From a creaking spooky old house at the foot of the Harz mountains, they take the Kratzenstein family's funeral train to the peak of the Brocken Mountain. M.G. The first book in the 'Adventures on Trains' series, it is a mystery set on the final tour of a steam train, the 'Highland Falcon', round Britain. Harrison Beck reluctantly joins his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal steam train, The Highland Falcon. I met her recently at the Duchess of Kents gala. Ive told him to give you space when you need to work.Uncle Nat was a travel writer, and hed agreed to bring Hal along with him on a work trip, while Beverly Beck went to the hospital to have the baby.Absolutely. When the train stops at Balmoral and a recently married Prince and Princess join the train, bringing with them the world-famous Atlas Diamond, the thief manages to pull off a daring heist. Publishers Weekly, starred review"Leonard unravels the madcap plot in sporadic bursts of frenzied action and humor. Realising the thief must be on the train, Hal and Lenny decide to investigate, piecing together clues to try to identify the culprit. Overall, this is an excellent start to a series, and a must-read for train enthusiasts and mystery lovers. This month I picked up books two and three: Kidnap on the California Comet and Murder on the Safari Star, but before I get to those, Ill first briefly recap book one. He is thoughtful and will do anything to prove his friend innocent. Steven Pickle was a rich entrepreneur who ran lots of companies, including a train company called Grailax, but he was famous for being on a reality TV program. He had salami for arms and chipolata fingers.I dont believe it, Ernest White hissed. He's also aided by Lennie (short for Marlene) Singh, the daughter of the Highland Falcon's driver who stowed away on the train. Hear whispers in the dining car, find notes in the library, and unknown passengers among the luggage, as you help Harrison solve the mystery aboard one of the world's grandest trains. In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a jewel theft. Our sleeping compartment will be somewhere in these guest carriages.Whats that one? Hal pointed ahead to a carriage with gold-rimmed windows.The royal carriages, said Uncle Nat. Publisher: Macmillan. My favourite character would have to be Hal. I loved this book and am now reading the rest of the series. From a creaking old house at the foot of the Harz mountains, they take the Kratzenstein family's funeral train to the peak of the Brocken Mountain. All-aboard for the third amazing journey in the bestselling Adventures on Trains series from M. G. Leonard and Sam Sedgman, illustrated throughout by Elisa Paganelli.Uncle Nat is taking Hal on the journey of a lifetime on a Safari Train from Pretoria to Victoria Falls. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things get interesting. ." But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things are suddenly a lot more interesting. From a creaking old house at the foot of the Harz mountains, they take the Kratzenstein family's funeral train to the peak of the Brocken Mountain. Such a good book! Im busy. Last summer, I thoroughly enjoyed The Highland Falcon Thief. Close encounters with the amazing animals and landscape of Southern Africa are adventure enough, but things get mysterious when a passenger is found dead inside a locked compartment. .? Thats claretthe shade of the royal familys livery. My favourite characters are Harrison Beck and his uncle Nathaniel. Eleven-year-old Harrison (Hal) Beck is being sent away for a few days with his Uncle Nathaniel, a well-respected travel writer, and steam train enthusiast. You can read more book reviews or buy The Highland Falcon Thief by M G Leonard and Sam Sedgman at Amazon.com. This was book one in a new middle-grade series titled Adventures on Trains and written by M.G. There are also two other books carried on from this story, they are called The Californian Comet (which is about a kidnapping) and the Safari star (which is about a murder, although it isnt too gruesome and the pictures in these books are only drawn so they dont have any real life pictures in them) and these stories are based in North and South America (although this book is based in the UK). News Sam Sedgman An astonishing number of pearl necklaces hung around her neck, draping over her tweed hunting jacket. Some of the happiest moments of my life were on this train. He turned back to Uncle Nat. Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. Whats she doing here?But Uncle Nat was striding away from the red carpet and didnt reply.Sierra Knights famous. Hal ran to catch up with his uncle. Fantastic.Hal looked at the metal and wondered if his uncle wasnt a little bit crazy. His mouth moved, but no other words came out.Im going to be all right, Hal, his mom said softly. it has loads of mystery and dectective work and proves that kids can do the same work as adults can. M.G. Almost everyone on board from his wife and daughter to crime novelist Beryl Brash, actor Patrice Mbatha, and activist Satsuki Sasaki has a grudge against the immensely rude media magnate, but are any of them prepared to resort to murder? Journeying into the never ending night of the arctic winter, our railway detectives must outsmart an assassin in their most chilling adventure yet, in which nothing is as it seems.The Arctic Railway Assassin can be read as a stand-alone novel, or enjoyed as part of the award-winning Adventures on Trains series. 30-01-2020 Synopsis Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. Uncle Nat pressed a white rectangle into his hand.Are you ready, Harrison? His voice was soft, like Hals moms.Hal glanced over his shoulder, then looked up at his uncle and nodded. Look! You see that red? The Highland Falcon Thief reads very much like a middle-grade Agatha Christie with all our suspects cooped up together within the confines of the train. The Falcon's owner, Tony Falco says, "It's up to his discretion, whatever Ned wants to do." He adds, "I love his energy. In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a. Middletown NY - NORTH STREET RAILROAD CROSSING - RPPC Still Postcard . Hal and Nat take the night train to Berlin and go undercover. Well then, when it gets dark, you can lie on one of the sofas and look up at the stars.A cry went up. Published 30 January 2020, The Highland Falcon Thief is a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Theres a cliff hanger at the end of every chapter! Reading age: 8+, Author: M.G. The Highland Falcon Thiefis published by Pan Macmillan in the UK and America. The patron saint of travelers will keep you safe on your journey.Hal gripped the silver medallion between his thumb and forefinger. In The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1, a middle-grade series starter from MG Leonard and Sam Sedgman, a young boy is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a jewel theft. Steam escaped from hidden pipes, hissing threateningly. Can Hal uncover the secrets of the Brocken railway and the family curse before disaster strikes? Maybe for a high-speed train, but especially for a maglev. He didnt want to be packed off on a train journey with a weird uncle he only ever saw at Christmas. Author: Sally Nicholls This will not affect your buying experience or the cost of any products you order. The Highland Falcon Thief - ReadingZone
Will Hals detective skills be up to the task or, with he and Lenny sneaking about up and down the train, will suspicion turn on them instead? Australian child genius Boaz won with his hybrid locomotive, driven by hydrogen fuel cells and solar power. I love this book. Only one day into their journey, after a press conference organized by Reza, Marianne is kidnapped in front of many of the guests and the kidnappers leave behind a note threatening to send her father one of her teeth each day until he pays a ransom. I would recommend it to any middle-grade reader, but those with a love of trains will definitely get an extra kick. Highlands Trail Region - NY, NJ - Trail Conference The piercing sound of a whistle made them all look up.Thirty-four minutes past, said Ernest White, checking his watch and tutting. Youve grown since Christmas, Harrison. The bottom half of the carriage was varnished wood, the top half, sparkling rectangles of glass held in place by gold rods that arched up and over the train. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next of the series. Im Nathaniel Bradshaw, and this is my nephew, Harrison.Gordon Goulde shut the double doors of the dining car, dropping a brass bar across them. Full of adventure and excitement with Train facts aplenty. Copyright Authorfy 2022. Billionaire train enthusiast August Reza has invited Harrison Beck and Uncle Nat to travel on the maiden voyage of the winning design of his Rezas Rocket competition. To the engine! As they marched along the platform, Uncle Nat threw out his hand. His work has been performed internationally and shortlisted for the Courtyard Theatre award. Can he solve the crime before Marianne loses another tooth? Come onwe must be quick. He lives in London and is a lifelong train and mystery enthusiast. I'm told it's quite a rarity for this award to be presented to a book in translation, which