Lawrie’s BCIMO Family Day Talk Reveals a Lost World — You Won’t Believe It

I was casually scrolling through YouTube the other day when I spotted a familiar face — Lawrie, a brilliant creator we've had the pleasure of collaborating with many times before. This time, he was at the BCIMO Family Day, an annual celebration in the UK that brings together train enthusiasts, model builders, and curious families for a day of hands-on activities, model displays, and railway history talks.

His video — “The History of the Railway in the UK in 20 Minutes” — wasn’t just another lecture. It felt like stepping into a time capsule. As Lawrie spoke about the rise and fall of British steam trains, I found myself completely drawn in. The way he described the sounds, the smells, the spirit of that era — it wasn’t just history. It was a personal story of a world that’s quietly slipping away.

And somehow, that talk unlocked something in me — a memory, a feeling, a fascination I didn’t realize I still carried. Maybe it was the way my grandfather used to describe those days. Maybe it was the sight of a working piston model later in the clip. But in that moment, I was hooked again.

“It wasn’t just a train — it was part of the community.”

From Glory to Goodbye — A Bittersweet Farewell

Lawrie’s talk wasn’t flashy, but it was full of respect for that era. He shared how the last British steam locomotive, the “Evening Star,” rolled out in 1960. It was supposed to be a symbol of progress, built to last well into the 1990s.

But just eight years later, in August 1968, the “15 Guinea Special” ran — the last steam train on British rails, a kind of final curtain call.

Lawrie said:

“Diesel engines were the future, sure. But scrapping steam locomotives after just eight years? That was a huge waste — not just of money, but of a piece of history.”

That stuck with me. Technology moved on, yes. But those steam engines weren’t just machines — they were built with sweat and pride by engineers, and looked after day and night by workers who cared deeply. They connected towns, villages, and people’s lives.

“What was once a symbol of hope and progress became a forgotten hero, left behind by time.”

It wasn’t just about money — it was the loss of a spirit. The last time those engines steamed up, I imagine the workers felt pride mixed with sorrow, saying goodbye to a friend.

Why I Fell For a Mini Steam Engine Model

After watching Lawrie’s talk, I found myself strangely nostalgic for a time I never actually lived through. Maybe it was the “pssshtpsssht” of steam, or just the human fascination with machines.

That night, I dug out a tiny steam engine model I bought from Stirlingkit — the SE01. I’m no collector or engineer. I just wanted a small, working model to feel that era’s magic for myself.

Unlike plastic toys, this model is all metal, powered by a little alcohol flame. When it moves, with pistons pumping and the flywheel spinning, it’s like a little piece of the industrial revolution brought to life.

Watching it run, I swear I can almost hear my dad or grandpa talking about the old trains, and remember those simpler days.

You build it yourself — every screw, every part.
Then light the flame, and watch the flywheel turn while the cylinder puffs away.
It’s a handson experience, not just something you stare at.

To me, it’s more than a model — it’s a tiny time machine, taking me back to steam days for a few moments.

Passing the Torch — Keeping Steam Alive for the Next Generation

For many parents, steam engines are more than machines. They’re memories, culture, and history. The “Evening Star” steam engine, built in 1960 but retired only 8 years later, symbolizes a lost connection between generations.

Kids today don’t get to see these mechanical giants in action, or hear their stories. That’s why models like the SE01 matter. They’re bridges — linking past and present, helping parents share that industrial spirit with their kids.

By building and running these models, kids get to experience how clever and tough people were back then, and why that era mattered. It’s a handson lesson that’s way more engaging than a screen.

If you want your kids to appreciate this history and the beauty of steam power, this little model is a perfect place to start.

If you’re into trains, history, or just love building things with your hands, check out Lawrie’s full talk. It’s a simple but powerful reminder of how one era gave way to another.

Watch Lawrie’s full talk here

And if you want to bring a bit of that magic home, take a look at the SE01 Steam Engine Model Kit:

See SE01 Steam Model Kit Details

Who knows? Like me, you might just get hooked on steam all over again.