Go nostalgic with a steam train driving day in Kent! This steam train day starts at Rolvenden station near Ashford in a very civilised fashion, with all guests meeting the train station team over a breakfast bap and copious amounts of hot steaming tea.
After a safety briefing to let you know the 'dos and don'ts' of being around the steam locomotives, you and your fellow guest drivers for the day will head out onto the platform where you'll find your historic steam, loco waiting for you.
All stoked up and ready to go, you'll be given tuition by the expert drivers on how to smoothly pull off and brake in your steam locomotive on this magnificent heritage railway in the heart of Kent. Once you are all confident in simple driving manoeuvres it's time for a lunch break back at Rolvenden.
After you've eaten it's back to the cab of the loco again to try some more precision driving moves as you head along the track to 'buffer up' to a 20 ton brake van. Brake vans were very commonplace until continuous air brakes on carriages became the norm and the wagon, also known as a guard's van, was fitted with a handbrake so the guard could assist with braking on steep sections of track.
Fortunately you won't be doing anything that complicated today, but you will have plenty of time to really get a feel for life as a train driver during the golden age of steam. As well as driving the steam train you will have a guided tour of the signal box, the locomotive yard and the repairs shed to discover the fascinating work being carried out by dedicated volunteers and workers.
These steam train driving days in Kent are excellent fun, informative, hands on and all taking place in a most convivial atmosphere as you discover about working life on a heritage steam railway.
Your day will begin at Rolvenden Station where all participants meet and receive a safety briefing session before boarding the train for you to partake in the practical part of the experience. Under the tuition and guidance of an experienced instructor you will handle the controls and learn how to move away and stop the train smoothly and confidently before tackling harder skills including buffering the engine to a 20-ton brake van. You will also have a tour of the locomotive yard, repair shed and signal box. Lunch is provided at the station and is included in the price. At the end of your experience you will be presented with a certificate of your achievements plus a t-shirt and mug as a memento of your day.
This is an eight hour experience. The day begins at 9am and usually finishes at around 5pm. The experience is available on selected weekdays from April to October, excluding August.
The steam train will depart from Rolvenden Station in Kent. Rolvenden is located between Tunbridge Wells and Ashford.
There is a minimum age of 18 years old required. It is recommended you wear sturdy footwear and clothing that covers your arms and legs are a must as you will be getting hands on yourself. Participants need to be agile enough to climb the ladder into the engine cab.
Friends and family can visit the railway to enjoy the atmosphere and its many surrounding attractions including the Rolvenden loco yard. Day Rover tickets are available to purchase for guests allowing them unlimited travel along the full ten and a half mile railway visiting the Bodiam Castle and Tenterden Station where there is a museum, gift shop, picnic area and tea rooms onsite. Day Rover tickets are £12.80 for adults or £7.80 for kids, £34 for a family ticket for 2 adults and 3 kids.