Although a not a full-on Thomas the Tank Engine fan, I have for 65 years been an out-there and unashamed enthusiast for anything running on rails (‘Thomas the Tank Engine clung to me like a disease’: the film about the choo-choo’s global grownup superfans, 22 July).
My wife and I sometimes do front-of-house at a heritage railway and can confirm the attraction of railways for those with autism, particularly young people. There is a predictability about railways, timetables, signals and all the other paraphernalia that is very attractive.
You can also collect odd information and learn about the minutiae. There are numbers and names on engines, liveries (colours to you), performance statistics and many other facts. And, as honoured by Brannon Carty’s film, discussed in your article, you don’t have to be a loner if you don’t want to: there are millions of others to share your passion.
The Thomas study, designed by Anglican cleric Wilbert Addry, has been recreated. Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in TywynA small collection of theological books, on one side; a joyous collection of railways, on the other. And a model railroad, spread out on his desk. Wonderful!
Rev David Gibson
Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire
