HST Driving Experience Course

The Package

Our starter package includes theory and practical driving of the NVR HST. The experience lasts for one and a half hours in total. During their time on the footplate, 2 participants will take it in turns to drive the HST for a total distance of approximately 12 miles. Participants are also provided with a few souvenirs of their participation. Please note that, although only one power car will be powering the set, the train will be driven from both power cars. 

• Welcome briefing with your Driver, covering some driving theory
• During their time in the cab, 2 participants will take it in turns to drive the HST on one return journey to Peterborough, a total distance of approximately 12 miles, driving at our line speed of 25mph, with all stations stops
• One guest per participant can travel in the HST first class coach free of charge. Additional guests can buy a £5 travel ticket per person on the day
• Visit to Wansford Signal Box
• Presentation Certificate and a 125 Preservation gift 
• Please note, suitable clothing and stout footwear needs to be worn and you will need to be physically able to climb into and out of the cab 

Please note that our experiences are only suitable for those aged 18 years and above.

Price: £400 per person

The InterCity 125 (originally Inter-City 125) or High-Speed Train (HST) is a diesel-powered high-speed passenger train built by British Rail Engineering Limited between 1975 and 1982. A total of 95 sets were produced, each comprising two Class 43 power cars, with one at each end, and a rake of seven or eight Mark 3 coaches. The name is derived from its top operational speed of 125 mph.

What our customers say...

"I just wanted to say a really big "Thank You" to everyone at the NVR who made my visit for an HST Driver Experience on Thursday such a wonderful time. I'd been looking forward to the day for what seemed like an eternity but it was certainly worth it, not only for the pure enjoyment of taking the controls, but from the minute I arrived at the booking office everyone was so friendly and helpful - your volunteers are a true credit to the railway."