Footplate Experience

Footplate experience courses are available on some Saturdays during the main operating season (Easter to the end of September) subject to volunteer staff and a suitable locomotive being available.

The duration of the course is 3½ hours and the participant will be collected by a diesel train from Sittingbourne Viaduct Station at 08.30 or at an arranged time if it is to be an afternoon course.

On arrival at Kemsley Down the participant will be given coffee/tea whilst having a safety briefing and completing a day membership form. They will then be introduced to the locomotive crew and made familiar with the locomotive. During the course the participant should have the opportunity to fire and drive the locomotive under supervision. At the end of the course the participant will be given a light lunch. Participants will be given a commemorative certificate.

The basic charge for a course is £300 for the participant and 1 guest and a non returnable deposit of £25 is payable when the booking is confirmed.

The participant may bring with them up to 15 further guests at a charge of £7.50 each which includes coffee/tea and buffet lunch. Guests will be issued complimentary tickets.

Bookings for participants will only be accepted for persons over the age of 18 and who have reasonable fitness and agility. The full course fee is payable at least 14 days in advance.

Please contact the railway at info@sklr.net to confirm available dates before completing booking forms and sending us a deposit.  Booking forms can be downloaded here.