May 26, 2012

"Darling buds of May"

Today's the 26th of May, and it's my cousin's wedding, so I'm off out in the sunshine to see what is hopefully a beautiful day.

I will have a few final updates on the forthcoming eBook to divulge next week - namely which formats it will be available for purchase on.

Until next time!

May 24, 2012

"Time"

It's been a difficult few months. I'm going through a transition at work, never pleasant, and driving everywhere on a day to day basis can be exhausting.

What is keeping me going is the thought of finally having the first book in The British Railway Stories finally out and available on eBook platforms across the length and breadth of the UK, and hopefully most of the wider world.

All subject to discussions forthcoming next weekend, which I will explain in more detail in due course.

However, it's come to my attention that I'm woefully behind with this blog. There's no less than twelve "draft" posts of modelling in OO gauge I have written but as yet unpublished, because I haven't finished writing them up! They will appear in due course. That will bring the totals for all of the months in the year thus far (bar May) up to ten posts each.

So far, looking at the ones I need to finish writing - there's two C12s and their overhauls, a C1 and its overhaul, a monstrous Thompson 4-8-2 with 6ft 8in driving wheels, several more A4 and A3 conversions, along with a few Hornby coaches which have been repainted, weathered and modified to suit my own purposes.

So many projects, so little time, and a big new project on the horizon which hopefully will help to advertise The British Railway Stories further whilst indulging my hobby a little more, AND raising some money for charity in the meantime.

So all of that and more to come over the next few months - stay tuned, with my sincere apologies for playing the big game of catch up on the blog!

And, one more time - because I love the artwork so:


May 20, 2012

"Take me by..."


Here's a little sneeky peek at a new piece of artwork being made for the stories; a poster in the style of a very famous art deco L.N.E.R. poster, "Take me by the Flying Scotsman" to be precise, one of my personal favourites.

The boy in the picture is named "Stanley".

What is his role in the book? What stories will he hear? Who is the mysterious apple green Pacific locomotive?

All this, and more, will be discovered in "Tale of the Unnamed Engine"

Coming soon, to Amazon Kindle, iBooks, and other eBook formats!

Until next time.

May 14, 2012

"Moral Support"

One of the things I have always been adamant about, is that the overall view of children's literature is warped with a distinct bias on those books and stories which are rather over-hyped by those with a distinct disinterest in this nation's history.

So I was delighted to see that one of the children's books held so close to my heart (for obvious reasons) - The Three Railway Engines, by the Reverend W. Awdry - has finally made it into eBook format.

The full story can be found here.

It might seem self defeating to publically advertise support for what many people consider to be The British Railway Stories' inspiration - nothing could be further from the truth on both points.

Whenever anyone asks me "what was your inspiration for this series?" I always respond with a single word. TUGS. Go look it up on Youtube. David Mitton's masterpiece.

Secondly, regarding pushing The Railway Series - I've been pushing for people to read these books for years. Even with the years that have gone by, these wonderful children's stories about a fictional locale, with a basis in fact, have never lost their lustre or historical significance.

So what more perfect way to remind people of the importance of railways, than to push the original, wonderful series of children's book to complement my own.

Until next time - the announcement of the release date and the platforms on which "Tale of the Unnamed Engine" will be released is coming very soon...and we may have some promotional posters to give away for FREE!

May 03, 2012

"Tale of the Unnamed Engine - Front Cover revealed!"


Today we can reveal the front cover to the first book in  
The British Railway Stories: Tale of the Unnamed Engine.

Featuring the first brand new Peppercorn A1 "Pacific", the streamlined and haughty "Sir Ralph Wedgwood", and watching from the sidelines, our narrator, "Stephen" the Holden B12. 

Join the engines of The British Railway Stories in their first eBook adventure, 
taking in the sights and sounds of industriral Leeds, and King's Cross station in London!

Travel back to a time where the steam locomotive was king on British Railways, 
and admire the beautiful artwork, based on reality.

Real locations. Real Engines. Real History.

The British Railway Stories: 
Tale of the Unnamed Engine

Coming Soon to Amazon Kindle, iBooks, and a variety of ePublishing platforms, 2012.