Drive a magnificent single cylinder 1910 Garrett traction engine around the highways and bye-ways of the south western New Forest- starting just south of Ringwood, Hampshire. A trip for family or friends (at no extra cost) in our trailer can also be had, so that they share your enjoyment, making a memory and seeing your development as an engine driver.
It is a full 8-hour experience that you will never forget!
You will end up, probably a bit grubby but completely awestruck by the experience of driving a 14-ton traction engine (or a 1922 eight-ton steam roller if you prefer) and making it chuff hard on the inclines on our trip of approximately 8 miles.
Not bound by the confines of the farm, or a set of rails, we explore some beautiful countryside after a training session at the farm. Driving and steering is a two-person operation and you learn to master each skill in equal measures, all under the watchful eye of two very experienced crew members – the owner, who was brought up with the engine, which has been in the family since 1947 and another crew member who has been involved with steam since his boyhood. We pride ourselves on a very patient and friendly manner, answering as many questions as you like about what is our absolute passion. This approach has been greatly applauded by what is now a list of hundreds of clients, many of which have become good friends.
An exciting morning is completed at a stunning pub where the morning's experience is reviewed over a drink and some lunch.
After filling up the engine's water tank we head back on the road to the farm, usually for around 4pm, "to put the engine to bed" and have a well-deserved 'cuppa' and biscuits.
It truly is a memory you will not forget and will enjoy whether you are a lifelong fan of steam or just a casual admirer of these amazing machines which keep alive the power and majesty of a time when British Engineering led the world!
A flat cap and badge will be provided for each driver as a memento of their experience.
Alternatively, if you want to experience how an engine really worked for its living, select a day on the roller and as well as your trip out, experience a bit of proper road making as we repair some of the farm tracks as you learn how to compact the gravel- don't worry we'll do the hard graft with the shovel while you operate the steam roller making easy work of the construction!
The Day...
The Full Experience... |
8.30 Safety Briefing and lighting up the engine. |
Breakfast is cooked in the traditional living wagon for participant ands their guests at no extra cost. |
Oil up the engine and clean brass while the engine raises steam. |
Instruction on how to steer and drive the engine around the farm yard. |
When confident, out on the road heading to our next destination a pub or cafe for a lunch stop. |
Stop for lunch and fill up the engine with water if required. |
Return through more testing and spectacular countryside. |
Putting the engine to bed. |