Exbury Footplate Experience 2008

Learn to become a driver of a Steam Locomotive! Ideal for the first time driver.

» View Booking Conditions

Available on most days in March and April and from June to early November (certain dates will be unavailable due to events). The Footplate Experience is not available during the month of May.

The Exbury Steam Railway was opened in Summer 2001, and extends along a challenging 1 ¼ mile track with bends and gradients to negotiate. The engines are coal-fired steam and the track 12 ¼’’ gauge. Whilst concentrating on acquiring driving skills, you will also have time to take in the scenery on this most picturesque of railways. You will drive the engine over a bridge, through a tunnel & across a pond in the Summer Lane Garden, a summer flowering garden planted with huge swathes of herbaceous perennials; drive along the top of the Rock Garden (the largest in Europe) & across a viaduct to Exbury North Halt in the American Garden before heading back to Exbury Central.

The Exbury Footplate Experience gives maximum time in the hotseat (you will understand the meaning of this by the end of the day!), with up to eight return trips scheduled. This gives a driving distance of 10 miles, and over 3 hours working the regulator. Unlike other Footplate Experiences, Exbury offers a one to one experience – the Footplate is yours and yours alone! (though of course, your tutor will be on-hand at all times . . .)

Before arriving at Exbury for your Footplate Experience you will have been sent an Exbury Railway rule book to help you become acquainted with the engines, rolling stock and general “rules of the line”.

Your Footplate Experience Day (all timings approx) will consist of:

8.30am Arrival – Mug of tea and introduction to the Exbury Steam Railway team in the Engine Shed at Exbury Central. Health and Safety briefing, plus information about the history of the line, and plans for the day.

9.00am – Assistance in preparation of locomotive and rolling stock. Introduction to the principles of a Steam Locomotive. You will help to take on water, use the signals and operate the points.

10am – 12.30pm – Four trips driving a Steam Engine along the Rhododendron Line – full explanation of all the techniques required to fire and control the engine. 12.30pm – 1.30pm – Packed Lunch in the Engine Shed with the Railway Team (or enjoy refreshments in the nearby Mr Eddy’s Restaurant)*

1.30pm – 4pm – Additional four trips along the Rhododendron Line, to hone techniques acquired during the morning! Learn how to ease the engine to stop at the correct place at Exbury North Station, and feel the engine respond to you as you caress the regulator.

4pm – 4.30pm – Assist with uncoupling the locomotive and disposal. Mug of tea in the Engine Room Mess.

4.30pm – 5.00pm – Debrief; presentation of certificate and Exbury Steam Railway souvenirs.

Cost £225 per person.

(* you are welcome to bring your own packed lunch which you can enjoy in the Engine Shed Mess Room with your instructor and Exbury Steam Railway team. Alternatively, full meals are available in Mr Eddy’s Restaurant and Tearooms).

Your Footplate Experience includes x 2 same day, free tickets to Exbury Gardens for friends and family, so they can enjoy the Gardens and railway and watch you on the footplate! Your party are very welcome to take photographs and videos.

PURCHASING THE FOOTPLATE EXPERIENCE AS A GIFT:

Please advise if you wish to purchase the Exbury Footplate Experience as a gift, and we can arrange for a presentation card to be forwarded.

TO FIND OUT MORE CHECK ON AVAILABLE DATES:

If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Footplate Experience, please speak to our Railway Team, tel: 023 8089 2898. For bookings, please call the number listed below or see the Booking Conditions for available dates

HOW TO BOOK:

Please call the Booking Office on 023 8024 5750.

Booking forms are available on-site or can be posted to you.

Exbury Gardens Steam Railway “Footplate Experience”, Exbury, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 1AZ

BOOKING CONDITIONS:

Full payment should be received prior to the “Footplate Experience” taking place. Credit cards are accepted. Cheques should be made payable to Exbury Gardens Retail Limited. Minimum age for the Exbury Footplate Experience is 18. You need to be reasonably fit and in good overall health as time spent on the train can be hard work! No alcohol is allowed on the day and participation cannot continue if attendants report under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Please report in appropriate clothing and stout footwear (training shoes are not acceptable). Wearing of overalls is recommended, and gloves at certain times.