Have you ever wanted to drive a diesel railway locomotive? If yes then by taking part in a diesel driver experience at the Doon Valley Railway your dream can become true.
If someone you know like to drive a diesel railway locomotive, then a diesel driver experience would make an ideal birthday or Christmas gift or a special treat for them.
The locomotive that is currently used for the driver experience is “Powfoot No.1” which was built by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. Ltd. of Kilmarnock in 1941, works number 347 as part of a War Department contract during World War 2 and it worked at munitions factories and spent most of its time at Powfoot, near Annan.
After receiving a safety briefing, instructions and a demonstration, you will take full control of the locomotive and initially drive along the station platform to get a feel for the controls. Then you will head out of the station and along the ex-National Coal Board line up to Laight Farm Level crossing and back. You don’t just do this once but twice! All under the watchful eye and guidance of one of our experienced drivers.
You can bring guests with you on your visit to the railway who can watch you from the platform as you operate the locomotive and there is no charge for this.
Please note that this is an experience and does not qualify the participant as a diesel locomotive driver.
Click the ‘Buy Now‘ buttons below to see the dates and times that are currently available.
Experience on the day includes
- 15 minute safety brief and familiarisation of the locomotive
- Tour of our loco shed
- 30 minute driver experience
- 15 minute debrief and presentation of certification of your experience
- 1 year individual membership of Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group (if not already a member)
Safety Requirements
Antique standard gauge locomotives are not toys! In the interests of safety participants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have sight and hearing to the standard for a UK DVLA car licence, and use any aids required to achieve this
- Be able to stand for up to 30 minutes without walking aids
- Be able to climb vertical steps from ground to footplate level
- Be able to enter and exit a doorway 14.25″ / 365mm wide
- Be able to operate hand controls with both left and right arms
- Wear sturdy enclosed footwear, i.e. shoes or boots rather than sandals, flip-flops, crocs, etc.
- Follow all direction given by the Driver Experience team
- Not be under the influence of any substances (e.g. alcohol or drugs) which could cause drowsiness or otherwise impair your ability to operate machinery or remain vigilant: The blood alcohol limit for driving a train is 20mg per litre of blood whereas the Scottish road limit is 50mg per litre.
The experience will be terminated immediately if at any point it is deemed unsafe for the participant to take part.
Buy Your Driver Experience
Driver Experience Gift Vouchers
Make memories that last a lifetime with Doon Valley Railway Driver Experience gift voucher. Give the gift of exploration and adventure to your loved ones today!