just goes to show what a brilliant job . It means a lot.Not wanting to stare, Hal looked down at Ernest Whites newspaper.There was a fuss behind him as Lady Lansbury swept into the dining car.Ghastly people! She threw her hands in the air. As the passengers begin to turn on each other, Hal vows to get to the bottom of the mysterybefore the train gets to the end of the line. Ive memorized all the historic routes. But something suspicious is happening on board the Safari Star and when a passenger is found mysteriously killed inside a locked compartment, it's up to Hal, along with his new friend Winston and his pet Mongoose, Chipo, to solve the murder mystery. The first book in the bestselling Adventures on Trains series, The Highland Falcon Thief is a breathless train journey full of deceptions, clues, and puzzles to solve! Adventures on Trains (6 book series) Paperback Edition High Plains | region, United States | Britannica Theyve spent days putting up decorations in Crewe. The Highland Falcon Thief - Book Depository The other books in the series are just as good. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are on the journey of a lifetime aboard the Safari Star a luxurious steam train that will take them from Pretoria to the stunning Victoria Falls. Behind him came a tall, glowering figure, all elbows and shoulders. Finally, we have Ernest White, a former steward on the royal train, joining her for her final ride. There are many scenes exploring the majesty of the African landscapes and creatures (as someone with a snake-phobia, I found that a few of these made for pretty uncomfortable reading) but also plenty more action and adventure too. WINNER of the 2020 Books Are My Bag readers awards for Childrens Fiction. His parents drew back, waving and smiling as Uncle Nat pulled him across the concourse. RPPC RUTLAND RAILROAD Train Station Depot MOOERS FORKS NY Real Photo Postcard. A fabulous adventure book, well paced and very exciting. Isnt that dangerous on a moving train?Of course. First stop,The Highland Falcon Thief,a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. PDF Adventures on Trains: The Highland Falcon Thief - Borough Green Primary You concentrate on bringing this baby out into the world safely. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. So where is he, Bev?Dont fret, love, Beverly Beck scolded her husband gently. The Highland Falcon is probably one of my top five books that Ive read. Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from the prize-winning M.G. The Highland Falcon Thief (Adventures on Trains, 1) Paperback - Amazon Bradshaw, sir. The man dipped his peaked cap. There is Lady Lansbury, a recently widowed aristocrat who bought a large number of dogs to keep herself company. Books Adventures On Trains Book review: Climb aboard the Highland Falcon for a thrilling new steam He herded them through the carriage, following Lady Lansbury.I wonder what their names are, Hal said.Thats Baron Wolfgang Essenbach, Uncle Nat said, and his youngest son, Milo.Hal thought his uncle had meant the dogs, until an imposing man with dark, gray-streaked hair wearing a midnight-blue waistcoat stepped onto the train. Mystres Sur Les Rails is translated into French by Lilas Nord and published by Nathan, and we are tremendously grateful for their incredible work. Eh?With coal?Precisely. Leonard & Sam Sedgman, PERFECT FOR: Students aged 9+; themes including travel, adventure, the Arctic Circle, Northern Lights, The Stockholm Metro, and more, BOOK:Adventures on Trains by M.G. Adventure and mystery aboard a train. You might even enjoy yourself.I wont. Hal looked up through the glass roof of the station at a cloudy sky. Highland Regional High School - Cross Country 2022 First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. It is a cooperative effort of the New York - New Jersey Trail Conference, conservation organizations, state and local governments, and local businesses. The big problem is that the US doesn't have a high enough population (and especially a high enough population DENSITY) to justify something like this. The worry lines he saw gouged into his fathers forehead were making him nervous.Colin Beck put down the sports section of the paper with a frustrated sigh and pointed at the station clock. Do as your uncle says, and well see you in four days.Were going to have fun. Uncle Nat picked up his suitcase, hooked his umbrella over his arm, and took hold of Hals hand. Theyll be empty until we get to Balmoral.Hal caught his reflection in one of the gold-rimmed windowsspringy blond hair, ordinary face, yellow jacket. The illustrations are brilliant and I love