The Line
Eighteen miles,
three valleys, one engine.
A preserved branch line run by two hundred volunteers and one very opinionated locomotive.
The working day.
07:30
The fire is litRaising steam takes three hours. The engine cannot be hurried, and neither can Albert.
10:15
First departureThe 10:15 has not been late since 1974. Do not test this.
11:20
The water stopWater for the engine, photographs for the passengers.
17:00
The disposalThe fire is dropped, the brass is wiped, and tomorrow is already being discussed.