Collection X book launched
New Book Lifts the lid on ‘Collection X’ – The Secret World of Narrow Gauge Locomotives
A fascinating new book from the Vale of Rheidol Railway is set to uncover one of Britain’s most enigmatic private collections and tell the story of the man behind it.
‘Narrow Gauge Enigma – The Story of Peter Rampton and his Collection ‘X’’ launches in mid-October, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the life and passion of one of the narrow gauge world’s most intriguing figures.
Peter John Rampton (1934–2019), heir to the successful Freemans mail order business, became renowned among railway enthusiasts for rescuing and restoring rare narrow gauge steam locomotives and coaches from across the globe.
For decades, his extraordinary collection – nicknamed Collection ‘X’ by those in the know – was shrouded in secrecy, stored in agricultural sheds on his private Surrey farm, and protected by a web of rumours, myths, anecdotes, and even ingenious booby traps to deter intruders.
Following his death, the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s Chief Engineer and Managing Director, Llŷr ap Iolo, led an ambitious project to research and record Rampton’s life and work before vital knowledge was lost forever.
Author Stephen Phillips, who has worked closely with the railway for over a decade, spent years delving into Rampton’s private archives, surveying and drawing the locomotives and coaches in Peter Rampton’s collection.
The result is a meticulously researched, beautifully illustrated 416-page hardback that charts Rampton’s extraordinary achievements, from rescuing forgotten engines to painstakingly restoring historic coaches.
It also offers a rare insight into his colourful life beyond railways, including his lifelong passion for AC Cars and his friendship with company chairman Derek Hurlock.
Early praise for the book has been glowing. Nick Acomb, Chair of the Phyllis Rampton Narrow Gauge Railway Trust, describes it as ‘a fascinating book where Peter’s enthusiasm and passion shine through,’ while Nigel Bowman of Launceston Steam Railway calls it ‘a remarkable book about a remarkable and reclusive man.’
The book is also being printed locally in Wales, by Gomer Press in Llandysul. Jonathan Lewis, Managing Director at Gomer commented; “Gomer Press are delighted to be the printer of choice for The Vale of Rheidol Railway’s forthcoming publication “Narrow Gauge Enigma – The Story of Peter Rampton”. Both Gomer, and the steam railway have been running and employing skilled staff in Ceredigion since the early 1900s, so it is lovely that the production of this important title has proved possible to produce cost-effectively locally. We hope this is the start of a long-lasting relationship.”
Published by the Vale of Rheidol Railway, Narrow Gauge Enigma launches mid-October and will be available directly from the railway, priced at £80. Pre-sale orders are being taken with an offer of £70 for orders placed before the end of September.
- For more information or to order, visit vor.wales
