Sit-rep, you've done your research, chosen your experience, been through the days/weeks/months of excitement, anticipation and possibly even nervousness and now the day has finally arrived. You're going to drive a train! Quite possibly a bucket-list box ticked and a childhood dream realised. But how do you ensure you get the most from your day? How do you ensure you maximise your enjoyment and squeeze every bit of fun out of it? Well, below are some handy hints and tips from things I've learnt across the half dozen or so I've done over the passed couple of years.
1. The Obvious Things;
First of all we'll cover the generic basics that apply to many activities but could be easily overlooked in all the excitement.
a. Be Well Rested: Whether on a steam engine or diesel you will need to be alert and fresh as there will be a lot to take in and learn. Additionally, if you're on a steam engine it is a noisy harsh environment and a strenuous activity so you need to be awake and alert.
b. No Alcohol or Other Substances: You would not drive a car or operate heavy machinery under the influence so don't attend a footplate experience under the influence. If you are suspected of having had a drink, you will be turned away and most likely, not refunded. Don't even be tempted to have a 1 quick pint on the way. Steam locos can be dangerous places so don't risk it.
c. Be Well Fed and Watered: Related to point a. You want to be in peak alertness to enjoy your day and you could be on the loco for a couple of hours. Maybe more. Don't climb aboard hungry, thirsty or tired, it will affect your energy and ability to concentrate and detract from the experience and could put you at increased risk of injury.
d. Use the Lavatory Before You Start: Again, this seems obvious but could be easily overlooked in all the activity and excitement of the day. it is however very important. Once you're on the footplate, you could be on there for a couple of hours or more, depending on the nature of your chosen experience. And clearly, there are no lavatory facilities on a locomotive. At best, it could be an uncomfortable distraction, at worst it could ruin your day.
e. Allow Plenty of Travel Time: You may be lucky enough to be travelling to a local location for your experience, on the other hand, it could be hundreds of miles away and generally, start time of these experiences is fixed, the train won't wait for you. It's better to be their way too early than be late and miss your experience. If this happens, it's very unlikely you'll get a refund or be offered a new date without incurring further cost.
f. Dress Appropriately: It's important that you're a. comfortable and b. wearing all required PPE in order for you to maximise your enjoyment and remain safe. All locations running footplate experiences should provide comprehensive guidance of the required PPE and how much of it they will provide and what you will have to provide yourself. Steam footplate experiences usually require overalls or similar, gloves and safety shoes.
2. The Less Obvious Things:
a. Listen: Whether it is your first FE or your twenty first, listen carefully to everything you are told throughout your day. It is a safe activity but it is not risk free. You will be given a lot of safety information as well as the training to drive the vehicle. Failing to pay attention could put you or others at risk.
b. Every Locomotive is Different: This point is more for those who've completed many footplate experiences. It would be easy to become complacent and assume you know it all and just step on to the footplate and try to get on with it. However, every locomotive is different, not only in their layout but also in performance. Two locos of identical type can behave very differently so listen to the guidance you're given and take all advice that is given.
c. Be Proactive on the Footplate: Not all footplate crews are the same. Some will encourage you to partake in every aspect of operating the loco, of which, on a steam loco, there are many. At the other end of the scale, some, and I've noticed it more with fireman, get on with the job and do it all themselves. Don't forget, if you've paid for an experience to drive and fire a locomotive, that is what you should get. You paid to drive and fire, not drive then stand about trying not to get in the way when the other participant is driving. If you want to fire and you're not getting to, ask! Get what you paid for. Equally, if you find it difficult and don't wish to continue firing, tell the crew. No decent crew will expect you to do anything you're not happy to do.
d. Interact with the Crew: You'll be spending atleast an hour, may be a lot more in a small enclosed space with the other participant and your crew. The whole experience will be far more enjoyable for participants and crew if the atmosphere is calm and friendly. Plus, in my experience, the crew are often more inclined to let you do more and control more if you speak up and show an interest and understanding of what it going on. As somebody who suffers with severe anxiety I know how difficult interaction can be for some but trust me, it makes for a much more enjoyable experience and if I can do it, anybody can,
e. Physical Challenges: I would recommend that everybody tries a footplate experience, it's fabulous. However it should not be forgotten that steam locomotive footplates are cramped, noisy, hot, rough riding and dusty places. It can also be very cold and windy on some locos for example when running in reverse in a loco with a low small tender like midsize GWR locos. Therefore, those with balance issues, breathing problems or sensitivity to noise or heat should give careful consideration and research before parting with their money. However enjoyable it is, it can also be grueling so be confident that you're fit enough to manage it. If in any doubt, speak to the desired location before booking your experience.
f. If You're Not Satisfied: A footplate experience can be the experience of a lifetime and the realisation of a lifelong dream. Furthermore, in general they are also pretty expensive. So if for any reason you're not satisfied, don't be afraid to speak up. You won't get anything back if you don't ask plus, as with any other business, a railway cannot improve their service and address issues if customers don't raise them. If you need to pass on negative feedback, do so. Just be sure to do it in a constructive manner. Don't just rant and rave and hurl insults. In addition, don't forget that these places are generally not-for-profit organisations and the people running the experiences are volunteers giving up their time for you. So you must set your expectations of your day with this in mind.