Feature Articles
Box to box: The Blyth and Tyne
17 May 2012
Welcome to this, the first in an occasional series, highlighting the remains of Britain’s rich signalling heritage.
Virgin races to the finish
19 April 2012.
There are four bidders for the new 15-year West Coast franchise. Since taking over in March 1997, Virgin Trains has eliminated entirely the old fleet and has, incredibly and commendably, managed to double the number of passengers carried since it started operations. Will Virgin manage to renew the contract? Mike Jones provides the remarkable story of how this enterprising company has flourished since the early days of privatisation.
Preserved ‘86’ back at home on the WCML
15 March 2012.
E3137/86259 Les Ross hauls a series of charter trains out of Euston. David Russell samples ‘The Cumbrian Mountain Express’ with vintage electric and steam traction.
Spotlight on LU’s Battery Locomotives
19 January 2012.
London Underground relies heavily on the odd-looking, diminutive battery locos used in pairs for its enginering work.
Rail-Blue Charters hits the buffers
17 November 2011.
Cargo-D collapse causes Rail-Blue Charters to cease trading.
NRM’s ‘Deltic’ returns to action – now set for main line service
20 October 2011.
A main line return is planned for No. 55002, the restoring group has set up a dedicated fund for this purpose.
August railtours beset by problems
15 September 2011.
Charter train participants and promoters suffer disappointment as several tours fail to run for several reasons.
It’s time for a PEP talk
18 August 2011.
The future shape of the British Rail suburban electric multiple unit fleet arrived 40 years ago in the form of the prototype PEP units. Simon Bendall tells the story of the three units that would influence a generation of EMUs, both on the Southern Region and beyond.
Go west, young man – for diesels!
21 July 2011.
THERE are certain heritage railways renowned for their diesel operation as opposed to merely tolerating them – and the West Somerset Railway is there among the best. While the public in general may prefer steam, many enthusiasts follow diesel traction and the WSR actively encourages diesel traction.
More ‘Teddy Bear’ Type 1s on the Move
19 May 2011.
Another Class 14 heads for Yorkshire as the Boden fleet leaves the NVR.
Current Issue: June 2012
• Welcome back!
Class 26 No. 26038 returns to service – after a 20-year gap
• Colas Rail wins first contracts in Scotland – moving oil to Linkswood and Prestwick
• Railway Vehicle Preservation to build 1960s-style brake tender on GCR
• New series
Box-to-Box: The signalboxes on The Blyth & Tyne Line
• Eastleigh Renaissance – how this famous works has seen a remarkable revival
• National Railway Museum’s ‘Deltic’ No. 55002 to be tested at 60mph on East Lancashire Railway
PLUS:
• Next issue on sale: 21 June 2012
