'GUEST DRIVER' PACKAGES

The ‘Guest Driver Programme’ offers driving packages to suit everyone - starting with the more easily handled ex-Penrhyn Quarry Railway ‘Lady’ class locomotives through to the ultimate challenge of handling one of the iconic, unique and internationally famous Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway Double-Fairlies.

Why a ‘Guest Driver’ Package is so special…

Your private train will be running at full FR line speed.

Your private train includes a minimum of four passenger carriages.

Family and friends are welcome to travel on the train - though there is a restriction on numbers.

An ‘Engineman's Lunch’ and refreshments are provided throughout the day for all drivers.

Packed lunches can be arranged for family and friends if required - for an additional payment.

Minimum of eight hours working with the locomotive.

Minimum of 14 miles driving and 14 miles firing.

Guest Drivers receive personal ‘one-to-one’ tuition from our experienced, friendly and courteous footplate crew - all of whom are volunteers.

Information pack and commemorative certificate included.

When do we run ‘Guest Driver’ trains?

‘Guest Driver’ trains operate on selected weekends between late March and early October.

What options are available?

The ‘Guest Driver Programme’ has a standard range of packages from which to choose.

SHARED FOOTPLATE

‘BLANCHE’ ‘PRINCE’ ‘TALIESIN’

Enjoy a day on the footplate of one of these hard working locomotives - perhaps the easiest of the FR locomotives to drive, but still offering a considerable challenge to the novice driver. You will share the footplate with one other guest and take turns to drive and fire throughout the day.

£550 per person

EXCLUSIVE

Why keep a good thing to yourself? Book for two people at once and we can give you a better deal. Essentially the same as the ‘Shared Footplate’ package but you spend the day with your partner or a friend. You can, of course, ensure the maximum amount of driving time by using this option to book the locomotive for just one person.

£1025 per day

DOUBLE-FAIRLIE

‘DAVID LLOYD GEORGE’ ‘EARL OF MERIONETH’ ‘MERDDIN EMRYS’

The Ffestiniog Railway’s famous Double-Fairlies provide you with double the challenge - and an opportunity for some serious driving action! These iconic locomotives are the flagships of the Ffestiniog Railway fleet and, to ensure that you get the most from this unique opportunity, this package is only available to one Guest Driver per day. Due to the extra skills required to drive one of these engines this course is suggested for Guest Drivers with experience gained on earlier courses or on other railways.

£1250 per day

DIESEL

‘VALE OF FFESTINIOG’

Of course, not everybody dreams about driving a steam locomotive. So for those who would prefer to be sat at the controls of a diesel locomotive we can offer you the chance to drive the pride of our internal combustion fleet. This Guest Driver option follows the same pattern as the other packages but with a later start and an earlier finish, due to there being less preparation and disposal time needed!

£535 per day

If you’re still undecided whether the ‘Guest Driver Programme’ is what you are looking for, why not read what some of our Guest Drivers had to say about their day on the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway…

Huw Williams describes his September 2004 visit in ‘The Big Train-Driving Day’

A selection of unsolicited testimonials can be read here. It’s always nice to receive compliments!

We can also organise surprise gifts, special events and corporate hospitality. Please call us for an informal discussion and see how we can help.

If you would like to book a ‘Guest Driver’ Package, or require any further information, please contact Roger Dimmick - Guest Driving Co-ordinator - by phone on 07092 262 262 or by email at guestdriver@festrail.co.uk