Driver Footplate Experience Course - D1062

There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Choose your locomotive and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot!

Taking place throughout the year, you can experience the challenge of driving a diesel electric or diesel hydraulic locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank.

Our fleet of historic locomotives that are used on Diesel Footplate Experiences include: Class 42 D821 Greyhound, Class 50s (50033 Glorious or 50035 Ark Royal) and Class 52s (D1015 Western Champion or D1062 Western Courier).

What’s included:

• Travel in the cab; driving for 8 miles, and acting as second man for 8 miles. A further 16 miles is spent in the rear cab of the locomotive (only available when locomotives with 2 cabs are used), with the option to spend an additional 32 miles travelling in the train with your guests.
• Travelling a total journey of 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
• Safety briefing before the session commences at Bewdley
• Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot and locomotive engine room, including a start-up procedure demonstration.
• Only 4 participants per experience. Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
• Opportunities for photographs.
• A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

There is one level of Diesel Footplate Experience in 2026, priced at £650 per participant. Tickets now available (locomotives are subject to availability):

• Class 50 – 10 July, 31 July, August 21
• Class 52 – 26 June (D1062), 3 July (D1062), 14 August (D1062), September 4 (D1015)
• Class 42 – August 7 (D821)

Realise your lifelong ambition at the Severn Valley Railway…