Recruit children to staff our heritage railways
SIR – The shortage of staff for our heritage railways (report, August 22) could possibly be met by training children to run them.
In Budapest, Hungary, there is a children’s railway – a heritage, narrow-gauge track that is seven miles long. With the exception of the train driver, all the positions are operated by children aged
10 to 14, who control both the traffic and services under adult supervision. It is an extra-curricular educational activity, which also enables children to learn to become railway professionals.
Derek Brumhead
New Mills, Derbyshire
SIR – It is not surprising that there is a driver shortage at Britain’s heritage steam railways in the light of the antiquated, four-year training programme. You can become a commercial airline pilot in less time. Time for some fresh thinking?
Peter Forrest
London N6