@mike lucey said:
There is something very comforting about steam trains.
Even though I'm too young to remember seeing them ploughing the main lines, I still have a fondness for them.
I think in part it's the sense of being able to see how they work, no hidden-away "black boxes" like modern technology. And of course, all those little design flourishes that show the pride of the original builders, and the restorers.
I'm lucky enough to have the Keighley and Worth Valley line just up the road - quite a little collection they have now, despite the line being only a few miles - here's a link... KWVR
Best of all, every autumn they raise funds by putting on a massive real ale festival - 100+ ales, live bands all day in the main loco shed, seating in the old Pullman coaches, and even hand-pulled ales in the buffet cars of the trains so you can saunter back-and-forth through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside with the taste of a perfect pint and the delicious smell of the roasting coals.
A truly grand day out - I recommend it to anyone - the boozing is always very civilised, so perfectly 'child friendly' too (I hear that even lager drinkers enjoy it!).