Ray Churchill retires... again: A tribute
WHEN Ray Churchill stepped off the footplate of LMS ‘ Black Five’ No. 44871 at Crewe in the early afternoon of Thursday, April 28, 2016 he thought that would be the end of 59 years working on the footplates of steam locomotives.
His career started at Bescot shed in 1957 and finished with West Coast Railways. Although he informed me when I went to see him in May 2016 that he would not go back to life on the footplate with its long days and unsocial hours, this was not quite the end of a long and varied footplate career.
In August 2018, he was tempted back by the newly- formed Vintage Trains ( VT) Train Operating Company based at Tyseley. There, he again drove locomotives and taught others the art of working with steam.
However, after an enforced break due to Covid- 19 cancelling the VT tour programme, he has decided that he will retire, this time finally.
It was some sadness that I received the news from his wife Nickey just before the end of 2020. His final tally was just under 61 years on the footplate.
I have many fond memories of this fine engineman, my last run behind him being with No. 7029 Clun Castle on May 18, 2019. He hated the imposition of a diesel locomotive on the train and would always do his utmost to ensure that it gave no assistance. He was responsible for many fine performances.
No. 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe was his all- time favourite, but he would drive any locomotive he was given.
Driver Ray Churchill. VT
He was one of the few locomen who knew exactly how to drive a Bulleid Pacific in original condition to get the best out of it. I will never forget the way he drove No. 34067 Tangmere on the ‘ Royal Duchy’ to Par on September 7, 2014, keeping time despite leaving Bristol without a full load of coal.
I will miss seeing that trademark red scarf and cheery smile when walking up to the engine at the end of yet another great trip. May he enjoy a long and happy retirement with Nickey.
Michael Whitehouse, chairman of VT, said: “Ray’s willingness to step out of retirement in 2018 and drive on VT tours was an enormous help in establishing our own operations as a TOC. VT is a strong, integrated team and the Churchills have been a core part of our operation, Ray delivering some spectacular performances on the main line with his usual finesse and care for his steed, while Nickey is busy on board selling souvenirs.
“We wish them both a long and healthy retirement and look forward to seeing them both at Tyseley. I’m sure Ray will need no persuasion to take the regulator again on our open days!”