DRIVER EXPERIENCES
The Mid-Norfolk Railway offers the chance to drive former mainline locomotives through the glorious Norfolk countryside under the guidance of our experienced and qualified instructors. There are different types of experiences available, both shared and individual, to suit all levels of interest and budgets.
If you have any questions about Driver Experiences, please contact our Driver Experience Manager on experience@mnr.org.uk or by calling 01362851723.
Climb aboard and experience life on the footplate of a steam locomotive or in the cab of a diesel locomotive. Join our experienced crews for an exciting journey, either as a light-loco experience or hauling an empty passenger train. This is a fantastic way to view the life of a driver's day on the railway, whilst taking in the thrill of sights and sounds and life on the footplate/in the cab. This is a truly unique train driving experience for enthusiasts and makes a fabulous gift for someone special.
Steam Driver Experiences
The Mid-Norfolk Railway and the locomotive owner are offering the chance to fire and drive the former mainline steam locomotive, BR Standard 4 80078, through the glorious Norfolk countryside under the guidance of our experienced and qualified instructors.
What's included:
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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Driving & firing the locomotive for 12 miles from Dereham to Hardingham and back;
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Refreshments in the Station Buffet;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Prices are: £695 for solo participants or £395 based on two participants sharing.
Dates & Times are to be confirmed.
Please email experience@mnr.org.uk or call our Driver Experience Manager on 01362 851723, to discuss your requirements and to request a booking form.
Please note there are some restrictions for participants that will be confirmed when booking and we are unable to accept under 18s on Driver Experience experiences.
When booking a non-refundable deposit is taken and the full balance is due two weeks before the date of the Driver Experience, however bookings made within four weeks of the Driver Experience will require payment in full at the time of booking.
Diesel Driver Experiences
“Where Dreams Become A Reality”
There are six different types of experiences available, both shared and individual, to suit all levels of interest and budgets. Participants will learn the skills necessary to safely control and operate a diesel locomotive on the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
“The Light Engine” (Half day, 2 participants who need to book together)
What's included:
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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Travelling in the cab, each participant drives for a total of 11 miles and acts as second man for 11 miles;
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Only 2 participants per experience;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway;
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Light refreshments in the Station Buffet.
Price: £245 per person
The Light Engine Solo (Half day, 1 participant)
What's included:
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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Travelling in the cab, the participant drives for a total of 22 miles;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway;
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Light refreshments in the Station Buffet.
Price: £525
The Branchline (Half day, 2 participants who need to book together)
What's included:
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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Participants prepare a passenger train for departure, then drive the locomotive and carriages to Wymondham Abbey, stopping at the stations en route, running the loco round at Wymondham Abbey and then returning to Dereham. The driving is shared as for the Light Engine Experience, meaning both participants drive a total of 11 miles during the day.
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Light refreshments in the Station Buffet;
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Only 2 participants per experience;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Price: £325 per person
The Branchline Solo (Half day, 1 participant)
What's included:
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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The Participant prepares a passenger train for departure, then drives the locomotive and carriages to Wymondham Abbey, stopping at the stations en route, running the loco round at Wymondham Abbey and then returning to Dereham. The participant will drive a total of 22 miles with coaching stock.
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Light refreshments in the Station Buffet;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway;
Price: £650
The Mainline (Whole day, 2 participants who need to book together)
What's included:
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Breakfast on arrival at Dereham Station;
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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In the morning, the Light Engine Experience as detailed above;
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Refreshments in the Station Buffet;
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In the afternoon, participants prepare a passenger train for departure, then drive the locomotive and carriages to Wymondham Abbey, stopping at the stations en route, running the loco round at Wymondham Abbey and then returning to Dereham. The driving is shared as for the Light Engine Experience, meaning both participants drive a total of 22 miles during the day.
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Only 2 participants per experience;
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway;
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Free One-Day Rover Ticket for one Guest per participant on MNR service trains.
Price: £600 per person
The Top Link (Whole day, 1 participant)
What's included:
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Breakfast on arrival at Dereham Station;
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A safety briefing before the experience gets under way;
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Inspection of the locomotive;
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In the morning, the Light Engine Solo Experience as detailed above;
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Refreshments in the Station Buffet;
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In the afternoon, prepare a passenger train for departure, then drive the locomotive and carriages to Wymondham Abbey, stopping at the stations en route, running the loco round at Wymondham Abbey and then returning to Dereham. The participant will drive a total of 44 miles during the day, 22 light engine and 22 with coaching stock.
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Opportunities for photographs;
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A certificate of achievement;
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A minimum of 12 months free membership of the Mid-Norfolk Railway.
Price: £1100
Prices quoted above are for using a Class 47 locomotive. For a Class 33 and other traction, please contact experience@mnr.org.uk for more information.
Bookings may be made on any mutually convenient date, not just weekends, please email experience@mnr.org.uk or call our Driver Experience Manager on 01362 851723, to discuss your requirements and to request a booking form.
Please note that Diesel Driver Experiences are not available from October to March and there are some restrictions for participants that will be confirmed when booking. We are unable to accept under 18s on Driver Experiences.
When booking a non-refundable deposit is taken and the full balance is due two weeks before the date of the Experience, however bookings made within four weeks of the Experience will require payment in full at the time of booking.