Interview about life as a railway worker and engine driver based in Bletchley from 1949 onwards.
John Cox first describes being a cleaner, both inside and outside the steam engine: ‘you used to get as black as the ace of spades!’ He goes on talk of training to be a fireman and describes features of the fireman’s job, the difficulties managing heavy brick trains, and working on the Bedford to Cambridge line. He recalls training to be a steam engine driver, including ‘route learnning’ the routes he was going to drive. Comparing driving diesel and steam, his preference was for steam. In his opinion: ‘the rates of pay weren’t magnificent but they was just about enough’; also, all equipment and clothing were provided.
Creator
Cox, John Alan
Contributor
Whitmore, Tracy
Reference number
WLM/017/001
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