The Railway Magazine

The Railway Magazine has been published since 1897 and is now the UK's best-selling general interest rail title. Every month, The RM provides enthusiasts and professionals with authoritative and informed news coverage of the following: - Network Rail and the train operating companies - Locomotives, multiple units, carriages and wagons - Steam, heritage and the preservation world, inc narrow gauge- Metro and underground systems - In addition, the magazine carries frequent items of overseas interest.

The Railway Magazine is also renowned for its wide-ranging and innovative feature coverage, encompassing up-to-the-minute developments as well as historical, nostalgic and foreign subjects. The magazine is also renowned for its award-winning photographic content.

The Railway Magazine

Plus ça change…

SEVERN VALLEY SPRING STUNNER

Rail workshop owners seek clarity about future demand for new trains • The ongoing transition from franchised operators to Great British Railways has led to a dearth of orders for new fleets.

South Western Railway returns to public control as new GBR logo is revealled • Waterloo-based operator becomes the fifth former franchise to come under Dft control.

WCML debut approaches for Class 730/2s

SIDELINES

October return to service planned for three of Blackpool’s heritage trams • A‘Balloon’car, along with the illuminated Frigate and Western Train are expected to be in use for the town’s Lightpool Festival.

DIARY

CRP to unveil 200 ‘blue plaques’ • Printed‘plaques’will commemorate railway people and roles.

Railways in Parliament

Mary Ann breaks through at Bromford Tunnel’s western portal • Arrival of the tunnel boring machine at Washwood Heath marks completion of the first of the 3.5-mile long twin bores.

Kenilworth Bypass bridge pushed into position during 18-day closure

A brave new world • Nationalisation in 1948 failed to deliver on its expectations, but was hampered by postwar material shortages and the need to restrain imports, as Mike Jones FRSA FCILT describes.

Caribbean Carlisle • John Heaton FCILT was aboard as double-chimney ‘Jubilee’ Bahamas returned to the Cumbrian city of Carlisle, with unassisted climbs of Grayrigg, Shap and Ais Gill as part of the itinerary.

The spark that lit the flame • In this Railway 200 year, we asked for your memories of how rail enthusiasm began for you.

David Russell engineer and enthusiast • Howard Johnston FCILT pays tribute to the senior British Rail figure who opened the door to US-built traction, helped save the pioneer Class 20 and Class 40 diesels, and developed safety standards for main line steam.

NEW LOCOS FOR OLD • Mike Jones FRSA FCILT describes how his former freight business colleague David Russell opened the door to widespread use of American-built locomotives.

Readers’ Platform • Send your letters to: The Railway Magazine, Media Centre, Morton Way, Horncastle, Lincs LN9 6JR. Email: railway@mortons.co.ukNB. Publication of a letter does not imply that the Editor or staff of The Railway Magazine necessarily agree with its contents.

MEETINGS

From the archive • Subscribe and read previous issues at www.railwaymagazine.co.uk/archive

The RCTS: then and now

PANORAMA • A showcase for the best in railway photography

TRACKRECORD • The Railway Magazine news digest

Contract signed for Severn Valley landslip repair work to begin • Work will start once county council approval is given.

‘Lizzie’ repairs move forward • Further funding is needed to return Stanier Pacific to traffic.

Tornado and Clan Line lead the ‘Great Britain XVII’ nine-day tour • Pacific locos star on marathon tour that takes...