World Photography Day, Great Central Railway 19th August 2023

Taken on World Photography Day.

Al is preparing to set off from Quorn station on the Great Central Railway behind the controls of Stanier 8F 2-8-0 48305.

This photo of a steam loco cab highlights many aspects on a personal level for me. I volunteer as a fireman at the heritage railway so it is the scene of many pleasurable hours spent on the footplate. Al began work on British Railways in the 1950s so he is a direct link back to the real days of steam & it's a privilege to work with him today. 48305 itself was withdrawn from service and sold for scrap in 1968 so the fact that the engine is still running 55 years later is witness to the many hours put into restoring it from scrapyard condition by many other enthusiasts.

We are recreating scenes from the past for the benefit of those that can remember them as well as for the many more that don't.