The following notes apply to 2005 courses which are now completed or are full. For information, the dates of the 2006 courses are shown on the left but we currently do not have full details including costs. Please ring 01643 704996 for more information or return to this page from time to time
The West Somerset Railway offers a range of one and two day courses to realise your ambition and make long held dreams become reality.
Experience the feel of a working steam locomotive as you join the team on the footplate, shovel coal into the firebox, blow the whistle, open the regulator and feel the power.
Treat someone special (even yourself) to the thrill of a lifetime learning what it feels like to be a real fireman and engine driver. A really special present or excellent Corporate Hospitality.
With twenty miles of stunning Somerset countryside and coastal scenery and challenging gradients there is something for everyone from the novice to the enthusiast.
Our Steam Engineman Courses are designed for moderately fit men and women (over 18) to experience aspects of the railway unseen by many passengers. Depending on your choice of course you will learn how to prepare a locomotive, the principles of working a steam locomotive, signalling, braking, safety, driving and firing. Guided by an experienced West Somerset Railway instructor you will haul a train of coaches or freight wagons along part of the longest preserved line in the Country.
Enjoy a real treat yourself or give the perfect surprise gift voucher.
Please note only course participants may travel on the train.
A choice of courses is offered.
Taster Course
A half-day practical introduction to the mysteries of the steam engine on the Bishop Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section. You will experience using the regulator and firing the locomotive. Locomotive only - no coaches or wagons are used on this course. Two rover tickets are included for you to enjoy the full line another day.
The cost is £150.00 (deposit £40.00)
Course One
The first course is two days and has theoretical and practical elements. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure as much experience as possible.
Day One has talks and demonstrations on safety, making steam, locomotive operation and signalling and includes visits to the locomotive workshop and signal box.
Day Two starts with preparing the locomotive and ends with three return trips between Minehead and Blue Anchor hauling an empty passenger train. You will have one trip firing (to Blue Anchor or to Minehead) and the other driving. While others have their turn on the footplate you will travel on the train with the Guard.
The day ends with the disposal of the locomotive.
Cost: £280.00 (deposit £40.00) which includes the two day course, lunch on each day, course notes including detailed diagrams and VAT.
Course Two
After you have completed Course One, this one day course gives more practical experience.
First preparing your locomotive you will then haul a freight train from Minehead to Williton and back, driving one way and firing the other. Again limited to six participants you will travel on a restored Guards Van for the two other trips while fellow participants have their turn on the footplate. Lunch is included and the day ends with the disposal of the locomotive.
Cost: £225.00 (deposit £40.00) including lunch and VAT.
Course Three
For those who have completed Course One, this one day course gives more practical experience. Starting with locomotive preparation and ending with disposal, enjoy a full day with the power of steam on the WSR.
With the long and steep climb to Crowcombe Heathfield on the way from Bishops Lydeard to Williton hauling an empty passenger train can you rise to the challenge as you fire one way and drive the other? Three round trips gives the six participants an exciting experience.
Cost: £225.00 (deposit £40.00) including lunch and VAT.
Course Four
For those who have completed Courses One, Two and Three, put all your steam experiences together for this most challenging of the West Somerset Railway Steam Engineman Courses.
Two full round trips from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (or vice versa) hauling empty coaches to a normal working timetable perhaps, between service trains (depending on available dates).
Limited to four participants, you will drive the full length of the line and fire the other direction.
Cost: £315.00 (deposit £40.00) including lunch and VAT. Or, for the ultimate challenge book the whole day yourself at £1250.00 (deposit £100.00)
Course Five
This course offers a unique opportunity to become a Driver and Fireman on a real Great Western branch line auto train, including the opportunity to work on both the footplate and drive the train from the vestibule of auto trailer 178, with the specially fitted engine pushing the train from the rear.
Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable
Cancelled bookings are subject to the following charges:
· £40.00 if cancelled more than 4 weeks before the booked date
· 25% of fee between 21 & 28 days before the booked date
· 50% of fee between 7 & 20 days before the booked date
· 100% of fee when less than 7 days before the booked date
All cancellations must be in writing
You are strongly advised to purchase Cancellation Insurance.
Bookings
Bookings can be made by sending the completed BOOKING FORM to:
The West Somerset Railway plc
Dept SEC
The Railway Station
MINEHEAD
Somerset
TA24 5BG
You can pay the full amount on booking or a deposit. Balance of payment must be made four weeks prior to the course date. All deposits are non-refundable.
Telephone bookings can be paid for by credit/debit card or can be held provisionally for seven days. If payment by cheque or postal order are not received within this time bookings will be cancelled.
Dates of courses can be arranged either when booking or if the course is a present, a gift voucher valid for up to 18 months, can be sent to the recipient for them to arrange convenient dates. Once a date has been chosen, alterations can be made up to one month before the course.
To book or to ask any questions please telephone 01643 704996
The railway reserves the right to cancel, alter or suspend any course or to refuse any person(s) who may affect the safe running of the course.
The information contained on this page was correct at time of uploading. Whilst endeavouring to keep it up to date we reserve the right to ammend it without notice.
Note: This is an unofficial web site and the above details are taken from the official WSR publication and are provided for information only. Please check with the Railway on 01643 704996 for any changes to the above details.
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This page is not from the official West Somerset Railway Web Site
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