Footplate Experience Courses
Steam
Ever fancied experiencing the thrill of riding on the footplate of a steam loco? Available Thursday to Saturday most of the season. Please note there is a £25 supplement for a Saturday course.
Here is your chance to have a full day on the footplate on one of our two steam locos, either Lady Augusta or Bunty. Your day starts with a safety briefing complete with a tour of Heatherslaw sheds and yard. You will then be introduced to your loco with full instructions on how a steam locomotive works, how to drive, then you fire and prepare the loco for the day's operation. Once we have cleaned, polished and raised steam you and your instructor will attach the loco to the service train (8 coaches), then complete 5 full round trips to Etal. The last task of the day is to ensure the loco is ready for the following day's service.
Diesel
Here is your chance to have a full day on the footplate of split between both of our diesel locos, Clive and Binky, please note that Diesel Courses are available on most Fridays in low season, please email events@heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk for details.
Your day starts with a safety briefing complete with a tour of Heatherslaw sheds and yard. You will then be introduced to Clive and Binky and given full instructions on how both Clive and Binky work. The first trip of the day will be to take Clive and the permanent way train down the line to experience the second oldest loco on the line and get to know all of its idiosyncrasies. We return to Heatherslaw before the first service train. Once we have cleaned, polished you and your instructor will attach the loco to the service train (8 coaches), then complete 5 full round trips to Etal. The last task of the day is to ensure the loco is ready for it's next outing.
Steam and Diesel
Your experience includes a full round trip for up to 4 people behind your train.
Start 08:30 finish 16:30,
Minimum age 18.
£350 Per Person.
For more information, please contact info@heatherslawlightrailway.co.uk
