Where in the world can I drive a steam train for more than 75 miles round trip?

Hello,  

The Rannoch Corporation offers a 150 mile steam locomotive driving
experience in Poland.

Wolsztyn Experience Steam Express
Poland - Wolsztyn - 4 days

?Rannoch Adventures developed this unique hands-on steam-locomotive
driving experience for rail enthusiasts who have limited time and for
other adventure-lovers who want to experience the thrill of being at
the controls of a giant steam locomotive on a real railroad! This trip
features two days of standard gauge steam locomotive driving and
firing, plus a day of narrow gauge steam-locomotive driving.?

?Operating out of Wolsztyn ? the steam-railroad capital of Poland (and
possibly the world) ? you will drive and fire for approximately 150
miles of scheduled passenger or freight routes on PKP, or national
railroad, track.?

?Then it?s off to the ancient capital of Poland, Gniezno, where you
will spend a day firing and driving an operational narrow gauge
locomotive.?

?Non-driving companions are welcome to accompany you at greatly
reduced rates and will be able to go along on some or all of your
experiences. The cost is reasonable, and there are many interesting
things to do in the cities you will visit.?

http://www.rannochadventures.com/t,s/27,25,info/Wolsztyn-Locomotive-Driving-Wolsztyn-Experience-Steam-Express.html


Itinerary
http://www.rannochadventures.com/t,s/27,25,itinerary/Wolsztyn-Locomotive-Driving-Wolsztyn-Experience-Steam-Express.html


Dates and Prices
http://www.rannochadventures.com/t,s/27,25,dates_prices/Wolsztyn-Locomotive-Driving-Wolsztyn-Experience-Steam-Express.html


Also available:

Wolsztyn Experience Steam Express II
Poland - Wolsztyn - 5 days
150 miles
http://www.rannochadventures.com/t,s/27,68,info/Wolsztyn-Locomotive-Driving-Wolsztyn-Experience-Steam-Express-II.html


Wolsztyn Experience Steam Driving
Poland - Wolsztyn - 7 days
http://www.rannochadventures.com/t,s/27,7,info/Wolsztyn-Locomotive-Driving-Wolsztyn-Experience-Steam-Driving.html



Contact information:

Email: info@rannochadventures.com
Fax: 1-530-325-8830

Telephone: 
Toll-Free from within North America: 1-888-571-3061
From Outside North America: +1-972-239-8198
Mailing Address:
Rannoch Adventures
12700 Hillcrest Rd., Ste 272
Dallas, Texas 75230
USA
http://www.rannochadventures.com/c,s/210,10/contact_us.html


The Guardian Unlimited published an interesting article about the
Wolsztyn experience
http://travel.guardian.co.uk/countries/story/0,,935002,00.html


I hope the information provided is helpful!


Search terms used: 
Steam train OR locomotive drive OR driving

Best regards,
Bobbie7

---

Clarification of Answer by bobbie7-ga on 09 Apr 2006 13:24 PDT

Lobstermancrab,

I also found a customer review of the Wolstyzn Experience at Trip Advisor.

"The Wolstyzn Experience is a dream come true for all those who have
ever envied those steam drivers of old and have wondered what it was
like to drive a steam engine under mainline conditions. Yes, this is
no trundle up a preserved line - it is a real hands on experience of
taking a passenger train under the expert eyes of two experience
Polish drivers, with passengers, to a set working timetable. And at
the end of the trip you have the satisfaction of seeing up to 300
passengers going off to work and you have played a part in getting
them there safely and on time."

"The experience was set up some years ago by Howard Jones and he is
resident in Wolstyzn whilst his brother Trevor handles the booking in
England (01628 524876). In a typical week you would have 5 driving and
5 firing turns and cover around 500 miles."

Trip Advisor
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g274794-d286096-r4459159-The_Wolsztyn_Experience-Western_Poland.html

Drop dead gorgeous answer, Bobby!

Thanks Denco! :-)