Step into the driver’s seat of Class 55 Deltic D9015 Tulyar as it returns to service in 2026 on the Great Central Railway!
Owned by the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS), D9015 is one of the most historically important surviving Deltics, and its arrival continues the long-standing partnership between the Great Central Railway and the Society. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, you’ll command the mighty Class 55 Deltic D9015 Tulyar, which entered British Railways service on 13 October 1961 already carrying the name Tulyar, after the Aga Khan’s famous racehorse.
Preserved since the mid-1980s, the locomotive saw extensive use on the heritage railway circuit before being withdrawn in 1997 for major bodywork and mechanical attention. Since then, the Deltic Preservation Society’s long-term restoration programme has seen around £450,000 invested in known expenditure, alongside many tens of thousands of volunteer hours.
A significant milestone was reached on 31 July 2025, when D9015 was successfully started for the first time since 1997 — a landmark moment in its return to operation and an important step towards its historic return to passenger duties.
Feel the surge of power as you take the controls with a full rake of coaches behind you, soaking in the sights, sounds, and sheer presence of this legendary machine in an authentic heritage railway setting.
Spaces are strictly limited – join us at Loughborough Central for a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
This experience includes lunch for the driver and one guest – who can also travel on the train during the driving experience!
Meet your experience host who be your guide throughout the day. Including Tea/Coffee for Driver and Guests.
The introductory film will provide an overview of your day, including important safety features.
A 32-mile experience, driving for 16 miles and enjoying a 16-mile cab ride looking out for stations and signals.
Enjoy lunch, provided for the driver and one guest.
Your experience includes a guided tour of our Locomotive Works.
Better understand how the Loughborough Signal Box plays its part in controlling the line.
For experiences scheduled on our passenger running days, we offer complimentary travel for the driver and guest(s). Meaning you can enjoy more rail travel before or after your experience where time allows.
At the end of your driver experience, you’ll be presented with a certificate to commemorate completing your driver experience.
12 months membership of Friends of Great Central Main Line for Driver.
Operate locomotives on the UK’s sole double-track heritage railway, complete with signals and stations, delivering an unmatched and realistic railway adventure.
Each experience is thoughtfully designed to provide not only driving time but also educational insights, behind-the-scenes access, and opportunities to share the day with family and friends.
By participating, you contribute to the preservation of railway heritage and support our educational initiatives, ensuring future generations can appreciate the legacy of rail travel.
We all have a loved one who would love to take the Controls of the Class 55 Deltic D9015 Tulyar. Give them a once in a lift-time experience with a gift voucher to step into the driver’s seat of one of Britain’s most iconic diesel locomotives at the Great Central Railway.
