Take the controls of a Crompton
A full day's one-to-one tuition on our 80-tonne ex-BR Class 33 diesel-electric at the Spa Valley Railway. You don't share the line — or the day — with anyone else, unless you choose to.
Please note: Driver Experience days are not currently planned for 2026 due to locomotive availability. Contact us to register your interest for future dates.
Have the loco to yourself for the day.
A day that is all about you
With over ten years' know-how of driver experience days and professional railwaymen as mentors — some of whom drove Class 33s on the mainline — you'll have the very best one-to-one tuition in what is involved in diesel driving. There's a lot more to it than meets the eye, and you won't believe how quickly six or seven hours pass by.
The fee starts at £495 and is arranged to suit you. Friends or family can join your day — typically £50 per additional person, subject to limitations and conditions — but that is your choice.
Also included in the fee: one year's membership of both the Spa Valley Railway and the South East Locomotive Group (insurance cover), tea, coffee and a buffet lunch. A certificate and photographs are sent to you afterwards.
A typical day covers
- 1Use of a driver's bag for the day
- 2Trackside safety briefing
- 3Preparing the locomotive
- 4Overview of the loco's electrical and mechanical equipment
- 5Driving 'light engine'
- 6Shunting with loose-coupled and/or fitted wagons
- 7Handling the coaching stock
- 8Coupling up — including those awkward brake pipe connections
- 9Getting a feel for the direct air brake and train brake
- 10Disposing of the locomotive at the end of the day
Choose your date
Pick an available date and pay securely through SumUp. Once your payment has gone through, our driver experience team will be in touch to confirm the arrangements for the day.
Testimony from very happy customers
For my 18th birthday present, my dream came true! I finally got to drive a train on my local line, the Spa Valley Railway… with thanks to the South East Locomotive Group & Spa Valley Railway for the most enjoyable day out.
I found the course to be more than I had hoped — exciting and very informative… and certainly a full day. The day still went too quick for me — I think I could have stayed on for the night shift! I did not fully appreciate the work, time and effort that goes into keeping the Cromptons in running order.
Get closer to the Cromptons
Become a member and help keep 33063 and 33065 in working order — or get your hands dirty at a working party.