HST Simulator

Take on the famous East Coast Mainline

Step into the cab and have a go on our HST simulator! This real training simulator was once used to train drivers at GNER and East Midlands Trains and now it’s your turn.

Take on the famous East Coast Mainline and experience what it’s like behind the controls.

Operating from 10am till 4pm with bookable sots of 30 minutes per driver at £10 pay on the day.

Our HST Simulator will be running during special events including:

Discover Your Railway Weekend– Saturday 07 November & Sunday 8th November
Diesel Mileage Weekend– Saturday 21st November & Sunday 22nd November

No need for a running day ticket! Just head down to the Robinson Centre at Loughborough Central Station

Additional Information

Safety Information

1. REGULATION OF DRIVING CANDIDATES

· Driver’s Safety Apparatus (D.S.D. / Vigilance): Candidates must possess full, unrestricted mobility of the lower limbs and feet to depress and continuously release the floor-mounted vigilance treadle.

· Physical Stature & Age: Candidates must be not less than 14 years of age (and achieve a minimum height of 140 cm) to secure proper line of sight and unhindered reach of all console apparatus.

· Mechanical Controls: Operation entails the manual regulation of authentic, heavy mechanical brake controllers and switchgear. 2. GENERAL CONDITIONS FOR PERSONS ENTERING THE APPARATUS ROOM

· Line Incidents & Visual Caution: Standard operational sequences simulate unexpected mainline hazards, including track obstructions and collisions. Certain visual representations may cause distress to sensitive persons.

· Acoustic Warning Devices: High-intensity sounds, including engine rumble, cab warning buzzers, AWS horns, and track detonators occur without warning.

· Rapid Optical Motion: Visual simulation of mainline speeds reaching 125 m.p.h. alongside flashing aspect signals may induce disorientation, nausea, or light sensitivity.

· Young Persons: Due to sudden audio alarms and operational incidents, children under 16 years of age must remain under the direct supervision of a responsible adult. 3. SPECIAL WORKING DISPENSATIONS Intending candidates and accompanying persons are directed to consult the Duty Host prior to the commencement of the run. By order of the Superintendent, apparatus settings may be temporarily adjusted:

· Suppression of Incidents: Track hazard visuals and line obstructions may be isolated from the schedule.

· Assisted Working: The floor mounted Vigilance apparatus may be taken out of circuit for persons with physical limitations.

· Acoustic Regulation: Engine audio output and cab warning horns may be attenuated.

· Daylight Conditions: Night running and inclement weather may be suspended in favour of clear daylight running.

Ticket Information

All Experiences include a runabout ticket, you will have access to travel on all our standard passenger trains throughout the day, allowing you to hop on and off to explore all our historic stations. If your experience is on a non-train running day, your ticket will be valid for the following running day.

HST Simulator

GCR Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1820 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   James W 
 
 
 
 Verified Autumn Steam Gala 2026
Fantastic railway considering the size of the line. Great line up of locomotives as usual. The GCR always produce a blinder when it comes to their galas. This one focused on smaller rank engines, which was fantastic to see them all getting the spotlight.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   snewton 
 
 
 
 Verified Wedding reception
Wedding reception. We got married at Beaumanor Hall in Quorn, followed by our wedding reception at the railway. All I can say is thank you to everyone who made it such a special occasion. From start to finish the staff were amazing and the food was exceptional. The catering team went above and beyond re food requirements which considering we had a few people with allergies. Everyone who attended said what a fantastic time they had. Its definitely different to your normal wedding reception but with a bit of added fun which we added, photo booth and sweet bar, it added to the fun 😁 plus the veranda car made it even more special ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alicia B 
 
 
 
 Verified Above and beyond
The station staff could not have been nicer. I had a mix up with meeting my group, Neil and the team helped resolve it and even offered hospitality in the lovely station cafe. Thank you so much to the team! Definitely will be back
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Curious22948543103 
 
 
 
 Verified Steam, Smoke and Memories
I have had the experience before of driving a steam locomotive. Each type is unique and demands its own approach . I had the great pleasure of driving a Stanier Black 5 on the GCR , a masterpiece of railway design and engineering. The Great Central Railway is fortunate in having length and variety enough to give an experience that will linger in the memory for a long time. The regular crew of the locomotive were very patient and willing to share their knowledge and undoubted expertise with a very inexperienced, and at times, ham fisted newcomer. In fact all the staff at GCR were really excellent and made this a most memorable day out. Certainly I can give this experience full marks.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Derek D 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Galas at the GCR
Great diesel gala with me mate who is really into diesels. I'm a steam man myself, but can appreciateBiusy day at the gala on Saturday some diesels once in a while ... especially the call 37's and the Deltic
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   East Somerset R... C 
 
 
 
 Verified A fantastic and well organised Diesel Gala
What a well organized and hugely enjoyable visit (our first to GCR). The whole day was worth every penny, from the vast array of excellent locos, both visiting and home fleet to the very well preserved carriages. Every station along the line was well turned out with historical attention to detail wherever you looked. The staff and volunteers were well turned out and always on hand to give directions or to answer general queries. Great shop and emporium at Loughborough Central as well as a really informative and well laid our museum. Additional stalls form visiting groups and a great opportunity to get up close with some great locos lineside. The station cafe food was a high standard and gave a welcome rest for weary feet in a lovely heritage setting. A highlight for us was seeing Deltic D9015 roar past along with 2 fantastic looking Class 37s Well done GCR - Keep up the amazing work! Cant wait to come back and see your stream locomotives too!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Peter W 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Central Railway - Great day out!
A wonderful day-long experience is on offer at the Great Central Railway. Beautifully preserved stations, enthusiastic & friendly staff & volunteers, interesting museum and train shed at Loughborough - and that all before you get to the trains. Make sure you time your journey to catch the "griddle car" service - Full English breakfast & a cuppa for £12.50. Well worth it compared to the more costly but very enjoyable catered event trains providing restauarant quality meals.