A big thankyou.....

To all the crews, volunteers, owners etc in 2010 who are keeping steam on the go. We must be unique as a nation in keeping the steam age active. I never thought in my wild dreams on Doncaster station in the sixties and seeing the long line of condemed locos that were stripped of their dignity, that I would see steam on the main line again. I actually had a lump in my throat and walked away..............

 

I know how you feel. At the time I lived not far from the GCR near Nottingham , and saw the infastructure being ripped up and discarded with tears in my eyes.

What a waste.

Chris:

 

Thank you for message.......................nice to know I,m not the only sentimental old fool

 

I am glad so many fought to keep so many of the fine steeds from the cutters torch allowing those not around when steam was king to witness the wonderful spectacle of steam at work. The preservation movement really is a jewel in the nations crown.

 

i second that!

 

Long may steam both on the preserved and national network continue and be supported.

Its a two fold thing.

Stan

 

Well said Stan-knew I'd find you on this thread! Best wishes to all!

 

I agree with the sentiments expressed here, but I would also add that these engines all need something to pull! Otherwise they're not trains......whether it is a rake of carriages, waggons or trucks or .......hooked on the drawbar.

And there are other things that need preserving......not just railways. Seeing wanton vandalism in the form of the destruction of that which ought to be preserved makes me very unhappy (slight understatement!).

By the way, a number of other countries do have preserved / heritage railways, but I think Great Britain may well have the highest concentration.

Anyway, all power to the movement. Long may it continue.....

 

Given the recent bad spell of weather and the consequence that it has had on many heritage lines attempting to run their Santa Services perhaps it is worth extending our grateful thanks to the volunteers - many who have literally travelled around a 100 miles - of the railways who tried their best under the most difficult conditions to maintain some kind of a service throughout December.

 

A huge thank you to all mainline steam crews and volunteers who keep the preservartion moment in the U.K. Both on the mainline and on heritage railways too. Long may it continue for years to come.