Steam Train (not MS, but not a joke either)

Everyday living
1

Well, I am still persevering with my daily walks, even though it’s a bit of a chore, and I have to force myself sometimes - OK, a lot of the time.

But occasionally, it pays off, with a bit of unexpected colour.

Today, I took one of several regular routes, along by the railway. As I crossed one of the bridges, I noticed a lot of people with cameras and tripods, so I asked: “Is there something special coming?”, and they said: “Yes! The steam train, The King Edward, but he’s already ten minutes late”

So I thought it was worth hanging on a few minutes, but then a regular diesel came through, so I knew he couldn’t be immediately behind that.

I was heading down to the station anyway, which is just behind my house, on the homeward leg of the walk, so I took a chance that if I walked briskly, I might be in time to see him at the station.

I was listening for chugging and whistles all the way, and hoping I wouldn’t be on a stretch obscured by high hedges or fences. But on the way, I passed several people still waiting with cameras, so I knew I hadn’t missed him.

I made it to the station, where there was quite a small crowd gathered, and waited there with them - minus camera, as I hadn’t gone out expecting any photographic opportunities.

I hadn’t been there more than five minutes, before I was rewarded with a distant whistle, and we knew he was coming.

The train then snaked into view, and came through whisting loudly, and all its passengers waving - on a special St. David’s day out. What a lovely day they’ve got for it!

All on the platform waved, and clicked the cameras, and said: “Wasn’t that fun?”

Which bizarrely, it was! I don’t know why it’s still exciting to see a steam train. I’m just about old enough to remember seeing one of the last ones in regular service, before they were withdrawn in 1969 - so I must have been under 3. Maybe it’s that childish nostalgia of watching for the train with Daddy, that still makes it thrilling today.

A bit better than my normal boring walk. If you force yourself, just occasionally, something happens to break up the monotony. If I’d decided I couldn’t be bothered to go out today, I wouldn’t have had my few seconds of excitement.

Tina

2

Hi Tina

Sounds like you had a very enjoyable walk today, am glad you got the opportunity to see it at close hand.

What a lovely day they have had, must have made thier trip very enjoyable.

I can imagine it bringing back childhood memories, how lovely.

Pam.

4

Hi Tina, sounds like you had a lovely day, what a nice surprise and I guess too, a reward for persevering with your walks and yes you are so right about being rewarded if you push yourself. Well done! I think as well, it probably was a bit of nogstalgia for you, I can’t remember steam trains myself. I’m having a smile to myself about you walking by the railway and crossing the bridge. When I was young we stayed beside the railway and I had to cross the footbridge to get to school. Brings back memories for me too, thanks! Cheryl:-)

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Hi, what a lovely different post! Thankyou for sharing it with us.

Nostalgia is always rosy!

luv POllx

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Hi All,

Just thought it was a little, unexpected interlude worth sharing.

My sister and brother (four years and eight years younger, respectively) can’t believe I’m old enough to remember the original steam trains, but I am.

I don’t think they were common, even then - I’m sure they must have been on the decline ages before they disappeared completely. But I do remember standing on a bridge with my dad - think he must have had to lift me up - and seeing one. I think I could even tell you which bridge, and where - it wasn’t near my home, but my grandparents’, so we must’ve been visiting. Or maybe that part is just fancy…

Yeah, nostalgia always is rosy, isn’t it?

Tina