Diesel Footplate Experience – drive the Class 73!
Be among the first to drive Class 73, E6040 ‘The Bluebell Railway’, on this exclusive Electro-Diesel Footplate Experience! Spend approximately 1 1/4 hours operating the 80 ton heavy express passenger locomotive around Horsted Keynes, and a thrilling run to Kingscote and back along with a brake van that your family and friends can book to travel on (see below for additional booking).
Along the way, you’ll pass through the impressive 731-yard (668 m) Sharpthorne Tunnel, the longest tunnel on a UK heritage railway—a thrilling highlight for any railway enthusiast!
Ideal for anyone seeking an extraordinary day out to drive a real train, this hands-on experience offers a thrilling glimpse back into the 1980’s and 1990’s when you might have gone on holiday or to work on a train this locomotive hauled or been a railway enthusiast keeping an eye out for locomotives like this flying past.
Make sure you book now whilst space is available!
Please note: All participants must arrive 30 minutes before their booked driving experience time.
Customer Notice:
Please be aware that Horsted Keynes station is open to participants of the footplate tasters only. The railway is closed to the public, and no catering facilities will be open during these days to the general public.
Book a Brake Van ride for your guests!
Invite your guests along for the journey with an optional ride in our historic Southern Railway brake van, available for an additional £25 per person and can be booked via the button below (this is separate from booking the main Class 73 Footplate Taster event).
