Does anyone know a way for me to get into the cab of a train? (A real or a life size simulator one)

[Andy was Taken]

My birthday's coming up and I was wondering if there was a way of getting into a train cab. Providing I'm under 18, does anyone know a way? (Real or on a simulator that they use to assess train drivers like the life sized ones, see example below) It's just that it is still a fair few years until I'm going to be able to drive a train so I just wanted to have a small "taste". It would be great if anyone knew a person who manages these simulators (especially from Greater Anglia), or gives cab passes (not that they're easy to get). Also, does anyone know any operators that use these simulators or has open days for them? If so, where are they located? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Simulator video example below

<-- greater anglia simulator

 

[Trainguy34]

If you go to most heritage railways and ask nicely you might be able to, I got to sit in the cab of a 142 pacer through this

 

[JonathanH]

My birthday's coming up and I was wondering if there was a way of getting into a train cab. Providing I'm under 18, does anyone know a way?

Probably best to go to heritage railways.

Sometimes there are depot open days on the mainline railway where they let people into cabs, but it isn't really the business of the mainline railway to offer access in the normal course of events.

 

[ComUtoR]

Auction of Rail Experiences

go.eventgroovefundraising.com

There are 2 days left on the bidding. Link is for a charity auction of rail experiences.

(ScotRail sim currently sitting at £310)
(Lizzie line cab ride doesn't state an age requirement £1,250)

 

[Stuart-h]

To be honest it'll be a lot easyer on a hertage line rather than on a main line loco. The amount of concertration we have when were in the cab is a fair amount.

 

[gimmea50anyday]

Heritage lines often offer cab rides and driver experience sessions at gala days for a small fee. They often do driver experience days where you spend the whole day driving but these are obviously a lot more expensive.

Or get a PS5 and download TrainSim World.....

 

[DominikM]

Talking to people in the railway industry is a great way of building contacts which might get yourself that simulator experience. I spoke to a manager at CrossCountry at an event at Locomotion Shildon last month, talking to him about my interests in the railway. He managed to get me and 3 other students at my college a work experience day at Derby in August this year which includes going onto the voyager simulator.

I doubt many TOC's will allow any person access into a train cab or train simulator. It's definitely possible, but you'll have a much better chance by speaking to higher-ups directly.