There are many ways to get involved with our, now your, world famous railway – either through a group project, as part of your education or qualifications or specifically for one or more of our railway’s departments. Work can be incredibly diverse; it’s not all about grease and grubby hands.
Our workshops at Boston Lodge may be the oldest in the world and have been continually in use since 1832!
However, we need 21st century skills to help us maintain our wonderful fleets of locomotives and carriages both ancient and modern. The romance of driving a steam engine appeals to many people, but is only gained after much experience at the Works.
The normal route is from cleaning locomotives to trainee firing and, after a qualifying period, fireman. For those with the required skills and commitment, it is possible to go on to become a steam driver after stringent tests and medicals. Diesel drivers take a different route, again involving a training regime, a medical and examination.
However there are many other openings at the Works, including machine tool work, joinery and carpentry, carriage building and maintenance, welding, fabricating, painting, routine repair, maintenance and refurbishment, electrical skills, specialist draftsman skills, and many more! Many tasks require skilled people, but there are also plenty of openings for people who are prepared to work hard, get dirty and learn through on-the-job instruction.
See some of the latest work from the carriage shed.
Find out more about the FR’s unique locomotives.
The Society’s work is only possible through the generous donations and contributions made by members and supporters.
Donating is easy and can be a general contribution to the society’s work or towards specific project like our Welsh Pony Appeal.
Find out how to donate »