FV - whilst many people take the pi$$ out of trainspotters these days, that's not surprising given the boring things that occasionally struggle along the remains of our railways.
But back then, the sight and sound of one of those big steam locomotives belting along was pretty darn impressive! Plus you only had to find a bridge anywhere in the country and wait a few minutes and some fire-breathing monster would come along! It wasn't counting numbers which people did then - they just enjoyed the sound and fury!
Liked the story told to me by an ancient aviator - during flying training they used to formate on the cabs of fast trains during solo GH sessions. However, on one occasion the fireman lobbed a chunk of finest steam coal at him and he had a helluva job explaining why he had a lump of coal wedged between the bottom pots of his engine after he landed!!
[ 04 September 2001: Message edited by: BEagle ]