Experience the past today
The hiss of steam, the roar of a fire, the deep rumble of an engine and the shrill blast of a whistle, no YouTube video or Instagram pic can quite do justice to the inimitable experience of piloting a heritage steam or diesel engine. From the sweat and satisfaction of shovelling coal to the speed and sense of adventure of driving a diesel, it’s time to embark on an adventure like no other!
Pick your perfect experience
The table below offers a quick overview of the different experiences we offer for easy comparison, click on the links to find out more about your chosen course!
NOTE: Due to the Covid 19 situation, 2020 courses have been suspended. Our Drive a train experiences will return in 2021.
| Experience | Day | Duration | Drive/Fire/Secondman Mileage | Guarding & Travel Mileage | Cost | Route |
|---|
| Steam |
Mon/Fri |
Full Day |
16 |
16 |
£449.00 |
Bury - Rawtenstall |
| Diesel |
Wed/Thu/Fri/Sat |
Full Day |
16 |
16 |
£359.00 |
Heywood - Ramsbottom |
Bespoke Drive a Train Experiences are also available for those looking to go that extra mile (both literally and figuratively). Email footplate@eastlancsrailway.org.uk to start to tailormake your train driving day!
Drive a Steam Train Experiences
You’ve seen it, the locomotive emerging from rolling banks of steam, the hard working loco-men and women backlit by a glowing firebox, the sounds and the smells, well now you can be more than just an observer, now you can be part of the action! This course is ideal for those who wish to experience distant horizons, at speed and under steam.
Find out more about our Drive a Steam Train Experiences.
Drive a Diesel Train Experiences
Looking for an experience with more of a modern twist? Diesel locomotives remain the backbone of Britain’s railway industry to this day with good reason, and you can get a taste of why on one of our fuel injected experiences. The diesel experience is suited to lovers of slightly blurred passing landscapes and very loud engines.
Find out more about our Drive a Diesel Train Experiences.
The Perfect Present
Be it steam or diesel, a Drive a Train Experience makes for a fantastic gift for a family member or a friend, you can even purchase an open voucher so that the lucky recipient can choose when they want to embark on their journey. Each voucher comes beautifully presented in a gift card, which in itself makes for a lovely souvenir.
More information on our Drive a Train Experience Gift Vouchers will be available soon.