Here are the Fairport lyrics, as far as I can make them out. Simon Nicol (most likely) has made minor edits, I suspect to fit the tune better.

With a steady hand on the lever, and the signal ready to pass.
Keep the light burning, fireman, and the water well up in the glass,
With a shoulder to the rail there's no better place to be
Than the right side of the footplate, when you're travelling by steam.

CHORUS: Stand in the bight. Look for the green light.
Voices that echo and ring down the line.
One load to shed, then homeward we tread
Till morning and the call-boy comes singing.

Me grandaddy worked in the railway, a bigwig, so I've heard talk.
Me father he was a driver, travelling pit to port.
And there's no better life for a young man, and with them you must agree,
When you're right side of the footplate, and you're travelling by steam.

Tomorrow it's off up to Banbury. A lodging turn for me.
But I can lay me head on a pillow in a room where I can sleep,
And it's up and away in the morning and wipe the clock-face clean,
And you're right side of the footplate, and you're travelling by steam.

So pick up yer traps and yer Tommy-box. We're reaching the end of the line.
Keep an eye on your watch, lad, and we'll bring her in on time.
Now, it could have been life on the dole queue or mining for coal in the seam,
But you're right side of the footplate, and you're travelling by steam.