There is nothing quite like the sound, smell and power of a steam locomotive in full cry!  Thanks to our steeply graded  line, 1 in 60 at its’ steepest, you can drive a steam train in the manner it was designed for. 

For the man or women who has everything, this is an ideal experience package!  You don’t need to be a steam buff to get an enormous sense of achievement and satisfaction from getting ones hands dirty on the footplate.  

Your experience begins at 9.30am or 1 pm at Alresford station with a warm welcome from your instructor, a safety briefing, information about the line and signalling.  You are then shown to the footplate where full instructions on the driving controls, firing techniques and other locomotive operating requirements are given. 

Then, taking turns with the other 2 participants, you will become the driver and fireman! It’s a thrilling experience to treasure.

Click here to view and download the course requirements plus terms and conditions.




I was lucky enough to attend the Introductory driving and firing course yesterday afternoon, and would like to pass on my thanks to the gentlemen who ran the course.  Their instruction was excellent and really informative, and I really enjoyed the afternoon.  I have to give technical instruction to groups as part of my job, and it is an art which is not easy to master.

When I arrived I went as instructed to the buffet for a coffee, and was very impressed by the organisation (notice of names on arrival) and the quality of coffee and service, so please pass on my thanks to the lady in the buffet

Kind regards

Tim Hinton