Want to Drive a Train?

Fulfill a lifelong dream with Cambrian Heritage Railways’ Drive a Train Experience! Whether it’s a unique gift or personal adventure, you can take control of a classic train. Choose between the iconic 1980s Pacer or the powerful Class 73 Electro Diesel and enjoy a hands-on, 3-hour experience, including guided tours, refreshments, and a souvenir goodie bag. Bring friends for the ride and capture unforgettable memories.

Book Your Experience Today

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.

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.