Drive A Steam Train Kent or Wales

Drive A Steam Train On The Llangollen Railway And although diesel and electric trains now dominate the UK’s railways, it is still possible to make that dream of driving a steam locomotive come true.

One of the best places to learn all about steam engines and to actually drive one is Tenterden in Kent aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

Your experience will begin bright and early at 8.30am. Following breakfast and an introductory briefing, you are taken to the engine and will learn the basic skills required to drive a steam locomotive.

You will take the controls, learn how to move off and stop smoothly, and buffer up the engine to a 25 ton brake van. You will also visit the signal box and locomotive yard.

The day includes lunch and will last approximately 7.5 hours - and you'll also get some souvenirs to take away with you at the end of what will be a truly memorable day for train enthusiasts and well worth the £259.36 asking price.

The first ever steam railway journey took place in 1804 between Penydarren and Abercynon in Wales, so where better than the land of song to drive a steam engine today?

The Dean Forest Railway in South Wales is run entirely by volunteers and plies its trade between Norchard and Lydney Junction, with the opportunity to alight at Lydney Town or St Mary’s Halt.

It offers Western Branchline Experience days that allow you to spend the day operating and running a steam train along the Dean Forest line, under the supervision of DFR personnel.

You will get to drive and fire the train as well as operate signal boxes and stop the traffic at crossings. The price of £295 includes a two course lunch, as much tea and coffee as you can drink and 12 months free membership of the Dean Forest Railway Society (2009 price). Plus a certificate confirming your successful completion of the course as a memento.

You can also take a partner along with you who can join in the fun at no extra cost, with the exception of driving and firing the locomotive.

For further details, availability of dates, and bookings, contact Larry or Sue on 01485 541599.

Next stop, close to the English border in North Wales where a group of enthusiasts have spent the last 30 years re-opening part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line. The Llangollen Railway now extends to some 7½ miles along the Dee Valley through outstanding Welsh scenery, with views over the valley and its surroundings not seen from the A5 road above.

Llangollen Railway’s experience courses enable you to take the locomotive and passenger train on the 15-mile round trip from Llangollen to Carrog and back, alternately firing and driving. There are three two hour courses on various dates in April, October and November this year costing £190.00 per person (2008 prices).

You can also drive a diesel locomotive and railcars at various times of the year, including summer evenings, for between £120 and £150 per person. And the Llangollen Railway can cater for groups of people too.

For more details, availability and bookings telephone 01978 860979.

Choo! Choo!

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Earth > Drive A Steam Train	Drive A Steam Engine Such was the romance and excitement generated by steam trains in years gone by, it was little wonder that nearly every little boy (and no doubt a few girls too) wanted to be a train driver when they grew up.	Have you driven a steam engine or are planning to go soon? If so we would love to hear all about your experiences (perhaps with a photo or two). You can contact us via our contact page. Steam Train Experiences Our selection of steam train gifts let you experience the most elegant days of train travel. These steam train experiences are a far cry from today's commuter nightmares and offer the last word in luxury, refinement and relaxation. Sit back, relax and enjoy the journey! Prices from £10 - £790 more Step back to the bygone days of elegant travel and take a day trip on the world famous Orient Express. There are a variety of packages to choose from - enjoy lunch, see some sights and maybe even solve a murder on the Orient Express Murder Mystery Trip Prices from £180 - £790 more For more great experiences, visit the Before You Die Shop
	And although diesel and electric trains now dominate the UK’s railways, it is still possible to make that dream of driving a steam locomotive come true. One of the best places to learn all about steam engines and to actually drive one is Tenterden in Kent aboard the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Your experience will begin bright and early at 8.30am. Following breakfast and an introductory briefing, you are taken to the engine and will learn the basic skills required to drive a steam locomotive. You will take the controls, learn how to move off and stop smoothly, and buffer up the engine to a 25 ton brake van. You will also visit the signal box and locomotive yard. The day includes lunch and will last approximately 7.5 hours - and you'll also get some souvenirs to take away with you at the end of what will be a truly memorable day for train enthusiasts and well worth the £259.36 asking price. The first ever steam railway journey took place in 1804 between Penydarren and Abercynon in Wales, so where better than the land of song to drive a steam engine today? The Dean Forest Railway in South Wales is run entirely by volunteers and plies its trade between Norchard and Lydney Junction, with the opportunity to alight at Lydney Town or St Mary’s Halt. It offers Western Branchline Experience days that allow you to spend the day operating and running a steam train along the Dean Forest line, under the supervision of DFR personnel. You will get to drive and fire the train as well as operate signal boxes and stop the traffic at crossings. The price of £295 includes a two course lunch, as much tea and coffee as you can drink and 12 months free membership of the Dean Forest Railway Society (2009 price). Plus a certificate confirming your successful completion of the course as a memento. You can also take a partner along with you who can join in the fun at no extra cost, with the exception of driving and firing the locomotive. For further details, availability of dates, and bookings, contact Larry or Sue on 01485 541599. Next stop, close to the English border in North Wales where a group of enthusiasts have spent the last 30 years re-opening part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line. The Llangollen Railway now extends to some 7½ miles along the Dee Valley through outstanding Welsh scenery, with views over the valley and its surroundings not seen from the A5 road above. Llangollen Railway’s experience courses enable you to take the locomotive and passenger train on the 15-mile round trip from Llangollen to Carrog and back, alternately firing and driving. There are three two hour courses on various dates in April, October and November this year costing £190.00 per person (2008 prices). You can also drive a diesel locomotive and railcars at various times of the year, including summer evenings, for between £120 and £150 per person. And the Llangollen Railway can cater for groups of people too. For more details, availability and bookings telephone 01978 860979. Choo! Choo! Return To The Before You Die Earth Category