Coal for the heritage sector is becoming harder to source, and the railway where I volunteer has, like many others, been trying 'ovoids'. This is manufactured coal using a variety of materials to create something that looks and acts like coal.

In this episode I give my initial thoughts on my first experience firing with ovoids, as well as an overview of how the Bristol Harbour Railway works and why this type of fuel might work out.

In this episode of KINGS OF THE STEAM AGE, we welcome back historian and author Anthony Dawson to explore the life and legacy of Richard Peacock, co-founder of Beyer, Peacock and Company. From his beginnings in Swaledale to becoming a leading figure in locomotive engineering, all the way through to being a 'bloody good bloke'.

Join us as we delve into his dual legacy as an engineer and a progressive advocating for reform. With Anthony’s insights, this episode chronicles the remarkable journey of a true King of the Steam Age!

Follow Anthony on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyDawsonHistory

Mental health issues can affect anyone in the world and rail workers are no exception.

In this episode, we welcome Paul Stanford, railwayperson of 40 years and founder of HEAD-SHUNT, the mental health charity for the railway family.

Paul tells us not only about the challenges to mental health that come from working on the railway, but also the attitudes in the industry, how the scene is changing, what needs to change, as well as his own issues that led to him creating Head-Shunt.

If you would like to get in contact with Paul, head to the Head-Shunt website:

https://www.head-shunt.com/

Welcome to a new mini-series on the Railway Mania channel, where we are giving guests the challenge of putting forward their candidate for KING OF THE STEAM AGE.

First up is friend of the show, Graham Muspratt, making the case for Oliver Vaughan Snell Bulleid.

Thanks to Graham for coming on the podcast again!

The Titfield Thunderbolt is one of my favourite films and I’m so chuffed to have been able to work on the recent train pack we made at work in conjunction with StudioCanal and the 70th anniversary of the film.

Ever since I first saw it, I’ve always wondered how I would go about remaking the film in the modern era.

Our guest is author David Grimshaw, talking about articulated locomotives, but not the sort that immediately come to mind. These machines were built in America long before Fairlie or Meyer's creations.

Horatio Allen's articulated locomotives were built in the 1830s for the South Carolina Canal and Rail Road Company, at the time the longest railway in the world!

Thanks to David for joining us on the podcast.

Today’s podcast guest is Lawrie Rose, creator and star of popular YouTube channel Lawrie’s Mechanical Marvels. We’re talking about what it’s like to realise every railway enthusiast’s dream: having your very own locomotive.

Lawrie explains the the circumstances that led to the purchase, how he went about it, and shares his experience and advice for anyone wishing to try the same.

Thanks so much to Lawrie for coming on the show, check out his channel for more!

100 years ago, a luxury express sleeper train was en route to Peking, travelling through dangerous territory. In the middle of the night, the train is deliberately derailed and the passengers are kidnapped. The hostages include a journalist, the wealthy daughter of an a Rhode Island Senator, a French businessman, a gangster and a US Army Major. The kidnappers are a made up of several bandit factions working together under a charismatic 25-year-old leader, on the run from an Army trying to exterminate him and his band of outlaws.

Sounds like the plot to an action adventure film, but this story is true and is the subject of ‘The Peking Express’ by James M. Zimmerman.

James joins us to discuss the story and its backdrop, huge thanks to him for coming on the show!

You can buy THE PEKING EXPRESS, THE BANDITS WHO STOLE A TRAIN, STUNNED THE WEST, AND BROKE THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA now! Follow the link:

https://thepekingexpress.com/

Nick joins us again for the second half of this double-bill about collieries and coal railways of North East England. Nick goes into detail on 3 distinct railway systems; The Bowes, Lambton and Harton lines.

Thanks again to Nick for being an excellent guest!

The birthplace of the railway is often said to the be coalfields of North-East England. We are joined by Nick Richardson in this first half of a two-part episode.

Nick sets the scene as we discuss the landscape, the technology, and the people of the coal mining communities.

If you're interested in learning Geordie, here is a handy affiliate link:

https://amzn.to/3wBNUTv