@guywalters How was it getting on and off? A lot of Czech stations (looking at you, Otrokovice) have platforms at ground level, and you have to mountaineer up the side of the train with your luggage to get on and off.
@clark_aviation I have that same book. It was minus about five cards until a couple of years ago, when I found a complete set for sale on eBay and filled in the gaps after 50+ years!
@archivetvmus71 My dad did something similar in his youth. In his case it was an iron ball like a cannonball, attached to a circular brush and a heavy chain, and made for sweeping chimneys. But he put it down the wrong chimney and it emerged in a neighbour's house together with clouds of soot.