By Geoff Courtney
Nostalgia takes many forms, and at its core are many subjects. It may be memories of family or friends, perhaps a long-remembered incident, a former family home, or a beloved pet. It is about recalling what once was, but may never be again.
For many railway enthusiasts, at its heart is the steam locomotive, coupled with the so-called ‘golden age’ of steam. Kings, Merchant Navies, Princess Coronations or A4s will feature strongly – their sight, sound and smell being the essential fabric of trainspotting. Lesser classes will also resonate, workhorses often away from the main line and on the byways of the national network at the head of a freight or resort-bound branch line holiday service.
Enjoy more Heritage Railway reading in the four-weekly magazine.
Click here to subscribe & save.
To most, diesels don’t have the same ring nor tug at the heartstrings with the mighty pull of a steam engine. They are usually remembered with a certain fondness rather than misty-eyed nostalgia, although I readily recall my awe when King’s Cross began to echo to the sound of the Deltics as they started their reign on the East Coast Main Line.
Read more in Issue 224 of Heritage Railway – out now!
Advert
Enjoy more Heritage Railway reading in the four-weekly magazine. Click here to subscribe.
