The NTET Driving Course is a three year course giving participants the opportunity to gain an insight to the theoretical and practical aspects of the operation, maintenance and road control of steam traction engines learn and gain experience in driving off the highway.
Course Fees are as follows:
Member Price: £315 £325 from 1st April 2025
Non-member Price: £415 £425 from 1st April 2025
There is a reduced rate for SAC Members:
Ages 13-15: £105.00 per year. £110 from 1st April 2025
Ages 16-21: £160.00 per year. £165 from 1st April 2025
15% DISCOUNT if you pay for 2 or 3 years at the same time.
It consists of two days which are split between lectures and practical experience. Listed below are an example of the course syllabus:
Year 1 – Foundation
Day 1
Introduction to Traction Engines – Boiler construction and Fittings – Motion work drive train and brakes – lubrication and gland packing – drive an engine – clean the engine.
Day 2
Light up and steer/drive an engine – engine insurance – engine maintenance – clean engines and help load up.
Year 2 – Intermediate
Day 1
Light up and drive engine – repacking glands and ring bush renewal – Gauge frames and gauge glasses – Safety valves, cocks and clacks – clean the engine
Day 2
Washing out and preparation for inspection – low loading demonstration – water pumps and mechanical lubricators – boiler management and combustion – drive an engine – clean engines and help load up.
Year 3 – Advanced
Day 1
Light up and drive engine – steering chains and maintenance – replacing tubes and stays – injectors, hydraulic testing and valve timing – clean the engine.
Day 2
Shafts, bearings, axles and wheel bushes – engine insurance – low loader demonstration – boiler management and combustion – drive an engine – clean engines and help load up.
DETAILS OF THE NEXT DRIVER TRAINING COURSE:
Dates: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025
Venue: The premises of S E Davis & Son Ltd, Sandhills Farm, Edgioake Lane, Astwood Bank, Redditch, Worcestershire, B96 6BG
Please contact the NTET Training Officer using the details below to register your interest.
Charlie Coulls at: training@ntet.co.uk
Mobile: 07925276286
NTET DRIVER TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS
The NTET is awarding Scholarships to the NTET Driver Training Course which is held in May each year. The Scholarship covers the course fees for one year.
NB: The Scholarships only cover the Course Fees, they do NOT provide for incidental expenses such as travelling, accommodation or food.
The scholarships are open to non-engine owners or members of non-engine owning families, but who are members of the NTET or the Steam Apprentice Club.
Applications should be in the form of a CV containing name, age, previous experience with steam engines, how you became interested in traction engines, and any other information that you consider to be relevant to support your application.
CV’s should be submitted by 31st January 2023 to Anne Whittingstall, the General Secretary of the Trust via email to: general.secretary@ntet.co.uk
Successful Applicants will be notified by the end of February 2023.