THE MODEL RAILWAY MEN
(SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, like most model railways!)
"You keep a civil toung in your head... or I'll fetch you a wack with me stick"
Telford
WHO ARE THE MODEL RAILWAY MEN?
Set back in a time before the internet when children had a different sort of play, Mark discovers a family of miniature railway men living in his model railway
The miniature family go on to have many adventures with Mark throughout the series of books both within the house, outside and in other countries. Mark must go between the small world and the large world whilst protecting the vulnerabilities of his newly found small family. Trying to balance the two is often difficult, however, on occassions it becomes downright humourous and surreal as Mark tries to explain peculiar events to encredulous onlookers.
WHY CHOOSE THESE BOOKS?
Ray Pope was both an author and teacher and he was experienced in communicating and writing in a way that was both appealing and challenging to young people. The main characters are named after famous engineers. This could help to introduce young people to them and their achievements. The books could often be found in school and public libraries.
SERIES HISTORY
1970-79.
The series was published at a rate of around 1 a year up until the time of Rays passing in 1979.
1979 to the present time.
The books have been out of print. However, the original copies are still changing hands via Amazon for relatively high prices. Now you can buy new copies in print and Kindle versions.
OUR VISION
To make the books available again in both e-book and hard copy format.
Many of the marketing tools and formats around now were not available back in the 70's so these will be used.
USEFUL INFO
The stories were generally based around the attic room railway layout with a large dose of imagination and perhaps watching boys at play!
The locomotives and rolling stock were that which was found in Rays house except Petes American imports.
Many locations mentioned are based on actual visits.
The traction engine belonged to the real "Mark" in the story.
Ray visited Holland and North Wales. However, he did not visit America.
Ray wrote these books in his spare time.