Drive a Steam Engine on The Fairbourne Railway
The Day Steam Engine Driver Experience Course.
Go on! Admit it! You've always wanted to drive a real steam locomotive or you want a present for someone who does. Now you can make the dream come true at the Fairbourne Railway amidst the glorious scenery of the Mawddach Estuary.
You will do everything from lighting up in the morning through polishing the paint and brass, oiling round, firing as well as driving four round trips between Fairbourne and Barmouth Ferry ending with the disposal of your engine "on shed" at the end of a truly memorable day.
Exclusively yours!
As we offer the Day Driver Experience Courses when the railway is not running its timetabled passenger service, the whole railway is available for your exclusive use.
You are more than welcome to share the day with family and friends who will join in the fun by riding in the train hauled by your engine. Take them to enjoy a picnic at our Barmouth Ferry station in the sunswept (sometimes!) wonder of the Mawddach Estuary overlooked by magnificent Cader Idris to the east.
For this special day, we naturally include a packed lunch for you and a guest, the Famous Fairbourne Endless Hot Drink, a year's membership of the Fairbourne Railway Preservation Society, a certificate of completion of the course.
The Evening Course
During the railway's operating season we offer Evening Driver Experience Courses which last for 2 to 3 hours. These consist of a ride on the footplate of the last public passenger train of the day (15.30 or 16.20 dependent on the timetable) after which you take hold of the regulator and drive a return trip to Barmouth Ferry Station followed by one to the Passing Loop, the line's halfway point and then assist in putting the locomotive away.
With this course you will receive a year's membership of the Fairbourne Railway Preservation Society, a certificate of completion of the course
Essential Information
At the beginning of each course we will complete a Personal Safety Audit with you. We ask you to bring a robust pair of boots or shoes, a pair of overalls and gloves though we can provide these if required.
Minimum age for either course is 18 years and participants should be in reasonable health.
Great Value!
Our Evening Course costs £60 while the Day Course is £175 for one participant or £240 if two people wish to share the day.
You may wish to add our Premium Pack at £25, which includes a copy of the Fairbourne Railway's excellent DVD, a copy of the Guide-book to the line and a pair of Driver's Gloves. All fees include VAT and may be paid in advance or on the day. Please note if paying by debit or credit card that we can only accept the card in person and not by phone.
We are happy to supply gift vouchers if you wish to give one as a present.
Accommodation
There is a wide variety of accommodation in and around Fairbourne. Our website has links to several guest houses and hotels.
Contact us now to discuss available dates and to make a booking. We know you'll have a great time!
For the Evening Courses - either write to Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2EX or call 01341 250362.
For the Day Courses - either write to Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2E or call the railway on 01341 250362 or Peter Moore on 07912 076208.
