Experience the Thrill of Driving the Class 47

Join us for unforgettable days immersed in railway history and hands-on driving experiences on our stunning heritage railways.

Class 47 Driving Experiences

Immerse yourself in the thrill of driving The Class 47 Locomotive.

Heritage Train Driving

Take the controls of a classic Diesel locomotive for a day.

Family Railway Trips

Explore the scenic routes with expert guides and unique insights.

Flexible Experience Packages

Customise your railway journey to fit your interests and schedule, or as a gift

Class 47 D1501 Driving Experience | Rail Away Days
Class 47 Experience

Drive Class 47 D1501

D1501 Brush Type 4 Chinnor Railway 4, 8 or 16 miles

Take control of Class 47 D1501 at the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway — a true mainline diesel locomotive that powered express passenger and freight trains across Britain.

The Class 47 became one of the most widely used locomotives in British Rail history, making this an essential experience for anyone passionate about diesel traction.

View Packages
D1501
Original Number
Class 47
Mainline Diesel
1960s
Built Era
Chinnor
Location

Driving Experience Packages

4 Mile Experience

Perfect introduction to Class 47 driving.

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8 Mile Experience

More time to understand and enjoy the locomotive.

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16 Mile Experience

Full enthusiast experience with extended run time.

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About D1501

D1501 is part of the iconic Class 47 fleet, built to handle both passenger and freight duties across the UK network.

These locomotives were known for reliability and flexibility, becoming a core part of British Rail operations.

Driving a Class 47 offers a smoother, more mainline-style experience compared to industrial locomotives.

It is the perfect locomotive for those wanting a classic diesel driving experience.

The Chinnor Railway

The Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway provides a scenic and flowing route, ideal for experiencing mainline-style diesel traction.

This setting allows the Class 47 to feel at home, giving a realistic driving experience similar to its original role.

Photo Gallery

Drive Class 47 D1501

Book your diesel driving experience today.

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What Our Customers Say About Us

Hear from our satisfied railway driving experience participants.
Samantha L.
An unforgettable experience, I felt like a real driver!
David M.
Incredible day out, highly recommend for train enthusiasts.
Emily R.
Riding a steam train was a dream come true!
James T.
Exceptional experience, the staff were knowledgeable and friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions answered about our Heritage Railway experiences.

What age can participants start driving?

Participants must be at least 16 years old to drive a heritage locomotive under supervision.

Do I need any prior experience?

No prior experience is necessary; our expert trainers provide guidance throughout the driving experience.

What should I wear for the experience?

We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor activities.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, due to safety regulations, participants should not exceed 18 stone (114 kg).

How long does the experience last?

Each driving experience lasts approximately two hours, including a briefing and driving time.

Can spectators watch while I drive?

Yes, we welcome spectators to enjoy the experience, providing they remain in designated viewing areas.

Embark on Your Railway Adventure Today

Join us for an unforgettable heritage railway experience. Book your driving experience now and make memories that last a lifetime!
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