Train driving lessons - the ultimate Father's Day gift!

North Yorkshire Moors Railway ‘Footplate’ Packages 2012

Socks, ties and gardening equipment are all very well as gift ideas for Father’s Day, but for those wanting to spoil their dad with an extra special treat, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is offering the ultimate Father’s Day gift – the chance to drive a real steam engine!

NYMR offers three ‘Footplate’ packages, which give participants the change to be in the driver’s cabin as the engine makes its way up and down the heritage railway between Pickering and Grosmont, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park.

The Gold Experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn to prepare and drive a steam engine. A five day course, the experience starts with a day looking around the Locomotive shed to help participants understand different aspects of the engines’ and railway operations, from safety and boiler management to valves and braking systems. The second day is spent in the classroom for theory and practical instruction, whilst day three sees participants moving engines around the shed yard, learning about precision stopping and coupling up.

Days four and five are when all the preparatory hard work comes to fruition – participants make two return trips in passenger vehicles on the line between Pickering and Grosmont, sharing the driving and the firing of the engine with other course participants.

“This course offers an amazing experience, but is also very hard work. You’ll start to realise just how hard the train crews have to work to keep these engines running, and on the ‘driving’ days, participants start at 8.30am and don’t finish until the engines have been put away at 7.30pm,” explains Gerry Bacon who co-ordinates the courses for NYMR. “That said, they are always hugely popular, and we’re already booking well into 2013!”

For those looking for a slightly less intensive experience, the Silver Experience sees participants preparing the engine and then working the controls on a return trip between Grosmont and Pickering. The Silver Experiences last around six hours, and participants can book onto either a steam or diesel engine experience.

There is even the opportunity to ride on the footplate without having to get your hands (too) dirty, the Bronze Experience offers a return footplate ride between Pickering and Grosmont (36 miles) which lasts around three hours.

Prices for the packages are £330 for the Bronze Experience, £595 for the Silver Experience and £1495 for the Gold Experience. All packages also include a one year membership to the NYMR and a certificate. Bronze participants also receive a NYMR polo shirt.

The packages are open to anyone aged 16 – 70 who is physically fit.

For more information, please visit www.nymr.co.uk or call Gerry Bacon on 01757 477700.

Anyone looking for a less strenuous heritage railway experience can ride the railway, travelling between Pickering and Whitby each day throughout the summer, or indeed, book onto the Pullman Dining Car for a traditional meal in one of the luxurious dining carriages as they ride through the stunning countryside of Heartbeat country.

Fares are £22.50 for adults, £19.50 for seniors and £11.50 for children for a day rover ticket allowing unlimited travel between Pickering and Whitby. A family ticket (two adults and up to four children) is available for just £45.00. Children under five ride free.

For more information on visits to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, please call 01751 472508, visit www.nymr.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @NYMR or Facebook @North Yorkshire Moors Railway

ENDS

For further media information, please contact:

Danielle Bradley

Marketing Manager – NYMR

Tel: 01751 473799

Mob: 07837 405249

Email:danielle.bradley@nymr.co.uk