My first serious book about trains was Morgan’s Canadian Steam! . Among its powerful images is an A.C. Kalmbach night shot, taken at Toronto’s Union Station. The swirls of steam and the glare of lights around the engine are mystical.

From the moment I first saw that photograph, I knew that I wanted to experience steam at night… and to photograph it…..or maybe just be in the picture myself.

The British steam galas don’t shut down at sunset – they continue well into the night.

Enjoying the sights and sounds of a steam locomotive as it departs on a mission to somewhere, anywhere, after dark – is a spiritual and soulful experience. Thank you, Mr. Kalmbach, for sending me on this mission.

(With thanks to Ian Loasby for the Rotolite)

My good friend Bill Miller and I spent two weeks chasing steam trains in the UK this September.

We divided our time between Galas – organized gathering of steam locomotives and enthusiasts, held at two museum railways – and mainline excursions.

Later, I will get to some pictures of steam locomotives and steam trains.

But first, I will dwell on just how many people work as volunteers to maintain and run these trains at the various heritage railways. It’s not for the faint of heart, it takes a lot of time to develop the skills and knowledge, and to turn up and do the labour day after day.

But in large numbers, people do it, and take great satisfaction from being part of the operation.

Here they are, in all their grime and glory.

More to come !