Hi Gillian,
As you can tell we are a fairly relaxed bunch with a sense of humour, so we can take all the jokes about trainspotters, anoraks and duffel coats in our stride, even though I doubt that anyone here would voluntarily describe themselves as a "trainspotter"
Although I just remember the end of steam in 1967, I had nothing to do with railways for many years, expect as a fairly miserable time communting on the Southern in the 1970's.
I suppose the start of my interest was visiting the Bluebell Railway about 15 years ago and seeing a large express steam engine. Bit by bit I have got involved mostly in what could pomposly be called engineering historical research, or even social history and the transfomation of England into an industrial nation. (By the way, I am not particularly in awe of the Victorians and Brunel the younger is not one of my heros.)
I occasionaly go out and take bad photos of steam trains. They are more dramatic and difficult to capture on filmthan flowers or trees. I am also involved on the edge of several steam locomotive owning groups by donating a few quid a year rather than having time to go to working groups.
There is obviously a thrill from seeing and hearing any train. But I wouldn't describe myself as passionate about trains. It's just a pastime.
"Passion" is reserved for flying - and I literally stand open mouthed at the big jets landing and taking off at Heathrow. When I fly commercially, I am there next to all the kids pressing my nose against the window, and secretly hoping, like all private pilots, for that dramatic anouncement from the flight deck:- "
The Captain has been taken ill ! Is there a pilot on board? "
