Ruston Driver Experience 26/9/2026

About this event

Get ready to drive a diesel locomotive in a hands on shunting experience Our new driving experience is bigger and better! Bookings to drive the Planet diesel shunter at our recent Return to Sharpness event were snapped up very quickly and many people were disappointed they missed out. Now we’re offering a longer, even better driving experience. But once again, you’ll have to be quick to book it as there are only 8 places available. Our Ruston Driver Experience offers you the chance to not only take the controls of our historic 88DS shunter, but also feel what it’s like to operate in an authentic industrial setting. You will also be helping to raise valuable funds for the future development of the railway. The experience Ticket holders will board the Ruston in pairs for the experience. Our VoBR Driver will guide each of you through the locomotive’s pre-start checks, then you’ll take it in turns to drive the Ruston or support our Shunt Manager by switching the points to enable the loco’s movements along Road 3, through the points and along Road 1 and back to the start on Road 3. Each experience slot will be approximately 1 hour. This will cover the loco preparation, driving and changing the points and overseeing the shunting operation, with a debrief from our VoBR driver and Shunt Manager. Booking information Tickets are very limited at 8. Before you book, please see the note below and read the FAQs to ensure this experience is for you. To participate, you must be 18 years old or over, have a valid UK driving licence, be able to climb the loco’s 2m vertical steps without aid, have good eyesight and hearing and be able to stand and walk unaided for 1 hour. Note: People taking part in the Ruston Driver Experierence do so at their own risk