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Where else in the world could you take locomotive driving lessons but Cornwall?
The historic Bodmin & Wenford Railway offers such lessons in the Autumn; there's still time to book yourself a berth if you're heading across the pond.
Here's their brochure:
One Day Steam Locomotive Driving & Firing Courses
Realise that childhood dream or relive the great days of steam by spending a day learning how railway locomotives work, with theory and then practical experience on the footplate.
In Spring and Autumn the Bodmin & Wenford Railway will be offering courses giving an insight into footplate work on board real steam locomotives. In particular, the courses will feature the opportunity to work on the footplate on the railway's challenging 1-in-40 gradient which covers about 2 miles of the 3½ mile line. It is an opportunity no other preserved railway can offer.
What is included
The course normally starts in the Waiting Room at Bodmin General Station with an introduction to the railway and a lecture on Health & Safety over a cup of tea or coffee.
This will be followed by a theoretical talk about the locomotives used, then footplate experience on the locomotive.
After preparation of the engine each participant will do one trip as Driver, one as Fireman & one as Guard. We endeavour to use a Great Western Railway loco for all courses.
You will get full guidance and supervision throughout from experienced footplatemen and will receive a certificate after completion of the course.
Participants will get most out of the course by spending as much time as possible with the crew but are welcome to invite a few family or friends to see them on the engine and to have a free train ride. Please let us know if you wish to do this when you confirm your course dates.
Driving Courses do not run to a timetable but the following gives a guide.
9.00am Introduction and Health & Safety Lecture
9.30am Introduction to the locomotive then take coal and water as required.
10.30am Locomotive to Train and carry out Brake Test
10.45am Tea or Coffee in Waiting Room
11.00am First trip down the line to Bodmin Parkway or Boscarne Junction and back,
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