Peterborough Telegraph reporter Ken McErlain learns how to drive a steam train at the Nene Valley Railway - Date/Photographer unknown.

6 October 2012

Ken Lets Off Some Steam at the Nene Valley Railway

Ever since I got a train set as a young boy it has always been an ambition of mine to drive a magnificent steam engine for real.
 
So you can imagine my joy when the opportunity to do just that arose at Peterborough's Nene Valley Railway.
 
I was to drive a 90-tonne former freight engine along the scenic eight mile line which runs from the city centre out to Wansford.
 
After being handed a pair of gloves and overalls I climbed into the cab of the engine a bundle of nerves and excitement.
 
The first thing that hits you when you climb aboard a loco ready to depart is the searing heat.
 
"It's as hot as Hades up here" remarked the driver and he was not far wrong.
 
He also had a very black face, a problem I would encounter a little later.
 
Wiping the sweat from my brow I was shown the lever that releases the engine's brake and puts it into a forward gear.
 
Then you grab hold of another lever, which takes some pushing, and controls the engine's speed.
 
A little bit of brute force was required but before long I could feel the machine begin to move, the strong smell of smoke filled the air and we were away!
 
Minutes later I got to blow the engine's whistle, another ambition realised!
 
The Nene Valley Railway has a speed limit of 25 mph but when you're flying along the tracks in the engine's cab, feeling the floor vibrate as every sleeper is passed, it genuinely feels a lot faster.
 
Soon the picturesque countryside was zipping by as the engine chugged along, clattering over bridges, streams, and roads with cyclists and ramblers waving their appreciation.
 
It may have been an exhilarating feeling but I also soon felt soot and smog flying into my eyes, another peril of the job.
 
The railway has eight station stops which presented my next challenge, slowing down.
 
As a driver it's your job to look ahead and read the signs which tell you to slow down as a station approaches.
 
The first of these signs, known as whistle boards, require you to blow the engine's whistle, to announce your presence as you begin to reduce speed.
 
This was achieved by pulling the main lever back. Once you gradually come to a halt in a station you then apply the brakes.
 
The engine clanked to a halt and it was time to take on board some extra water from a hydrant tower with a long black hose.
 
My next challenge was to switch roles from driver to coal shoveller.
 
This job may sound a lot simpler than driving, which is true in part, but it is also extremely hard work.
 
Shovelling heavy lumps of coal into a fiery furnace was tough going and it wasn't long before I was feeling the heat in more ways than one.
 
The other job the shoveller has to carry out is to keep a constant watch on the engine's water pressure.
 
When the pressure gets a little too much you have to release a valve which lets out a gush of water on to the tracks.
 
As we pulled into our final destination both drivers remarked what a tough job driving a steam engine really was.
 
That's certainly true, but I could sense they also got a unique enjoyment out of practicing this bygone act.
 
Modern trains may be comfortable, quiet, and quicker than their predecessors but they lack the individual character and charm of such engines.
 
It had been a fantastic experience and one which I count myself lucky to have experienced.
 
I was also fortunate to pass a mirror before finally departing the station, and staring back at me was a face as black as the night!
 
Four thorough face washes later and I was off to recount my thrilling adventure to my colleagues!
 
Father Christmas is as usual taking some time out of his busy pre-Christmas schedule to visit the Nene Valley railway.
 
Throughout the month of December the NVR will be running their ever popular Santa-Specials where little boys and girls will get a ride on the train and meet Father Christmas.
 
Those who have been good all year will go home with an age appropriate present.
 
Mums and dads haven't been forgotten, they'll get a mince pie and a glass of something a little stronger than orange squash to wash it down with.
 
Information
 
Nene Valley Railway at Stibbington/Wansford is located a few miles from Peterborough and only a few hundred yards away from the A1 Highway.
 
The Nene Valley railway Santa Specials Run from 24 Nov 2012 until Christmas Eve.
 
Prices range between £11.50 and £22 depending on the date and whether Classic or first class is selected.
 
For more information telephone 01780 784444, or visit the NVR web site www.nvr.org.uk