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Train driver and stoker on engine footplate
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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
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Media ID 14267299
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1891 Coal Driver Engines Footplate Glow Operational Railways Stoker Stoking Trains
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EDITORS COMMENTS
In this evocative photograph from the 1890s, two railway workers, a driver and a stoker, are deep in conversation on the open footplate of a night train during the festive season of Christmas-time. The year is 1891, and the scene is set against the backdrop of the Victorian era's industrial revolution, an era that saw the expansion of railways and the rise of steam-powered transport. The driver, dressed in his woolen cap and heavy coat, focuses intently on the track ahead, while the stoker, shoveling coal into the engine's insatiable appetite, glances up to engage in their discussion. The engine, with its intricate design and the glow of the steam and coal fire, casts an otherworldly light on their faces, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The topic of their conversation is the recent railway strike in Scotland, a significant event in the history of the railway industry. The workers' faces reveal the gravity of the situation, as they weigh the implications of the strike on their livelihoods and the operational efficiency of the railway network. The image captures the essence of the railway workers' daily struggle during the 19th century, a time when the railways played a crucial role in the transportation of goods and people across Britain. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the human element in the railway industry, and the challenges and camaraderie that came with the job. This photograph, with its historical significance and atmospheric setting, is a testament to the rich railway heritage of Britain and the vital role that railway workers played in shaping the country's transport infrastructure. It is a fascinating glimpse into the past, offering a unique perspective on the daily lives of railway workers during the Victorian era.
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