how they are portrayed as Hals own drawings. Hal supposed she must be his wife. Hal held out the white card with his name on it. Authorfy has a series of videos, a scheme of work and other suggested activities for the classroom based on The Highland Falcon Thief which will go live on 30 January. Whenever a grown-up said something was good for you, that meant it was dull, or disgusting, or both.Youd only be stuck in a hospital waiting room, and thats no place for you to end your summer holiday. She patted his hand. Theyre boring.I know, sausageshe reached over and ruffled his hairbut itll be good for you to spend some time with your uncle. Adventures on Trains remains one of my favorite ongoing middle-grade series. The protagonist of the book is Harrison (or 'Hal') Beck, an 11-year old boy with a great talent for drawing. Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland Falcon, Britain's most famous steam train. Go to resources M.G. There's also his trophy wife Lydia, who is also the first victim of the thief, a rather spacey woman but ultimately a lot more decent than her husband. Soon after, the kids figure out that a notorious jewel thief who has been stealing from the rich and famous must be among the guests. Middletown NY - ERIE RAILROAD STATION & WELLS FARGO CO - RPPC Still Son of my youngest daughtershe drives freight trains up in Scotland.I didnt realize youd be joining the royal tour, Ernest. As a bit of a train fan I really enjoyed how the novel balanced telling an engaging tale alongside accurate and interesting facts about steam engines and rail travel. This is the dining car, where well eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and where we board the train, through those double doors.A tall man in a burgundy suit with gold buttons and gold-trimmed pockets and lapels stepped forward.Mr. I thought it was really good especially because it had lots of tension and suspension Hal was my favourite character and i would recommend it to train and adventure fans. His shoulders rolled forward, and his navy plaid shirt was tucked into his brown-belted chinos, underlining his overhanging belly.Uncle Nat turned to Hal, his eyes twinkling. I was the head steward on the royal train for forty-seven years. He sighed. Every birthday and Christmas, he begged for one, but his parents always refused. http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/w/index.php?title=The_Highland_Falcon_Thief_by_M_G_Leonard_and_Sam_Sedgman&oldid=156874. My only problem is that get some unanswered questions. Highlands Trail Guide | Guidebook | NY-NJ Trail Conference Adventures on Trains is a major mystery series from bestselling authors M.G. The third Adventures on Trains book Murder on the Safari Star moves the action to the African continent with a journey from Pretoria in South Africa through Zimbabwe and ending in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls. Bursting with intrigue and excitement, it is ideal for confident young readers who enjoy traditional, wholesome adventure tales. Pullman carriagesthe height of luxury.Hal had never seen an adult so in love with a train before, and he found himself smiling as his uncle enthusiastically spouted facts about it.Uncle Nat stopped dead, and Hal bumped into his back. From The Highland Falcon Thief to The Arctic Railway Assassin: The WINNER of the 2020 Books Are My Bag readers awards for Childrens Fiction. 95 Ditchling Road, Brighton, England, BN1 4ST, United Kingdom. WINNER of the 2020 Woman & Home Magazine Book Award for Best Childrens Adventure Story. Beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. She moved her gloved hand in a circular motion, giving the paparazzi a steely smile.Keep up, Uncle Nat called, as he stepped up into the dining car, passing his coat and umbrella to the head steward.Hal walked backward to the train, unable to take his eyes off the five fluffy white dogs with diamond-studded collars behind the silver-haired lady. Legend has it the Kratzensteins, a family of rich and powerful railway tycoons, are cursed, but there is no such thing as a curse, is there . Home / This book is about action and adventure. However, picking up this book brought all these memories back. I was recommend this book to 8-13-year-olds but I think anyone who will read this book will really enjoy it especially if they like mysteries. Hes an interesting man.Hal made a face. Why has the US never built a high speed train or mag lev? Although, this isn't any old train; this is the Highland Falcon, the royal train, and this is its last ever journey before it gets sent to a museum. Just send us an email and we'll put the best up on