August 11th: The Day the Last Passenger Steam Train Choo-Choos

On August 11th 1968, the last British Railways main-line passenger steam-hauled train made it's final journey. Named the IT57 Fifteen Guinea Special after it's highly priced tickets due to the huge demand to ride on the last steam train before the steam ban beginning on August 12th 1968. The train ran a return journey from Liverpool via Manchester to Carlisle, and it took four different steam locomotives to pull the load throughout the distance. The end of steam-hauled trains in British Railways had a huge significance for railway travel in the country, and marked the end of an era of steam, and the beginning of diesel and electric powered trains. 

The 'Fifteen Guinea Special' on it's
 return journey to Liverpool

   The National Railway Museum in York contains several old steam train models, including The Flying Scotsman, which is arguably the most famous locomotive in the world (perhaps second to the Hogwarts Express). The Flying Scotsman is the only locomotive that the steam ban did not apply to, as it was listed in her contract made by British Rail in 1963...so the Fifteen Guinea Special isn't officially the last steam-powered train, but then again, The Flying Scotsman is principally showcased rather than in use.
   Although August 11th 1968 was meant to be the last steam-hauled passenger train journey, some lines continue to operate steam trains, most as historic and commercial experiences, and the IT57 was in fact re-run 40 years after it's last journey to commemorate such a momentous turning point in British Railways history. Do you think steam-trains should still operate with passengers, whether it be for old times sake or in general?