Driver Experience Courses

For the experience of a lifetime, to realise that childhood ambition or relive a working life on the footplate, book a driver experience course at the Llangollen Railway. Each driver experience course has been designed to give you, the driver, a real challenge and an exciting insight into the daily running of a heritage railway.

From shovelling coal to changing signals, our team of experts will guide you every step of the way to ensure that your day is an experience to remember. For those seeking a more modern driver experience, there are opportunities to take the controls of one of our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives and railcars.

Booking Links to:

Steam Railway Experience Days

Steam Weekend Experience Session

Steam Weekday Experience Session

Summer Evening Ramble

Above: Firing 4277  (George Jones)

We offer a variety of options that give you the chance to realise your ambition under the guidance of our experienced train crews. Under their instruction you will learn how to safely operate either a steam or a diesel locomotive on the Llangollen Railway.

This course enables you to take the locomotive and passenger train on the 15-mile round trip to Carrog and back, alternately firing and driving.

Above: (left) At the controls of 46010 (Dewi Davies); (right) The view ahead is much more open from most of the diesel fleet. (George Jones)

For diesel traction enthusiasts, there is the prospect of controlling up to 2500 horsepower as you forge your way up Berwyn Bank in one of our locomotives, or relive the 'rural railway' driving a heritage DMU.

You will visit Llangollen signalbox for a hands-on introductory session in signal operation, and enjoy a conducted tour of Llangollen loco shed and works.

The Steam Railway Experience Days, take place during a normal operating day. You thereby gain a privileged opportunity to experience the Railway at work from the footplate.

If you'd like to read a more detailed description of what this course is really like a description is available here.

If you ever wanted to be an engine driver, this is your chance - we put you in the driving seat!

Summer Evening Ramble

A perfect introduction to the footplate.

Above: A 'Summer Evening Ramble' pauses at Berwyn. (Frank Spence)

What could be more pleasant than an early evening footplate experience using the steam engine off the day's service train? You can take the locomotive 'light engine' (i.e. with no train) along the Dee Valley. With no train to worry about, firing in particular is less strenuous!

Alternatively, on days when they are shown in the timetable, you can take the opportunity to drive one of our diesel railcars.

Above: Left hand drive: the controls on 'Black 5' 44806 Kenneth Allcroft (George Jones)

Ideal for anyone on holiday in North Wales, the experience provides two round trips from Llangollen to the outskirts of Glyndyfrdwy, a total of 20 miles, and provides the perfect budget 'taster' for a future Experience.

A Summer evening ramble through superb scenery - the perfect way to experience being an engine driver!

Steam Railway Experience Days

The ultimate experience.

Ideal for organised groups as well as individual bookings, these all-day experiences give an insight into operating a steam-hauled freight train.

These experiences offer:

• Photographic opportunities for camera clubs
• An unusual challenge for team-building exercises
• A chance to experience the reality of 45 years ago

So why not get a group together for a day with a difference!

Together with other participants, you experience a whole day operating a branch line freight train including driving, firing, assisting the guard and shunting.

Finding out More

This year's dates and prices

Here is a more detailed description of what it's really like.

Driving 7822 details a driving course with 7822 Foxcote Manor.

Railway Experience describes the ultimate experience.

Please make sure that you have read and understood the terms and conditions.

Booking

Please book via the On-line shop for the option of your choice

Last updated 28th June 2008 by John Rutter- email webmaster

Please note that the Diesel Driving Experience Days for 2008 are now fully  booked. Dates for 2009 will be released as soon as they are available.

Driving 44806

Photo Chris Davies

Firing 5643

Photo - Chris Davies