A volunteer at the popular Peacock Railway miniature railway near Nantwich has become the first female member of the South Cheshire Model Engineering Society to qualify as a steam locomotive driver.

Laura Brown recently passed the Society's steam driving assessment and was presented with her driver's certificate by Society Chairman, Ian Murray, at the Peacock Railway, behind The Peacock Inn on Crewe Road, Willaston.

Her success marks a significant milestone for the society.

While several female members have been driving the railway's battery-electric locomotives for a number of years, Laura is the first woman in the society's history to complete the more demanding training programme and assessment required to operate one of its miniature steam trains.

Driving one of the railway's miniature steam locomotives requires extensive training and assessment.

Drivers must learn railway operating and safety procedures, understand locomotive preparation and operation, manage boiler water levels and steam pressure, handle braking and train control, and demonstrate their competence before being permitted to carry passengers.

The Peacock Railway is operated by the South Cheshire Model Engineering Society and features overlapping 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch and 5-inch gauge tracks extending for nearly a quarter of a mile around the site (Photo: Jonathan White).

Most members begin by learning the day-to-day operation of the railway, often starting with station duties, locomotive preparation and driving the railway's battery-electric locomotives before progressing to steam traction.

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Candidates then undertake supervised training before completing a practical assessment.

Following passing her assessment, Laura thanked fellow society member John Sandland for the support and expertise he provided throughout her training.

She said: "John gave around 40 hours of his own time to work with me to get me to this point.

"I think it's really important to acknowledge how much time he set aside to help me develop the skills needed to qualify."

The society is also seeing a growing number of junior members joining its ranks, making the sharing of knowledge and experience increasingly important.

Society Chairman Ian Murray congratulated Laura on successfully completing the assessment and joining the railway's team of qualified steam drivers.

The Peacock Railway is operated by the South Cheshire Model Engineering Society and features overlapping 2.5-inch, 3.5-inch and 5-inch gauge tracks extending for nearly a quarter of a mile around the site.

Visitors can enjoy rides behind authentic miniature steam and battery-electric locomotives for just £1 for two laps of the railway.

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The attraction also boasts what is believed to be the largest raised Gauge 1 railway in North West England, alongside a clubhouse café serving refreshments and picnic facilities.

With free entry and free parking, the railway continues to provide an affordable family day out while showcasing the engineering skills and enthusiasm of its volunteers.

READ MORE: 42 Nantwich crimes recorded with four arrests in one week.

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