Behind the Backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at king of the downloadable kit, John Wiffen. John Wiffen is the founder and proprietor of downloadable building specialist Scalescenes.
1 What was your first train set model?
Hornby Ivatt ‘2MT’ 2-6-0 in BR green.
2 Are you working on a layout now?
Two! a Japanese-outline ‘N’ gauge shunting plank layout and a ‘OO’ gauge parcels depot-themed layout set in the late 1970s/early 1980s.
3 What piece of modelling are you most proud of?
Nearly every kit I design – each one is a real labour of love.
4 Have you ever finished a model railway?
I’ve come dangerously close a couple of times but the allure of a fresh sheet of plywood is just too strong.
5 What model have you always longed for?
Some parcels-converted DMU variants with plated windows and roller shutters.
6 Favourite trainspotting location?
The cuttings at Belper, in Derbyshire.
7 Favourite locomotive?
Class 33 – in BR blue.
8 When did you start working in the model railway industry?
I launched Scalescenes.com in 2005.
9 What did you do beforehand?
Graphic designer and technical illustrator.
10 Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Kangaroo pastrami.
11 What is one of your weird quirks?
Generously coating every meal with cracked pepper.
12 What book are you reading at the moment?
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari.
13 If you were stranded on a tropical island, what two things would you want with you?
My family and a selection of good cheese.
14 What modeller has influenced you the most?
Layout building pioneer John H. Ahern and Dave Rowe, author of 1983’s Architectural Modelling in 4mm Scale.
15 What have you done that you are most proud of?
Raising three boys.
16 What is your favourite song?
Breathe This Air (Asleep version) by Jon Hopkins.
17 First record you bought?
The Smiths by The Smiths.
18 What is the best advice you ever had?
Focus on the quality of your own product, never put down market competitors.
19 What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
Sushi.
20 If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you go?
Assuming I could take my DSLR camera, any high street in the 1970s.
21 What was your favourite cartoon show growing up?
Wacky Races.
22 Favourite film?
Bladerunner 2049.
23 Temptation you wish you could resist?
Adding just one more element to a kit design.
24 What is your best childhood memory?
Catching slam-door trains into London.
25 The hidden talent which would surprise people?
I’m a Black Belt and qualified Aikido instructor.
26 If you could pass any new law?
Bring back British Rail!
27 What do you drive?
Toyota Yaris.
Bring back British Rail!
28 Perfect Sunday?
A rainy day in the railway room.
29 What actor would you like to play you in a film?
Sam Neill – he has a New Zealand accent but it’s close enough.
30 How would you like to be remembered?
That I helped, in a small way, to keep the UK’S fine tradition of card structure railway modelling alive into the 21st Century.
Next month Gareth Bayer from Accurascale is in the hot seat.