Like many people, I first became interested in model railways when, as a child, I was given my first train set.  With several generations of the family working on the railways, my interest in modelling grew with my interest in railways generally, and this led to several aborted attempts at a basic layout as I was growing up.  Unfortunately, at this time I did not have the patience for a long project!

I first started work at Gaugemaster in 1997, and for the first three years I was a member of the shop team.  Up until this time I had been mostly interested in British outline, and had not really paid much notice to what lay beyond these shores.  Working in our shop, and at various exhibitions up and down the country, meant that I had to learn more about Continental models, and my interest in this area gradually increased.

As it became more widespread, I started to take an interest in the possibilities presented by digital control, and in particular the brilliant new Märklin Systems, which was soon followed by a DC equivalent from Trix.  I also started paying more attention to scenic modelling techniques, as I found that in my case there was more satisfaction to be gained from the creation of a layout or diorama than there was from using it afterwards.

With a young son demanding much of my attention, there is not so much time for modelling any more, so smaller dioramas tend to be the order of the day.  This has helped to develop an interest in Faller building kits which, combined with Preiser figures and scenics from the likes of Noch, can make a very colorful and accurate scene.

There are many overseas manufacturers who are not so well known in the UK, but whos products are high quality and definitely to be recommended.  In addition to those already mentioned, Viessmann product an excellent range of lighting and catenary that would grace any layout.

Having spent 4 years working as part of our mail order department, in 2004 I was given the responsibility for maintaining the Gaugemaster website.  With a product database of over 20,000 items to maintain, this meant that I had to expand even further my product knowledge.  It is certainly a challenge, and one that is ongoing, but I now have more of an appreciation for the wide variety of products available - if it exists in the real world, someone has created a model.