The ultimate gift or the chance to live a childhood ambition!
Experience the thrill of driving and firing a real Great Western Railway steam locomotive or taking the controls of a heritage British Railways main line diesel engine, under the watchful eye of our experienced footplate crews.
You will get a drive the locomotive on a dedicated train and receive a personalised certificate at end of the experience.
You can bring along your friends or family, who will travel free in the dedicated train, so they can be a part of your memorable day.
Gold Steam Package
Book on at Buckfastleigh at 8.30 in the morning and enjoy a tour of the station site, including the running shed where you will see your locomotive being prepared for the day and be introduced to your crew. You’ll then have the chance to experience life on the footplate!
There will be up to four separate participants on each course and two people at a time will travel on the engine with the driver and fireman. Each participant can also bring up to six guests for the day to travel on in the carriages and capture the moment on film. Whilst one acts as fireman, the other will take the regulator of a Great Western Railway steam engine.
The other participants will join the guests and travel on ‘the cushions’ with the guard to wait their turn. The four participants change over regularly during the day so that everyone has equal time on the footplate. After four round trips, your day will finish at about 5.00 p.m. Participants need to be over 18 and generally fit and healthy to take part in a Steam Drive a Train experience day. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us.
Our Gold Steam Package costs £575 per person.
Package Highlights
- Full day experience
- Great Western Railway steam locomotive
- Take a tour of Buckfastleigh Station
- 28 miles ‘on the footplate’
- Drive the train for 14 miles
- Be the fireman for 14 miles
- Bring up to six guests to travel in the carriages
- Participant receives hot and cold drinks on-board
Silver Steam Package
Book on at Buckfastleigh at either 9.00 or 12.45 where you will receive a safety briefing and be introduced to your crew. You’ll then have the chance to experience life on the footplate!
There will be up to four separate participants on each session and two people at a time will travel on the engine with the driver and fireman. Each participant can also bring up to four guests for the session to travel in the carriages and capture the moment on film. Whilst one acts as fireman, the other will take the regulator of a Great Western Railway steam engine.
The other participants will join the guests and travel on ‘the cushions’ with the guard to wait their turn. The four participants change over regularly during the day so that everyone has equal time on the footplate. After two round trips, your session will finish at either 12.45 or 4.30. Participants need to be over 18 and generally fit and healthy to take part in a Steam Drive a Train experience session. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us.
Our Silver Steam Package costs £375 per person
Package Highlights
- Morning or afternoon half day experience
- Great Western Railway steam locomotive
- 14 miles ‘on the footplate’
- Drive the train for 7 miles
- Be the fireman for 7 miles
- Bring up to four guests to travel in the carriages
- Participant receives hot and cold drinks on-board
Heritage Diesel Package
Book on at Buckfastleigh at 8.30 in the morning and enjoy a tour of the station site, including the running shed where you will see your locomotive being prepared for the day and be introduced to your crew. You’ll then have the chance to experience life on the footplate!
You will have a full day of action and enjoyment as you make two round trips (28 miles) in the cab of one of our British Railways heritage diesels. On one trip there will be the chance to act as the second man. On the other trip, it is time to occupy the driver’s seat and take charge of the train.
The other participants travel on ‘the cushions’ with the guests and guard to wait their turn. The four participants change over regularly during the day so that everyone has equal time on the footplate. Your day will finish at about 5.00 p.m. Participants need to be over 18 and generally fit and healthy to take part in a Steam Drive a Train experience session. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact us.
Drive a Diesel Train days cost £450 per person.
Package Highlights
- Full day experience
- Heritage diesel locomotive
- Take a tour of Buckfastleigh Station
- 28 miles ‘in the cab’
- Drive the train for 14 miles
- Be the driver assistant for 14 miles
- Bring up to six guests to travel in the carriages
- Participant receives hot and cold drinks on-board
Gift Vouchers
Are you looking for the perfect gift? Why not purchase South Devon Railway gift vouchers which can be redeemed online towards a Drive a Train Experience!
NOTE: Vouchers are valid for 12 months from date of issue.
Online Booking
Bookings for Drive a Train Experiences in 2024 are on sale now!
NOTE: If you’re giving this experience as a gift, please let us know the participant’s name at the time of booking.
