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  • Class 88s make revenue debut

    Class 88s make revenue debut

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    DRS’ new electric locos are now in service on Anglo-Scottish intermodals and coping well over the northern fells. THE long-awaited revenue-earning debut of the Class 88s finally arrived on June 12, with No. 88003 Genesis taking the honour. The early hours of that day saw it and No. 88002 Prometheus run light from Crewe Gresty…

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  • Maroon look for Kernow SPA

    Maroon look for Kernow SPA

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    REVIEWS: Another livery is now available on the 4mm scale air-braked open wagon in the form of EWS corporate colours. NEWLY released is a further much-requested livery on the ‘OO’ gauge SPA open wagon, this being EWS maroon and gold. As per last year’s Civil Engineers’ grey/yellow versions, this new batch of models will only…

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  • ‘Clay Tiger’ gets international makeover

    ‘Clay Tiger’ gets international makeover

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    REVIEWS: FEATURED last issue in original white form, Kernow Model Rail Centre has now received samples of its second batch of ‘Clay Tiger’ hoppers ahead of their release in August. This sees the ‘OO’ gauge china clay wagons appear in all-over blue with both ECC International and Tiphook Rail brandings, this recreating their appearance from…

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  • GM diesels star on charters

    GM diesels star on charters

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    071 Class locos in demand for railtours and land cruises. A SERIES of three return trips between Dublin Connolly and Howth ran on May 28 to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the arrival of the railway at the present terminus at Howth in May 1847. Steam traction in the shape of Railway Preservation Society of…

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  • Grand Hibernian sees range of diesel traction

    Grand Hibernian sees range of diesel traction

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    The Belmond Grand Hibernian train (BGH) has been active during the period under review on its regular programme, with an 071 Class locomotive continuing to be booked for the Connolly to Waterford and return (to Heuston) via Bagenalstown legs. No. 077 was noted on this duty on May 28 and also the following day. Retro-liveried…

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  • New ‘shorty’ HRA enters traffic

    New ‘shorty’ HRA enters traffic

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    Now freshly repainted in DB red, the cut-down former coal hopper has gained a new 12-digit number and is currently being trialled in service for a possible follow-on fleet. FORMER HTA bogie coal hopper No. 310711 – which has been reduced to around 80% of its original length by the removal of one hopper bay…

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  • Riviera revives another Mk.2a TSO

    Riviera revives another Mk.2a TSO

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    OUT of traffic since 2015, Mk.2a TSO No. 5366 has been returned to traffic by Riviera Trains. It made its first appearance on June 17, when it was included in the formation of Pathfinder’s ‘Welsh Central Liner’ from Burton to Shrewsbury and back. The vehicle had previously been offered for sale by Riviera Trains, but…

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  • Oxford Rail releases its Carflat

    Oxford Rail releases its Carflat

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    REVIEW: The manufacturer has unveiled its first D&E era wagon in 4mm, this portraying the ex-LMS vehicle-carrying flats. ANNOUNCED just over a year ago, Oxford Rail has now released the first version of its much anticipated Carflat wagon. This not only provides a scale rendering of these useful vehicles for the first time in ‘OO’…

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  • Hattons rolls out its Warwells

    Hattons rolls out its Warwells

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    REVIEWS: Now available from the Liverpudlian retailer are no less than 20 ‘OO’ gauge wagons spanning decades of operation. ORIGINALLY due to be released towards the end of the year, June saw Hattons spring something of a surprise by announcing the imminent arrival of its exclusive 4mm scale Warwell wagons. Faced with competition from Oxford…

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  • Going low with the IDA flats

    Going low with the IDA flats

    by

    Sam Hewitt

    –

    After initial optimism, the IDA ‘twin’ intermodal flats have yet to achieve their full capability for Direct Rail Services due to ride issues over poor track. Gareth Bayer describes the rise and fall of the innovative WH Davis ‘Super Low 45’ and their slow return to service. JUST a year shy of the design’s 10th…

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