A steam train driver on the Great Central Railway has retired after 55 years of life on the footplate.

David Thompson is now aged 80, and one of the Great Central Railway’s longest-serving drivers.

He has decided now is the right time to hang up his overalls despite, as he says, “steam being driven into my soul”.

David joined British Railways at Toton engine shed near Nottingham in 1960 when he was 15. His first job was cleaning engines.

Because of a shortage of manpower, he was soon promoted to be a fireman, firing engines shunting in Toton’s huge marshalling yard, but soon found himself firing trains on the mainline.

Rising through the ranks, David eventually passed out as a driver. After he left British Rail, he continued to drive steam trains on the main line as a driver of steam-hauled rail tours throughout the country, from Aberdeen in northeast Scotland to Plymouth in southwest England.

Nearly 30 years ago, David became one of the Great Central Railway’s dedicated drivers, and his last duty was driving Standard Class 5 No. 73156, which was built in 1956, just four years before he started his life on the railways.

David’s last duties were on the 28th of December when he worked his final two passenger trains, with his family joining him on the footplate to mark the moment.

Malcolm Holmes, Great Central Railway General Manager, said they were sorry to see David retire, as his service to Britain’s Railways is tremendous, his legacy is a passion for steam and a deep experience of the job, and he’s taught a whole new generation of volunteers.

In 2024, the Great Central Railway also said farewell to other long-serving footplate staff who have retired, including drivers Bill Gwilt and Pete Maynard and firemen Ron Mason and Grenville Myles.

Twelve months ago, the Great Central Railway reluctantly announced a voluntary redundancy scheme in order to save around £250,000 because while most of the railway is run by volunteers, some positions are filled by paid staff, and it was those who were offered the chance to apply for redundancy.

For the month leading up to Christmas Eve, the railway ran its annual Santa Express steam-hauled trains, including a special stop on Swithland Viaduct so passengers could enjoy the view from the viaduct over the reservoir.

“It was my choice. I have passed the exams and the medical to continue but I wanted to make 80 and I’m going happily by my choice. I’m not quite as strong as I used to be. Overall, the job hasn’t really changed, it’s still physical and dirty. Steam must be driven into my soul. It’s never left me.”

David Thompson