He may be renowned for writing a string of number one hits for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley and Cliff Richard but Pete Waterman has another passion close to his heart – railways.
The famous record producer, who also had a stint as a judge on ITV's Popstars, is a massive railway enthusiast and was in attendance at Kingsbury Water Park, North Warwickshire, to celebrate the anniversary of a model railway line. Waterman was a special guest at the 40th birthday of the celebrated Echills Wood track and was in his element as the scaled down locomotives raced up and down the line.
Waterman himself has an extensive collection of railway models and layouts and even owns his own restoration company but was marvelled at what was on show in Kingsbury Water Park. The Coventry Telegraph reported that all the models on display were based on full-size steam and diesel engines that were once prominent figures on the UK's railway network.
The music mogul told the news provider that the famous replicas "really tested" his "trainspotting skills of many years ago". The official launch event was heralded a success and following on from this it will continue every Sunday until the end of September. Trains will run from 10:30 BST to 17:00 BST then the hours change to 11:00 BST to 16:00 BST all the way up to Easter.
Jeff Stevens, secretary of the Echills Wood group, said: "All our members have worked hard to develop the railway to what it is now, and we all share the infectious lunacy of railways and steam. We have built our system complete with signalling and stations."
The organisation is also planning to put on a few special seasonal services in the coming months. This will include a spooky evening fancy dress riders for Halloween as well as Santa special services during weekends in December.