Stage One

The first course is two days and has theoretical and practical elements. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure you get the full experience from your course.

DAY 1 - has talks and demonstrations on safety, making steam and boiler management, locomotive operation and signalling theory meaning you have the best possible information for day 2. The day includes visits to the signalbox, locomotive sheds and workshops.

DAY 2 - starts at 07:30 to prepare the locomotive for the day’s work including oiling up and lighting the fire. Watch as the Steam that you've created brings the loco to life. The climax of the day's proceedings is three round trips to Blue Anchor hauling an empty passenger train. You will have one trip firing and the other driving and spend the other trips learning about the other end of the business with the Guard. The day ends with disposal of the locomotive and certificate presentation for completing the course successfully.

This two day course costs £350.00 per head (£50.00 deposit) which includes lunch and refreshments on both days, course notes including detailed diagrams and VAT plus one year’s free membership of the West Somerset Railway Association.

Once you have completed a Stage One course you are then able to undertake the rest of our Steam Enginemen Courses where your knowledge from the Stage One is essential starting with a Stage Two or Stage Three.

Download the Booking Form Here