Steam Experience
Have you ever wanted to stoke a huge coal fired boiler or operate the oldest working beam engine in the world? Now is your chance! Or why not make this a unique present for someone’s special birthday or celebration?
Crofton Beam Engines are offering a unique day’s experience. We introduced it first in 2013 as an experiment which soon proved extremely popular and the limited places available were totally sold out for the whole season. Following that success, it is now a permanent feature of our offer.
Accompanied by an experienced and knowledgeable escort, you can light and stoke the boiler, work with the Duty Engineer, enter areas not normally seen by the public, prepare the engines for steaming, and finally take control of the oldest, working beam engine in the world. Safety briefing, protective clothing and refreshments, including a light lunch, will be provided and you will receive a commemorative certificate recording the event. A maximum of only two places per steaming day are possible, so early booking is essential.
Steam Experiences are offered on our scheduled steaming weekends which are listed on our website.
Prices
Please note that the Steam Experience is offered only to persons aged 18 or over and is subject to terms and conditions set out here.
| Steam Experience | £150 per person |
| Kennet & Avon Canal Trust Members | £125 per person |
To enquire about a Steam Experience please send a request using the form below:
Sample Itinerary – subject to change due to current circumstances if needed
| 07.00 | Issue of overalls and gloves Boiler preparation and lighting up Explanation of the steam system firing experience with the boiler man |
| 08.00 | Breakfast provided. |
| 09.00 | Safety and programme briefing Tour of areas not accessible to the public Assisting with the engine warm-through procedure Assisting the Duty Engineer with pre-steaming safety checks |
| 10.30 | Start of No.1 Engine – observing the procedure |
| 10.45 | Cylinder Head duty – operating the stop valves and oiling the steam cylinder |
| 11.15 | Beam Gallery duty – chocking the beam |
| 11.45 | Boiler duty – assisting the boiler man with stoking |
| 12.30 | Light lunch provided |
| 13:00 | Tour of whole site with experienced volunteer |
| 14.00 | No.1 Engine driving duty – assisting the driver |
| 15.00 | Tea Presentation of Steam Experience Certificate |
| 15.15 | End of Steam Experience Day |
