My interest in engineering started at school. The John Masefield High School had a metalwork shop and a miniature railway and, most importantly, a teacher who managed to inspire me. I had found something that really suited me and I was good at. Throughout my secondary education I helped build the railway while other boys were playing football! I did metalwork 'O' level
I was good at Maths, Physics and Computer Studies and this, coupled with my interest in metalwork, lead me to a mechanical engineering degree at Southampton University.
I was sponsored through university by the RAF and served 20 years as an aerospace engineering Officer. In a varied career I worked with Phantom aircraft at the end of the cold war, ran a maintenance hangar carrying out scheduled servicing on Canberra aircraft and had a number of desk jobs. The training I received was outstanding and the required standards of personal discipline and tenacity stand me in good stead.
In 1998 I was selected for a masters degree and studied Aerospace Vehicle Design at Cranfield University. This lead running the RAF's premier design office producing structural repair designs and mechanical engineering schemes.
As I gained seniority, I became more and more detached from engineering. The increasing importance of budget and management accounting was coupled with a corporate reluctance to take responsibility for engineering decisions. I retired from the RAF in 2004 and set up my own business. I invested in a CAD system and upgraded my workshop equipment.
Initially, I did some contract work for DERA at Boscombe Down which was a logical extension of my experience but was ultimately unrewarding (except in a financial sense). I carried out industrial 'design and prototype' work for a while but I was also carrying out repairs on miniature steam locomotives. The steam work was more enjoyable and I specialised in that.
I have a long history of involvement with miniature and narrow gauge railways. My interest in steam started at the age of 5 when my parents gave me a book about ‘Tilley the Traction Engine’ – complete with explanation of how a steam engine works, how they were used and then fell into disrepair. The books ends with the engine being saved and restored – Hooray!.
My 10th birthday party was on the Downs Light Railway (as featured in Don’t stand up in the Tunnel – JIC Boyd) The author was a friend of my parents. We all drove ‘Brock’ had had a wonderful time.
Soon afterwards I was introduced to the Talyllyn Railway in Snowdonia. A short but significant period of volunteering followed – significant as it set me firmly on the Narrow Gauge path……………….
At 13 I became heavily involved in the Railway Club at John Masefield High School, Ledbury. This was somewhat unusual as we ran 7¼” gauge around the grounds. Some of this original rolling stock and track form the basis of my own miniature railway.
In 1990 my interest re-awakened and I started to set up a rudimentary workshop, and build a 7¼” gauge steam loco. I bought a part made Bagnall to the MJ Engineering design. Despite initial enthusiasm and determination, I made slow progress. Moving house and having kids got in the way - there always seemed to be something more important - and work really did get in the way!
In 1999 I bought Elizabeth - a 4½” scale Burrell single cylinder traction engine dating from 1970. She remains my pride and joy - being the first working steam engine I owned. She occasionally makes public appearances but is mostly run for the enjoyment of family and friends.
In late 2000 I re-made my acquaintance with the Talyllyn Railway and have never looked back. It is simply my ideal railway - fantastic scenery, good friends and delightful rolling stock. The history and heritage of the line are beyond compare - it was, after all, the birthplace of the railway preservation movement. I normally manage to spend several weeks in Tywyn each year and am able to contribute to the working of the railway while at home. I am a volunteer fireman and member of the engineering committee.
Bickton Narrow Gauge benefits from my diverse management and engineering experience: from firing, driving and working on 140 year old steam engines to the using latest technology CAD, stress analysis and CNC manufacturing techniques.