Stages III, IV and V offer a variety of engine and stock combinations on other railways. Each course is guaranteed to present the trainee with fresh challenges as he builds on his knowledge and experience. The fees charged for advanced courses vary according to the engine and rolling stock used and the distance each course member will drive and fire.
This two day combined course is often run at the Llangollen Railway in North Wales. The first day is spent hauling a freight train, and this is where things begin to get a bit more complicated. You will learn that there is a definite art to moving large volumes of freight with a relatively small engine, - and the role of the guard in the brake van is vital!
| He got it right: A tiny tank engine jogs across the countryside with some heavy wagons obediently in tow. |
The second day of the combined course at Llangollen is spent hauling vacuum fitted passenger stock. Plenty of concentration and anticipation is required to ensure smooth stopping and starting of the train. The fireman's task is to maintain steam enabling the engine to haul its heavy load over the many gradients, but without choking the passengers to death while passing through a tunnel!
| Ready for the Off: A student makes up the fire of Black 5 No. 44806 prior to leaving Llangollen Station with a passenger train. |
| All in a Morning's Work: Students prepare ex GWR prairie tank No. 5199 for the day ahead. |
| Whistle and Gone: 5199 makes a spirited departure from Llangollen Station. |
Once you have reached Stage V you will be presented with still more challenges. Courses are generally run with larger engines and greater loads, either passenger or freight, and often with only two students. This means you are on the footplate constantly all day, either firing or driving, after which you will have a pretty good idea of what a full eight hour shift would have been like in the age of steam.
| Visitor from the North: Ex-LMS Jubilee No. 5690 'Leander' pictured running around the train while on a Stage V course at the Bluebell Railway. |
| Calm Before the Storm: On the footplate of Leander as she simmers quietly, waiting for the 'Right Away!'. |
| Have You Got the Staff?: View from the regulator of No. 5690 Leander, ready to leave Sheffield Park station. |
| Full forward gear: John Kirk winds the 'bacon-slicer' reverser of 9F No. 92203 on a Stage V passenger course at the Llangollen Railway. |
| The Great Marquess: Another visitor to the Bluebell, LNER K4 No. 3442 hauls a Stage V passenger course. |
| No trouble: Visiting Bulleid pacific '92 Squadron' makes light work of hauling passenger stock out of Horsted Keynes, bound for Kingscote. |
On successful completion of a course you will be awarded a certificate and an assessment recording your achievements in the theory and practice of steam enginemanship.