The spirit of the Fifteen Guinea Special can be channelled to good effect
Pan Up
4 August 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the last timetabled steam on British Rail (the Fifteen Guinea Special railtour followed a week later). Many thought that as Nos 45110, 44781, 44871 and 70013 dropped their fires for the last time that was it, not just for steam, but for interest in railways in general. It is true that for many for whom roving the North West chasing down the last grimy photo opportunities in Rose Grove, Carnforth and Edge Hill had become a way of life, this was the end of an era; it was like a death in the family, it took time to adjust. No more cinder path leading to the yard, the coaling stage’s a supermarket now.
Although British Rail had banned steam at the time, we can now enjoy main line steam again, subject to drought conditions and more safety regulations than Rose Grove were familiar with. A while ago I turned out to watch Duchess of Hamilton roar past in near darkness, and it took me back to my earliest interest in railways. The instantaneous glimpse of the firebox glow lighting up the steam, the carriage light spilling out, the noise, and the presence of the night afterwards.
Thanks to …
