A volunteer at the popular Peacock Railway miniature railway near Nantwich has become the first female member of the South Cheshire Model Engineering Society to qualify as a steam locomotive driver.
Laura Brown has passed the society’s steam driving assessment and was presented with her Driver’s Certificate by Society Chairman Ian Murray.
Her success marks a significant milestone for the society.
While several female members have been driving the railway’s battery-electric locomotives, Laura is the first woman in the society’s history to complete the more demanding training programme and assessment required to operate one of its miniature steam locomotives.
Drivers must learn railway operating and safety procedures, understand locomotive preparation and operation, manage boiler water levels and steam pressure, handle braking and train control, and demonstrate competence before being permitted to carry passengers.
Most members begin by learning the day-to-day operation of the railway, often starting with station duties, locomotive preparation and driving the railway’s battery-electric locomotives before progressing to steam traction.
Candidates then undertake supervised training before completing a practical assessment.
Laura thanked fellow society member John Sandland for the support and expertise during her training.
She added: “John gave around 40 hours of his own time to work with me to get me to this point.
“I think it’s really important to acknowledge how much time he set aside to help me develop the skills needed to qualify.”
The society is seeing a growing number of junior members joining, making the sharing of knowledge and experience increasingly important.
The Peacock Railway features overlapping 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch and 5-inch gauge tracks extending for nearly a quarter of a mile around the site.
Visitors can enjoy rides behind authentic miniature steam and battery-electric locomotives for just £1 for two laps of the railway.
The attraction also boasts what is believed to be the largest raised Gauge 1 railway in North West England, alongside a clubhouse café serving refreshments and picnic facilities.
With free entry and free parking, the railway continues to provide an affordable family day out while showcasing the engineering skills and enthusiasm of its volunteers.
For more information, search ‘Peacock Railway Nantwich’ on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/southcheshiremodelengineeringsociety, or head to https://southcheshiremes.co.uk/events/
You can also get in touch via email at [email protected]
(story and photo by Jonathan White)
Recent Comments