Pete Waterman introduces this collection of stories told by the last generation of men to work on the British steam railway.

Before cars and planes, railways and steam engines were the main form of transport. And in the early days the engine driver was the fastest man on earth, travelling at 60 mph (and much faster than a car).No wonder it was every schoolboy's dream to become the driver of a locomotive, even though it was dirty and dangerous work. Some boys went straight from the classroom to work on the railways. It took some adjusting, especially as the trains' wheels were usually taller than they were, some even had to be taken to interviews by their mums.

This collection includes reminiscences from the men who fulfilled their ambition and rode on the footplate. And they relate some colourful adventures, including steaming through pea-supers and the difficulty with working with men much older than themselves.

For anyone with a thirst for the past, this recording brings atmospherically to life the smells and sounds of the railways.

With a written introduction by record producer and steam enthusiast Pete Waterman.