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It was indeed DHL. Ran between Inverness and Walsall. I used to shunt the train at Law Junction about 14 years ago. First job we used the class 67 on if I remember correctly.

Rail companies who do not actively train staff ie Drivers, shunters, guards off the street and instead poach them when qualified should be excluded from bidding for lucrative contracts.

Worked with a driver who told the passengers “Good news and bad news folks. The bad news is the engine has failed. The good news is this we are not on an aeroplane”.

Dunblane (Kippenross Tunnel) and Perth (Moniecrief Tunnel)

I once lassoed a deer from a train window, pulled it in, skinned and gutted it then spit roasted it in the coach. I shared it among the rest of the punters and they all chanted my name. Or maybe I dreamt that? I'm not sure. ��

Decided university was a bit expensive so decide to get a job for a year to save up. That was in 1997. Got a job as a "rail operator" in other words a shunter. Kept getting restructured and a pay rise, so much so that I couldn't leave. 18 years later I'm a driver and loving every minute.

I found route learning very daunting at first until an experienced driver explained to me it's like a tree. Learn the "trunk" then keep adding branches and twigs. Learning sections at a time is a great method and I find having a quail map to put names to viaducts and crossings helps also.

I always give a wave or a short blast to anyone showing an interest in my train if it is practical to do so. Some of the looks of joy from adults and kids are amazing for such a simple gesture.