Howard Routledge was born in Carlisle and started photographing steam locomotives in his home city and beyond from 1963.
A career with Carlisle police began in 1964, from which he has now retired.
He became involved in railway preservation and steam activities in 1985 and is a former vice chairman of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust, which was responsible for the running of four ex British Railways steam locomotives, including Stanier Pacific's Princess Margaret Rose, and Duchess of Sutherland.