In the 1950s, at the terminus of the platform, a group of schoolboys, including myself, would often be found perched on a porter’s iron-wheeled goods barrow. Armed with a notebook and pen in one hand and a bottle of soda in the other, we eagerly gazed down the railway line. Our purpose was not to catch a train but to meticulously record the numbers and, occasionally, the names of passing locomotives.
Trainspotting, a popular pastime among youngsters back then, provided us with a sense of adventure and a gateway to a broader world beyond our small town. Rain or shine, we would gather under the protective glass canopy, much to the probable annoyance of regular passengers and station staff seeking gratuities. Avoiding the waiting room, where trains remained obscured from view, we diligently noted down engine numbers and later cross-referenced them in Ian Allan books cataloging British Rail locomotives.
Encountering a new locomotive for the first time was a thrilling accomplishment, known as a “cop.” We deemed it a successful day when we “copped” a dozen engines, especially relishing those from different British Rail regions. Despite the innocence and simplicity of the activity, trainspotting fostered learning opportunities about history, geography, and the evolution of transportation systems.
The hobby, which initially revolved around the local station, eventually led us to travel extensively to various railway hubs across the country. From Doncaster to Scotland’s Inverness and Thurso, we embarked on journeys to spot and document different trains and engines. Trainspotting not only instilled resilience and geographic knowledge but also offered a safe and educational outlet for teenage boys to explore the world around them.
The allure of locomotive power depots, where numerous engines were serviced, posed a risk for daring enthusiasts who trespassed onto the premises in pursuit of spotting more trains. Despite the dangers, the thrill of encountering rare engines often outweighed concerns for personal safety. Today, the trainspotting landscape has evolved, with enthusiasts capturing train sightings with modern technology and gathering on platforms to witness the few remaining locomotive-hauled services.
While the era of steam traction has long passed, the enduring love for trains persists through heritage railways that showcase preserved British Rail locomotives. These heritage lines, operated by dedicated enthusiasts, attract millions of visitors annually, offering a nostalgic journey through a bygone era of rail travel. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, among many others, stands out as a favorite, providing a reminiscent experience akin to reliving the railway heydays of the past.
In a digital age, where social media personalities like Francis Bourgeois garner millions of followers with engaging trainspotting content, the fascination with railways endures. Despite the changing landscape of rail travel, the enduring charm of steam engines and historic locomotives continues to captivate enthusiasts, ensuring that the love for trains remains alive and well in the hearts of many.