Andrew Charman is an experienced journalist and lifelong railway enthusiast with an extensive knowledge of the steam locomotive scene. He is currently taking a training course to qualify as a driver on a heritage steam railway. As well as his own extensive knowledge of the scene, he is calling on the experience of around a dozen former British Railway locomen.

An innovative approach to the subject, explaining each area of a locomotive and its practical operation from the perspective of the railwayman roles - cleaner, fireman and driver. Types of locomotive and how they work - boiler, cylinders, valve gear, brakes. The cleaner - cleaning and lubrication. The fireman - lighting up, fireman's cab controls, adding water, types and shapes of fire, coupling-up, duties on the road, end-of-day duties. The driver - from fireman to driver, dawn duties, driver's cab controls, driving procedure, types of journey, understanding signals, end-of-day duties. Appendices detailing emergencies and faults, a study of different loco footplates, where to find steam today, useful contacts.