Behind the Backscene
Model Rail fires the questions at Mike Hale and discovers a love of rock… and Star Wars.
1 What was your first train set/model?
Does Brio count? It was a green Hornby Class 47. I sold it to my dad so that I could buy a Graham Farish Class 25. 2 Are you working on a layout now?
Yes, it’s a small test piece based on Neasden engineers sidings. 3 What piece of modelling are you most proud of?
Anything that I finish! Probably a kit-built Class 59 in Yeoman livery that I built as a teenager. 4 Have you ever finished a model railway?
Not as many times as I’d like. 5 What model have you’ve always longed for?
An ’N’ gauge Class 92… which is lucky as Revolution’s version has just arrived. 6 Favourite trainspotting location?
Carlisle. 7 Favourite locomotive?
Class 60, with the Class 59 close behind. 8 When did you start working in the model railway industry?
Just over five years ago. 9 What did you do beforehand?
I 10 I was don’t What an want modeller environmental to embarrass has influenced scientist. any of my you friends, the most? some of whom liked the produce work of some Kier great Hardy. modelling, but I’ve always 11 Snails. Strangest thing you’ve ever eaten? 12 I’m What perfectly is one normal… of your weird though quirks? I’m not sure some of my friends would agree. 13 The What Hand book of Thrawn are you by reading Timothy at Zahn the moment? [one of the Star Wars novels].
14 If you were stranded on a tropical island, what two things would you want with you?
Is it cheating to say a satellite phone? That and an ipad. 15 What have you done that you are most proud of?
Set up Revolution Trains. 16 What is one food you wouldn’t want to give up?
Pizza.
17 What is your favourite song?
Where do I start? I love music and there are so many great songs to choose from. Let’s say Master of Puppets by Metallica. 18 First record you bought?
New Jersey by Bon Jovi. 19 What is the best advice you ever had?
Er… don’t eat yellow snow? 20 If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you go?
Camp Nou stadium, in Barcelona, on May 26 1999 to watch the European Cup final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich. 21 What was your favourite cartoon show growing up?
Ren and Stimpy. 22 Favourite film?
The 23 Temptation Empire Strikes you Back. wish you could resist?
Snacks of almost any variety. 24 Various What trips is your on best the West childhood Highland memory? and Kyle of Lochalsh lines with my dad and brother. 25 The hidden talent which would surprise people?
I’m not sure that I have one. 26 If you could pass any new law?
Stricter environmental rules and more climate change action. 27 What do you drive?
I don’t – I prefer to take the train. That and my Brompton bike. 28 Perfect Sunday?
Walking somewhere remote in Scotland or the Lakes, followed by a few drinks in a nice pub. 29 What actor would you like to play you in a film?
Nicolas Cage. 30 How would you like to be remembered?
On a personal level, having been a good husband; from a wider perspective, hopefully for having delivered some good models to people.
My perfect Sunday would be a remote walk in Scotland or the Lakes, then a few pints