Steam Locomotive Driving Experience

Our Steam Locomotive Driving course was extremely popular again last year. Participants - or students if you like - get a full day on the footplate with the driving divided equally between the two trainee drivers. This includes practice runs up and down the industrial railway and then some real train operation on the "main line" before and after lunch. You can get an idea of what is involved by checking the photographs further down this page. We hope you like what you see and will join us for the driving course with that little bit of difference. But book soon to avoid disappointment. The course will run on the following dates:- Sunday 6 May 2012 Sunday 27 May 2012 Sunday 24 June 2012 Sunday 22 July 2012 Sunday 26 August 2012 Sunday 23 September 2012 2 "students" can be accommodated on each date. Cost is again £150 per person. To book your place, or if you have any questions about the course, please use the email contact link below - head your enquiry "Steam Locomotive Driving Course" and we'll get back to you. (The enquiry page will open in a new window). Alternatively, you can phone us on 01798 831370. So here are the pictures. The course tutor is John Stanton. First a quick trundle around the industrial line and triangle. Slowly through the facing points. John explains the workings of the steam injectors. A short pause at Redcar Sidings Our trainee prepares to take Peter up the Pottery line. Through the 3-way point ..... ..... and back again. This is followed with a bit of practice with some wagons. And it's important to keep the fire going too. Out on to the main line - of course we have a longer line available now. Peter awaits the passenger train to clear the single line to Cragside. To round off the day our two pupils climbed aboard Cloister for that souvenir photo opportunity. More satisfied customers. The pictures from the old course can still be viewed HERE.