Spa Valley Railway » Driver Experience!

DEMU 'Thumper' Driver Experience!

2025 dates coming soon!

The unique 1317 is available for you to drive!
1317 is a stalwart of the railway, being one of the Class 207 'Thumper' units that provided the service on the line between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge from the 1960s onwards. 1317 itself operated trains over the line on the final day of operation in 1985 - indeed, it hauled the penultimate passenger service paired with 1311 on 6th July 1985 before Britsh Rail closed the line and left it to become overgrown and even parts of it sold off for re-development.

Luckily, the thriving Spa Valley Railway came along and in 2004 when the 'Thumpers' (due to the noise of their 600hp engine) were withdrawn from mainline service we were able to preserve one for you to enjoy many years later. Driving 1317 is certainly an experience to remember and are part of history, driving a train on the very route it was designed for and once operated on.

To take part in this historic experience it'll cost you just £350 and you'll be given the opportunity to drive 1317 for a total of 8 miles from Tunbridge Wells West to Birchden Junction and return, a route the unit used to take almost daily in the 1970s and 80s.

The experience will last approximately 45 mins to 1 hour as you drive the unit through the glorious High Weald countryside. 

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the experience starting!

Includes:

 Please note the following/terms and conditions applicable to ALL Driver Experiences:

Book tickets

Wed 09 Apr 2025
16:40
Wed 16 Apr 2025
16:40
Wed 28 May 2025
16:40
Wed 23 Jul 2025
16:40
Wed 30 Jul 2025
16:40
Wed 06 Aug 2025
16:40
Wed 13 Aug 2025
16:40
Wed 20 Aug 2025
16:40
Wed 27 Aug 2025
16:40

Booking information

You MUST have your e-ticket with you on the day to show the locomotive crew either printed or on a mobile device, you must also adhere to our terms & conditions and wear the correct clothing/boots for the experience. 

Note that a £10 admin fee applies to all booking alterations.

For our full refund, cancellations and alterations please see here.

FULL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND VIA THIS LINK