Drive A Train Experience
It may be a birthday present, a retirement farewell gift, or you simply want to fulfil a dream to drive a train. Here at Cambrian Heritage Railways, we can make it happen and invite you to try our ‘Pacer’ Driver Experience event.
On selected days we are offering you the opportunity to drive one of our ‘Pacer’ units on our track from Weston Wharf to Oswestry.
Each Driver Experience event will be of 3 hours duration. All participants must be aged 18 years or over. To take up this unique opportunity press ‘BOOK NOW’, select the date and time, complete the form and make a payment.
Our Pacer Experience
The Classic ex British Rail Class 144 Pacer Unit has an authentic 1980’s look and feel about it. It became synonymous with commuter and local travel throughout much of the UK, here is your chance to replicate the driving experience in the Shropshire countryside. After shutting the doors you take the controls, and you can sense the reality of travelling in those times, feel the acceleration of the train and sound the unmistakable two tone horn. If you have a few friends with you then make train announcements to welcome them on board!
Each experience contains
- An individual ‘ Hands On ‘ driving experience on the Class 144 Pacer or 73, with one of our experienced crews within the Station Area at Weston Wharf, doing some small shunt moves, and then several return runs on the line to Coney Green Crossing in Oswestry. Each return trip is approximately 3 miles in length.
- Your own guided tour of Oswestry South Signal Box and Oswestry Railway Museum.
- A small goodie bag of Souvenir’s.
- Drinks and Light Refreshments in our Buffet “Snacks on Tracks”
- Personalised Certificate for you to take away on completion
- For Pacer experience only for an extra fee of £20 you bring with you up to 5 extra passengers to ride with you on the train when you are driving.
Our Class 73 Electro Diesel Experience
Built in 1966 the Class 73 “City of Winchester” has amongst many other services hauled the Royal Train and the VSOE British Pullman. As you experience the power of it’s diesel engine when you take to the controls you will skirt along in the Shropshire countryside, driving an ex British Rail Mainline locomotive and feel the importance of being in charge on the footplate. The cab still has the ambience, patina and smell of a long gone era, and we will give you this great opportunity to take you into the world that every kid used to dream of.
Each experience contains
- An individual ‘ Hands On ‘ driving experience on the Class 144 Pacer or 73, with one of our experienced crews within the Station Area at Weston Wharf, doing some small shunt moves, and then several return runs on the line to Coney Green Crossing in Oswestry. Each return trip is approximately 3 miles in length.
- Your own guided tour of Oswestry South Signal Box and Oswestry Railway Museum.
- A small goodie bag of Souvenir’s.
- Drinks and Light Refreshments in our Buffet “Snacks on Tracks”
- Personalised Certificate for you to take away on completion
- For Pacer experience only for an extra fee of £20 you bring with you up to 5 extra passengers to ride with you on the train when you are driving.
READY TO BOOK
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Participant must be at least 18 years old.
Participant must be reasonably fit and in good health – i.e be able to ascend and descend a ladder/steps unassisted..
Participant must wear suitable protective clothing, which covers arms and legs at all times. As your clothing may come into contact with hot surfaces materials such as polyester and nylon are not recommended. You may also choose to wear gloves.
Participant must wear sturdy footwear.
Participant must not attend the experience under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Participant must read the Medical Standards and meet the requirements in the Medical Self-Assessment Questionnaire before being allowed to take part.
Participants will be required to complete the Medical Self-Assessment Questionnaire prior to taking part. Participants will be e-mailed with a loco safety briefing, a medical self-assessment form, medical standards and other technical information
Cambrian Heritage Railways Ltd reserves the right to cancel bookings where the participant fails to meet the required health standards
Cambrian Heritage Railways Ltd reserves the right to reschedule or cancel a driving experience if the minimum number of participants booked for a specific day is not reached, or for any other reason. Should that be necessary a re-arranged date or full refund will be offered.
Need some help with your booking?
Contact our customer service team who will be more than happy to help with your enquiry
Contact UsFrequently Asked Questions
- Tickets will be valid for the date and time specified on the ticket only.
- We regret that we are unable to offer any discounts for this service.
