Stuck for a birthday prezzie?

Try this . . .

Forget the car!

The Pleasant Point Museum & Railway are offering an extremely unique opportunity to drive a steam locomotive.

Some people like to have a go at flying a plane, and then there are those people who have always had a desire to drive a train.

There is now a very special chance to fulfil that dream to drive a veteran steam locomotive, one of the few chances to do so in New Zealand.  Under tuition you will be able to drive locomotive Ab699, built in 1922, at the Pleasant Point Museum & Railway.  

Steam locomotives, as well as giving a feeling of nostalgia, have a certain life about them, unlike the diesel locomotives used on the main line now.

With a massive demand for fuel, the fire is the heart of the Iron Horse, creating the massive amount of steam needed to push the drive rods and get the wheels rolling. Undoubtably, these beasts have a life of their own.

Within the cab there are many controls, but the main ones are the large reversing lever which determines which way the locomotive will travel, and the throttle which, as it is advanced, gives the driver hundreds of units of horse power at their control.

As the driver stands at the driving position they look forward out the window of the cab along the massive boiler and realise they are in control of the monstor, a wonderful feeling of power!

Bookings are now being taken for a 'steam driving experience' at the Pleasant Point Museum & Railway.

Two courses are offered:  "An introduction to firing and driving a steam locomotive" and "advanced driving".

This is one of the very limited opportunities that is available in New Zealand to be tutored and to learn how to fire and drive a Steam Locomotive.

Shout yourself or someone else this special opportunity.

For more information you can contact the Pleasant Point Museum & Railway general manager, Lloyd Robertson.

Phone +64 (3) 6147 395, or email Lloyd-r@ihug.co.nz. Special conditions apply.

  Meet the locomotive you could be driving, Ab699.