Written by Alan W. Smith
Alan is a proud member of the Southampton Society of Model Engineers and a lifelong enthusiast of miniature railways and mechanical design. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in model steam engines, Alan enjoys sharing stories from the track, technical tips from the workshop, and the rich heritage of British model engineering. When he’s not machining brass or firing up his 5-inch loco, you’ll find him chatting with visitors at open days or mentoring new members in the club workshop.