The real thing has been out of service, awaiting repairs, for more than a year - and it’s never really worked properly.
But now train buffs can have the chance to drive the diesel loco, with the launch of a simulator at Port Erin railway museum.
Presumably, to be really lifelike, the simulator will conk out somewhere on the virtual railway line!
The new Drive the Diesel simulator experience will be launched this weekend.
It was developed for Isle of Man Railways by specialist rail simulator company Ian Rowe Associates of Milton Keynes.
Public transport bosses said the cost of developing the simulator is ‘commercially sensitive’ information and is not being made public in accordance with an agreement reached with Mr Rowe’s company.
The project has taken around 12 months to complete and involved hundreds of photographs being taken of every section of the Port Erin line to ensure an accurate representation of the sections used in the driver training.
Bookings can be made direct to the museum shop by phoning 836855. The simulator is available from 10am to 4pm on days the steam railway operates.
Driver training level 1 is a 15-minute session and costs £5 per person. The experience includes moving carriages from Port St Mary and Port Erin plus shunting carriages at Douglas Station.
Level 2 is aimed more at the enthusiast and includes all level 1 tasks plus driving a train from Douglas to Port Soderick and back. It lasts around 30 minutes.
Drivers must observe all speed limits and the rules of the railway to obtain a good mark and are given one of 10 ranks ranging from learner to perfectionist.
Kate Beecroft MHK, political member responsible for public transport, believes the Drive the Diesel simulator experience will be a good addition to Isle of Man Railways’ activities.
She said: ‘The simulator is suitable for all ages and promises to be a great attraction to draw people into the Railway Museum and gift shop at Port Erin. It is likely to help drive up income from secondary spend and we are grateful to Ian Rowe Associates for undertaking this project.’
Mr Rowe, company director, said: ‘Developing the Isle of Man Railways’ simulator was a bit of a departure from our normal application, which is to train drivers on rail vehicle driving. This was a labour of love for us using the same technology. We are very happy with the end result.’
The real diesel loco no. 21 has only pulled 34 passenger trains since it was delivered the end of 2013. Shortly after arrival it was consigned to the sheds with engine problems. It is currently out of service awaiting repairs for a loose tyre problem. This has resulted in some cancellations to services this summer.
Repairs have been delayed while engineering and management time focused on essential repairs to the Snaefell and Steam Railway tracks following last winter’s floods, which caused significant damage. It is hoped No. 21 will return to service this winter.