Nene Valley Railway’s Freight Weekend

Before the Snows of Winter Goods Weekend and Driving Experience
Before the Snows of Winter Goods Weekend and Driving Experience
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2nd and 3rd November 2024
TIMETABLE 
Click to book standard Train Tickets 
Train services by our Pacer with Trolley service
Cafe and Gift shop Open
Trade Stands 
Passing Trains at Orton Mere
Freight Train and Wagon Museum at Peterborough Station 
The Driving Experience Package
You will arrive at the Nene Valley Railway's Wansford Station for a timed departure in either the morning or afternoon of Saturday 2nd or Sunday 3rd November 2024. You will participate in a short tutorial about the driving of a diesel locomotive, delivered by one of our resident drivers. You will then be given an insight into working a freight train from the perspective of a Goods Guard.
Once the theory is done and dusted, the practical fun begins and you will be able to put into practice all you have learnt as you get to drive a freight train over part of our 7 1/2 mile line. You will either drive from Wansford to Peterborough or from Peterborough to Wansford as part of the experience. Once you have finished with the train, you will have the opportunity to visit Wansford Signal Box and witness the duties and responsibilities of the Signalman on duty.
This course is limited to a maximum of 8 people each day, so early booking is advised. Each participant is permitted to bring a guest to ride in the Brake Van, and other guests are welcome but will not be able to travel on the train due to limited space.
The Costs
The whole package is priced at £150.00 per person.
The Course
This course is designed as a taster experience themed around the working of a British Railways Goods Train. You will join one other person for your time slot of just over an hour enjoying all aspects of working a Goods Train on a heritage railway. Whilst with us, you will have just one opportunity to drive the locomotive, with the total time at the controls being about 30 minutes. The rest of the time you will ride the train, experience the workings of the signal box, and bring a guest if you wish.
The proceeds from this course will support the Nene Valley Railway Wagon Group in continuing their good work to restore a British Railways-era Goods Train, promote and educate on the history of freight traffic in Britain, and keep history alive in the current day.
Considerations
The environment of a Heritage Railway is physically demanding and so a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this course. On the grounds of health and safety, we unfortunately cannot accept participants under the age of 18 years. Sturdy footwear is essential, such as shoes or boots. The environment of a locomotive can be a dirty place and so consideration should be given to clothing worn by participants as we will accept no liability for damage to your best suit! Unfortunately we are not able to provide any protective equipment or clothing.
And finally...
Heritage locomotives are sometimes temperamental and may fail during or prior to this course. We reserve the right to alter the locomotive in these circumstances but will do everything in our power to run the course as advertised.
The volunteers of the Wagon Group, who will be running this course, are dedicated to ensuring that you enjoy the experience and get the most out of it. You will be coached through everything you do and never be left to fend for yourself. If driving a freight train has always been your dream, then we can make it a reality.