His books on narrow-gauge railways in North and Mid Wales, the Isle of Man and Ireland are considered to be standard works on the subject.
[1] His books, published by The Oakwood Press since 1949, are rarely out of print, reflecting their importance to, and popularity with, railway historians and enthusiasts.
[citation needed] In his formative years he had W. H. Auden as an English teacher[2] and was taught mathematics and science by Geoffrey Hoyland, a qualified railway engineer, at The Downs School in Colwall.
Although his work is considered the standard for the railways covered, he did not always make it clear when his writing was factual and when it was his opinion of the facts.
At the same time, he was appointed to look after the 9+1⁄2 in (241 mm) gauge Downs Light Railway and started a twenty-year restoration that would ultimately result in his efforts being recognised with a miniature steam locomotive bearing his name.