the site. This is a gentle book with fabulous insights into both the history of the railway in the UK and the trains that rode the tracks, as well as being a genuine whodunnit! Sam Sedgman is a novelist, playwright and award-winning digital producer. Booklist"[A] light-hearted whodunit with a mixture of royalty, socialites, and commoners. The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1 Mr. Pickles business is having money troubles, Sierra Knight has a history of theft, and the barons son is acting increasingly strange even Uncle Nat is a suspect. What a treat to see you.Always a pleasure, young Nathaniel. Ernest White smiled. It is also meant to be the first book in a series, and I look forward to seeing where else Hal and Uncle Nat go. For anyone who loves trains and crime. See the floral motif around the royal crest? Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat are enjoying the final journey of the Highland Falcon, Britain's most famous steam train. but without children! Um, yeahfantastic ironwork.Once the royal couple has boarded at Balmoral, the Highland Falcon will slow down to a walking pace when it travels through a station. Written by: M. G. Leonard, Sam SedgmanNarrated by: Jot DaviesSeries: Adventures on TrainsLength: 6 hrs and 48mins. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breathless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Standing on the red carpet was a silver-haired woman in a Robin Hood hat garnished with a long pheasant feather. Quite the commotion out there, isnt it? He looked over his spectacles at Hal. But as the train makes its way to Scotland, a priceless brooch goes missing, and things . The high brick arches of Kings Cross were wrapped in a white latticework sculpture that made the inside of the station feel like a hive, and all the busy passengers, bees. Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. When eleven-year-old Harrison "Hal" Beck is forced to accompany his travel-writer uncle on the last journey of a royal train, he expects a boring trip spent away from video games and . The Highland Falcon Thief - MELSA: Twin Cities Metro eLibrary - OverDrive Rights have been sold in Albania, Catalan, China, Czech, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Iran, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Spanish, Sweden and Turkey. A mysterious letter from an old friend asks Hal and Uncle Nat to help investigate a spooky supernatural mystery. Your dadll look after me. She undid the silver chain that hung around her neck. This rip-roaring time-slip novel has a fast-paced plot and entertaining characters. Sign up to our newsletters full of updates, activities, ways to support us and fun ideas to inspire children to read. Its always a pleasure to have you aboard.Hello, Gordon. When I were a lad, I remember waving to the Highland Falcon as she passed through Crewe. However, when an expensive brooch is stolen, Hal realises that maybe this trip won't be as boring as he previously thought. Cameras flashed, and the guard smiled. I recommend this to others definitely. This was such an amazing book. This series of four books is based on a real train or route, from the historic to the ultra-modern, to create a classic-feeling mystery adventure series for thrill-seekers, code breakers, Uh, how did that head steward man know your name?This isnt my first trip on the Highland Falcon, Uncle Nat said. Last summer, I thoroughly enjoyed The Highland Falcon Thief.This was book one in a new middle-grade series titled Adventures on Trains and written by M.G. Registered Office: 8 High Street, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4AB. The Highland Falcon Thief was a unique, charming and wonderful read. ), a stowaway - and a jewel thief! Max Barclay, Coleoptera Collections Manager, Natural History Museum, London, In this middle-grade series starter, a young boy aboard the last journey of the royal train, Macmillan Code of Ethics for Business Partners. Illustrated in black-and-white throughout by Elisa Paganelli.A mysterious letter from an old friend asks Hal and Uncle Nat to help investigate a spooky supernatural mystery. The streamlined nose of the loco dipped like a hawks beak. However, Crosby is soon discovered dead in his own locked compartment, shot with a bullet from his own rifle. Shortlisted for the 2021 UKLA award ages 7-10, Shortlisted for the 2021 Juniper Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 Lancashire Fantastic Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2021 KSC Book AwardsShortlisted for the 2020 North Somerset Teachers Book Award, Longlisted for the 2021 Blue Peter Book