The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway is pleased to announce a programme of Diesel Locomotive Driving Experience Courses, which will run on various dates throughout 2004.

These courses are regarded as among the best of their type in the UK, and with a preserved line of some 9.5 miles, running through the Cotswolds between Toddington and Cheltenham Racecourse Stations, plus two different length courses and seven locomotives to choose from, the railway expects booking to be brisk.

Utilising the GWR's home based restored 'classic diesel heritage fleet', all our locomotives will be available, and subject to unforeseen circumstances, will include Class 14 No. D9539, Class 20 No. D8137, Class 24 No. 24081, Class 37 No's. 37215 & 37324, and Class 47 No's. 47105 & 47376. Additionally, people can choose shorter distance courses between Toddington and Winchcombe Stations at £110 per day or the longer Toddington to Cheltenham section courses at £185 per day. The longer distance courses also include driving through the 693 yard Greet Tunnel, which is an experience in itself. Furthermore, we try to make these courses as realistic as possible, so the locomotive will be hauling 5 or 6 coaches or a 1960's style freight train. Which of these will depend on the number of preferences expressed on the booking forms.

Booking forms, plus further details, including our free family ticket offer are available on this website at www.gwsr.com, or can be obtained by writing to the course co-ordinator, Richard Drewitt, c/o The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, The Railway Station, Toddington, Gloucestershire, GL54 5DT.

Bearing in mind most locomotive hauled services have been removed from the main line, these courses not only provide ideal opportunities to relive the recent past at 'The Friendly Line in the Cotswolds', but also to experience a day as a member of the footplate crew, hauling a real train.

Click here to visit our Diesel Driving Experience web page, where there are full details including booking forms.

You can contact the course co-ordinator using the form on our website. Please ensure you select "Diesel Driving Experience" from the options available.