What could be a better gift for a railway enthusiast than the chance to drive a locomotive or the ultimate footplate experience? We have a range of courses and experiences available starting at just £60, so why not treat the railway enthusiast in your life to the a gift that will create lasting memories?
If you would like to purchase an experience as a gift be sure to mention this when you contact us to book your course!
If you would like to purchase an experience as a gift be sure to mention this when you contact us to book your course!
STEAM ENGINE DRIVING EXPERIENCE COURSESOur fleet of steam locomotives includes Peckett & Sons. W6 Class and Great Western Class 56XX Locomotives, as well as visiting Locomotives.
Each course will take three participants, who will each be able to drive between Spring Village and Lawley Village, and also have the opportunity to drive to and from Horsehay & Dawley Station. On your course, you could be hauling up to two coaches and Brake Van. Each participant can be accompanied by up to two guests for free and can add extra guests for £15 each who may travel on the train during the course. |
DIESEL ENGINE DRIVING EXPERIENCE COURSESOur popular fleet of powerful diesel locomotives includes Class 08 Shunter Locomotive, Class 142 or 144 Pacer Units and our fleet of Industrial Shunters.
Each course will take two participants, who will each be able to drive between Spring Village and Lawley Village, and also have the opportunity to drive to and from Horsehay & Dawley Station. On your course, you could be hauling up to two coaches and Brake Van. Each participant can be accompanied by up to two guests for free and can add extra guests for £15 each who may travel on the train during the course. |
GUARD EXPERIENCE COURSESUnique amongst most Heritage Railways are our Guard's Experience Courses. Each course will take the participant, along with a Qualified Guard through the responsibilities and knowledge of a Train Guard. Every participant will get the chance to experience the Safety-Critical knowhow with a 1 on 1 experience. The Guard will take you through their daily checks, such as Brake Tests, Checking and Changing Lamps as well as how to dispatch and enter a platform. On your course, you could be responsible for up to two coaches and Brake Van.
Read this review of the experience from Debra from Hull on Tripadvisor Debra_from_Hull Wilmslow, UK12 contributions Be a Guard for the day! Aug 2023 • Couples This is a review for the Guard experience, something I’ve never seen for sale at other heritage railways. I’d had to cancel at short notice because my partner had broken his ankle. This was no problem to Richard who happily rescheduled it. This was one of my best days out in a long time. On arrival I got a full safety briefing from Barry, our Guard for the day. This included where to safely cross the rail tracks and an understanding of ‘refuge areas’. I had a few trips on the line blowing the whistle, waving the flag etc which was just wonderful. I then went with John the TTI (travelling ticket inspector). As a 56 year old woman, I can’t tell you how satisfying it was clipping those tickets! We stopped for lunch at a local cafe and once the driver’s invited me into the cab for a ride! They didn’t have to do this but it really added to my day. We finished with myself and my friends who’d come with me on the miniature railway. At only £1 a trip this was fantastic value for money. Prior to the trip I’d planned on volunteering at the heritage railway nearest to me. I just wish this one was closer. Absolutely everyone here is a volunteer and whether you volunteer or spend your money here, you’re helping keep the line going. Everyone was so friendly and just wanted me to have a great day. |
FOOTPLATE EXPERIENCE COURSESA ride on the footplate of one of our steam, diesel or Pacer locomotives is a feast for the senses.
You’ll be welcomed onto the footplate by our experienced locomotive crew, who’ll show you how the locomotive works, and the art of keeping the engine running smoothly. After the guard has blown his whistle and given the right away you’ll be off down the line enjoying the best view on the railway. This experience includes a full trip of the line – duration of around 30 minutes. Whatever the special occasion, a footplate experience will create memories to last a lifetime. Read this review of the experience from Tod on Tripadvisor Tod Birmingham, UK 8 contributions A hidden gem for families with small children Sep 2023 • Couples We had the most amazing footplate experience and afternoon on the Telford Steam Railway. Richard was super helpful from the booking process to being there on the day to guide us to where we needed to be. This really is a little hidden gem, super friendly volunteers all ready with a smile and to answer any questions. Salt of the earth cafe serving butties, burgers, jackets and snacks for really reasonable prices and a picnic area if you want to take a bite to eat with you. Model railway is fab to explore. It's a small place, perfect for families with small children, just enough of a train ride to enjoy it but not too much so they become impatient and at a reasonable price. You leave this place with a really warm feeling, the people there really care about it and it shows. We'll definitely be back. |