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A train enthusiast has spent more than five years building an impressive working miniature railway track in his own back garden. James Ardin, 36, created a 660-yard line which circles the three-acre plot at his property in Holmpton, East Yorkshire . It was built by James and 12 of his friends who travelled from across the country to assist him in 2020. The dedicated dad, who has invested thousands of pounds into his hobby since his teenage years, rides around the track on four mini trains fitted with carriages he crafted himself. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE James' garden also boasts a collection of railway memorabilia, including a 30-year-old signal gifted to him by the owner of his favourite miniature track, Comrie Railroad, in Scotland. The track is constructed from timber and aluminium, and James operates a variety of steam, electric and battery-powered engines on it. The father-of-two revealed that building his own track in his garden had been a lifelong dream, sparked by his childhood love for trains . "It has always been an ambition of mine to have a working track," James said. "It is something I have wanted for many years since first getting involved with seven and a quarter locomotives as a teenager and I am very proud of it. "The neighbours showed a little apprehension at first as they didn't know what the expect - it isn't something that someone builds every day. "Though they have since warmed up to it, they see it as a nice little addition to the area." James's fascination with trains began as a child when his grandfather took him to see some "wonderful" railway lines across the UK. He developed an interest in miniature railways at the age of 12, and has been involved for the past 24 years. His career so far has been spent working on and driving locomotives and track. "I've been fond of locomotives for some years now. It all started with my grandad who took me around the country to see some wonderful railways," James said. "I then got into miniature railways as a teenager. At 20-years-old I became an apprentice steam fitter with North Yorkshire Moors Railway where I maintained steam trains that run along the line. "At 26, I became a driver on the same line. Then three years later I now work as a tamper train driver and operator maintaining mainline track across the UK." The father revealed that his two children Alexander, 12, and his daughter Annabelle, 5, enjoy riding the line. He also mentioned that his wife Abigail, 35, has been "understanding" of his lifelong passion, saying she "doesn't mind" having the track running around their house. James hosts two events a year, one in June and one in November, where people travel across the country to ride his trains on the track. He hopes to one day extend the trainline further so it reaches a mile. "The end goal has always been a mile, we are just under half way through at the moment," he said. "I'm also looking to build a proper workshop too so we can get hands on and hopefully build more parts for the railway. "It's great fun, I also get to spend time with my son so it will always be continually growing." Sign up to our Manchester property newsletter here
