The Bronze stage course is carried out over two days and has theoretical and practical elements. Numbers are limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure you get the full experience from your course.
Day 1 - has talks and demonstrations on safety, making steam and boiler management, locomotive operation and signalling theory, meaning you have the the best possible information for day 2. The day also includes visits to the signal box, locomotive sheds and workshops.
Day 2 - starts at 07:30 to prepare the locomotive for the day's work including oiling and lighting the fire. Watch as the steam that you've created brings the loco to life. The climax of the day's proceedings is three round trips to Blue Anchor hauling an empty passenger train.
You will have one trip firing and the other driving and spend the other trips in the coaches learning about the other end of the business with the Guard. The day ends with disposal of the locomotive and certificate presentation for completing the course successfully.
This two day course includes lunch and refreshments on both days and course notes including detailed diagrams.
Once you have completed the bronze course, you are then able to undertake the rest of our Steam Engineman Courses, where your knowledge from the bronze course is essential before a silver stage then gold stage.
If you have previously completed the old stage one course with us, please call us on 01643 704996 to discsus your options.
West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway,
The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG