Running a railway is a complex business beset with drama. The operation of heavy equipment at speed, twenty-four hours a day, across the full length of the country and using extremely technical signaling, track and mechanical engineering is no mean feat and throws up a constant stream of challenges. Fortunately, the highly professional railway staff are ready to deal with these daily obstacles using their expertise, dedication and, as is so often required, a sense of humour. Here Geoff Body and his son Ian have collated a selection of entertaining and revealing anecdotes that illustrate just how unexpected working on the railways can be.

GEOFF BODY worked in the railway industry from 1945 to 1976 and has been writing about railways ever since. His books include Railway Oddities, The Galloping Sausage and Signal Box Coming Up, Sir! (all, The History Press). IAN BODY worked in the railway industry for over twenty-five years, continuing his connection with rail through a second career of crowd and event management. He has now joined forces with his father in railway writing.