The steam train enthusiasts should team up with coal-mining enthusiasts. There are bound to be a few near-surface deposits that could be mined by chaps in Victorian clothing, using pit ponies.
Forest of Dean might be a good start. Maybe Newcastle coast? Sea coal?
Update. So, checking on this. The mine in the Viscount Ridley’s land – not operated by him – cultivates the steam trains as an interesting market…..
It is one of the markets for this place: Google “New Crofton Colliery,” and best of all, note that it’s just north of Barnsley.
I thought Welsh Steam Coal was what made the GWR great……..
Looks like they’re all talking bollocks anyway, because someone is already digging steam coal in the UK right now:
http://www.cwfuels.co.uk/products/steam-coal/
Coal mining enthusiasts?
It’s a variant of child minding, Dennis. And the tots get to feed the pit ponies at the end of their shift.
It’s a variant of child minding, Dennis. And the tots get to feed the pit ponies at the end of their shift.
Huh… Well, that seems to at least partially explain today’s Britain.
Thanks.
bloke in spain said:
“It’s a variant of child minding, Dennis. And the tots get to feed the pit ponies at the end of their shift.”
Excellent; that will make next year’s summer holiday much easier.
You take your pit ponies on holiday with you? That’s commitment.