All aboard! New simulator set to arrive at Swindon museum

The attraction, which will be part of a new display opening in the summer, has been gifted by Great Western Railway (GWR) after the retirement of the company’s HST fleet.

Arriving in a few weeks, the simulator looks unassuming from the outside but, on the inside, the high-tech marvel is capable of running a number of test routes designed to test drivers to the limit, being able to put them through their paces in all weathers and emergencies, as part of their training.

When it’s ready, the simulator will form part of the museum’s visitor experience with special extra-ticketed options available for those who want to experience what GWR drivers use to hone their skills. GWR offered the simulator to the STEAM Museum to form part of a re-imagined display at the end of the venue’s main galleries - set to be the museum’s largest update in 25 years.

The simulator was disassembled in its original home in Plymouth and getting the 8ft black cube into the museum itself will be no mean feat as it will involve temporarily removing the existing Buffet Car to enable it to be manoeuvred into place. Once safely in place the simulator will then be re-assembled by its original manufacturer.

Work will then get underway to create the new exhibition and get the simulator up and running before the summer holidays.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: “The high-speed simulator will bring a whole new dimension to the visitor experience here at STEAM. It’s something for people to really get stuck in to and experience life on the railways first hand.

“The museum has already updated its entrance area and has some wonderful smaller exhibitions, and it’s great that we’re now creating something brand new and giving the venue its biggest update in 25 years.

“I’m really looking forward to the simulator being fully installed and operational – not least because I want to have a go! And of course it’s a great way to inspire the train drivers of tomorrow.”

Joe Graham, GWR Business Assurance and Property Director, said: “The HST made history when first introduced to the UK railway network, operating on the Great Western Main Line, so it is really fitting the heritage of this iconic train will be preserved in such a unique way.

“We are really pleased this driver simulator will have a lasting future where it can be enjoyed by thousands of visitors.”

While more information on the re-display itself is still to be revealed, the train simulator will undergo a number of operational tests in order to make it accessible to the public later this year.