An steam train trip with a difference… Learn how to drive a standard-gauge steam train on the Mid-Hants Railway “Footplate Experience Courses”.
They run two courses, an introductory and advanced.
Both courses offers the chance to learn to drive a powerful steam locomotive which is an exhilarating experience. The Mid-Hants Railway offers
an opportunity to do this over one of the most demanding lines in railway preservation.
The course runs for the morning, afternoon or whole day and you will be paired with another participant and you will take turns to fire and drive the locomotive, under the instruction of the crew.
When you are not driving or firing you can ride in the coaches, where you may want to discuss the route, signals and other points with the guard. You could help with uncoupling, coupling, taking water, and operating the ground frame during shunting.
Each round trip takes about one and half hours, and you can book for just one round trip which costs £300 (including VAT) or two round trips (a total of 40 miles)
Participants must be between 16 and 75 years of age, fit, and in reasonable health, i.e. able to climb to from the footplate by a vertical flight of steel steps from/to ground level.
The learner driver will need to be correctly dressed with stout boots or shoes, and overalls for protection, as the footplate can be very hot and dirty. We can loan a pair of overalls (free of charge) if you let us know in advance, but not shoes.
