A bit late, but the WCML AC electrics encapsulated the 'romance of rail' back in 1983/84 or thereabouts.
Being used to Southern Region commuter rail, seeing these long distance InterCity services seemed incredibly exciting - bear in mind then I was too young to travel around independently much, so these trains had an air of mystique about them, going to far-flung destinations such as Glasgow - however I had relatives at Stafford and consequently used to spend some time on Stafford Station observing these services.
I was allowed to travel on my own from Guildford to Stafford on the Cross-Country a couple of occasions, which always seemed a very exciting journey - including the loco-change from 47 to either 85 or 86 at New Street. Cross-country these days, in contrast, is an ordeal to be got through as quickly as possible!
I suppose it's a symptom of getting older, but the 'romance of rail' has been lost in the UK now, though I still get that same feeling even now when going to or within continental Europe on the train.