Ian is married to Tracy, a teacher, and has one son, two daughters, and nine grandchildren. He is a member of the Society of Friends and is a keen amateur photographer. He enjoys travelling and explores Britain on steam locomotives, and helps to maintain several. He also regularly travels on trains in Europe and the United States of America.
His first railway book, Great Central Railway, was published by Ian Allan in 2006. His second book, London Midland Region, was published in 2015. Both are aimed at the general reader, with the first covering the history of the Great Central Railway, and the second covering the history of the London Midland Region. Marsden’s work has been praised by the media. He has appeared on local radio, on the BBC’s “The One Show,” and on ITV’s “This Morning.” He has also been interviewed on national radio.
He was a member of the South Eastern Divisional Council for the British Railway Locomotive Society from 2009 to 2016. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Society. He was the Chairman of the SELRID from 2008 to 2011.
His other railway-related activities include working as a volunteer on the restoration of the 1275 Class pacific diesel electric locomotive at the East Kent Railway. He has served as a committee member of the National Railway Museum Foundation. He was also a member of the National Railway Museum’s Review Board from October 2014 to March 2017.
In addition, he is a member of the Royal Train Enthusiasts Society.
His primary interests include railways, history, geography, and travel. He has travelled extensively throughout the world, visiting various countries, including Russia, Germany, France, USA, Canada, China, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Kazakhstan, and China. He has a particular interest in Africa.
You can contact him at ianpmarsden (at) gmail.com.