James Waite was brought up in Devon within sight and sound of one of the GWR's prettiest branch lines and can't remember a time when he wasn't an ardent enthusiast. He was introduced to the narrow gauge at school which, conveniently, was within sight of the old Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. Its route was then largely intact even though the track had been lifted twenty-five years earlier.

A family holiday in North Wales saw the start of an affection for the little trains which has continued ever since. Many years later, retirement from full-time work has enabled him to discover for himself the many fascinating railways still running in far-away places. He is a regular contributor to 'Narrow Gauge World', the UK's leading magazine in its field.