Tributes to fireman Mike Middleton
Tributes have been paid in both the main line and narrow gauge worlds to Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways driver and West Coast Railways fireman Mike Middleton, who died on August 18. He was 66.
Mr Middleton, a retired nuclear power industry worker, was taken ill on the footplate of ‘Royal Scot’ No. 46115 Scots Guardsman working the day’s southbound ‘Dalesman’ over the Settle-Carlisle and died near Garsdale.
WCR said it was “deeply saddened” following the event.
Ffestiniog engines carried a black bow in Mr Middleton’s memory on August 20, while Scots Guardsman carried a wreath while hauling the ‘Dalesman’ on September 1.
Mr Middleton had been involved with the FR for around 30 years, qualifying as a driver in 1994.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways general manager Paul Lewin described him as “one of the most dedicated volunteers in the F&WHR family. He drove countless miles, notably on the Welsh Highland Railway, where he would regularly drive the least appealing turns on the roster with never a complaint to be heard.
“He was also known for his immensely frugal driving style, often topping the league for the best fuel consumption on the WHR’s fleet of ‘NG/G16s’. In recent times, he found a new passion in the shape of firing on the main line with the West Coast team.”
Mr Lewin added: “We will all miss Mike very much, a gentleman and part of our family. We are just so pleased that he spent the last few years doing something he truly adored.”