FULL STEAM AHEAD

Answering the obligatory question, of how to keep a marriage going for such a long period, Mrs Smithers said that every day Mr Smithers will turn to her and say “Where are we going today?” and they will make something of their day.

The entire train population spilled out onto the platform at the two water stops the train needs to reach its destination, both to feel the fresh air and to take in the machine that’s carrying us.

It was the most satisfyingly vintage green, with men in overalls and soot-covered faces who moved about their business as though time had never left the 1950s.

Now that the trains run just for pleasure, the volunteers keep them going through the premier services they provide to guests, donating money from the onboard raffle to the Railway Children charity.

I fell into my armchair with a book, occasionally staring out at the New Forest scenery, my friend and I finally subdued over some champagne after the initial excitement of the train’s beautiful features, the sound as it rushed through the countryside, and the train’s call around bends.

We arrived at Weymouth just as the heat of the day started to become unbearable, and we unleashed our woozy selves onto the town.

We made a beeline for ice cream and the cool sea, happy that the British coast, for once, did not disappoint for temperature.

After a few hours we took our winnings (one appropriately oversized teddy bear which the volunteers laughed at) and headed back to where the train was waiting for us, G&Ts at the ready.

Our tickets also entitled us to a four-course, silver-service meal.

Unfortunately, a technical difficulty – I blame the heat – meant we missed out on our main course, the first kitchen mishap in 11 years.

However, the three courses All aboard the A4 Pacific No.60009 Union of South Africa were more than enough, and the asparagus and pea girasole pasta was light and tasty.

The cheese course and lemon tart particularly went down well with a fresh glass of champagne, even if my forehead resembled the dewy glass at that point.

I finished my book and my friend and I played games in my notebook as we lost the sun through the curtain draped scenery.

It had been the first full day I’d spent with my old friend in a long time and he and the train had made excellent drinking partners.

Disembarking wearily at 10pm, I was reminded of the value of talking to people.

Take a steam train and you might just learn something new, or at least finally finish that book of yours. The sun beats down on Weymouth beach