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Doon Valley Railway
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  • Home
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    • Timetable & Tickets
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    • Driver Experiences
    • Railway 200
    • How to find us
    • Accessibility Guide
    • Bring Your Dog
  • Shop
  • News
  • Explore
    • Development Projects
    • Locomotives
    • Rolling stock
    • Restoration projects
    • Narrow Gauge Railway
    • Other Attractions
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Diesel Driver Experiences

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.


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.


We have two locomotives to choose from which are available on different dates - see below and click the 'Buy Now' buttons below to see the available dates for each locomotive.

Experience on the day includes

  • 15 minute safety brief and familiarisation of the locomotive.
  • 30 minute driver experience. 
  • 15 minute debrief and presentation of certification of your experience. 
  • Annual membership for ARPG (if not already a member)

Safety Requirements

  • You must be at least 21 years old.
  • Have reasonable sight and hearing (corrected or aided)
  • Have an ability to stand without walking aids
  • Be able to operate hand controls with your left and your right hand
  • Have an ability to climb a vertical ladder or steps from ground level to the footplate.
  • Wear appropriate footwear, ie shoes or boots, no sandals, flip-flops etc .
  • Not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs that cause drowsiness or which may affect your vigilance. 
  • The driving experience will be immediately terminated if at any point it is deemed unsafe for the participant to take part in the experience.

Driver Experience Gift Voucher

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!

Buy Gift Certificate

Powfoot No1

Drive diesel shunter "Powfoot No1" built in Kilmarnock by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co, works number 347, in 1941. This locomotive was built as part of a War Department contract during World War 2 and worked at munitions factories and spent most of its time at Powfoot, near Annan.


Cost £100

Available Dates:  8 February 2025, 8 March 2025 and 12 April 2025

Further dates will be added so watch out for announcements on social media and on the website.

Buy Now

Sentinel Diesel Driver Experience

Get a feel of Sentinel works number 10012 of 1959,  powered by a Rolls-Royce diesel engine. This was the only diesel locomotive to work on the National Coal Board system at Dunaskin. 


NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

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Doon Valley Railway

Dunaskin ironworks, Dalmellington Rd, Waterside, Patna, Ayr KA6 7JH

The Doon Valley Railway is operated by the Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, Charity number SC016127 info@doonvalleyrailway.co.uk

Copyright © 2025 Doon Valley Railway - All Rights Reserved.



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