Kent & East Sussex Railway

Image reproduced courtesy of Peter Harris

Having mastered the basic techniques with an ‘introduction' course, and possibly more advanced techniques with an ‘Advanced' or ‘Drive the Pick up Goods’ course why not try the ’Double Header Advanced Steam Driving Course’? You will drive one of two steam locomotives coupled together hauling a train from Tenterden to Bodiam and back under the careful supervision of your instructor. You will gain first hand experience of operating a locomotive in concert with the driver of another locomotive on one of the most challenging lines in the country, through varied countryside and on gradients of up to 1:36.

ITINERARY

The day starts at 9:30am at Tenterden when the four participants (we only take two on each loco for this course) meet their instructors for the day. Following a safety introduction, you'll spend some time with the engines to refresh the skills learned from the earlier course. After this, each participant has a go at driving one of the locos plus a train of four corridor carriages from Tenterden to Bodiam and back. Whilst one participant on each loco drives, the other will be given instruction on firing. After lunch, provided by us of course, participants swap over for another run to Bodiam and back. Each person therefore has a chance to fire the engine for 21 miles and to drive it for 21 miles.

Please note; there are no other trains running on the days that we run the advanced courses so you literally have the whole railway to yourselves.

Participants can bring family and friends as guests on our Double Header Advanced Steam Driving days. For £25 per person they can enjoy unlimited travel on YOUR train and join you for lunch at The Refreshment Rooms, Tenterden. Please advise the Sales Office staff of numbers when booking or at the earliest possible occasion.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• One-year membership. Benefits include three free train rides and copies of the Tenterden Terrier magazine. Who knows where this may lead? You may want to carry on developing your skills by becoming one of our volunteers!
• ‘Certificate of Achievement'.
• A souvenir Tee Shirt and Railway Mug or, if you already have these, a book and video can be substituted ( please tell us in advance which you would prefer) is included.

A full cooked lunch and refreshments are provided on the ‘Double Header Steam Advanced Driving’ course.