Hi
 

Hi everyone.

I'm Matt, had a lifelong interest in railways, spotted as a kid and sadly old enough to remember Deltics on the ECML. No spotting anymore but enjoy travelling by rail for no useful purpose and have large model railway (WR 1970s with some anachronisms like Hymeks and 50s together) wasting my garage (according to my wife!). No diesel/steam preference and interested (but little knowledge) in foreign railways.

Wanted to be a train driver as a child but did flying instead (another hobby) and fly 747s out of Heathrow. Was a volunteer on West Somerset years ago but its too far from home.

Hi Matt,
Welcome to the forum. Flying 747's is not a bad second choice as a career is it?
Paul.

Thank you.

It has its moments! (and a few "its 6am, I've been up 20hrs, i'm knackered, its mid atlantic and the ******* sun is coming up straight in my eyes again" moments too)! I wish i'd kept up on my footplate turns on WSR though, loved every minute, but ran out of money paying for flying training.

Hi Matt, Welcome to the forum. I worked on the E C M L on both steam and diesel.

Hello and welcome top the forum Matt.

Hi Matt, welcome to the forum. I love flying as long as someone else is doing the driving. The West Somerset Railway is not far from me and I try to get there as often as I can. I intend to join the Avon Valley Railway when I retire in 3 years 4 months and 30 days (but then whos counting).

Hello Matt and welcome to the Forum. All the best.

Hi Matt & welcome
Haha I think it's a 'control' thing. The railway is full of drivers who really wanted to be a pilot. One or two guys even have PPLs.

Hey. Perhaps we could start an exchange scheme ? I'll let you fly my 1200 tonne train if I can drive your 400 tonne Jumbo !! ;)

Yup. It similar on the railway. Still, it's better than working for a living though don't you think ?

Welcome to the forum Matt. :)

Hi Matt, Welcome to the Forum.

Best wishes,

John H-T.