Editor's Intro
Chief train to the Highlands
16 May 2013
The ‘Highland Chieftain’ is one the few named trains run by East Coast and undertakes the 581 mile route between King’s Cross and Inverness, one in each direction daily. It was inaugurated way back in May 1984 when it replaced ‘The Clansman’.
Treble recorder
18 April 2013.
It was a case of three’s a crowd at Great Strickland on March 11. This was a Ruggex taking supporters back to South Wales.
Former Scottish ‘Tractor’ returns to West Highland
22 March 2013.
The weather was at its Scottish best; photographers were out in force and no wonder – a Class 37/4 was back on West Highland duty. No. 37419 made sorties from Motherwell to Oban with five autoballasters to drop stone at various locations including Connel Ferry.
End of the road for former Great Western?
21 February 2013.
Shortly after leaving Ardwick depot, Manchester, on Wednesday, January 23, a five-coach empty stock train, 5Z47, en route to Carnforth, hauled by West Coast Railway’s No. 47854 Diamond Jubilee came to grief at 14.34 when the rear locomotive, No. 47500, derailed all wheels due to flange climb and caught fire.
The Belle Époque time rides again
17 January 2013.
The translation of Belle Époque means ‘beautiful era’ and ‘The Northern Belle’ train certainly gives this impression.
Old Oak Common depot – 1984
19 December 2012.
Alas, if only it was. However, this is just as good – it is Baron Street depot at Bury at the East Lancashire Railway.
Power to the people
15 November 2012.
Class 66 ‘Shed’ No. 66149 heads the 4R23 Cottam-Immingham empties past the windmill at North Leverton on September 19 this year. West Burton Power Station forms the backdrop. This power station is situated on the Gainsborough-Retford line, with Cottam Power Station its nearby neighbour.
Moonlight sonata
18 October 2012.
A second ‘Deltic’ Gathering event was staged by the East Lancashire Railway on September 21-23. It was once again well attended, illustrating the phenomenal attraction of these machines.
Rail Express leaves Eastleigh Works
16 August 2012.
After several months’ delay, Direct Rail Services’ newly acquired Class 47/8 No. 47853 Rail Express finally left Eastleigh.
A rarity in the Republic
19 July 2012.
Locomotive workings south of Connolly on the Dublin/Rosslare line are practically nonexistent these days, being exclusively DMU and DART EMUs.
Current Issue: June 2013
♦ Bumper 40-page modelling magazine inside
♦ First UK ‘Fred’ in ‘Powerhaul’
♦ Freightliner paints a Class 66/5 in its new corporate scheme
♦ Class 142 ‘Pacers’ to go!
♦ GBRf hires ‘Deltic’ again
♦ By diesel to Caernarvon
PLUS:
• Next issue on sale: June 20, 2013
