About Us

Acknowledgments

I feel its only right for me to state at the outset that much of the detailed information given in the captions is the result of my reading many different books and articles in a variety of magazines. I therefore wish to emphasise from the outset that my role should only be seen as an editor and that the credit for the research and hard work that underpins the information must be given to others. Whilst many works have been consulted authors that have been very helpful should be acknowledged over and above their mention within the website. Bob Essery, Richard Foster, John Copsey, Pat Whitehouse, Roger Carpenter, Chris Hawkins and George Reeve, Ted Talbot, Colin Maggs, John Boynton, Bob Pixton and Harry Jack are just some of the authors whose expert knowledge has directly or indirectly contributed to this website.

How the site started

I first started to develop the Warwickshire Railways website in early 2005 to help fellow enthusiasts and local historians to research, record and share information on the county's railways. Initially this was to use the information and photographs that I had been collecting since the late 1970s but in the intervening period I have been adding to the collection of photographs both by purchasing more or, more frequently, being given access to other people's collection. I would like to express my thanks to all those that have been kind enough to help who I have credited in the description accompanying each thumbnail image.

In the past I was involved in providing slide shows and talks to interested clubs in the area as well as attending a number of model railway shows displaying a variety of photographs tailored to the show's catchment area. These always provoked great interest in the public as well as detailed comments from fellow enthusiasts. In addition I wrote a weekly column in the Coventry Evening Telegraph as well as assisting a number of authors on the production of railway books. Consequently I decided that I should use the Internet not only as a means of sharing this information to a much larger audience but also in the hope that it will stimulate additional information and contributions. If you too are interested and have information or photographs and would like to share them with others please do not hesitate to contact me.

Initially I concentrated only on populating the site with some very brief captions to the large photographs with the intention of returning later to provide more details both on the station's history as well as providing more informative captions. This was a huge mistake as was not being properly trained in Photoshop or developing a criteria of standards. Consequently having populated the site I am now having to revisit every photograph in order to produce better quality of images, to a given size as well as providing detailed and informative captions. Had I thought this through properly I would now be adding new content to the site instead of improving the current site. The only consolation is that I am also adding new content when updating locations.

Whilst most of the site is the result of my own efforts others have also been very helpful too, in particular Robert Ferris for his GWR contributions. I therefore reiterate that I welcome other contributions to the site and at any level ranging from simply checking the information published to contributing information and photographs. I am actively encouraging contributions to the captions of the photographs and any information on the route, stations or locations. All information no matter how small will help to build this site into a useful source of information for fellow enthusiasts. The information can vary from brief details on the subject to social history describing the impact of the railway on local people. If quoting from a book or newspaper please include this information so that it can be included in the bibliography. All contributors will be acknowledged and their contributions will be included immediately.. If you wish to participate please contact me at Warwickshire Railways

Finally, I would like to thank Alex Musson, my son, for giving up his valuable time to design the web site - it was a great Christmas present. As I hope you will agree, Alex has designed a professional and easy to navigate site which has, I believe, the feel of a good quality railway book. Alex has his own site showcasing both his professional work and his interest in comedy and writing. For those interested his site can be accessed at www.alexmusson.com. The failure to develop my skills in Photoshop and to create a specification were my errors not his and went against his advice.

Thank you for visiting my website. I would be very pleased if you would spare just a few minutes to add your comments to the Guest Book. It all helps to keep me motivated as well as providing interesting reading to visitors.

Contributors Mike Musson, Robert Ferris, John Dews, Reg Kimber, John Downing, Andy Doherty, Steve Western, Mile L, (Kenton), David Morgan and Pete Whitehead.

Mike Musson - May 2009