B/W print; Team of fluffers in a tunnel during night maintenance work, Dr Heinz Zinram , 1955

This picture shows a team of 'fluffers' cleaning in an Underground tunnel in 1955. They are using special fluffer brushes that helped them collect the dust and fluff from around the rails. This was important because if the dust built up, it could affect the trackside equipment or cause fires. Fluffers went to work every night, during Engineering Hours, once the electricity to the tracks had been switched off. Some of the women in this photo are holding carbide lamps. These burn acetylene, which produces a very bright flame.