An experience like no other

Take the controls of No. 60163 Tornado at her home, Darlington Locomotive Works, and experience the power of Britain's newest main line steam locomotive for yourself.

Our exclusive Driver Experience gives you the opportunity to drive and fire Tornado under the supervision of experienced footplate crew, travelling along part of the route of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway – the world's oldest public railway.

But this is much more than a driving experience.

Welcome to Tornado's home

Your experience begins at Darlington Locomotive Works, the home of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and Tornado.

You and your family will be welcomed into the workshop for refreshments, a theory and safety briefing, and an introduction to steam locomotive operation.

You will then be taken behind the scenes of the Works, including a close-up look at P2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales, the Trust's second new-build steam locomotive.

And this is where the experience really comes into its own.

The people you meet at Darlington Locomotive Works are the people who build, maintain and operate these locomotives. Our staff and volunteers have decades of knowledge and experience between them, so you will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear the stories behind Tornado and Prince of Wales from the people who know them best.

Then it's time to take the controls

Following the workshop tour, you will be taken to the pit area where Tornado will be waiting.

Following a walk around the A1, assisting with oiling and preparing the locomotive, you will board the locomotive directly by the steps before taking your turn on the footplate.

With two participants sharing each experience:

• One participant will drive Tornado under supervision talong the newly laid track at Darlington Locomotive Works.
• The other will fire the locomotive under supervision.
• You will then swap roles, giving both participants the opportunity to experience driving and firing.

Once back at the Works, you will receive your completion certificate, together with an A1 Steam Locomotive Trust leaflet and commemorative pin badge.

Your family are welcome to join you during the workshop, theory and tour elements of the experience.

There is no separate photography package – you are welcome to take your own photographs on your phone during the experience.

Make a day of it

Why not extend your visit by exploring Hopetown Darlington?

Participants and their families are welcome to visit Hopetown before or after the experience, with the opportunity to purchase lunch and explore the wider site.

The details

Location: Darlington Locomotive Works
Participants: Two people per experience
Price: £450 per person
Duration: Approximately two hours, with around 40mins on the footplate driving and firing Tornado
Includes: Theory and safety briefing, Darlington Locomotive Works tour, P2 Prince of Wales visit, driving and firing Tornado, certificate and commemorative pin badge.

Drive a piece of railway history

Tornado was built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and completed in Darlington in 2008. She has since become one of Britain's best-known steam locomotives, including reaching 100mph and appearing on television and film.

Now you can experience her from the footplate – at home in Darlington, in the heart of the cradle of the railways.

Book your Tornado Driver Experience and take your place on the footplate.