It’s 4.30am when the alarm clock rings and wakes you from your slumber. It’s still dark outside when you leave the house, heading for Ropley Shed. The streets are deserted, only the sound of the birds breaking into song, warming up for the dawn chorus.
You arrive at the Shed for 6.30am sharp. Can’t be late for your first day on the job! A warm greeting awaits from the Driver and Fireman, who will be your mentors for what lies ahead, as you don your overhauls and put on your work boots. Once signed in, its time to head to the Yard to see your locomotive for the first time. She’s there, silent but purposeful, as daylight begins to break allowing you to survey her in all her majesty. There simply isn’t anything like a steam engine and it will be your job to bring her to life!
This used to be a routine experience for generations of railwaymen, now all but a memory. Now you can follow in their footsteps and live life on the footplate.
This is a the ultimate insight into what life was like as an Engineman.
Under the expert guidance of our crew, you will be shown how to prepare an engine on shed, raising steam and oiling up.
It is an opportunity to get intimate with your steed before you spend a day on the footplate, taking it in turns with the other participant to drive and fire a train over our steeply graded line. It is the ultimate test of your skill and ability.
Each participant will take in turns to Drive and Fire for 30 miles.
At each end of the line, you will undertake the coupling and uncoupling, securing the various hoses for braking and heating. It is completely hands on!
Refreshments will be provided throughout the course of the day and enjoyed in the relative comfort of the footplate. You are the Crew, no restaurants for you today!
At the end of the day, you will dispose of the engine on shed, dropping the fire into the pit, hosing down, cleaning out the smokebox and other duties. Our crew will guide you every step of the way.
This course is intended to give you the maximum exposure to life on the footplate that is possible in 1 day. At the end of it, you will have a real sense of achievement as well as the immense satisfaction that comes with working on these magnificent machines. It simply can’t be beaten!
You can bring family and friends with you as guests to ride in the carriages of the train as you toil 'up front'.
Maximum of 3 persons per participant can attend, each must be over the age of 16 for insurance purposes.
Click here to view and download our course requirements plus terms and conditions.