A 66-year-old shunting locomotive is taking centre-stage at the Llangollen Railway this Easter, giving visitors a 'childhood dream' experience.

The Class 08 diesel-electric Shunter No 13625 will be allowing visitors to try their hand at being a train driver and for just £5 a go, in the Driver-for-a-fiver experience.

The experience will run in Llangollen station and allow those over 12 (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult) the chance to drive the locomotive for a short distance along the platform and back.

Driver-for-a-Fiver is available between 11:20-12:05, 13:15-14:15 and 15:35-16:15. Tickets can be purchased on the day.

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The diesel-electric shunter at the heart of the experience, affectionately nicknamed “Gronk” due to the distinctive noise made by its 350hp English Electric diesel engine, was built in 1956 at Derby Locomotive Works.

Mike Williams, a longstanding volunteer guard and Board Member for Operations at the railway, said: “I’ve spent a lot of time working on the 08 over the last year.

“The old girl really has been invaluable to us, shunting our yards and also hauling the works trains to get our railway back in business. It’s a popular loco that doesn’t get much use on public trains and we’re often asked when there might be a chance to sample a ride behind it. Well, now people can – and they can even have a go at driving it too!”

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The 08 will also be working a new and shorter shuttle service between Llangollen and Berwyn Stations, which will run in-between the three daily steam and diesel trains that run between Llangollen and Carrog.

With a return journey time of 50 minutes, the Berwyn Shuttle allows those looking for a shorter trip the chance to travel to the beautiful Berwyn station in the scenic Dee Gorge. There is a station tearoom, and visitors can take a walk to the Chain Bridge or nearby Horseshoe Falls and return to Llangollen on a later train if desired.

Departures from Llangollen are 10:20, 12:15, 14:30 and 16:30, with returns from Berwyn at 10:50, 12:16, 12:45, 14:26, 15:00, 16:31 and 17:00. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults, £5 for a child, and £7.50 for seniors, purchasable from Llangollen station on the day.

The Leader: Llangollen Railway stationLlangollen Railway station

Mike added: “The rolling stock the shuttle will use is also interesting and quirky, adding a bit of character to the experience. There is a converted open freight wagon, which has seating and a canopy.

“Travelling in this is a real outdoor experience and you’ll be able to hear the river as well as see it. There is covered accommodation for the less adventurous – a converted LNER pigeon van, which is fully enclosed but with nice, large windows.

“This vehicle is nearly 100 years old and was built to carry racing pigeons around the country. Don’t worry though, it’s had a lot of work done on it since then to make it suitable to carry people, including those who have mobility issues.”

The events will run on Saturday and Sunday, April 9 and 10; Saturday - Monday, April 16-18, Saturday and Sunday, April 23 and 24 and Saturday 30.

In May they will run on Sunday and Monday, May 1 and 2.

For more information, visit https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/