Tribute to Neil Cadman

Neil Cadman 12/3/37 – 24/2/2026 

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our long serving volunteer and valued member, Neil Cadman. Neil was a true friend, a caring gentleman, and a steadfast support to every member of our team. His kindness, dedication, and warm spirit made a lasting impact on Crewe Heritage Centre, and he will be cherished and remembered for many years to come.

At 15 years of age in April 1952, Neil obtained a job as a locomotive cleaner with British Railways at Macclesfield Shed (9C). Having qualified as a Passed Fireman, in 1954 Neil transferred to Crewe North Locomotive Shed (5A) This was the location of a large number of main line steam locomotives, the majority of which would have been built in Crewe Works.

Over the years, Neil fired many different locomotives, including ‘Lizzies’ and ‘Duchesses’ on varied main line routes. One of his favourite footplate turns was firing a ‘Duchess’ locomotive on the long distance heavy overnight sleeper trains from Crewe to Perth. On the 232-mile route which included the Shap and Beattock gradients, Neil would singlehandedly have shovelled the best part of 10 tons of coal.

In February 1967 at Crewe Works, Neil was rostered as fireman on a Britannia class locomotive ‘Oliver Cromwell. This happened to be the last steam locomotive to have undergone an overhaul in the Works. In 1969 Neil was the fireman on the now preserved A4, Sir Nigel Gresley which achieved 100mph en route to Carlisle. Having attained his Driver grade in 1972, Neil was delighted to be the nominated Driver on one of Sir Nigel’s steam outings.

With the demise of steam locomotives and the introduction of diesel and electric traction, Neil was a regular driver on the Crewe - London electric trains. After the privatisation of British Railways, Neil was employed by the Wales and West Company, primarily driving Class 158 diesel units between Cardiff and Manchester.

Latterly, whilst still with British Railways, Neil was tasked with visiting local primary schools to promote railway safety to the children. In turn this led to him taking on the voluntary role of being Santa Clause, complete with his own outfit!

Neil retired in October 1999. He maintained an interest in the railway industry and devoted much time to establishing a large comprehensive model railway layout at his home. In addition, he laid out an ‘0’ Gauge model railway in the garden. One of his model locomotives – Sir Nigel Gresley.

Neil enjoyed visiting heritage railways and was an active volunteer for a time at Llangollen Railway and the Crewe Heritage Centre. He was a star turn entertaining the public when reminiscing about his footplate days after a lifetime on the railways. His presence will be greatly missed.