The Model-Railway Men: 1

Mark’s model-railway was the most important thing in the world to him. It was not just a toy but a carefully worked out system designed to operate as like the real thing as possible. And for Mark, of course, the real thing meant the Southern and L.M.S. railways in the great age of steam. But what Mark did not realise, until he saw the pullover, was that he and his father were not the only ‘steam’ enthusiasts in the house. The pullover was so small as it lay on a bench at the end of a station platform on his railway. Old, torn and grubby as it was, and much too tiny even for a doll to wear, Mark realised at once that it was a real pullover. So he waited motionless, hardly daring to breathe, for it owner to come and claim it. That was how he met the first of the model-railway men, Telford. “Smoke and steam and the smell of oil” were what Telford and his sons and grandsons loved and soon Mark was learning things from them about his railway that he had never known before. But the railway people were a big responsibility, too. They had to be kept hidden from his parents. They had to be helped to get their food and water and replacements for their worn-out clothes. And it was not always easy to help them for they were fiercely independent and sometimes rashly brave. There were times too when Mark resented their ‘bossing’ and tried—sometimes with disastrous results—to get his own way in spite of them. But even at the worst, like the night when they had to send out an S.O.S. to save Gresley’s life, knowing them brought Mark that special kind of friendship only fellow enthusiasts share.

Ray Pope (1925-79) studied at Goldsmiths College London UK before becoming a geography teacher and childrens author of many titles including The Model Railway Men series. He grew up by the sea in Shoreham where his father was Harbour Master. He was a radio operator in the Navy during the war. He lived the latter part of his life in a village near Bath UK. He had a keen interest in anything nautical which is reflected in some of his writing. His inspiration seems to have come from life experiences of both himself and his children, one of whom, Rae Beth has her own books available here on Amazon. Ray had a large model railway in the attic of the house where he would spend time with his two sons Glenn and Mark. The books maintain their popularity perhaps because of their timeless appeal set before the internet and video games. He wrote many childrens stories including Nut Case, Desperate Breakaway, Strosa Light and One's Pool. The latter was read on Jackanory (a BBC TV childrens story reading program) by Prunella Scales. However, he was perhaps best known for The Model Railway Men series. Reviews of The Model Railway Men series include: - Plenty of expertise (and diagrams) for the technically minded; a drama in miniature for the rest Naomi Lewis, Smiths Trade News. For all proper---that is, steam age---railway enthusiasts this is a must...a tonic whiff of the grease gun for all nostalgic fans. The Spectator Children...will have no difficulty in believing in crusty Telford and his grave son Stroudley and the rest of the family...This engaging fancy with characters so individual. Margery Fisher, Growing Point. Railway enthusiasts will learn much with Mark, everybody will enjoy the warm humanity of the midget railway-men. The Birmingham Post. The Model Railway Men (Book 1) A charming story about a family of tiny steam train enthusiasts....Mr. Pope brings to it a sense of characterisation and situation, plus a railway expertise that combine to make a very enjoyable book School Librarian (The Journal of The School Library Association). Telford and the American Visitor (Book 2) The Model-Railway people are growing in depth of character as they encounter more trials, and Mark is learning the cost of secrecy...the story is exciting and funny. School Librarian The Model Railway Men Take Over (Book 3) This book combines the 'romance of steam' with the miniature which most children enjoy. Times Literary Supplement Telfords Holiday (Book 4) Mark and his railway men move from the attic where the delightful secret of their existance has been kept secret to the more dangerous out of doors world...A welcome change of scene for these lively characters. Growing Point Telford and the Festiniog Railway (Book 5) This series is consistently good...beautifully characterised, exciting and touching, and the background of railways and their history is lovingly created. Sunday Telegraph Telford Saves the Line (Book 6) The book will undoubtebly be of interest to all railway enthusiasts, particularly those with a steam nostagia. Times Literary Supplement Telford Goes Dutch (Book 7) Mark and his father visit Holland and...the model-railway men go too...and discover that they are not after all the last of their miniature race. Margery Fisher, Sunday Times Telford Tells the Truth (Book 8) Telford could go on for ever - and thousands of faithful readers hope that he will...Splended stuff. Yorkshire Post

Gareth Floyd illustrated the series and many other books during the '70's and '80's. He has an interest in railways and modelling. He worked also on Jackanory (a BBC TV children's story show) as an illustrator.

Mark was the model for the main character in the book and the son of Ray. He has had a career in a profession allied to medicine. He is now bringing his fathers work back into print.