Footplate Rides
Experience a big steam loco flat-out up long 1-in-60 Mid-Hants gradients!

Gift Vouchers are available

From: John Sims
Sent: 29 June 2009 14:45
Subject: A Great Day Out ......
Tony
I spent a glorious day yesterday enjoying a footplate ride on ‘Bittern’, as part of a birthday present from a group of friends.
Finding a date when all these friends could join me on the occasion took some doing, but the weather really played its part and I could not have picked a better day.
It was truly memorable day, and special thanks must go to the footplate crew (Barry and Greg) who hosted me very well, explaining things and the route as we progressed.
My wife tells me I have still not lost the silly grin!!!
I would also add my sincere thanks to all those volunteers who were working through yesterday at the various tasks and locations along the route.
Their efforts contribute greatly to the overall enjoyment and are much appreciated.
A visit to the line is never a dis-appointment and I wish you continued success with all your efforts.
Thanks once again.

P.S. – Just seen the latest news on your website, and realised that the loud noise we heard on our afternoon journey must have been the Vulcan passing over Medstead.
Missed that, but fear the scenic and emotional overload of the two together might have been too much !!!!

Regards
John Sims

Don't worry, John - on past reports the silly grin only lasts about a week ... tw

From: Richard Keeling
Sent: 13 May 2009 21:10
Subject: Thanks
Dear Tony
I've just got home (near Cambridge) after my first visit to the Mid Hants Railway. My birthday was in February and I was bought a voucher for a Steam Locomotive Footplate Ride Experience. I booked it for today (May 13th) at 1pm and wanted to let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
It was a great thrill to ride on Lord Nelson, which I am sure I 'spotted' when I was a kid visiting the Southern Region many years ago.
Particular thanks to driver John and to firemen Martin and Greg who made me most welcome and imparted lots of fascinating information. Martin must have lost a stone in weight with all the frantic coal shovelling that was necessary to make sure we had plenty of power for those steep gradients. Before the trip I hadn't realised just how much hard work it takes to get the engine ready for the day and to make sure it runs well enough to keep the train on time. I thought it was a great team effort, particularly with the distraction of a 'guest' in the cab.
It was a great day out and please pass on my thanks.
I am looking forward to another visit before long.
Yours
Richard Keeling

From: Scard, David
Sent: 05 March 2008 10:48
Subject: Mum's footplate ride...
Hello Tony
My mother, Jane, visited the railway on March 1st for a footplate ride which she enjoyed very much.
She loved the experience, said the crew were great and would recommend it as a good gift.
I offered to work that train as the Guard, but we hardly saw each other anyway.
Included is a pic of the ‘grinning lady’ on the footplate at Alton (taken by Phil Sharpe)
Thanks
David Scard

16th February 2006:

Nigel Wilson had a footplate ride on #92212 and video-ed it (7.3MB, 16th February 2006) with additional shots by his sons Michael and Philip.

Footplate crew: Driver Mike Pearson and brothers Ben and Tom Zehetmayr

You could drive and fire one of our steam locomotives

How to get to the Watercress Line

Loco Shed - latest

Return to Mid-Hants Railway Website Index Page