I became an avid spotter from 12yrs young in 1963 and visited large parts of the Regions. Starting work in 1967 and taking up other interests curtailed my spotting days abruptly and I drifted off as the last gasps of steam were played out in the NW. I have a few simple snaps from these days.

I've had a small group of railway friends, some all of the time from the start whom I thank for getting me back on the lines in 1973. TM and MA are in there.

I enjoy others' company but I am quite happy to get up and go it alone. I have the belief then that I make my own mistakes!

Travelling to the more distant world destinations I am however clearly indebted to others for their foresight and must mention TM.

Armed with 35mm Pentaxes, I went a bit nutty with the WR 'Westerns' and to a lessser extent the 'Deltics'. I relived earlier travels this time through the lens!

Although having been introduced to West Germany and Italy in 1974 (and I added Spain and Austria myself) my travels abroad took off apace from 1982. I kicked the BR corporate blue into touch from 1985 for a decade!

In came East Germany, Poland and Turkey and, singularly, Romania. In the decade from 1990 my extended travels saw Pakistan, India and China. Throughout I have drawn upon a special place - The Continental Railway Circle.

My portfolio clearly shows a liking for Poland which I have maintained to date. In general I like Germanic Railways. Some breaks are in there which is the nature of the interest! I have favoured the West Country from time to time for instance.

The New Millennium has been productive with China, Poland and Germany my favourites.

Medium Format gave me an uplift from about 2004 and I now hang onto a 7D + 24-105.

I have maintained to this day traditional B + W onwards from 1978.

Latterly I have added the destinations Bulgaria and Bosnia, again drawing on close friendships.