Dominic Wells graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2001 with an honours in Mechanical Engineering, since when he has worked within the rail industry undertaking specialized studies such as axle stressing, crash worthiness checking, specialised equipment installations, brake system design and locomotive assessment.  In his spare time he works on the Welsh Highland Railway and the Kirklees Light Railway where he works closely with Ian Screeton on his modernized fleet of narrow gauge locomotives.  Dominic also gave valuable assistance and technical advice to the 5AT project in its earlier years.

Dominic has used his steam railway experience to write an excellent and informative book titled "How a Steam Locomotive Works", published in 2010 by Ian Allan Ltd.  He has also produced an excellent presentation on the operation of the Vacuum Brake which he has made available for downloading through this website.