There are two reasons why I would model this transition period. One is that I simply model what had the most profound effect on me as a boy and second, I'm another fascinated by the run-down, by decay and desolation.
Whilst living close to ugly wastelands in Manchester or surrounding mill towns, the decline of steam was already well under way but decrepit, leaking steam clanking its way through a grim location was better than no steam at all – and witnessing that was better than only being able to imagine the 'glory days' of those fortunate enough to have been there.
The day that steam was suddenly banned, a week before my 10th birthday, the railway for me went from hero to zero, despite Alan Pegler's ever-present and gleaming A3 4472 that I'd always yearned to see. As if removing steam wasn't enough of a blow, I also detested BR's new corporate scheme; not so much the blue - but definitely the yellow ends.
A timely move away from our rail-side house helped to soften the blow of steam's sudden death and yes, after a few years the distraction of adolescent discoveries; girls, music, alcohol etc. all but erased steam from my memory but obviously the profound effectof its final years on me has remained.
I agree with this in principle but I see it more like steam as a whole being on the point of death, having had a glorious and successful life, like a glamorous film star from years before I was born. What would fascinate me more is not watching the countless re-runs of all her classics but the last (and bravest) film she ever made or a candid and insightful (some may say cruel or moving) documentary about the twilight of her life.