The Beauty of Steam

Especially for those Rail Enthusiasts

For many, a train is just an ordinary train, a way of getting from A to B in people's busy lives without giving it a second thought. For others, myself included, the railways are the gateway to history, enthusiasm, and nostalgia. In today's blog, I'll be writing about the early days of the railways, how I became so fascinated by them, along with the personification and symbolism of the engines.

The Iron Horses

Back in the 1800s in the days of the industrial revolution, the main form of transportation for heavy goods would have been the canals which were very time-consuming and inefficient. Thus, the idea of a steam-powered form of traction was created leading to the invention of the steam engine which was often nicknamed "Iron Horses" due to their power and speed (maxing out at 30mph back in the day)

Childhood Memories

Many of you will know I grew up obsessed with Thomas the Tank Engine. I was infatuated with the little blue engine with his cheeky and brazen attitude along with all the other characters with their own unique personalities. Apart from the fact the engines had faces, the show's earliest days always had a more realistic tone in terms of story plots, settings, and the universe in general. Since it was originally filmed with models there were many scenes where you could debate whether it was an actual real life photograph or just a giant train set.

I always had a soft spot for and still do to this day for the original series as its what I grew up with giving me comfort in tough times when I was anxious, as well as the loss of my Nan (who would always buy me anything themed Thomas and letting me watch my videotapes in the sitting room while playing with my trains)

It is this nostalgia that advanced my love for trains, especially steam engines be they big or small. I have a fond interest in the old Tralee & Dingle Light Railway that would travel throughout Co Kerry. The railway ran from 1891 - 1953 opening once again to be restored and refurbished in the 1980s - 2006 for a tourist attraction running from Blennervile to Tralee

Myself and Dad with the restored engine
{Dated 8th September 2004}

Living Machines

Reverend Wilbert Awdry, The author and creator of the Thomas the Tank Engine book's "The Railway Series" describes the steam engine as "An extrovert who likes you to know how he's doing or how badly he's being treated" as if to say the engine will tell you how they're managing heavy goods or passenger train, if their crew is pushing them too hard or if they are just not feeling well. "He's always got something to say" he continues.

He recalls a time in his youth when he lived by a railway line and would hear a train going "beep beep beep" looking for a push up the hill. Another engine would buffer up behind and again go "beep beep beep" as if to say I'm ready, I'm ready. The train in front would struggle up the hill with heavy steam and loud puffs sounding like "I can't do it, I can't do it" with the engine at the back puffing "oh yes you can oh yes you can"

This would lay the groundwork for one of the most notorious stories in "The Railway Series" titled Edward and Gordon in book 1 "The Three Railway Engines". Fun Fact: Thomas did not feature in the first book Wilbert Awdry would publish, he did however make his debut in book 2  titled Thomas the Tank Engine.

Today

While today the rails are scattered with diesel or electric passenger trains, they don't have the same life and pizazz as the more powerful, engaging steam engines. However, it is still possible to see some engines across Ireland in various preserved railways, museums, or even by checking out the "Railway Preservation Society of Ireland" online or in person. 

No.85 "Merlin" in Tralee, Co Kerry on a Railtour thanks to the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland

Conclusion

Either way, we could learn a lot from the engines. The way they start their journey at the station not knowing what lies ahead be it twistest and turns, a derailment, breakdown, or a mile-long passage through the dark and dreary abyss. But whatever happens, they can always rely on other engines to come to their assistance to help them back on track or guide them to the light at the end of the tunnel.

The railways paved the way for the future in terms of technology, travel, and Industry. I do wish to travel a bit to explore, travel, and experience some of the beautifully preserved railways for myself and see the mighty "Iron Horses" of history. Although, while not as significant or necessary today, these stunning locomotives still bring so much joy and delight to many of all ages as they stand the test of time showing us the beauty of steam.

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland: https://www.steamtrainsireland.com/