Drive a Heritage Diesel Train

12/09/2026 13:35:49

Great day out, tour of yard, workshops and stock of railway engines and carriages. Coffee and chat from Donna in the converted buffet carriage on how we would be split up into 2 teams to alternate between the Class 47 Diesel 1842 and the DMU. The group I was in started with the 47 which was really quite exciting driving 120 tons of engine. Our group of 3 took turns at instruction, trying to concentrate while operating the controls and watching gauges whilst keeping an eye on the speed and signs for whistle and stops for crossing gates. After a lovely lunch we were next aboard the DMU on a different section of track which provided more of a challenge as we had gears to contend with! More fun and games as we struggled to get the sequences right. The instructors were brilliant and all in all a great day out.

When did your experience take place? 09 Sep 2026

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

12/09/2026 09:22:56

Absolutely perfect day! Everything and everyone went over and above, highly recommended

When did your experience take place? 09 Sep 2026

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

17/07/2026 15:48:57

A dream come true from boyhood to drive a locomotive and a look round the shed.

When did your experience take place? 11 Jul 2026

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

15/07/2026 16:14:34

A thoroughly enjoyable day, despite the intense heat. All the Railway staff were charming and the other drivers were a first class bunch too. A wonderful day. Thanks to all who made it possible.

When did your experience take place? 11 Jul 2026

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

26/03/2026 15:37:15

Great experience thoroughly loved it

When did your experience take place? 26 Mar 2026

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

14/11/2025 09:25:08

A fantastic dream come true. A great day out. The staff were fantastic, and the instructors excellent.

When did your experience take place? 06 Nov 2025

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

19/09/2025 13:35:06

This was a fabulous day. I was able to drive both a DMU (Diesel Multiple Unit) and a class 33. An unforgettable experience and I look forward to repeating the day.

When did your experience take place? 17 Sep 2025

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

19/09/2025 13:09:10

Drove a 1600HP Class-33 diesel loco (under supervision of course) in the morning and a Class-122 DMU in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch inbetween. The experience was shared with 2 or 3 other people and we all took turns. The instructors were very friendly and (of course) completely familiar with the loco and the railcar. A really enjoyable day. I'm 81, a lifelong rail enthusiast, and this had been on my bucket list for several years.

When did your experience take place? 17 Sep 2025

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

11/07/2025 21:38:26

100% recommended to anyone I know

When did your experience take place? 05 Jun 2025

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway

10/06/2025 16:17:06

A perfect day that couldn't have been better.

When did your experience take place? 22 May 2025

What was the name of the venue where your experience took place? Ecclesbourne Valley Railway