive different sections of the line totalling about 40 minutes on the footplate (20 minutes of which will be driving). The rest of the time you will ride in the Brake Van of the train, experience the workings of the signal box, be provided with refreshment, and bring a guest if you wish.
The proceeds from this course will support the Nene Valley Railway Wagon Group in continuing their good work to restore a British Railways-era Goods Train, promote and educate on the history of freight traffic in Britain, and keep history alive in the current day.
Considerations
The working of a Heritage Railway is physically demanding and so a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this course. On the grounds of health and safety, we unfortunately cannot accept participants under the age of 18 years. Sturdy footwear is essential, such as shoes or boots. The environment of a locomotive can be a dirty place and so consideration should be given to clothing worn by participants as we will accept no liability for any damage to your best suit! Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any protective equipment or clothing.
And Finally
Heritage locomotives are sometimes temperamental and may fail on or prior to this course. We reserve the right to alter the locomotive in these circumstances but will do everything in our power to run the course as advertised.
The volunteers of the Wagon Group, who run this course, are dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy the experience and get the most out of it. You will be coached through everything you do and never be left to fend for yourself. If driving a freight train has always been your dream, then we can make it a reality.
If you have any questions or queries prior to booking, after booking, or on the day, then don’t hesitate to ask.
For more information, please email enquiries@nvrwagons.co.uk
This experience is for over 18s only.