Welcome to Second Valve...

The goal of Second Valve is to shed light on the beautiful, romantic and visceral world of steam locomotives. It is a passion that is equally shared by myself, Charles McClair, the creator of this brand.

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I have been fortunate enough to have spent my early adult years working on the British mainline. From working alongside Black 5s in the Scottish Highlands, to firing 'Flying Scotsman' up the East Coast Mainline, I have been able to see my childhood dreams come to fruition. As well as that, I've been immersed in the locomotive's world, through the glory and the grime it entails.

 

At age twenty three, and near completion of my mainline firing training, a work related incident while on the rails led me in to years of hospital visits and illness. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, which is keeping me away from working with steam locomotives, and a working life in general. Second Valve has become another outlet for me to exercise and express my love for the railway world. A bond created at birth and developed through years adoration and awe, I want to use my love for this world to show it's culture. I want to show the livelihoods it created for the people who tamed these iron beasts, or sat and admired them, day in and day out. They possessed a unique beauty that has disappeared, but I feel the world needs to see.

 

Steam locomotives have had a massive influence on not just travel and people, but on literature and art too. Second Valve promises to portray their impact on the world, both from the past and the present, through articles, videography and posted images. We are excited to see this brand grow in the future, and can ensure many more plans are soon to come.