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Diesel Driver Experience

The Dynamic Diesel Package

For 1 Person

Would like to drive a broad-gauge diesel-electric locomotive?
Then the VGR Diesel Driver Experience Package is for you!

You need no previous railway knowledge or experience - we will teach you the basics of driving a diesel locomotive.
You will need to be over 18 and of reasonable health and fitness

Your Locomotive

Y Class Diesel Electric - in Victorian Railways Blue & Gold.

Y133 hauling a Goods Train

Driving a diesel locomotive is something that you'll be able to boast about to your family and friends. You'll get to work with the instructing crew to carry out the various mechanical inspections and then to start the mighty diesel engine.

From there, you'll be working closely with the guard as you move the engine round the yard, putting your freight train together. After a refreshing cuppa, it's time to depart for Castlemaine with you at the controls of the Genuine Victorian Railway's Y-class locomotive.

At Castlemaine, you'll have the chance to assist the signalman while the locomotive changes ends. After lunch with the crew, it's time to climb back in to the driver's seat for the return journey to Maldon.

Cost

The Dynamic Diesel Package is $1300 (incl. GST) per person

Included in the course fee is:

LUNCH - will be provided for you as part of the Experience and can be provided for your partner or family at a nominal cost.
One year's Membership of the Castlemaine & Maldon Railway Preservation Society.

When can the Experience take place?

The Diesel Driver Experience can be enjoyed on any day when we are not running passenger services, i.e not on Sundays, Wednesdays, Saturdays during School Holidays or on Special Event Weekends. Bookings may be limited during the summer fire danger period months (December - March).

What’s Involved?

With confirmation of your booking, you will receive a set of course notes to read through before attending the experience

The course day starts at 9.15 am.
First up familiarization and locomotive preparation.
Review & discuss training notes.
You receive instruction to enable you to safely operate the train under the supervision of our instructing driver.
You will undertake shunting of your train in Maldon Yard
You will drive the Y Class Locomotive with its goods train for one return trip between Maldon and Castlemaine.
[A total of 34 km]
By late afternoon you will have received your Certificate of Achievement, be tired, but very satisfied with your days efforts.

Further Information


Map & Line Gradient Chart of the VGR

VGR Map (PDF ~ 130Kb)
Castlemaine - Maldon Gradient Diagram (PDF ~ 25Kb)


Accommodation

Located near Maldon Station is Maldon's Eaglehawk Motel (ph 03 5475 2750). The VGR recommends this Motel should you be seeking accommodation.


For more information


Please complete the Enquiry Form on our Contact Us Page


Indulge yourself in our Steam Driver Experience,
or
arrange a date for a friend or relative
- the experience makes an exciting, unique and memorable gift !
Don't Just Ride It - Drive It!!