AwardsLonglisted for the 2021 Berkshire Book Awards. Leonard and Sam Sedgman. The illustrations are integral to the story and develop it beautifully. It had amazing illustrations and an amazing and very funny plot! Im allergic to them.Ernest White. Uncle Nat crossed the carriage and grasped the hand of an old man wearing a gray wool suit. First stop is The Highland Falcon Thief, a breat hless train journey full of deceptions, puzzles and clues to solve. Barrington IL Real Estate, Homes for Sale With Door Monitored By TV We dont want to miss our train.Hal struggled to speak. In this middle-grade series starter, a young boy aboard the last journey of the royal train The Highland Falcon is swept up in an investigation to uncover the perpetrator of a jewel theft. The Highland Falcon Thief: Adventures on Trains #1 After the excitement of his adventures aboard the Highland Falcon Thief, Harrison Beck can't wait for the opportunity to go on another amazing train journey. Moms metal chair scraped against the concrete floor as she got up.Nat! she cried, waddling around the table and throwing her arms around her older brother.Careful, Bevyoull knock me over. Uncle Nat put down his battered leather suitcase and umbrella, hugging her. This is combined with a very interesting, well-paced story so that, even if you aren't a massive train nerd, I guarantee that you'll still enjoy the book. Harrison Beck is reluctantly joining his travel-writer Uncle Nat for the last journey of the royal train, The Highland Falcon. When theyd told him he was going to have a little sister, hed asked how they could afford another human but not a dog, especially since children were an even bigger responsibility than a dog. Also on board are billionaire entrepreneur August Reza and his daughter Marianne, along with a whole host of other interesting characters including a miserable young boy named Ryan with his angry father, one of Uncle Nats journalist rivals Zola DOrmond, two young siblings (Hadley and Mason) with a penchant for magic tricks, and the gloriously named Adalbert Cabbage with her pet lizard. The skirt of the casing lifted on both sides, snarl-like, revealing three giant black wheels. Clinging to his arm was a curvaceous red-haired woman with a fake tan. Could do with modernizing.Uncle Nat placed a restraining hand on Ernests arm.Im Lydia Pickle. His wife smiled generously, her red lips lifting like a theater curtain to reveal ultra-white capped teeth. Fast-paced and packed with illustrations and clues, Adventures on Trains is a stop you won't want to miss! With a great cast of supporting characters, Harrison Beck and his Uncle Nat travel on famous trains and solve mysteries as they go. but without children! : "The Highland Falcon Thief" - Leonard, Sedgman. Its for admiring the scenery. Im a travel writer, but my specialty is trains. When eleven-year-old Harrison "Hal" Beck is forced to accompany his travel-writer uncle on the last journey of a royal train, he expects a boring trip spent away from video games and . Overall, this is an excellent start to a series, and a must-read for train enthusiasts and mystery lovers. GeekMom received a copy of some titles for review purposes. It was built before the war, for King George V. It has a wonderful library, as well as card tables and a dartboard.Dartboard? Are you excited about our steam-powered adventure?Hal shook his uncles hand and nodded, but he wasnt going to say yes, because that would be a lie. Written by: M. G. Leonard, Sam SedgmanNarrated by: Jot DaviesSeries: Adventures on TrainsLength: 6 hrs and 47 mins. As the train wends its way from London to Scotland, some priceless jewellery goes missing. The Highland Falcon Thief by M.G. Thefts are committed. Harrison finds himself in the middle of the operation with his friend Lenny who is the train drivers daughter and a stowaway. Free shipping. This made the story far more enjoyable for me personally, and I also appreciated the secondary plotline regarding wildlife conservation and the work of reserves in combating illegal poaching. Leonard Ltd, Citibase Brighton. Hal is determined to discover the truth and teams up with his new friend Winston (and his pet Mongoose Chipo) to get to the bottom of things. I want to stay with you. This is my nephew, Harrison Beck. Beautifully illustrated by Elisa Paganelli. Its about time I got to know my nephew better. He offered Hal his hand. . When Hal reluctantly accompanies his Uncle Nat on the final journey of the Highland Falcon, an iconic royal steam train, he is anticipating a dull, uneventful trip - but Lenny, the train driver's daughter, is a huge rail enthusiast and has stowed away .