Footplate Courses 2013

Footplate Courses

Credit: Gavin Moore,

Whether for you or as a gift our Footplate Experience Course is unforgettable. Imagine... the sound of the locomotive as it climbs the 1 in 56, its crisp bark echoing from the sides of the cutting, with YOU at the controls!

Our courses are limited to two participants on any day and you will spend all of the time on the loco

Your day will start with a short safety briefing after which it is straight on with the job in hand!

Your day will include;-

  • Helping the crew prepare the loco including taking coal & water
  • Assisting the loco crew as they take the passenger trains over the line
  • Firing the engine
  • Changing the points
  • In between you will get a chance on the controls driving the engine yourself
  • Later in the day you will drive the engine with the coaches over the line
  • Lastly you will be presented with a signed certificate and a engraved glass tankard to remember your day

    Please Note Driving a steam loco is physically demanding and can be hard work. You will need to be at least 16 years of age and in good health and reasonably fit since you will be climbing up onto and down from the footplate quite a few times during the day, as well as shovelling coal and operating heavy controls.

    We offer two one day courses, both of which give you the chance to experience the thrills of driving and firing a steam locomotive, under the guidance of our skilled and dedicated footplate crews.


    Credit: Robin Mitchell, 15/07/2010

    Premier Course £325.00 from 8.30am 5pm approx.

    Course includes driving a light engine in both directions over the line (5 miles approx) and driving a engine & carriages in both directions.

    Standard Course £225.00 from 8.30am 2.30pm approx.

    Course includes driving a light engine and a engine with carriages in one direction (2.5 miles each)


    Both courses include three free tickets for family and friends and a free packed lunch


    Click here to watch a short film by Mark Futter taken of a friend on a footplate course

    Terms & Conditions

    Cancellations or amendments to F P E's

    Due to the complexity of the organisation involved in operating these courses the following conditions apply.

    Cancellations
  • We are unable to offer a refund if course is cancelled within 21 days of booked date.
  • If course is cancelled prior to 21 days a refund will be given minus an administration fee of £40.00
    • Alterations
  • We are unable to accept alterations within 21 days of booked date
  • If an alteration to the booked date is necessary prior to 21 days an administration fee of £40.00 will be required.

    • For a list of dates in 2013 click here


    Click here to buy a voucher online