Driving A Stream Train

Another of my birthday presents last year was a footplate experience - where I got to drive this steam train at the Kew Bridge Steam Museum. It was a brilliant experience and one I would recommend to anybody. The power of the steam to drive this 4-ton engine (and pull coaches) is amazing but I was most surprised by the amount of control you have. It looks like a big, powerful engine but the level of fine control you have is surprising. The track is only short but there are corners and gradients that mean you need to learn about controlling the steam and when to let gravity do the work.

I had a fantastic time. Thanks to Paul for arranging it (and taking some photographs on the day).