What made you want to work in the publishing industry?

Initially, it was the means by which I got my photographs published and seen by others. It soon became apparent that illustrated articles stood more chance of being published than just photographs alone, so I moved into that within my area of specialist knowledge, and as my experience and opportunities grew I decided it was a great way to earn a living.

Chart your career journey from the start to where you are now?

I left school aged 18 and initially went to work as a laboratory technician in the science department in Hull University. Later I took on a technical role with British Gas. Concurrent with that employment, I expanded and developed my photography and writing abilities. After a period of freelancing I was invited to join my present employer, PECO Publications, as northern correspondent within the market segment in which the firm operates; model railway products, publications and related tourism. In 2008 I was offered the position as editor of the Railway Modeller magazine which is celebrating its 70th anniversary of continuous publication since its inauguration in 1949.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

It would be churlish of me not to say that being the editor of a bestselling hobby/leisure interest magazine is the highlight of my career, but in truth, I'm hoping I haven't reached the apogee yet! Interviewing and meeting Sir Rod was certainly one of the greatest highlights of my work to date.

For Volume 70 of Railway Modeller you interviewed Sir Rod Stewart. How did you get Sir Rod Stewart on board?

We had long known of Sir Rod's Stewart's passion for railway modelling, and we had been trying to pin him down for a while, but it all boiled down to a chance conversation a colleague within our firm had whilst attending a trade show in the US. That person was known to Sir Rod and he passed on our interest. Even then it took a while, but Sir Rod agreed to meet us in early September this year

What is the most impressive thing about Sir Rod Stewart’s Grand Street and Three Rivers City model?

The sheer size of the model makes it one of the seven wonders of the railway modelling world, but particularly admirable is Sir Rod's outstanding commitment to the project over a 23-year period – he took it on and never wavered off course for a single moment.

Which model railways compare to Sir Rod Stewarts'?

These would be equally grand model railways; Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg – a commercial tourist attraction in Germany; plus other grandiose projects depicting great stations in the UK like Liverpool Lime Street by John Holden, and Carlisle Citadel by David and Grace Johnson. Of all the model railways I have seen however, I cannot recall one which includes 6ft high model skyscrapers like those which Sir Rod built with his own fair hands.

What has been the response to this issue from your audience and the wider public?

A truly tremendous response from the public and all corners of the media, and even across the globe.

Is Sir Rod Stewart a Railway Modeller subscriber?

That's not something we can disclose, as such information is considered personal data: you'll have to ask him, I'm afraid!

What other celebrities are model railway hobbyists?

There are certainly a few in the public domain. Jools Holland of course, Roger Daltry and Phil Collins are also enthusiasts.

What does a typical day involve at Railway Modeller?

A day in the office… well not so glamorous as it might appear, there's lots of routine stuff. There are emails and postal correspondence to deal with, submissions to sub-edit, in house articles to research and write, photographs, review samples and latest news to procure. Then there are planning meetings, exhibitions to prepare, and our own location photo shoots to arrange.

Could you send us an image of you and Rod Stewart that you took during your interview?

That's me presenting Sir Rod with a small gift from my publisher to display on his railway.

What would be in your Room 101?

Alarm clocks: I’m far better as a night owl than a lark

Introvert or Extrovert?

Depends on the circumstances and occasion, I can be both.

Optimist or Pessimist?

My glass is always half full

Film or TV?

Both, most things except soaps and Zombie parodies – so naff!

Sweet or Savoury?

Both

What magazine would be your long train journey read?

As I love train travel, I'd probably be looking out of the window at the passing world.