OPINION: Romantic days of steam trains are long gone, but…
What is it about trains that they hold such a special appeal to folk?
I believe our railways network, which dates back in some places to the late 1800s, is to undergo a rejuvenation programme.
How did the powers that be permit it fall into such a state of disrepair and why?
How well I remember my unchaperoned train ride to the coast when I was in high school.
Thousand of troopies will rekindle memories of many hours on the swaying, wallowing and clattering milk train named Louis, which took them home to the sweet arms of their special ‘meisie’.
It was also frowned upon in the messes to hammer the double-tap of steel wheels crossing the rail gap on the edge of the steel canteen tables.
This act could lead to sky-hooks or push-ups, or even missing your army equivalent of a Michelin 5-star meal.
Ag man, things were not so bad – at least you got a meal on your varkpan. Anyway.
The romantic days of steam trains are long gone.
Watching that black locomotive and coal tender, streaming a billowing ribbon of white steam from the funnel, gave it a supernatural appearance of pure power.
Growling diesels somehow do not carry the same gracefulness and poise – they convey pure strength minus the grace and elegance of steam.
Here on the South Coast, where tourism is so vital, we have a rail running south right alongside the sea.
Pity some clever peoples do not club together with the railway fellows and revitalise the tourist train up and down the coast.
Us locals would love it as much a the foreigners, and if a steam engine could be attached to the front, even better. Just a thought.
TREVOR BARNES
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