A NEWLY qualified Aberystwyth locomotive driver celebrated his 21st birthday last week by becoming one of the youngest steam train drivers in the UK.

Jac Smith has become the latest member of staff to qualify as a locomotive driver on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, making him one of the youngest steam locomotive drivers in the UK.

Jac first joined the railway as an engineering apprentice after leaving school at 16, and after completing his training and apprenticeship, he went on to be employed full-time by the railway as a fireman.

The ambitious 21-year-old also worked in the railway’s engineering workshop, which included restoring and maintaining steam locomotives and using many of the heritage skills he learned through his training.

Becoming a steam engine driver has always been Jac’s dream. 

He grew up on and around the railway as his father, Pete Smith, has been a driver on the railway since 1989 and is probably one of the most travelled steam engine drivers in the UK. Pete and Jac often work together on the locomotives.

Driver training is carried out on the job by working alongside other qualified drivers and learning the skills required.

Jac had to pass a practical assessment as well as an examination on the railway’s rules and regulations.

A typical day consists of a morning locomotive preparation where the fire is lit and the locomotive polished and lubricated, followed by two trips along the scenic trip to Devil’s Bridge and back.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Thursday