Like many enthusiasts of a certain age, The Titfield Thunderbolt movie has held a special place in my heart since childhood. My dad recorded it onto VHS when I was still in primary school and I must’ve watched it a hundred times before I reached my teens. In particular, it was essential viewing if ever I was under the weather, as the feel-good nature of the Ealing comedy never failed to perk me up.
While I can’t compete with other members of Model Rail’s team in reciting the film’s dialogue verbatim, I do have a long-held desire to emulate the dapper Walter Valentine character (played by Stanley Holloway) – spending my days ensconced in the corner of a buffet car, trundling along a rural branch line, decked out in a delightful tweed suit, bow tie and fresh buttonhole.
Alas, I probably have more in common with the cantankerous, hermit-like Dan.
Which brings me on to Rapido Trains UK’s new Titfield Thunderbolt train packs, which finally arrived in mid-October. Both Chris Leigh and I have enjoyed testing the ‘deluxe’ sound-fitted sets, and you can read Chris’ considered review on page 80 of this issue.
Aside from the trains, I was very much impressed by the packaging, with the stylised graphics evoking the ‘sunny’ vibe of the Technicolor film, while the commemorative booklet provided a very interesting read, especially the chapters describing how each of the models was developed.