Ray PopeRay Pope (1925-79) studied at Goldsmiths College London UK before becoming a geography teacher and childrens author of many titles including The Model Railway Men series. He grew up by the sea in Shoreham where his father was Harbour Master. He was aradio operator in the Navy during the war. He lived the latter part of his life in a village near Bath UK. He had a keen interest in anything nautical which is reflected in some of his writing. His inspiration seems to have come from life experiences of both himself and his children, one of whom, Rae Beth has her own books available here on Amazon. Ray had a large model railway in the attic of the house where he would spend time with his two sons Glenn and Mark. The books maintain their popularity perhaps because of their timeless appeal set before the internet and video games. He wrote many childrens stories including Nut Case, Desperate Breakaway, Strosa Light and One's Pool. The latter was read on Jackanory (a BBC TV childrens story reading program) by Prunella Scales. However, he was perhaps best known for The Model Railway Men series. Reviews of The Model Railway Men series include: - Plenty of expertise (and diagrams) for the technically minded; a drama in miniature for the rest Naomi Lewis, Smiths Trade News. For all proper---that is, steam age---railway enthusiasts this is a must...a tonic whiff of the grease gun for all nostalgic fans. The Spectator Children...will have no difficulty in believing in crusty Telford and his grave son Stroudley and the rest of the family...This engaging fancy with characters so individual. Margery Fisher, Growing Point. Railway enthusiasts will learn much with Mark, everybody will enjoy the warm humanity of the midget railway-men. The Birmingham Post. The Model Railway Men (Book 1) A charming story about a family of tiny steam train enthusiasts....Mr. Pope brings to it a sense of characterisation and situation, plus a railway expertise that combine to make a very enjoyable book School Librarian (The Journal of The School Library Association). Telford and the American Visitor (Book 2) The Model-Railway people are growing in depth of character as they encounter more trials, and Mark is learning the cost of secrecy...the story is exciting and funny. School Librarian The Model Railway Men Take Over (Book 3) This book combines the 'romance of steam' with the miniature which most children enjoy. Times Literary Supplement Telfords Holiday (Book 4) Mark and his railway men move from the attic where the delightful secret of their existance has been kept secret to the more dangerous out of doors world...A welcome change of scene for these lively characters. Growing Point Telford and the Festiniog Railway (Book 5) This series is consistently good...beautifully characterised, exciting and touching, and the background of railways and their history is lovingly created. Sunday Telegraph Telford Saves the Line (Book 6) The book will undoubtebly be of interest to all railway enthusiasts, particularly those with a steam nostagia. Times Literary Supplement Telford Goes Dutch (Book 7) Mark and his father visit Holland and...the model-railway men go too...and discover that they are not after all the last of their miniature race. Margery Fisher, Sunday Times Telford Tells the Truth (Book 8) Telford could go on for ever - and thousands of faithful readers hope that he will...Splended stuff. Yorkshire Post Read More Read Less