THE main line steam family has come together to pay tribute to West Coast Railways fireman Mike Middleton following his death after he collapsed aboard 'Royal Scot' No.46115 Scots Guardsman on August 18.
Mr Middleton was firing the Fowler/Stanier 4-6-0 on a return 'Dalesman' service from Carlisle to York when he fell ill on the footplate. The train was stopped at Garsdale, where Mr Middleton was treated by paramedics, but he sadly died in the ambulance.
Social media platforms immediately filled with tributes to the well-liked and respected fireman.