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Diesel Driver Experience at GCRN This page last updated: 27 December 2007
Most enthusiasts wonder what it would be like to drive a railway locomotive. The feeling of controlling a 100-ton locomotive, the "open road" and the sights, smells and sounds of a real locomotive, all controlled by you. GCRN is now offering "Driver Experience" packages to enable these thoughts to become a reality. So, whether you would like to treat yourself, or perhaps are looking for a unique gift for a friend, relative or loved-one, a Diesel Driver Experience day at GCRN could be just the ticket!
GCRN is well-suited to offering this type of unique experience. We have a fleet of diesel locomotives that caters for most tastes;
Where other railways include aspects like
signalbox tours, your day at GCRN will concentrate on the actual driving
of the locomotive, giving everyone on-board ample opportunity to fully
enjoy the experience - we offer more time on the footplate.
Throughout your day you will be accompanied by our qualified footplate
staff, who will provide guidance and support, be only too pleased to
help you enjoy your day and answer any specific questions you may have.
Our base at Ruddington offers an ideal starting point. Only a few miles south of Nottingham city centre, Ruddington is only 15 minutes from the M1 or A46 and only five minutes from the A52 with ample car parking, affording easy access from all points of the compass.
Limitations These are working railway locomotives. To enjoy your Driver Experience, you will need to be able-bodied and capable of climbing into the cab from trackside unaided. You'll also be over 18 years of age with no medical condition or treatment that would render you unsafe to be on the footplate of a railway locomotive. You must not be under the influence of any alcoholic or narcotic substance. Locomotive availability may vary and while we will endeavour to provide specific locomotives for specific dates, we cannot guarantee availability. We reserve the right to refuse access to the footplate for anyone who is or appears to be unsuitable or under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
Dates GCRN Diesel Driver Experience take place on selected days throughout the April - October operating season. Dates are based on being able to fill the available places, so if you have multiple people for a given date, it will generally be easier for us to accommodate you. Booking one or two people may mean a slight delay while we try to allocate the remaining place(s) available. Please use the form below to contact us for further information, or to request to book on a Driver Experience course. We will endeavour to reply to you within five working days.
Selected pictures on this page courtesy of Rob Cuss |
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Our
line extends from the Heritage Centre at Ruddington (where we will
supply with inclusive hot and cold drinks and food), south to
Loughborough along the ex-Great Central main line, a distance of just
over 10 miles. Uniquely our line is host to a regular freight flow
during the week, so we offer the unique opportunity to get a driver's
eye view of a route used by commercial trains. On the way you'll cross
junctions, over and under bridges, through stations, a tunnel, an
impressive viaduct, massive cuttings and embankments - the latter
trademarks of the last main line built to London.
