Kingston born Simon is a lifelong railway enthusiast. Indeed, one of his earliest railway memories is of being taken to Cricklewood Open Day in 1969 at the age of four. Simon started his working life at the Victoria & Albert Museum but since 1995 he has held a variety of roles within the rail industry and is currently a Quality Manager.

Over the years Simon has written for a number of different railway magazine titles, usually on "modern traction" related subjects. He can often be found at the National Archives at Kew researching his next work. An enthusiastic preservationist he has been closely involved in the Class 47 Preservation Project since its inception.

When not involved in railway related matters, Simon enjoys a wide variety of interests with his wife Jane, be it watching Bristol City FC or London Broncos Rugby League. He has been a member of Middlesex CCC for over twenty years. An occasional distance runner he says his finest sporting achievement was completing the 2010 Windsor Half Marathon in less than 2 hours 30 minutes.