Commuting by train as massively changed over the years, just 25 years ago steam engines were still being used to get people to work on time.

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Now, keen train enthusiasts can get their hands on pieces of railway history as a South Norfolk auction house puts up the Peter Punchard Collection of Railwayana.

A Suffolk man, Mr Punchard followed in his Grandfather's footsteps and began working for the railways.

He had various roles before retiring in August 2003. His grandfather had helped to build the Southwold Railway, and Mr Punchard started his collection with items he acquired from him.

He continued to collect until his death in 2016.

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

There are over 400 lots in the auction, from pamphlets and line maps and station registers to station furniture, lineside equipment, lamps and enamelled signs.

The auction is scheduled for January 5 2018, by TW Gaze in Diss.

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)

Eastern Daily Press: The Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth TalbotThe Peter Punchard Collection. Photo: Elizabeth Talbot (Image: Elizabeth Talbot)