So just when was the golden age of rail? The beginning of the twentieth century when rail reigned supreme, before the hideous motor car made its appearance?
The 1930s when the streamlined expresses worked the main lines, and every place of any size was still linked to the network?
For the S&D fans the 1950s when the expresses and reliefs used to queue block-to-block from Bath to Bournemouth and back again?
For the trainspotters (RIP) the 1960s when there was a huge variety of steam, diesel and electric locos working a whole range of trains, before idiot Beeching wrecked the lot?
For me the 1970s when there was that strange atmosphere of neglect, rusting sidings and lifted branches, but also a time when you could still have a train to yourself and things could only get better?
Or today, with a huge increase in rail traffic, packed trains and bulging stations, when the only route now is expansion and the closures of the 60s and 70s are being reversed?
Or in fifty years time, with a hugely expanded network, no road competition, almost all freight carried by rail, the S&D restored throughout and wood-burning steam locos the order of the day? All fed by a vast network of light railways and tramways giving every town and village a railhead within a few miles at most?
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