After some 50 years stashed away in my house loft and having survived three house moves, I discovered this British Railways publicity booklet.
Published in October 1962, this booklet was distributed to Southern Region commuters. It covered the scale of daily operation, the difficulties faced and an explanation of the most common problems, such as fog, snow and ice.
Amazing foresight, as the following winter was to be of the worst on record and saw, for the last time, the widespread use of steam locos assisting stranded electric multiple units, right across the region.
In 1962, I was just a young boy keen on railways.
My late uncle traveled daily by train to London Bridge where he picked up this booklet and gave it to me knowing of my interest in railways.
Many passengers were getting fed up with delays and cancellations so this public relations booklet was British Railways attempt at enlightening commuters
to the many decisions and work that goes on 'behind the curtain' that the public is not generally aware of.
www.weathercharts.org/railway/brbooklet1962/BRbooklet1962.pdf
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