IN THE LAST 25 YEARS YOU’VE SEEN…

(In no particular order, and far from comprehensive)

Bittern’s 90mph trips (2013); the demise of BR (InterCity’s last steam runs - 1994); ‘Bristolian’ non-stops (2010); the ‘Shap Trials’ with Duke of Gloucester, Duchess of Hamilton and Sir Nigel Gresley (1995); Tornado’s completion (2008/2009) - and 100mph run (2017); Canadian Pacific blowing a tube at Paddock Wood (2002); West Coast taking on the ‘Jacobite’ (1995) and its phenomenal subsequent growth; the start of the multi-day ‘Great Britain’ tours (2007); Clan Line pioneering the ‘retro-fitting’ of air brakes and hauling the ‘British Pullmans’ (1994); ‘8F’ No. 48151 on an ‘S&C’ freight (2000); Blue Peter’s high-speed slip at Durham (1994); Pannier tank No. 9600 moving empty stock (2000); Duchess of Hamilton’s retirement from the main line (1996) and Duchess of Sutherland’s return (2001); Tangmere’s SPAD at Wootton Bassett Junction (2015); Oliver Cromwell returning to the main line for the 40th anniversary of ‘1T57’ (2008); the speed limit for many engines being increased from 60mph to 75mph (1994); a Settle-Carlisle ‘Plandampf’ (2017); steam back at King’s Cross - initially with the SR ‘Elizabethan’ (1994); Didcot’s ‘Steam Railmotor’ on Cornwall’s Looe branch (2012); and DM’s first writer David Wilcock dangling from the Forth Bridge (2004). In that time promoters and train operators have come and gone, as has the Strategic Rail Authority - and Railtrack. To paraphrase David Wilcock, who wrote this column from 1992 to 2008: “Welcome to Down Main, September 2017… you’re now 25 years older!”