Interview about life as an engine driver at Bletchley and Stonebridge Park.
Ron Sear remembers the many members of his family who have been railwaymen, in particular his grandfather, a plate layer who lived in Fenny Stratford; who was sometimes required to be the ‘Fogman.’ Ron remembers Bletchley engine shed as friendly, although it was ‘dirty, not many lights especially in the winter when things used to freeze.’ The highlights of his career were driving the Royal Train with the Queen on board, and driving the Orient Express. He comments on the contrast between diesel and steam; the comradeship was lost, the driver was on his own, not working with a crew of fireman and guard. His sons have been deterred from a career on the railways by the shift work, despite the pay having improved. He was never involved in any serious accidents. With free train travel available to him, he uses trains all the time.
Creator
Sear, Ron
Contributor
Whitmore, Tracy
Reference number
WLM/010/001
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