Many children grow up dreaming of being a train driver.
Well, if it didn't quite pay off and instead you're sat in a call centre, or taking out someone's wisdom teeth, it may not be too late, thanks to the South Wales Railcar Group and Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway.
They are offering people the chance to drive a Class 142/143 Pacer DMU under full instruction from a qualified driver instructor.
Read more: 16 free things to do with the family in Wales during February half term 2022
The 21-year-old became famous for his infectiously joyful videos which he started making during coronavirus lockdowns.
He and his trainspotting friends, Kyle and Ryan, who often join him on his adventures, popped by the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway on on January 25.
In his Tiktok, Francis's friend, Gordon, poses as a ticket inspector and tells Francis he will be driving the train they are on, before Francis's iconic GoPro then captures all of his excitement as he drives the locomotive.
The railway is completely run by volunteers and is a charity. It was opened to the public in September, 2017, with a handful of carriages run over 100m of track. Then, in 2019, the track was extended and visitors have experienced Santa's grotto and other train rides since then.
But now, in 2022, they are offering visitors and enthusiasts a full day out to drive the 142006 which was retired from mainline duties in late December 2020 and is the only South Wales based 142 unit to be preserved, whilst 143607 only came out of service in May 2021.
Find out about things going on where you live:
Each experience will include:
- A full safety brief to make you comfortable and happy with the structure of the day.
- The opportunity to fully prepare the unit for service.
- The opportunity to shunt the unit over track not available for passenger use.
- Three complete journeys over the LMMR running line.
- A personalised certificate signed by your instructor.
- A digital photo of the participant in the cab of the train provided by email.
- A packed lunch for the participant (vegetarian & vegan options available on request). Additional options for family members available (for additional cost).
- Each participant can bring up to five family members with them. They may sit in the passenger saloon during the three trips over the running line.
- One1-year membership of the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway and the South Wales DMU Group (worth £25).
There is a minimum donation of £200 for one participant (originally advertised at £250) or £350 to share the experience with another.
All proceeds go towards the upkeep and ongoing development of the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway.
To get the latest WalesOnline newsletters emailed to you directly for free click here.
