Competition to Drive and Fire 4144 GWR Prairie
Have you ever dreamed of driving and firing a steam locomotive? Now’s your chance! Our lucky competition winner will take to the controls of 4144 GWR Prairie at the Nene Valley Railway on 29th August 2025. The exact time will be confirmed once the competition has closed.
As part of this unique prize, you’ll not only drive the locomotive but also fire it. To make the day even more special, lunch is included, and you’ll receive a presentation certificate to commemorate your experience.
Your experience includes:
• Welcome briefing with tea or coffee for you and your guest
• One hour of tuition, covering the essentials of steam locomotive driving and firing
• One hour on the footplate, shared with another participant – drive in one direction and fire on the return journey
• Approx. 12 miles at the controls of a steam locomotive with a short passenger train
• Family or friends can ride on the train for just £10 per person
• Lunch voucher for the driver at our station café
• Special Railway 200 gift pack, including a presentation certificate
• Guided tour of the Loco Works
• Visit to Wansford Signal Box
How to enter:
Entries cost £10 each. Please note that entrants must be 18 years or over. The winner will be drawn at random at 3:00 pm on Sunday 24th August 2025.
All proceeds from this competition will support Project Octopussy, a joint initiative with Amey to restore an old carriage. Once complete, it will house a larger generator, enabling the railway to host bigger and better events (such as Christmas at the Railway), keep the site running efficiently, and ultimately raise more funds to support the restoration and conservation of railway heritage.
Booking information
You must be 18 years of age or older for this prize.