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Submitted: 2010-08-26 13:16:33 | Word Count: 549
Steam train driving is a unique experience that many people are only learning to appreciate now. Some think it is ho-hum, but others are discovering just how truly worth it the steam train driving experience really is. If you have not tried it yourself, it is better to read up on a primer so you will know what to expect and to see if this is something that you are willing to spend good money on. After all, experiences are much better for those who know at least a little bit of what they ought to expect.
To start off, a steam train driving experience usually lasts for an entire day. It is a full day steam train driving course that has many things that you need to learn prior to climbing aboard. Usually, there is a short lecture before you control the steam train itself to familiarize yourself with the different controls found on the driver’s seat. After the short lecture on the principles of steam locomotive works, you can get ready to drive it. Steam train driving usually runs for a nine mile track stretch. This is the standard distance – not too short to feel like you have been shortchanged, and not too long either.
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The course that you will have to undergo usually includes basic skills such as braking and signaling - two very important aspects of operating a steam train. You also learn about the signals, and how the locomotive works. Some courses that familiarize you with the principle of steam train driving already includes hand outs like a course manual and lunch so you do not need to bring many things with you and instead concentrate on what is important – prepping yourself up for the steam train driving experience and being able to go through with it without nary a hitch.
The actual steam train driving itself usually takes place in the countryside – in particular, the most interesting parts so there is more to see and appreciate as you drive along. There are some courses that already include cancellation and accident insurance for your peace of mind, since the steam train driving experience is quite overwhelming given that you are operating a huge vehicle. It is best to sleep early the night before, because most courses for steam train driving start at eight o clock in the morning and ends at around five in the afternoon. Coffee breaks are included in between the courses as well.
And of course, it is very important that you are physically fit as well as have the ability to climb on as well as the climb off board your locomotive. The steam train driving experience is only available to those who are eighteen years old and above. If you are going to be with other people, the course welcomes spectators though climbing aboard the locomotive is usually prohibited to enable the drivers to concentrate on what they are doing. So there you go – a primer that will help you get more familiar about the entire experience of steam train driving!
