Locomotive abuse

You're simply not comparing "like with like."

The BR guys have by definition got skills that you cannot learn on a heritage railway. Judgement of speed and distance for a start (above 25ish MPH). Driving trains is so much more than operating the locomotive. It is essentially a decision making exercise; the physical driving becomes instinctive very quickly. I am talking here about driving trains in general, not specifically main line steam crews. I do not want to get into a debate about conversion training diesel drivers onto steam traction.

Inevitably, there were plenty of BR steam men for whom it was "just a job." Also, some got there through seniority, who would not get a look in today. The preserved line people will score more highly for motivation, but nothing compares with doing the task day in day out.

However, please remember that there has always been a great deal of professional pride withing the driving grade itself