Driver Taster Session
Have a taste of driving our Steam Engine on the main line!
Join our crew on the footplate and see how they operate their wonderful steam engine, with hands on tuition from our experienced Driver and Fireman.
Our Driver Taster Session lasts one and a half hours and you will accompany the crew as they take a passenger train over our line. After receiving their expert guidance you will then take a turn at driving the steam engine only, one way over the line (approximately two and a half miles of driving).
Driving and riding on a steam loco is physically demanding and can be hard work.
- You will need to be at least 16 years of age, in good health, and physically and mentally fit.
- You must be able to comfortably ascend and descend ladders (at least 6 feet/2 metres) and be comfortable standing on an elevated platform (6 feet/2 metres)
- You must have no history of fainting, epilepsy, or any other condition that can cause sudden loss of consciousness
- You must inform us if you have any severe allergy or condition that could make you incapacitated, however briefly, or require medical attention should you be exposed to it (e.g. severe allergy to bee stings)
- You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the experience You must be able to stand unaided for 90 minutes
- The environment is noisy and unsteady, and you must be able to understand, and must adhere to, any instruction, which shall be given in English. A steam locomotive contains many hot surfaces and can have hot ambient conditions, you must have your legs covered by trousers, work wear (such as overalls) or other suitable clothing that will protect the skin from heat.
- The East Somerset Railway reserves the right to deny access to the footplate.
To add to your Driver Taster Session you will receive two complimentary day rover vouchers for family and friends to use on the day of your footplate course (your family and friends need to show their vouchers at the Ticket Office and they will be exchanged for day rover tickets).
On completion of your Driver Taster Session you will be presented with a certificate of your achievement. Please provide the recipient's name when booking
Driver Taster Sessions happen on specific days during our running season and are limited to two people per session, either at 10.45am to 12.15pm, 12.15pm to 1.45pm or 3.15pm to 4.45pm (finish times are approximate).
Ticket options
Have a taste of driving our Steam Engine on the main line!
Join our crew on the footplate and see how they operate their wonderful steam engine, with hands on tuition from our experienced Driver and Fireman.
Our Driver Taster Session lasts one and a half hours and you will accompany the crew as they take a passenger train over our line. After receiving their expert guidance you will then take a turn at driving the steam engine only, one way over the line (approximately two and a half miles of driving).
Driving and riding on a steam loco is physically demanding and can be hard work.
- You will need to be at least 16 years of age, in good health, and physically and mentally fit.
- You must be able to comfortably ascend and descend ladders (at least 6 feet/2 metres) and be comfortable standing on an elevated platform (6 feet/2 metres)
- You must have no history of fainting, epilepsy, or any other condition that can cause sudden loss of consciousness
- You must inform us if you have any severe allergy or condition that could make you incapacitated, however briefly, or require medical attention should you be exposed to it (e.g. severe allergy to bee stings)
- You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the experience You must be able to stand unaided for 90 minutes
- The environment is noisy and unsteady, and you must be able to understand, and must adhere to, any instruction, which shall be given in English. A steam locomotive contains many hot surfaces and can have hot ambient conditions, you must have your legs covered by trousers, work wear (such as overalls) or other suitable clothing that will protect the skin from heat.
- The East Somerset Railway reserves the right to deny access to the footplate.
To add to your Driver Taster Session you will receive two complimentary day rover vouchers for family and friends to use on the day of your footplate course (your family and friends need to show their vouchers at the Ticket Office and they will be exchanged for day rover tickets).
On completion of your Driver Taster Session you will be presented with a certificate of your achievement. Please provide the recipient's name when booking
Driver Taster Sessions happen on specific days during our running season and are limited to two people per session, either at 10.45am to 12.15pm, 12.15pm to 1.45pm or 3.15pm to 4.45pm (finish times are approximate).
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