Backscene

Musings we couldn’t fit into the issue elsewhere, but which seemed very important at the time…

This month’s miscellaneous meanderings from the Model Rail team.

Dennis Lovett, Bachmann’s well known and always approachable public relations manager, has retired. Dennis told me several years ago that he was going to retire, but he’s made more farewell appearances than the Eagles! Dennis was the consummate PR professional, something that’s very rare in this business. His press packs for Bachmann were always first class and beautifully presented. With all the recent upheaval with prices in China, it was Bachmann that got all the model railway press together to explain what was going on – and it had Dennis’ influence written all over it. I first met Dennis in the 1980s when, as public relations manager on BR Southern Region, he organised a weekend exhibition at Cannon Street station. This brought steam, in the shape of ‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35028 Clan Line, onto third-rail electrified tracks for the first time (if I recall correctly) in an era when the electrified SR was off-limits to steam locomotives. Keen to get publicity for the event, Dennis came to see me at the Model Railway Constructor office, and brought me a commemorative SR tie, which I still have. Dennis also had to field the national press at times when the railway found itself in the news, sometimes through what is known in the industry as an ‘incident’. When the Southern Region became part of the newly formed Network Southeast in 1987, Dennis became right-hand man to NSE Director Chris Green and numerous memorable events were organised. For me, the most notable was the weekend when Staines to Windsor services were turned over to unusual traction, including a Class 50 and LT electric locomotive No. 12 Sarah Siddons. Dennis moved (with Chris Green) to Virgin Trains when the West Coast Main Line was privatised, and he did much to establish Virgin’s image on the railway. He brought his exceptional experience in the job when he transferred to Bachmann, and his dealings with the model press were always exemplary. He was always frank and honest and willing to provide the background to a ‘story’, even if there was an element which had to remain confidential. As one of the officers of Milton Keynes Model Railway Society, he invited Model Rail to film a video programme at the society’s Bletchley Park clubroom, and I recall the surreal feeling of scriptwriting on a laptop in the place where the wartime German codes were broken with a primitive computer. We happened to be in Glasgow for Model Rail Scotland in 2007 as the accident at Grayrigg was unfolding on the TV news. By that time Dennis was with Bachmann, but it was interesting to listen to his comments and to learn the background to what a press officer does in those difficult circumstances. Despite his role in a modern company making ready-to-run models, Dennis was always especially interested in model railway history, and particularly the old Hornby-dublo range. He has an exceptional knowledge of the history of this hobby and it will doubtless be called upon by many of us in this business. So, Dennis, enjoy your retirement, but don’t expect it to be quiet! Finally, all of us here at Model Rail would like to offer Dennis’ successor Richard Proudman congratulations on his new role. Good luck Richard and Dennis!