If the sound of Willie Nelsons City of New Orleans raises the hairs on the back of your neck or thoughts of a lonesome whistle blowing in the night send a tingle down your spine you are one of the many thousands who nurture the desire to get up on the footplate of a steam locomotive, open the regulator and head off on the steel road. Forget computer simulation it is now possible to do enjoy the real thing.

The Strathspey Railway based at Aviemore, Scotlands Steam Railway in The Highlands, is offering the opportunity of a Footplate Experience where you will be the driver of one of its locomotives hauling a real train of passenger coaches. A new leaflet is available from the railway company detailing the event and setting out the conditions.

LMS designed 2-6-0 No. 46512 which was recommissioned last year following a rebuild at the railways Aviemore workshops is the nominated locomotive. Participants, after a briefing on safety, railway operation and assisting with the locomotive preparation will enjoy one round trip as driver and another assisting the fireman. A lunch of soup and sandwiches is also listed as one of the attractions.

The Experience events will, initially, only be available on selected Saturdays in April and May as the locomotive and crews are committed to the operation of the public service at other times. (During the period June to September the Railway operates a daily service on the line.)

The Experience, which is subject to certain conditions regarding age, health and a minimum number of participants on the day, is available at just over £217 including VAT at the current rate and could be an ideal surprise gift for someone who always wanted to be an engine driver.

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Enquiries: Strathspey Railway - Ron Black 01389-752214 e.mail: publicity@strathspeyrailway.co.uk