I saw the Evening Star at York on a special when I was about 13 on holiday. My Dad and I were 'copping' what we could at the end of the main down platform when in she rolled. What a sight!

I can remember being mesmerized by the smell and noise. I had been on steam trains before but to see one living and breathing on the mainline as a lad is something else.

A Policewoman was standing guard on the platform slope to stop trespassers onto the line, right next to the steam cocks, when the safety valve blew without warning. I have never to this day seen and adult leap for fear so high! She come down in a heap, lost her hat and composure and was helped up by the public....poor woman!