Drive a Diesel Engine Experience

Step into the cab of 03078 diesel locomotive in this hands-on train driving experience and feel the thrill of operating a real diesel engine.

Take control of our 03078 diesel locomotive as you operate and learn all about this classic British Rail Class 03 shunter, under expert tuition from our qualified instructors.

You’ll learn how to prepare, start up and operate this powerful machine before collecting some wagons and taking a freight train for a run out on the line. 

This experience is the perfect gift for anyone with a passion for railways.

Upon the completion of your experience day, you'll receive a certificate and a complimentary North Tyneside Steam Rail Association mug.

Cost: £200 per person

There are 2 sessions per day, max 2 people per session.

Dates:

Saturday 5 April 2025

Saturday 10 May 2025

Saturday 2 August 2025

Saturday 6 September 2025

Saturday 4 October 2025

Times: 

9am – 12 noon

1pm – 4pm

What to expect: 

• Participants will receive a safety brief and induction at the beginning of this experience.
• There will be a max of 2 participants per session.
• Refreshments provided. 

We reserve the right to cancel and amend the experience at any time. In the event of cancellation due to operational issues, the rescheduling of the event or a refund will be offered. 

This experience involves climbing up / down vertical steps to the height of 6 feet. Before booking, you must inform us of any illness or disability. Failure to do so may result in the experience being cancelled on arrival. 

Please email: info@stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk for more details.

Participants must: 

• Be physically fit and aged over 18 at the time of the experience. Our risk assessment process requires that a doctor’s letter be provided confirming that participants over the age of 75 are medically fit and capable to participate in the Drive a Diesel Engine experience. This must be made available to the railway before the day of the experience.

• Be able, in the event of an emergency evacuation; to climb on/off the locomotive from ground level unaided, this may be up to a 1.5 metre (5 feet) vertical climb with steps at up to 0.6M (2ft) spacing. You must also be able to cope with discomfort, variable temperatures, weather and lighting, heights, noise and vibration.

• Be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate from 20 metres.

• Must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions in noisy surroundings.

• Disclose any medical conditions and treatment/medication that may affect mobility, concentration, dexterity, co-ordination, consciousness and ability to understand and follow instructions.

• Drive a Diesel Engine experience may not be suitable for those with some disabilities, particularly where these affect mobility, concentration, dexterity, co-ordination and ability to understand and follow instructions. We advise you to contact us prior to booking one of our experiences if you believe this may affect the participant to ensure the activities are suitable.

• Alcohol & Drugs: Participants must not come on the Drive a Diesel Engine experience under the effects of alcohol, or any drugs which may affect their vigilance, whether medically prescribed or not, or consume such while on the Drive a Diesel Engine experience

• Safety Information: On the day of your Drive a Diesel Engine experience, participants will receive a short Safety Briefing relevant to the day’s activities.

• Mobile Phones / Photographic Equipment – Whilst driving, participants are prohibited from using mobile telephones/other interactive mobile devices and photographic equipment. Opportunities for photographs are available once the locomotive has come to a stand and is secured by the crew.

• We will permit you to transfer the place to someone else yourself, under the same booking conditions, but you must advise us of the details immediately when they are known.

• We reserve the right to terminate, without refund, your Drive a Diesel Engine experience if the participant is deemed unsafe on the day.

• We reserve the right to cancel a Drive a Diesel Engine experience in the event of circumstances beyond our control, but we will provide an alternate date or provide a refund.

• Locomotives will be used from the current fleet available and cannot be specified in advance.