In My Happy Place

By Vernon Mark Smith

In My Happy Place is a deeply personal and compelling memoir that traces Vern Smith's extraordinary journey from a young boy captivated by steam locomotives to becoming a professional driver of some of Britain's most iconic trains, including the world-famous Hogwarts Express.

Set against the backdrop of Britain's evolving railway history, this book blends nostalgia, technical insight, and raw human experience. Vern reflects on his upbringing in post-war Leeds, the emotional highs and lows of family life, and his lifelong connection to the railways, a passion first sparked in childhood and carried through decades of dedication.

From volunteering on preserved railways to navigating the pressures of a conventional career, Vern's story is one of persistence, identity, and finding purpose. His time on the footplate offers a rare behind the-scenes glimpse into the world of steam engineering, where instinct, skill, and tradition come together in a way few truly understand.

The memoir also explores deeply personal struggles, including mental health challenges and life changing turning points, making it not just a story about trains, but about resilience, reinvention, and the pursuit of happiness.

Rich with vivid detail, humour, and honesty, In My Happy Place will appeal to railway enthusiasts, history lovers, and anyone inspired by stories of passion turned into purpose.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1918465630
• ISBN13: 9781918465631
• Release Date: May 2026
• Publisher: Grand Publishers
• Length: 114 Pages
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.3" x 6.0"