A new high-speed train simulator has arrived at a rail museum.
The HST simulator will become part of a new display launching this summer at Swindon’s STEAM Museum, which celebrates the history of the Great Western Railway.
The simulator has been gifted by Great Western Railway (GWR) following the retirement of its HST fleet.
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."
Previously used to train GWR drivers in Plymouth, the simulator was designed to test operators under a variety of demanding conditions, including different weather scenarios and emergency situations.
It is being incorporated into a new display at the museum, marking its largest upgrade in a quarter of a century.
Moving the simulator into the museum required temporarily removing the existing Buffet Car from the main hall.
It will now be reassembled by the original manufacturer before undergoing testing.
Once operational, the simulator will offer visitors the chance to experience train driving first-hand through special extra-ticketed options.
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."
The rest of the exhibition is still under wraps, but the simulator will be put through a series of operational tests before opening to the public later this year.
The STEAM Museum, owned by Swindon Borough Council, is dedicated to telling the story of the people and locomotives that built and operated the Great Western Railway.
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