Take the Throttle: Master a Diesel Giant at Middleton Railway
Ever stood on a platform, felt the ground shake as a locomotive roared to life, and thought, “I wish that was me at the controls”?
Now is your chance. Step off the platform and into the cab at the world’s oldest continuously working railway. We’re inviting you to swap your desk chair for the driver’s seat with our Diesel Footplate Experience in Leeds.
The Power Beneath Your Hands
This isn’t a museum tour—it’s a hands-on, high-torque adventure. Under the expert guidance of our seasoned instructors, you will learn the inner workings of our historic diesel fleet. From the moment you climb into the cab, you’ll feel the raw mechanical power of British industrial history.
What to Expect:
- The Safety Briefing: Get the lowdown on railway signaling and locomotive safety.
- The Walkaround: Learn the “checks and balances” required to prep a multi-ton beast for the tracks.
- The Main Event: You take the controls. Feel the notch-by-notch acceleration and the hiss of the vacuum brakes as you navigate the line between Moor Road and Park Halt.
Why Drive at Middleton?
Located in the heart of Hunslet, Leeds, Middleton Railway isn’t just a heritage site; it’s a living testament to the engines that built the modern world. When you drive here, you aren’t just operating a machine—you’re following in the footsteps of the industrial pioneers who started it all in 1758.
The Perfect Gift for the Gearhead
Looking for a birthday or anniversary present that won’t end up in a drawer? Whether they are a die-hard rail enthusiast or just someone who loves heavy machinery, this is an unforgettable, “bucket-list” experience.
“There is nothing quite like the feeling of pulling the throttle and hearing that engine roar to life. It’s pure, mechanical bliss.”
Ready to Start Your Engine?
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure every participant gets maximum time in the cab. Don’t let this chance pass you by—the tracks are calling.
Book your Diesel Footplate Experience today and keep the wheels of history turning!
The experience includes an introductory talk about the railway and the type of locomotive you will be driving, followed by a health and safety briefing.
Then you will join your crew and embark on a number of trips along the world’s oldest operating railway over approximately 4 hours under the expert tuition of one of our volunteer drivers.
Friends and family can also join you and travel in our passenger coaches behind you.
Light refreshments in our cafe are also included (Tea, coffee and water).
The Half-Day diesel experiences are priced at £250 and will need to be booked in advance. (Details coming soon)
Participation Requirements:
Due to the nature of train operations and some inherent dangers, it is necessary to set some minimum requirements of participants.
Any person seeking a footplate pass must ensure that the person for whom the pass is for meets the following minimum standards:
– Be at least 18 years of age (but not older than 76 years of age)
– Be in reasonable health and able-bodied – at least that required to be able to drive a motor vehicle, and also be able to swiftly but safely disembark from the locomotive cab to the ground, which may be uneven in places along the line
– Not be under the influence of drink or drugs
– Wear suitable clothing, including footwear
– Demonstrate an understanding of instructions given in English
Note: The Railway reserves the right to refuse a member of public access to the locomotive footplate, particularly if a member of the rostered locomotive crew has reason to believe that one or more of the above criteria are not being complied with.