Owners and operators of D2246, 37037 "Loch Treig" and 50002 "Superb"

2008 Diesel Driver Experience Courses

FULFILL THE DREAM OF A LIFETIME

 On the South Devon Railway we can make the dream a reality for yourself, a family member or friend with one of our

Diesel Driver Experience Days

Drive one of our heritage diesel locomotives hauling a rake of coaches over the full line.

Have you ever watched a mainline train and wondered just what it would be like to be in the driver’s seat in charge?  Well here on the South Devon Railway we can provide you, or even a relative, friend or perhaps a work colleague with the chance to find out.

On selected dates during the 2008 season, we shall be running more of our very popular Diesel Driver Experience Days.  On each date a maximum of five people will have the chance to participate in a day full of action and enjoyment, during which they will have the chance to make two full round trips (28 miles) in the cab over the full length of the line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Littlehempston.  On one trip there will be the chance to act as the Driver’s Assistant or Secondman, helping keep a keen eye out, assisting with the checking of signals, and maybe even performing the uncoupling and coupling of the locomotive to its train.  On the other trip dreams really do come true and it is time to occupy the drivers seat and take charge of your very own train.

On most days, the regular public services will also be in operation so there will be the added responsibility of running to a schedule that allows the trains to pass at Bishops Bridge Loop near Staverton Station.  Here there will be the chance to witness the sophisticated signalling system, and the use of single line tokens and train staff, which makes this operation safe. 

On each Driver Experience Day up to a maximum number of 5 people can book.  This helps ensure that everyone has lots of opportunity to be actively involved in the day’s activities.  In addition participants may be accompanied by a small group of friends or relatives, these travelling in the train, and perhaps filming you fulfilling the dreams of your youth! 

Participants need to be over the age of 18 to take part, and also need to be reasonably fit and healthy.  The wearing of old clothes and stout shoes is recommended, whilst dustcoat and gloves will provided as required on the day. 

During the day we stop for a short lunch break at Totnes.  Participants and guests can bring a packed lunch if they wish, or can visit the coffee shop at the adjacent Rare Breeds Farm where a selection of hot and cold snacks and other refreshments can be obtained.  During the break it may be possible to view some of the more modern traction that operates on the adjacent national system, these being very different to the older diesel locomotive designs, one of which will be in use on your train. There will also be plenty of time to take photos and if they wish guests may also have a look onboard the locomotive. 

At the end of the day all participants will receive a framed certificate recording their day with us.

In addition to having a great day out with us, by participating in one of Diesel Driver Experience Days you will also be actively assisting with the restoration and preservation of one of our older diesel locomotives, Class 09 D3666/09 002.  All profits from our courses are being directed towards the eventual return to operation of this locomotive that requires major attention to its running gear and wheels before it can run again. A special group, THE FRIENDS OF 09 002 has been created to oversee the completion of this fine locomotive.

THE TIME TABLE

Diesel Driver Experience Days start at Buckfastleigh and participants are usually asked to meet at the station between 08.30 and 09.30, the actual time depending on how many are taking part on the day. 

After meeting your host there will be a brief, but essential, safety briefing, and this will be followed by the chance to look around the station, yard and sheds, and to view some of the various preserved diesel locomotives that are now based on the railway.  Most are privately owned, with most belonging to one or the two resident diesel preservation groups, SOUTH DEVON DIESEL TRACTION and THE DEVON DIESEL SOCIETY.  Your host’s will be members from one, or both of the two groups and will be only too pleased to answer any questions you may have. 

Whilst being shown around the site, the locomotive crew will be busy getting the locomotive ready and will have it coupled to the train in time for departure.  This is normally at 10.00.

Two participants at a time are permitted in the cab, with one driving and the other assisting. Both will be under the guidance and tuition of an experienced SDR diesel crew personnel.  The other participants will travel in the train with their guests. 

There are usually two round trips prior to the stop at Totnes for a lunch break at around 13.30 until departing again at 14.15.  

During the afternoon there are further runs to ensure everybody has an equal length of time in the cab and driving. On arrival back at Buckfastleigh participants will each be presented with a framed certificate recording their day with us.

 BOOKING NOTES 

When a Diesel Driver Experience Day is booked, the booking must be accompanied by a remittance for the full cost of £210.

A full refund will only be made if at least three week’s notice of cancellation is given.

Instead of booking for a particular date, we can send you a VOUCHER to present as a gift. The recipient can then contact us direct to arrange a date for the Diesel Driver Experience Day.

 DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE DAYS are very popular.

They tend to sell out each year.

It is important that you book as early as possible.

Dates for 2008

Please email the South Devon Railway or telephone 01364 642338 for further details.

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