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Footplate Collection

During World War II, a locomotive driver in his air raid kit stands proudly on the footplate, ready to brave any danger that comes his way

Background imageFootplate Collection: A footplate

A footplate
5310314 A footplate; (add.info.: Engraving depicting a footplate - the platform for the crew in the cab of a locomotive - as the crew shovel coal into the furnace)

Background imageFootplate Collection: North Staffordshire 0-6-0 steam locomotive with driver and fireman on the footplate

North Staffordshire 0-6-0 steam locomotive with driver and fireman on the footplate. 19th century (photo)
540421 North Staffordshire 0-6-0 steam locomotive with driver and fireman on the footplate. 19th century (photo); Universal History Archive/UIG.

Background imageFootplate Collection: Full!!!, 1862, printed 1920. Creator: Charles Maurand

Full!!!, 1862, printed 1920. Creator: Charles Maurand
Full!!!, 1862, printed 1920

Background imageFootplate Collection: Types Et Physionomies Modernes (engraving)

Types Et Physionomies Modernes (engraving)
2783157 Types Et Physionomies Modernes (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Types Et Physionomies Modernes)

Background imageFootplate Collection: The drivers view from the Southern Railways King Arthur Class locomotive Sir Percivale

The drivers view from the Southern Railways King Arthur Class locomotive Sir Percivale as it departs Waterloo station. November 1938

Background imageFootplate Collection: The driver Southern Railways King Arthur Class locomotive Sir Percivale awaits the signal

The driver Southern Railways King Arthur Class locomotive Sir Percivale awaits the signal from the guard to depart Waterloo station. November 1938

Background imageFootplate Collection: A view from the footplate of locomotive number 34021. A Bulleid Pacific engine of

A view from the footplate of locomotive number 34021. A Bulleid Pacific engine of the West Country Class, as it makes its last journey from Salisbury in Wiltshire to London

Background imageFootplate Collection: Michael Nelson, 9, from Sunningdale School, sunderland on a steam locomotive at Bowers

Michael Nelson, 9, from Sunningdale School, sunderland on a steam locomotive at Bowers Museum on 15th July 1996

Background imageFootplate Collection: Driver and stoker on the footplate of a night train : by now

Driver and stoker on the footplate of a night train : by now, their footplate is partially enclosed, giving them reasonable protection from the weather, Date: 1889

Background imageFootplate Collection: Duke and Duchess of York on footplate of Lord Nelson

Duke and Duchess of York on footplate of Lord Nelson
The Duke and Duchess of York on footplate of Southern Railways latest engine Lord Nelson at the Railway works at Ashford, Kent on the occasion of their visit to lay the foundation stone of a new

Background imageFootplate Collection: OPEN FOOTPLATE 1870

OPEN FOOTPLATE 1870
On the open footplate of a train at night - driver at the controls, stoker shovelling in coal, while their train hurtles into the darkness... Date: 1870

Background imageFootplate Collection: On the Footplate of a Great Western Express Engine, 1926

On the Footplate of a Great Western Express Engine, 1926. From My Railway Book, No. 40, by Cecil J. Allen. [John F. Shaw & Co. Ltd. London, 1926]

Background imageFootplate Collection: Dr Churchs London and Birmingham Steam Coach, 1833

Dr Churchs London and Birmingham Steam Coach, 1833

Background imageFootplate Collection: Locomotive driver in air raid kit, during WWII

Locomotive driver in air raid kit, during WWII
Locomotive no. 5085 Evesham Abbey with a locomotive driver on the footplate wearing a gas mask during WWII

Background imageFootplate Collection: The cab of Dean Goods locomotive no 2516

The cab of Dean Goods locomotive no 2516
The cab of 0-6-0 Dean Goods locomotive no 2516 undergoing restoration at Swindon

Background imageFootplate Collection: Train driver and stoker on engine footplate

Train driver and stoker on engine footplate
On the footplate: a driver and a stoker on the open footplate of a night train at Christmas-time, discussing the recent railway strike in Scotland. Date: 1891

