Train Spotters 2

After the novel “Trainspotting” [Irvine Welsh, 1993], the film “Trainspotting” [Danny Boyle, 1996], there is now a play “Trainspotting Live” [Harry Gibson, 1996, showing at The Vaults, London, 3/11/16-15/1/17] and soon there will be a follow-up film “Trainspotting 2” [also to be known as “T2,” Danny Boyle, January 2017 and based on Irvine Welsh’s novel, “Porno”].

I thought it wise to act now before the inevitable clamour for Train Spotters 2.

I hope this is not a major disappointment, but I have to admit that there are currently no plans for a sequel to “Train Spotters” [Countyvise Ltd, 2011]. I know this decision flies in the face of reason given the critical acclaim it received [“……hugely enjoyable….……a real gem….……well written and very readable….……well illustrated throughout…..Highly recommended. ****”, Steam Railway, March 2012].

Add to this that I sold my entire allocation of 60 copies and could actually have distributed a few more since then, and my decision is probably baffling to most. The demise of the original publisher in 2015 means that a reprint is now also very unlikely.

I can confirm that I have not yet come across a single copy in any of those discarded piles of old railway books that turn up on the tables at sales and side auctions or are gifted to the heritage railway second-hand book shops. Why not? Obviously because people are wising up. If you are lucky enough to possess one, my advice would be to hang on to it. Who knows where this roller-coaster of inspirational literature is heading?  

From now on I will be looking out for it on lists of rare and antiquarian books. Shakespeare’s First Folios move over.

So how do I justify my exercise in self-restraint from total devotion to Train Spotters 2?

 Always leave them wanting more. Look at Fawlty Towers – just 2 series. Brilliant.