Behind the Backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at Class 37 aficionado and self-confessed sugar addict Gareth Bayer of Accurascale.
1 What was your first train set/model?
First one I can really call my own was Hornby’s ‘Industrial Freight’ train set with an 0-4-0ST in Stewarts & Lloyds livery. Before that, I was given my Dad’s Tri-ang RDX Goods Train Set with a BR black ‘3MT’.
2 Are you working on a layout now?
I’ve been ready to cut wood for a long while now, but haven’t got the time or space to actually get on with it.
3 What piece of modelling are you most proud of?
Probably the Class 13 hump shunter 13003 that I built almost 20 years ago.
4 Have you ever finished a model railway?
Sadly, no.
5 What model have you’ve always longed for?
A high-specification Class 37!
6 Favourite trainspotting location?
The ‘West Bottoms’ area of Kansas City, Missouri.
7 Favourite locomotive?
Class 37, but the ‘Peaks’ come a close second.
8 When did you start working in the model railway industry?
I started writing reviews for Rail Express magazine in 1999, but didn’t start working there full-time until mid-2003. I started working for a model railway manufacturer in 2014.
9 What did you do beforehand?
I ‘digitised’ photos for the Norfolk & Norwich Reference Library.
10 What modeller has influenced you the most?
Lawrence Dickinson, who wrote some incredible in-depth diesel modelling articles for Model Rail when it was a supplement in RAIL in the early 1990s. His Class 40 and 47 projects were sublime.
11 Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?
Probably chicken feet…
12 What is one of your weird quirks?
When I’m out taking railway photographs, I’m usually the only one still taking pictures after the locomotive part of the train has passed! I’ve had many a strange look or bemused comment because of that.
13 What book are you reading at the moment?
The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell.
14 Favourite film?
Get Carter.
15 If you were stranded on a tropical island, what two things would you want with you?
My cat Toby and my camera.
16 What have you done that you are most proud of?
I’m aiming for the ‘OO’ gauge Class 37 project I’m working on to grab this title, but before that being the editor of Rail Express/rail Express Modeller magazine.
When I’m out taking railway photographs, I’m usually the only one still taking pictures after the locomotive part of the train has passed!
17 What is your favourite song?
New Face in Hell by The Fall.
18 First record you bought?
Some cassette tape of movie themes from Woolworths, which included C.W. Mccall’s Theme from Convoy.
19 What is the best advice you ever had?
Measure twice, cut once!
20 What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
Japanese-style curry rice.
21 If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you go?
Tinsley Yard in 1981.
22 What was your favourite cartoon show growing up?
Chorlton & The Wheelies.
23 Temptation you wish you could resist?
Sugary things!
24 What is your best childhood memory?
A school trip from Norfolk to Interlaken in Switzerland in 1984 – by rail!
25 The hidden talent which would surprise people?
I can actually make my way in society without being a complete railway and model railways bore!
26 If you could pass any new law?
The punishment for graffiti would be a life sentence removing graffiti from railway equipment.
27 What do you drive?
A bike (although my wife lets me borrow our Mazda 3 from time to time).
28 Perfect Sunday?
Train trip to a random town or village in Japan for sightseeing, including local ‘eki-ben’ (railway station lunch box featuring a specialty dish from that area).
29 What actor would you like to play you in a film?
Ewan Mcgregor.
30 How would you like to be remembered?
As someone with integrity and someone who did his best to push the hobby forward.