Saving the dream of steam

Steam trains were meant to grind to a halt over 50 years ago but thanks to thousands of enthusiasts the dream has never died. Volunteers with a passion for the evocative sound and smell of hauled locomotives clubbed together to ensure these incredible engines rose from the ashes and are still going strong. Not only have they maintained lines, many have helped re-open dormant routes again and fired up long silent steam engines.

Now, a new UKTV series brings these historic lines to life and tells the tale of some of the 30,000 people who keep these wonderful lines running.

The series, Steam Train Britain, focuses on five of Britain’s most beautiful and historic heritage railways and tells the stories of some of the 20,000 volunteers and 10,000 staff who keep the lines running and carry 8 million passengers per year.

Aston spoke to Naomi Clifford, historian and author to discuss the new TV show and also spoke about the history of the British steam railway.