THE Severn Valley Railway’s footplate experience courses have been hit by a surge in public demand, with those in January and February a virtual sell-out.
Many railways are offering the courses again, giving ordinary members of the public the opportunity to fire and drive a steam locomotive without having to spend years building up to the essential level of experience necessary to be on the footplate in charge of a train.
The SVR’s courses have become extremely popular, especially with the use of powerful locomotives pulling a reasonable rake of carriages.
Starting on February 3, the line ran footplate experiences on various dates throughout the month and pannier No. 7714. The courses involved an early start from Kidderminster, departing at 8.45am to Highley. Four returns took place, with the last returning to Kidderminster at 4.42pm.
