FOR THE LOVE OF STEAM

I had such a feeling of nostalgia when I read the article about the Pullman teatime trains (Spring 2020).

I lived in Harrow as a child and the master cutler used to come through from Marylebone and I was utterly fascinated by watching it go slowly through the station at teatime.

I was on my way home from school and it all looked so elegant and grown up – the engine with its nameplate and crossed knife and fork below it.

I have never lost my love of steam trains and even now, at 85, I still get a thrill when I see them.

My husband always indulged my delight in going on any steam railway when we were on holiday. I have enclosed a little poem I wrote some time ago. The 4472 mentioned is, of course, The Flying Scotsman.

Jane Fisher, Abbots Langley I do not care for modern trains,

Although they may be fast.

When I stop to think about it,

My thoughts are in the past.

The hiss of steam, the click of rails, An engine in the dark;

The foreman shovelling on the coal

And making showers of sparks.

To be an engine driver

And go pounding through the night

With passengers a-sleeping

Till they arrive in morning light.

A panting beast, a living thing! An awesome sight to see –

In every company’s livery

Was always joy to me.

And how I still love steam trains

And one dream did come true:

When I stood upon the footplate

Of the number 4-4-7-2.