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!

Available times for each date

9:30 | 11:00 | 14:00 | 15:30

Please note: All participants must arrive 30 minutes before their booked driving experience time.

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!