2/2d per day as an
engine cleaner

IN contrast to today's electric trains there was once a time when all locomotives ran on steam - and on time. This picture, kindly supplied by Brian Baldock, shows one such engine - a LB&SCR 'Jumbo' Class C1 No422. Mr Baldock's father, 'George' Baldock, was the fireman on the train and is pictured along with the driver Tom Highwood at West Marina in St Leonards in 1910.
The pair were shedding the engine for the night after a long day of travelling up and down the South East coast.
Mr Baldock also revealed how different the job requirements were for people to work on a train - sending in a letter from London, Brighton and South Coast Railway to his father, dated January 23 1909. It says: "To become an engine cleaner you must be at least five foot five and a half in height, without boots, and not more then 19 years of age. You must possess good eyesight and testimonials, be able to produce a birth certificate and pass our doctor. The wages are: 17 and 18 years of age, 2/2d per day, 19, 2/4d. If you can fulfill these requirements and are still desirous of employment, please communicate further."