From Keith Sowerbutts, Oswald Street, Accrington.

Went for a walk the other day
And paused on a bridge for a blow
Remembered the railway lines ran underneath,
Cause, that's before Beeching, you know.

When engines of class would steam up the line,
You waved to the train full of folk.
The driver often tooted the whistle
Then you ducked down to avoid soot and smoke.

I dreamt of controlling that fast moving train,
The thought came straight from my heart
My mother in fun said, "It's no good my son
"Your eyes aren't far enough apart."

If you met with a long winding tunnel,
Close the window and just hold your breath.
All the dense, acrid fumes from the funnel,
Could choke you half to death.

You could catch 3.15 from Baxenden station,
Helmshore, and other small stops.
Doesn't happen today, if you live off main line,
Car or bus takes you down to the shops.

The Flying Scotsman, a wonderful sight,
Coach wagons came 10 in a row
There was something special about days of steam
Engine craftsmen had something to show.