On one of his extensive trips in England, he saw no less than 2218 locomotives in three days - a feat present day enthusiasts are unable to perform. As Alan developed, so did the scope of his railway interest and he was broad minded enough to seek venerable locomotives on the SR and LNER. Finally, and almost at the eleventh hour, he discovered the world of industrial locomotives. Alan had the good sense to record what he saw - first as written notes and then supplemented with photographs. Alan aimed to see a locomotive of every class in the United Kingdom. This entailed making long day trips such as Bath to Blackpool and return, a round trip of 412 miles. Alan became part of the photographic triumvirate of himself, Ivo Peters and Norman Lockett, and he was friendly with two other notable railway clerics: the Rev. W Awdrey and the Rev Teddy Boston.
