Behind the Backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at George Dent, who reveals his varied career history and love of watching the world go by.
Hanging a worldfamous painting, worth tens of millions of pounds, can be a nervewracking experience
George Dent joined Model Rail in 2004 as the in-house model-maker, taking over as editor in November 2020. 1 What is your earliest railway memory?
I grew up beside the line to Liverpool’s northern docks, so it was scruffy blue diesels hauling freight trains past the end of our street in the late 1970s.
2 What is your most memorable train journey?
Shrewsbury-dovey Junction behind a pair of Class 37s in my early teens. It was the furthest I’d ever strayed from Merseyside and the open countryside felt like a different planet.
3 Do you have a favourite railway station?
There are many, but I always enjoy trainspotting and people-watching at the likes of Crewe, Westbury, Glasgow Central or Brighton. One of life’s great pleasures is watching the world go by.
4 How did you get into the hobby industry?
I’d just received my first subscription copy of
Model Rail and saw a job ad for a model-maker. My wife persuaded me to apply and, despite thinking I’d do it for a couple of years as a stopgap, I’m still here!
5 What did you do beforehand?
I studied all aspects of art and design at college, but recoiled at the thought of having to specialise in a single subject – I wanted to do everything! I was pretty restless and itinerant in my twenties, working all over the country as a cleaner, librarian, art handler, museum conservator, civil servant, builder, furniture maker. I was also a dock labourer for a while – that was a tough job, but I loved it.
6 What hobbies do you have?
Loads. All kinds of modelling, especially building plastic kits, but I also enjoy building and restoring furniture and guitars. I play guitar and the drums. I love being outdoors.
7 Have you ever built a model railway?
Yes, one or two!
8 What model or craft project are you most proud of?
I attempted to carve out a career building custom electric guitars and a few respected local musicians purchased some of my instruments, including a guy from The Crescent, just after they’d signed a deal with Virgin Records. Watching ‘real’ musicians playing instruments that I built in a spare bedroom was a real thrill.
9 If you could build your dream model, what would it be?
I’d settle for building the huge number of kits I’ve been stashing away for years.
10 Who is your hero?
John Barnes. I idolised him. My heart would race every time he touched the ball. The way he dealt with racial prejudice was also an inspiration.
11 Where do you find your inspiration?
Mostly by looking out of the window or going for long walks. It’s everywhere.
12 What motivates you the most in your job?
Helping people discover skills they didn’t know they had.
13 What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Anyone visiting the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool can admire my handiwork – I re-hung the majority of the permanent collection after extensive refurbishment in the early 2000s. Hanging a world-famous painting, worth tens of millions of pounds, while at the top of a ladder, can be a nerve-wracking experience. I made it into the Liverpool Echo though – still a career highlight!
14 What has been the best decision you’ve ever made?
Eloping with my best friend.
15 If you could change anything about the hobby, what would it be?
Make it accessible to a wider audience. The issue of cost is a thorny one but, as someone who came from a very humble background, much of the hobby would likely be out of my reach if I was a youngster now, especially in terms of the cost of pre-owned models.
16 What was your big ambition as a child?
Apart from the usual things of playing football for Liverpool and joining a rock band, deep down I always knew I wanted to make things.
17 If you had a time machine, where would you go?
I prefer to look forward. But if you forced me, I’d like to stand on the Kop during the 1987-88 season. That Liverpool team was the best I’ve ever seen.
18 What’s your hidden talent?
I took up horse riding in my 30s and have been told that I have a talent for dressage, but I haven’t ridden regularly for the past two years. I tried showjumping for a bit but had a few nasty falls, which knocked my confidence. I dream of having my own horse one day, preferably an Irish draught mare.
19 Do you have any strange quirks that you’re prepared to share?
I’ve been working at home for years now, so I have a habit of talking to myself.
20 What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever had?
To keep learning and improving. And to always treat people with respect.
21 How would you like to be remembered?
An old friend once described me as ‘a really steady bloke’. That’ll do for me.