Brian Prater

Hayle

While on holiday my parents dropped me off at Hayle station so I could do some spotting. A totally different scene from today. not long before Dinmore Manor pulled in with a passenger train for Penzance. The fireman looked down and said "like my engine, do we? " I replied she is my favourite engine. "You better climb in quickly then". Jumping at the chance I climbed aboard. He showed me around and said, "we are ready to leave pull the whistle chain once then you will have to get off smartish don’t let the guard see you". So, sounding the whistle, I jumped down. "Thank you" I said. "You’re welcome my handsome" and the train pulled out. As the guard passed, he said "enjoy that did you". "Yes" I replied waving to him, to a small lad this was completely stunning. I can’t remember the date but it was very late 50s. Needless to say one small boy went home very, very happy.

Maidenhead Berkshire.

I used to sit on the 5 bar gate in the station car park in the 60s.from there I could see all four tracks and the branch to high Wycombe. Always looking forward to seeing the Brittania's pulling the Red Dragon, after seeing many locos like Tanner One-ers (61xx Class).

On day waiting for my train for Furze Platt, an engine pulled into the station and to my surprise a voice said, "hello young man, what you are doing?" It was a chap that lived just down the street from me. I said train spotting and he said, "fancy a little ride". "Yes please". Climbing up in the cab of 6135, travelled the platform length, I felt a hero. Never had the chance to even cab an engine in my home town before, what a special day. When I arrived at Furze Platt, I told Jim the crossing keeper and even he said that was very special again one very happy lad this was about 1962.

Severn Valley Railway

My start in preservation was at the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in about 1978. I began working on 1501 removing paint from the side tanks with a small scraper talk about labour of love. Not long before I got involved in preparing the service engine for the day cleaning and coaling. I helped clean the 8f one morning with the fireman. When she was ready, I returned the scrapper not long there before the shed fireman came and said, “I have a job for you put this on” he gave me a clean jacket and said, “follow me”. I had no idea what so to my amazement he said well you cleaned it and we need a rider to go with a young lady who has a footplate pass. I then climbed up and travelled from Bewdley to Bridgnorth if I wasn’t hooked before I certainly was now. What a great day.

Cholsey & Wallingford Railway

Sometime in 1993 I joined the Cholsey and Wallingford railway. After a short time with the 4247 group I started with the small crew on the track. Sleeper replacement so we could advance towards Cholsey. Only a small gang of about 10 people made it hard and slow work. It was during this time I started to drive the 08 on maintenance days later passing out as a driver. We hired in various steam engines for the running days and soon involved in fireman’s duties which was fantastic. Although I teamed up with all the drivers i soon paired up with my driver Bob he soon started to show me how to drive and occasionally we would swap sides dreams come true. I also joined the board as assistant traffic manager.

Having joined the small active group it gave me a great insight into running a railway. Track was the major part of the work trying to get the railway back to Cholsey station. Many sleepers to replace and once we reached our destination. Now the replacement of the point for the start of the run round loop. We also worked on the platform extension at Wallingford. Its always apparent that everything is very heavy. Still with a little blood sweat and tears if you’re determined you’re successful.