Spend a whole day operating a typical Great Western branch line... ...Including, of course, driving and firing an ex-GWR pannier or small prairie tank locomotive or a diesel! The Western Branchline Experience is just that. After an appropriate briefing and instruction, you join five other people as a team to spend the whole day actually operating and running the Dean Forest Railway, under supervision of qualified DFR personnel. Course members do not need to have any particular skills to participate as guidance is provided, and each member is free to do as much (or as little) and he or she wishes. A wide range of facets of operation is contained in the day, including driving and firing the steam loco (normally ex. Great Western locos 9681 or 1450), or diesel locomotive if you wish, taking charge of the train as guard, operating the signal boxes (including single line token instruments), stopping the traffic in Lydney as Crossing Keepers and, if you have the time, helping light up and clean the loco before duties in the morning and putting the loco away in the evening. There is also time to simply enjoy that extraordinarily intimate experience of standing on the veranda of the brakevan next to the smokebox of the engine as you steam along the branch line. A truly delightful and memorable experience, which is not often available. A partner is welcome to join you for the day to participate in or watch most of the activities, with the exception of driving and firing the locomotive. (Other friends are welcome also to visit the railway and watch proceedings during the day at no extra charge and can join in the lunch on payment of a modest charge should they so wish). Testimonial "I am writing to let you know how much we enjoyed last Saturday at Norchard. The railway staff were so helpful on all aspects of the day, the signal box at Lydney Junction, the Guards van, the firing of the Pannier Tank and not least of all, driving the loco. I was given loads of information by the signalman, the guard, the fireman and the driver on every aspect of the working day. Nothing was too much trouble for them and the experience far exceeded anything I had been expecting. My wife expresses her thanks for being included in the day's working. We have a friend and his wife who may well enjoy the Western Steam Branchline Experience next year with us. Once again, many thanks for the experience of a lifetime. Best Wishes, Pat and Gordon McHenry London"

As much tea and coffee as you can drink is available throughout the day and a two course lunch for two is included in the price of £325 for the steam experience or £295 for the diesel experience for the day. You will receive a certificate confirming your successful completion of the Course as a memento. There is also ample time for photographs to be taken throughout the day of yourself and partner on the locomotive etc. Courses operate during most months of the year from Spring through to Autumn, normally on Saturdays. If you plan to stay overnight, why not make it a weekend to allow time to relax and explore the superb Royal Forest of Dean and Wye Valley? Click here for the Forest of Dean Tourism Web Site How to book Bookings, which can be by cheque or credit card can be accepted for specific dates or can be in the form of personalised gift vouchers, which are valid for one day to be taken within 12 months of purchase. The Vouchers make ideal special birthday or anniversary presents. Bookings for 2011 are now being taken. For further details or to order a Gift Voucher, please phone the DFR on 01594 845840 or write to us at the address at the base of this page.