Chasing Steam in 1966 A Teenager in Pursuit of the Disappearing Steam Locomotive

The steam locomotive was, in 1966, entering its death throes. Withdrawals were being carried-out at a frenetic pace, the slightest defect dispatching them to the cutters torch. This teenaged author made it his mission to travel throughout the UK in a quest to obtain runs behind as many as possible before their impending annihilation. Although a Southern Region season ticket boosted the catches and mileages, countless overnight and lengthy exploratory expeditions were undertaken to Yorkshire, the northwest of England and Scotland throughout that summer. The camaraderie amongst like-minded enthusiasts compensated for the sleep deprivation and hours spent in unheated waiting rooms. With a multitude of photographs, maps and notebook extracts, this is a window into a bygone age and an addictive hobby. This 35,000-mile journey takes in the demise of the Somerset & Dorset and ex Great Central lines, and the hunting down of the handful of remaining Jubilee’s, with all the disappointments and joys of the chase.

Keith Widdowson's 45-year career with British Railways began in June 1962, the majority of it spent diagramming locomotive and train crews. Now retired, he has written several books on his steam-chasing travels. He also writes articles for railway magazines and is a member of the Sittingbourne & Kemsley Light Railway.