The Peak of Summer Freight Driving Experience

The Package

You will arrive at the Nene Valley Railway Wansford Station for either a morning (08:45 to 13:30) or afternoon session (13:00 to 17:30) on Saturday 19^th July 2025 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 16 people (8 in the morning and 8 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 Costs

The whole package is priced at £165.00 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 for your session, to enjoy all aspects of working a Goods Train on a heritage railway. Whilst with us you will have two opportunities to drive the locomotive, with the total time at the controls being about 25 minutes. The rest of the time you will ride the train, experience the workings of the signal box, and bring a guest if you wish.

The proceeds of this course support the Nene Valley Railway Wagon Group in continuing their good work in the restoration of a British Railways era Goods Train, promote and educate 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 there is a minimum age of 18 and you will need to be physically fit, one companion is allowed to travel with you on the train and will also need to be a minimum age of 18 and physically fit.

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 the 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 either prior to booking, after booking, or on the day then don’t hesitate to ask.

For more info please email – nvrwagons@gmail.com