We must all have started with a Double-O gauge, probably Hornby model railway, in the children's’ room, the loft or garage. Even today, however, when I see these small trains in operation, I long for the clickety-clack of the wheels, the clank of conrods, the far off whistle echoing out of a tunnel. Most of all, the twitching hiss of the rails as an express pounds nearer, but yet to be seen in the distance.

My first professional career job, after qualifying as an Industrial photographer, in the 1960’s was with the Western Region of British railways at Paddington – in the refurbished horse stables at Horseferry Road. We recorded every aspect of railway operations with still and motion pictures.

I was there when 9F  92000 Evening Star rolled out of Swindon works, and left when she was sent for scrap – later to be saved for the Bluebell Line.

My outdoor involvement with trains of all sizes continued recently when a trip to the USA reminded me of the emotional pull of railways. The night-time rumble of wheels, and the plaintive horn as mile-long freights ran through the streets of Orlando could only be in America.

A trip on the Darjeeling narrow gauge mountain railway was given special emphasis when a conrod broke on a sheer thousand foot cliff, toppling the engine -–away from the edge! A world away in more than geographical terms, was a ride on the ‘Bullet Train’ in Tokyo-quiet and smooth at 200miles an hour.

All of these railways are modelled, all with off the shelf rolling stock, buildings, and lineside features. They come as live steam coal fired locomotives or electric motor powered high speed trains – and the sounds that they make are very close to the real thing – even the clack of rail joints and station announcements from the locomotive on board sound units, with animal sounds from the cattle wagons.

This then, for me, is the emotional content of my hobby, also my occupation – building outdoor railways and advising others (by post, e-mail) who wish to do so. The technical aspects that I have to deal with encompass civil engineering, common or garden works, electrics, electronics, digital radio and computer programme control, and of course my love of gardens and plants.

I hope that the television programmes that I participated in have excited your interest, and that my book will persuade you to take up a shovel or piece of track, and go outside into your garden…..

David Pratt

Bembridge Isle of Wight

The Book – Railways in Your Garden from Atlantic Publishers who also produce Garden Rail magazine.