Bittern Experience
| Published: 26th September 2008 17:17 |
SPECIAL FOOTPLATE DRIVING & FIRING EXPERIENCE
On ex LNER A4 Class
For a Limited Period Only!!
13th-17th October
This is your chance to drive and fire the newly restored A4 Class locomotive No.60019 "BITTERN" for 20 miles over the whole length of the steeply graded Watercress Line. In between its mainline duties, the Mid-Hants Railway has secured the exclusive use of "Bittern" for these two limited periods of time during 2008.
You will actually be handling the controls of this powerful steam locomotive hauling a train of carriages and tackling the long, fierce 1:60 and 1:80 gradients on the Watercress Line.
Under instruction from our crew and paired with another participant you will take turns as both driver and fireman, completing a 10 mile trip of the line in each role. Thus over the course of 3 round trips during the day you will complete the whole 20 mile journey of the Mid-Hants Railway. When you are not driving or firing you ride in the coaches with your guests and other participants sharing your day, with opportunities to assist in other activities.
Starting at 9am at Alresford station, with full safety and technical briefings, lunch is provided for you in our West Country Buffet during a break at Alresford after the second round trip. You are welcome to bring up to 3 guests to ride free on the train you are driving, subject to conditions. This all day experience is limited to a maximum of 6 participants.
You must be between 16 and 75 years of age and be reasonably fit and in good health - fit enough to climb on and off the locomotive from ground level unaided.
Price: £450
Visit the Watercress Line website to book.
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