Elsecar Heritage Railway is delighted to offer you the opportunity to take control of one of our full size heritage industrial diesel railway engines.

Our engines date from the 1960s and are typical of the type of locomotive that the National Coal Board used to haul coal trains on our line.

You will crew the engine and learn about the driver and second man roles, all under the supervision of our qualified crew. If you desire, we even provide a boilersuit to keep you clean and looking the part.

During the one hour course you will experience the excitement of driving a diesel engine along the length of our line. As you take the throttle you will experience the power of these mighty work-horse engines. Our challenging 1 in 37 gradient is an highlight as you tackle a hill start!

On our diesel course you are welcome to invite a guest to ride with you in the cab; ticket included in the course price. Other guests are welcome to watch and take photographs too.

You will be accompanied and assisted by experienced staff throughout who will keep you safe, and answer all of your questions.

We run Diesel Engine Footplate Experience Courses from after Easter until Autumn on Thursdays. They are very popular so hurry and book your place.

1 hour course £90

To start booking your place, please download and fill in this application form

If you already have a voucher or gift certificate, please request a date for a course using the online request form.

We look forward to welcoming you very soon.

All courses are subject to availability.
For more details including a detailed itinerary for the courses, please telephone: (01226) 610100 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
All courses are subject to EHR terms and conditions.
Please make all cheques payable to: Elsecar Heritage Railway Ltd.
Courses are limited to a maximum of two participants.
If necessary the Railway may postpone course dates without notice.