​Lifelong rail enthusiast recognised for long service after 40 years in rail industry

A lifelong rail enthusiast has been recognised for his long service in the industry that captured his interest when he was a young boy.

Bob Hart was just six years old when he was given his first train set for Christmas and he was 11 when he began trainspotting.

He left school at 15 and took up a five-year apprenticeship and became a qualified electrician before being drawn to the railway in 1979 at the age of 21.

Bob’s rail career began as a traction trainee, based at King’s Cross and Finsbury Park. Reminiscing, he said: “They were fabulous days. Back then it was still diesel-hauled trains and the still new Great Northern electric 312s and just recently withdrawn 313s. We worked sleeper trains, freights, Royal Mail, Red Star and newspaper services, as well as the famous bullion runs and royal train duties.”

Bob thoroughly enjoyed his driving days, and although he didn’t become a fully qualified driver, he was determined to stay working in the industry he loved. He took up a platform-based role at King’s Cross, where he was involved in loading and unloading Red Star, Royal Mail and newspaper services, train dispatch and a variety of passenger assistance roles.

About eight months later, Bob transferred to Stevenage as a leading railman with similar duties. He recalls unloading stacks of newspapers and huge Red Star deliveries, which used to arrive at 3am-4am. Back in those days, his role also included clearing snow from the points.

Bob recalls the days of whistle and flag dispatch fondly, as well as the days of Network SouthEast followed by West Anglia Great Northern. In 2001, he relocated to Welwyn Garden City where he continues to this day in a platform-based role.

Bob, 61, who lives in Lower Stondon, said: “Welwyn Garden City is a lovely oldy worldy station. It has always been very busy. Regular passengers know my face and I’ve got to know them well as great characters too.”

GTR recently held an awards ceremony to celebrate the dedication and long service of employees, including Bob, who said: “It was a great honour to receive this award for my long service. I've always believed that working on the railway was a way of life and it was a great gesture to have this recognised.”

One of the many changes Bob has noticed over the years is an increase in female drivers in the cabs of Great Northern and Thameslink trains. He said: “There are a lot more ladies driving trains now than ever before, It’s amazing. I do admire them.”

Now, with possibly as few as 15 months until retirement, Bob is looking forward to resuming work on model railways.