Duckers & Diving: All steamed up over new attraction

THIS week our sartorially-challenged scribe gets all steamed up over plans for a new tourist attraction planned for Birmingham.

I hear that the word on the street is that Birmingham could shortly be getting a new visitor attraction on the theme of Trains, Planes and Automobiles.

I am told it is the brainchild of Jane Jordan and her husband Steve, of Jordan Twigg Design.

It seems they first floated it to the city council years ago but is only now beginning to get up a head of steam.

Apparently it would include the likes of a model railway, interactive train driving experience, a flight simulator … and much more beside.

My man, the Fat Controller, tells me the Jordans recently signed a deal on a building in the Jewellery Quarter – exactly where hasn’t been revealed yet.

“We are off and running,” reveals JJ. “We now have extra investors and are gathering loads of offers of help and interest. It should be open just before the end of this year in a shortened format with a third floor launch in early 2014.”

This has got the anoraks desperate to step up to the foot plate.

The story is out there among the train buffs and they are hugely excited.

Birmingham consultant Keith Bracey commented: “The fact is no-one listened to Jane and Steve for years even though it was such a great idea.

“They have been ‘flogging a dead horse around Brum for so long. I am so glad their perseverance and persistence has paid off and they are finally getting somewhere.”

Sounds exciting – just the sort of innovative and exciting idea Birmingham desperately needs.

Pity it has taken the city so long to wake up … but better late than never.