Many thanks for looking in, Susanne. Yes, I bet it eould be interesting. One thing I know that has changed is how youth hostels are run these days. Rather than the basic but (usually) comfortable accomodation in dorms and communal meals (with visitors willingly accepting one of the more basic daily chores in the hostel's upkeep, keeping costs down) they are run more like hotels these days. Anyway, happy days, looking back.🙂
Wonderful story and very special photos, Ralph! The locomotives, the landscapes (Lulworth Cove reminds me of the Normandy Coast, didn't know it is this pretty!) and the stops with your friends, it all feels alive, old as the story and images may be! Good you included that photo of you, it makes it more complete. Thank you for this trip!
Many thanks, Alex. I've been quite fortunate in that regard. My Grandfather was an engine driver back in the late '30s through to the early 60s and I guess some of this rubbed off on my Dad, as he was a keen steam buff. When I was younger back in the late 70s/early 80s he'd occasionally take us all out to the local preserved line for a trundle up the track. This often coincided with the bank holiday 'steam up', where there'd also be various traction engines, fairground rides, etc in the field adjacent to the station.
Marriage took things a little further for me in the mid/late 90s as my Father-in-law was involved with one of the local traction engines and I'd sometimes help out with it, steering it out to local country shows (including the one mentioned above) while he kept the fire in and the pressure up. Fun days though, in hindsight, something of a guilty pleasure from the environmental aspect..
I really enjoyed the post, Ralph. Great photos too. There’s something so romantic about steam trains. I’ve ridden on a few over the years and the experience just takes you back to a long lost era. Love the photo of the old Corfe station, a beautiful looking building.
An area I know well, having lived there for a while… – although the trainline does run a lot further, now. Some great images and recollections: a really enjoyable read! Thank you!
Thank you for taking us on this trip Ralph, I really enjoyed reading and the photos are great. The one with the two boys at the end of the tracks is my favorite as well😊
Cycles and trains... you cannot go wrong with that combination! I look forward to seeing more trains and more steam, as well as more cycles. Appreciate a great post!
Many thanks, perfectlight. I showed that photo to Stuart (the younger of the two in the shot) recently and he’s asked for a print of it (something I still need to do 😬☺️).
I loved seeing these. Would be cool to take the same trip now to see how all that has changed since your first trip!
Many thanks for looking in, Susanne. Yes, I bet it eould be interesting. One thing I know that has changed is how youth hostels are run these days. Rather than the basic but (usually) comfortable accomodation in dorms and communal meals (with visitors willingly accepting one of the more basic daily chores in the hostel's upkeep, keeping costs down) they are run more like hotels these days. Anyway, happy days, looking back.🙂
Excellent! 🖤📷
Thank you, much appreciated! 😊
Wonderful story and very special photos, Ralph! The locomotives, the landscapes (Lulworth Cove reminds me of the Normandy Coast, didn't know it is this pretty!) and the stops with your friends, it all feels alive, old as the story and images may be! Good you included that photo of you, it makes it more complete. Thank you for this trip!
Such kind words, Vincent, thank you! 😊It us beautiful around Lulworth Cove and pretty much all along Dorset's 'Jurassic Coast'.
Great post! I love the trip back in time. - Do those steam engines still run?
Thanks, Alicia! Yes, they're very much still going. Their route goes much further now than it did back then🙂.
https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/
These are awesome! I would love to ride on a steam powered train!
Many thanks, Alex. I've been quite fortunate in that regard. My Grandfather was an engine driver back in the late '30s through to the early 60s and I guess some of this rubbed off on my Dad, as he was a keen steam buff. When I was younger back in the late 70s/early 80s he'd occasionally take us all out to the local preserved line for a trundle up the track. This often coincided with the bank holiday 'steam up', where there'd also be various traction engines, fairground rides, etc in the field adjacent to the station.
Marriage took things a little further for me in the mid/late 90s as my Father-in-law was involved with one of the local traction engines and I'd sometimes help out with it, steering it out to local country shows (including the one mentioned above) while he kept the fire in and the pressure up. Fun days though, in hindsight, something of a guilty pleasure from the environmental aspect..
Lovely time travels, thank you.
Thanks, KewtieBird 🙂
Fantastic set Ralph! I love steam trains we have about 30 left in India as well. Ancient but beautiful.
Many thanks, Shital. Indeed, there's something about steam locomotion that catches the imagination.
I really enjoyed the post, Ralph. Great photos too. There’s something so romantic about steam trains. I’ve ridden on a few over the years and the experience just takes you back to a long lost era. Love the photo of the old Corfe station, a beautiful looking building.
Many thanks, Mark. I haven't seen the station since this trip, but I've seen photos of it looking rather resplendent these days since referbishment.
Really interesting and enjoyable post, Ralph. I love seeing photos of memorable trips from the past - good times!
Many thanks, Todd🙂
How fun to experience another side of the world, at a different time in history, through your eyes. I love this!
Thank you very much, Rachel. I’m glad you’ve got something more from this than just seeing a set of photos🙂
An area I know well, having lived there for a while… – although the trainline does run a lot further, now. Some great images and recollections: a really enjoyable read! Thank you!
Thank you, Sir! I read that they've got a lot more track back down and useable these days.
It’s a fun line to travel on (especially to the castle)! And please call me ‘Stephen’!
I bet. It was lovely back then, I imagine (with the extra track) it's even better now🙂. I've not been on it since those days.
Oh, and will do! 😊
Thank you for taking us on this trip Ralph, I really enjoyed reading and the photos are great. The one with the two boys at the end of the tracks is my favorite as well😊
Many thanks, Tony ☺️
Cycles and trains... you cannot go wrong with that combination! I look forward to seeing more trains and more steam, as well as more cycles. Appreciate a great post!
Many thanks, Søren. There may well be more, somewhere down the line. There are a fair few more still tucked away 🙂
the one with the 2 boys at the end of the track is class
Many thanks, perfectlight. I showed that photo to Stuart (the younger of the two in the shot) recently and he’s asked for a print of it (something I still need to do 😬☺️).