Thomas the Tank Engine dream comes true

Most stories about trains typically involve some sort of runaway element, or a heist.

I’ll tell you right now this story has neither of those. I have lived in Palmerston North for more than a year now and have not once been on the iconic Esplanade train.

To avoid being run out of town for such negligence, I decided to correct that oversight. One Tripadvisor reviewer described the train as ‘‘not just for the children’’ and boy was he right.

But instead of settling for being a mere passenger, I decided to see if someone would trust me enough to let me behind the controls.

A quick phone call to the railway and they are more than happy to have me on board.

The man instructing me, Terry Jowett, has been driving these miniature trains longer than I have been alive. Terry has 40 years experience behind full-sized trains and he literally laid the track at the Esplanade.

So it is safe to assume he knows what he is doing.

First step is a quick briefing on what to do – turns out it is pretty simple, pulling the lever backwards makes the train go.

If only more things in life were so straightforward. With that under my belt, Terry hooks me up with the train-driver attire – a high vis vest (mandatory) and a Tranz Rail cap (optional).

A couple of blasts of the horn and we get underway, moving gently through the lush bush of the Esplanade.

As we hit a straight, Terry gives the OK and I crank her up.

Technically, we’re going no faster than 12kmh, but either way it’s a blast.

We drive past a group of small children, who we can’t pick up because I don’t have a licence to drive the train.

Frankly I’m relieved because I don’t need Worksafe asking questions about my cavalier train driving techniques.

Instead, the children get a nice safe wave. And onward we go.

I’m aware I might look a bit ridiculous. But probably no more so than last year when I milked a cow.

We complete the loop of the track and I back the train into the shed.

All jokes aside, Terry is a bloody nice guy who took time out of his day to let me drive one of railway’s most prized possessions.

The entire team of volunteers at the Palmerston North Esplanade Scenic Railway are a lovely bunch and give up their time to provide a great service to the city.