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Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience

Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience
Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience
£399.00 £495.00 Save 19%
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Details for the Exclusive 1:1 Diesel Train Driving Experience

Product ID: 17617

Now is your chance to try driving a heritage diesel locomotive on this exclusive train driving experience at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway in Wales! This charming heritage line is located on the fringes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, offering spectacular vistas to enjoy as you prepare to climb into the cab of a Class 37 electric diesel engine. You'll get the unique opportunity to enjoy 1:1 instruction from an experienced driver who will show you around all the various controls, as you depart from Furnace Sidings Station, with your destination being Big Pits station on this line that was first opened in 1983 to preserve and protect the Brynmawr to Pontypool line, before reversing back to Garn-yr Erw halt and taking the Class 37 south from Furnace Sidings non-stop through Blaenavon High Level and onto the terminus at Coed Avon. You'll be tackling one of the steepest gradients on any heritage railway in the UK, of 1:34, and seeing just how hard the engine works under such conditions. Overall, you can expect this to be a two hour session that is unique to you as well as offering real insight into what it was like to be a British Rail train driver in the 1960s!

  • Valid for 12 months
  • Newport
  • Flexible Booking
  • Gift Pack Options
  • Free Exchanges
  • Instant Delivery
What's Included

  • 1:1 Diesel Locomotive driving experience
  • Welcome, introduction and safety briefing
  • Sessions operate on an exclusive basis with just you and your train driving instructor
  • Generally the Class 37 Fleet Number: D6916 (37216) Built in 1964 is used for this experience
  • Familiarisation session with the locomotive to show how it works and the operating of its controls
  • Drive the loco for 16 miles (two x journeys of Route 1 + Route 2)
  • The loco is a 'light engine' (no carriages) 
  • Guidance from an experienced train driving instructor
  • Allow approximately two hours for this experience

Route 1: Furnace Sidings station - Blaenavon High Level station - Coed Avon - Blaenavon High Level station - Furnace Sidings station - Whistle Inn halt - Furnace Sidings station

Route 2: Furnace Sidings station - Big Pit station - Furnace Sidings station - Whistle Inn halt - Furnace Sidings station - Big Pit station - Furnace Sidings station - Whistle Inn halt - Furnace Sidings station

Frequently Asked Questions - Days Out Experiences
  • Are days out suitable for children?
  • Many experiences are family-friendly, but age suitability will be listed on each product.
  • Do I need to pre-book my experience?
  • Yes, most experiences require advance booking.
  • Are experiences location specific?
  • Some are fixed location, while others offer a choice of venues.
View All Days Out FAQs
    • Selected weekday and weekend dates throughout the year from September 2026
    • There will generally be 4 dates per month
    • Due to the popularity of this experience please book well in advance to avoid disappointment
    • Minimum age 18
    • Participants should be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided
    • Old clothing that fully covers the arms and legs should be worn
    • Wear sturdy shoes or boots that protect the feet - trainers are not permitted
    • Please note that once your booking is confirmed, the provider's terms and conditions will apply
    • Ocassionally the Class 31 Fleet Number: ‘D5627’ (31203) Built in 1960 may be used for this experience
    • Minimum Age: 18 years
    • This product is not eligible for promotional discount codes.

  •   1 Location in the UK

    • Newport
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Restrictions

Minimum Age: 18 years

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