A STEAM locomotive which ran without burning coal was one of the more unusual sights at Glaxo until it was retired in 1992.

The rare fireless locos had chugged around the Ulverston site for more than 40 years – running on steam from the firm’s boiler plant.

It was transport for free and also proved to be a safety feature - as sparks and storage tanks filled with flammable solvents don’t mix well.

The Mail on October 5 noted that the Glaxo loco had been replaced by a diesel and had gone into retirement at the Steamtown museum at Carnforth.

The Mail, on July 19 in 1988, said Russell Peters, chairman of Furness Model Railway Club, presented £150 to the Roose hospital mini bus appeal from offering miniature train rides at the Furness Lions Club festival weekend.

Patients and staff from the hospital watched the cheque presentation.

Last weekend the club – still with Mr Peters as chairman - held its 57 th exhibition at Barrow Sixth Form College featuring model railway layouts from all over the country, plus model boats, aircraft and engineering.

Among the society stalls at the event was the Cumbrian Railways Association which promotes research into the transport links which once criss-crossed the county.

It is hosting a talks day on Saturday, November 9, which includes a look at the activities of the Furness Railway Trust by its chairman Tim Owen.

The event is at Lancaster House Hotel on the Lancaster University site and also features talks on disused stations by Alan Young and on Lancashire steam by photographer Tom Heavyside.

You can find out more about the work of the association on its website at https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/Ay44CMwqqIOXNWPHwjP4N

While the schools are closed for half-term why not take advantage of daily services on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Steam Railway – or the two special ghost train days on October 25 and 26 where trips need to be booked in advance.

From Monday to Friday next week there is a week of witches, wizards, ghosts and ghouls at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

There is a free train ride and entry to the Lakes Aquarium for children in fancy dress when travelling with a full paying adult.