Background imageFootplate Collection: Driver Peers Ahead

Driver Peers Ahead
The driver peers ahead from his open footplate which gives him only minimum protection from rain and wind, hail and snow. Date: 1888

Background imageFootplate Collection: Open Footplate by Day

Open Footplate by Day
Bearded driver and young stoker on the open footplate : the caption reads Safety is of the Lord but our driver prudently keeps his hand on the brake-handle. Date: 1860s

Background imageFootplate Collection: Zola / Train Footplate / Ils

Zola / Train Footplate / Ils
EMILE ZOLA On a locomotive footplate between Paris and Mantes while researching for his novel La Bete Humaine Date: 1840 - 1902

Background imageFootplate Collection: North Staffordshire Railway steam Locomotive No 14 and its tender. This 2-4-0 locomotive

North Staffordshire Railway steam Locomotive No 14 and its tender. This 2-4-0 locomotive, pictured with driver and fireman on the footplate, was built by Dubs & Co. of Glasgow and delivered in 1875

Background imageFootplate Collection: North Staffordshire 0-6-0 steam locomotive with driver and fireman on the footplate

North Staffordshire 0-6-0 steam locomotive with driver and fireman on the footplate. 19th century. Photograph

Background imageFootplate Collection: South Africa royal tour - Princesses Drive Engine - 1947

South Africa royal tour - Princesses Drive Engine - 1947
Princess Elizabeth (Queen Elizabeth II) and Princess Margaret on the footplate of one of the engines hauling the Royal Train with the Hon

Background imageFootplate Collection: Edward / Sri Lankan Train

Edward / Sri Lankan Train
Edward, Prince of Wales, riding on the footplate of a locomotive over the Ghaut, ( Sensation Rock )

Background imageFootplate Collection: Engine Driver Photo

Engine Driver Photo
Driver and stoker on the footplate of a night train - a dramatic photograph which effectively captures the excitement of the engine crews job

Background imageFootplate Collection: On the Footplate

On the Footplate
On the footplate of the Night Mail : the railwayman is preparing to catch the sack of mail suspended beside the line

Background imageFootplate Collection: A Word with the Driver

A Word with the Driver
A WORD WITH THE DRIVER - The engine driver as childrens hero : four children talk to the footplate crew who will soon be carrying them to the seaside


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During World War II, a locomotive driver in his air raid kit stands proudly on the footplate, ready to brave any danger that comes his way. The train driver and stoker join him on the engine footplate, their faces displaying determination and grit as they navigate through uncertain times. In an engraving titled "Types Et Physionomies Modernes, " we catch a glimpse of the diverse characters found on the footplate. Each individual brings their unique personality and skills to this vital role during wartime. A night train rolls along with its dedicated driver and stoker perched on the footplate. Their weary expressions tell tales of long hours spent ensuring safe passage for passengers traveling under cover of darkness. The Duke and Duchess of York grace us with their presence as they stand side by side on the footplate of Lord Nelson. A symbol of royal support for railway workers who tirelessly keep our nation moving forward. Transporting us back to 1870 is an image capturing an open footplate, revealing both the challenges faced by drivers at that time and their unwavering commitment to progress. Fast forward to 1926, where we find ourselves standing alongside a Great Western Express Engine's driver on its magnificent footplate. This snapshot showcases not only technological advancements but also pays homage to those who fearlessly steered these powerful machines across vast distances. Even earlier than that, in 1833, Dr Church's London and Birmingham Steam Coach takes center stage with its proud driver confidently commanding from his perch atop the steam-powered contraption's intricate footplate design. With eyes fixed firmly ahead, a determined driver peers into the distance while standing tall upon his trusty locomotive's footplate. His unwavering focus ensures safety for all aboard as he propels them towards new horizons. As daylight illuminates another day's journey, we witness an open footplate bustling with activity under clear skies. It serves as a reminder of the tireless efforts made by railway workers to keep our world connected.