Diesel Footplate

There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of a diesel locomotive in full cry! Choose your locomotive and experience the power and surge of adrenaline as you take the controls on our full day experience, including a tour of Kidderminster Diesel Depot!

Taking place throughout the year, you can experience the challenge of driving a diesel electric or diesel hydraulic locomotive hauling a heavy train of carriages in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will power through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and storm up Eardington Bank.

Our fleet of historic locomotives that are used on Diesel Footplate Experiences include: Class 42 D821 Greyhound, Class 50s (50033 Glorious or 50035 Ark Royal), Class 52s (D1015 Western Champion or D1062 Western Courier) and new for 2026 Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55009 Alycidon.

What’s included:

• Travel in the cab; driving for 8 miles, and acting as second man for 8 miles. A further 16 miles is spent in the rear cab of the locomotive (only available when locomotives with 2 cabs are used), with the option to spend an additional 32 miles travelling in the train with your guests.
• Travelling a total journey of 32 miles; going through Bewdley Tunnel, over Victoria Bridge and up Eardington Bank.
• Safety briefing before the session commences at Kidderminster.
• Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot and locomotive engine room, including a start-up procedure demonstration.
• Only 4 participants per experience. Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
• Opportunities for photographs.
• A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

There is one level of Diesel Footplate Experience in 2026, priced at £650 per participant (locomotives are subject to availability):

Update 14/9/26

The following dates still have availability:

• Class 52 – 25 September (3 places remaining)
• Class 50 – 9 October (1 place remaining)

New for 2026 – Drive a DMU! (FULLY BOOKED)

The ultimate branchline experience, take the controls of a Class 101 or Class 108 DMU along the Severn Valley Railway.

Taking place on Friday 16 October (sold out), you can experience the challenge of driving a railcar, in which your 10 guests can travel free of charge. Running over the whole length of the line, you will travel through Bewdley Tunnel, glide across Victoria Bridge and climb up Eardington Bank.

What’s included:

• Travel in the cab; driving for 16 miles, and acting as second man for 16 miles. A further 16 miles may be spent in the rear cab of the DMU, with the additional 16 miles travelling in the train with your guests.
• Travelling a total journey of 64 miles.
• Safety briefing before the session commences at Kidderminster.
• Tour of award-winning Kidderminster Diesel Depot.
• Only 4 participants per experience. Bring along up to 10 guests who can travel in the carriages behind the locomotive free of charge.
• Opportunities for photographs.
• A presentation folder with a certificate and memento of your experience.

The DMU Footplate Experience is priced at £500 per participant (locomotives are subject to availability).

Realise your lifelong ambition at the Severn Valley Railway…