Interview about life as a Bletchley railway worker and engine driver from 1946 onwards.
Robin Brown describes the long working hours, wages and dangers for railway workers when he joined. However, in his opinion, railway workers were well treated. He tells anecdotes about some of the characters he worked with and about awkward passengers; and recalls the old Bletchley station buildings. When promoted to driver, he drove steam, diesel and electric engines; he contrasts them and gives reasons for his preference for steam. Promoted to Superintendent, he was in charge of drivers and firemen, and talks of punishments for ‘misdemeanours’. Considering changes in the railways during his working life, he observes that nowadays they are not really railways: they are ‘more or less a punctuality system’ to ensure that the huge numbers of people travelling get to their destination.
Creator
Brown, Robin
Contributor
Children of Knowles School
Reference number
WLM/001/001
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