£8.99
Paul Evans (Signed Copy)
Publication Date: 2023
Format & Edition: Paperback, First Edition
Pagination: 189 Pages
Condition: New
Status: In Stock
Synopsis
Steaming Through Life: Memories of a Mainline Fireman by Paul Evans.
Paul Evans’ memoir, which was written in 1959 but only just published following encouragment from colleagues, chronicles his career during the historic era of steam engines.
The book takes readers on a journey from his humble beginnings in Newtown to his experiences in London and eventually settling closer to home in Shrewsbury.
“My biggest boyhood dream was to work on the magnificent steam horses that we think of as railway engines,” said Paul. Starting at the age of 14 as a lamp boy at Newtown Railway Station, Paul was fortunate enough to progress to working on various steam engines, a job he wholeheartedly loved. Even today, Paul remains connected to steam engines as an active member of the Cambrian Heritage Railway in Oswestry.
The book is filled with the adventures of a young man navigating the world, with tales of companionship, close calls, pranks, and near-disasters.
Paul’s story is not just a heartfelt personal narrative but also a first-hand account which provides us with an increasingly rare insight into this golden period in transport.
Chapters
A Wartime Childhood in Wales
Working Life Begins
Onwards to London
Depression and an Emergency
All Change
After National Service
Dad’s Trip
End of a Career, New Career, Back on the Railway