Bill Hoole - Extraordinary Engineman

This is a reissue of the biography of railwayman Bill Hoole. Born in Liverpool, his first job was as a messenger in the Goods Department of the Midland Railway in the city. The fascination of steam locomotives soon cast its spell over him and he transferred to the Great Central at Walton-on-the-Hill-sheds. After service in the Great War he moved to London, passing out as a driver at Neasden in 1926 before later moving to Kings Cross. He finished his career as a top link driver on the East Coast Main Line based at Kings Cross. Driver Hoole's normal locomotive in British Railways days was the now preserved A4 Pacific No 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, and it was with 'Number 7' that he achieved the official post war steam speed record of 112mph on 23 May 1959. His name became a household word among railway enthusiasts on the East Coast Route during the declining years of steam traction out of King's Cross.