The Podcast of the Lotus Eaters PREVIEW: Epochs #243 | The History of Steam Power with Alex Masters: Part IV
Dec 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, historian Alex Masters, known as 'That Steam Guy', dives deep into the riveting history of steam power. He explores the fierce rivalries of the Big Four railways and how their cultural clashes shaped British rail. Alex also shares insights on the Southern Railway's innovative electrification and the marketing genius behind LNER during the golden age of rail. Listeners will learn about the Flying Scotsman’s impressive design and speed records, alongside the operational challenges of maintaining steam engines.
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When Mergers Break Engineering Cultures
- The 1923 grouping forced incompatible companies to merge cultural and engineering practices that clashed badly.
- Midland methods broke London North Western equipment and caused a motive power crisis until new leadership rebuilt the fleet.
Design Limits Defeat Standardisation
- Technical design choices like axle box size and wheel arrangement determine whether engines scale up effectively.
- Trying to run big trains with small-engine Midland principles caused overheating, fused bearings, and poor economy.
William Stanier Rebuilt The Fleet
- The LMS resolved its crisis by hiring William Stanier from the Great Western in 1931.
- Stanier essentially rebuilt the engine fleet from scratch to fix the motive power problems.