The next generation of railway engineers discovered what it really takes to keep steam alive at Aberystwyth’s Vale of Rheidol Railway.

Young Engineers’ Day on 26 August combined engineering lessons and behind the scenes workshop access with the ultimate experience for any young railway enthusiast, taking the controls of a steam locomotive.

Leading the day was engineer and author Christopher Vine, whose Peter’s Railway books have introduced thousands of children to engineering through the adventures of building and operating a miniature railway.

Starting in the railway’s Engine Shed Museum at Aberystwyth, youngsters discovered how water becomes steam and how that steam provides the power to move a locomotive.

Children saw the machinery, tools and practical skills involved in maintaining historic locomotives, but the highlight came when the young engineers moved from learning how steam locomotives work to actually experiencing one for themselves.

Under the supervision of the railway’s experienced train crew, they were invited onto the footplate of the railway’s Wren steam locomotive and given the opportunity to take the controls.

Vale of Rheidol Railway Commercial Manager Claire Stott said the event was designed to do more than provide an unusual day out.

“We were incredibly proud to see the enthusiasm and curiosity shown by our young engineers,” she said.

“Getting behind the scenes, seeing engineering at close quarters and then experiencing a working steam locomotive brings the subject to life in a way that simply isn’t possible from a book or classroom.

“Heritage railways depend upon practical engineering skills and it is important that we encourage another generation to become interested in them.

“Hopefully some of the children who joined us will remember the experience for many years. Who knows, perhaps one day we’ll see some of them back in our workshop or on the footplate.”