Conference rdgeng::railways_uk

    
    NAME:	Neal Mansell
    LOCATION:	Newbury
    SERVICE:	9 months (contractor)
    LIVE:	Calne, Wiltshire (Near Chippenham)
    
    
    My interest with trains started back in the early-mid 70's on the
    Midland Region as I hail from Leicester. So my early memories are of
    the Peaks (44 & 45 & occasional 46), plus Rats, Brush 2s, Brush 4s and
    eventually the Flying Bananas (HST). We also used to get the 56 on the
    Coalville MGR's.
    
    During the summer months my mates and me used to but the East Midlands
    rover tickets and trundle round the region, apart from 1 day in the
    week which we used to shoot of to Skeggy on behind a couple of 20's.
    
    We shot upto Derby one weekend as we had heard that the APT was coming
    out on trials and were treated to actually seeing it tilt as it went
    round a bend (now not many people saw that ;-)).
    
    Unfortunately I stopped spotting when I joined the RAF and I also made
    the biggest mistake of my life and sold my model railway to but a
    camera, now I have a son who is starting to become interested in trains
    and so I decided to try and price up replacements and I was staggered
    at the prices, to replace my model would cost in the region of 8-900
    pounds. But you never know maybe the wife will let me buy it bit by
    bit.
    
    As I said I now have a son who is starting to get interested in trains,
    so I'll be able to start going out and about again, Hooray!. Especially
    as wife is expecting No.3.
    
    Having just moved to the area could someone please let me know of the
    local Preserved lines and best places to take photos? 
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    Neal.