The Western Driver Footplate Experience Course

Not to be missed!

Drive a Western on the SVR!

Imagine sitting in the driving seat of a Western Class 52 diesel hydraulic? What about handling 2,700 bhp of with up to 72,000 lbs of pulling power? And what about being responsible for the awesome sound of the two 65 litre V12 Maybach MD655 engines as you haul a 200 tonne passenger train?

If it’s a yes, then you need to book one of our Severn Valley Railway Driver Experience Courses. Included in the course is a tour of the engine room, demonstration of the start up procedure, a close watch on “second man” duties, the opportunity to drive as well as the opportunity to travel in the rear cab plus an optional visit to one of the signal boxes.

The course price is £625 and the courses are extremely popular so you should book early to avoid disappointment. To register your interest with the SVR, please click here.

The Driving Experience

WLA are delighted to confirm that Driver Footplate Experience (DFE) courses are now available again. The SVR manage the courses and more detail, including availability, can be found on the SVR's web site by CLICKING HERE.

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 of your favourite Class on one of the SVR's full day Experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot!

The SVR Diesel Footplate Experiences operate throughout the year utilising the SVR's heritage fleet of diesel-electric and hydraulic locomotives, hauling a heavy train in which up to 10 guests travel free of charge.

What’s included:

• Safety briefing before the session commences at Bewdley.
• A visit to Bewdley North Signal Box (Operations & time allowing).
• Tour of the locomotive engine room, including a start-up procedure demonstration.
• Travel in the cab for two round trips of approx. 32 miles from Bewdley to Hampton Loade, driving in one direction and acting as acting as second man for the next trip (in the same direction).
• A trip as a passenger from Bewdley to Kidderminster for a tour of Kidderminster TMD (time allowing).
• Travelling a total journey of approx. 38 miles.
• Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot
• Only 4 participants per experience.
• Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
• Guests may include children of any age. Dogs are permitted too!
• Opportunities for photographs.
• Drinks and food available for purchase from the buffet at Bewdley.
• A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

Price: £625.00

2025 Dates:

Friday 4 July - D1062 (Fully booked)
Friday 25 July - D1062 (Fully booked)
Friday 15 August - D1062 (Fully booked)
Friday 26 September - D1062 (Fully booked)

Here's what others say about the WLA's Class 52 DFE courses: Bloody enjoyable! Overwhelming! Best day of my life! Addictive! Better than being married!

To register your interest with the SVR, please CICK HERE!

Want to know more detail? For detailed notes on DFE Operations for 2025, please CLICK HERE!

Like to know what our Class 52 Drivers have to learn about? Our Class 52 Driver's Manual is HERE! Fortunately, if you are on a DFE Course, you will be taught what to do, without the need for ten years of training and with no requirement to read or to understand the Driver's Manual!