Drive a Train Experience
Want to Drive a Train?
Fulfill a lifelong dream with Cambrian Heritage Railways’ Drive a Train Experience! Whether it’s a unique gift or a personal adventure, take control of a classic train and create unforgettable memories. Choose from the iconic 1980s Pacer (Class 142), the versatile Class 73 Electro Diesel, or both! Enjoy a hands-on, 3-hour experience that includes guided tours, refreshments, and a souvenir goodie bag. Bring friends along for the ride and capture every moment of this unique journey.
Class 144
The 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 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 our Weston Wharf site including the original 1860’s Cambrian Goods Shed
- 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.
Class 73
Built in 1966 this Class 73 73129 “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 600hp English-Electric 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 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 our Weston Wharf site including the original 1860’s Cambrian Goods Shed
- 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
Class 142
Built between 1985 – 1987 the British Rail Class 142 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 142 Pacer with one of our experienced crews within the Station Area at our Llynclys Station South site and then several return runs on the line Pen-y-garreg Halt (Just outside of the village of Pant)
- Each return trip is approximately 2 miles in length.
- Your own guided tour of our Llynclys site which also houses our Carriage & Wagons team
- A small goodie bag of Souvenir’s.
- Drinks and Light Refreshments
- 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.