Steam World

Steam World is Britain's best selling historical railway magazine. Covering the magical times when steam railways were the lifeblood of the country. It features first-hand accounts from drivers, firemen, BR managers and enthusiasts alike. Featuring magnificent photography from the fifties and sixties, it will bring back wonderful memories coupled with inside information of what it was really like to work, travel and play on the world's best railway.

Steam World

COMMENT

CALL ATTENTION • Andrew Roden reveals changing scenes… and some more railway survivors.

SUMMER SATURDAYS ON THE SEA WALL • Was there anywhere more spectacular to see Western Region steam in the summer than Dawlish? Bob Poynter looks back at the scene in the early 1950s and reveals the surprising variety of trains and locomotives that could be seen.

A DAY TO REMEMBER • On May 23 1959, an epic ‘A4’ run took place on the East Coast Main Line which saw 100mph exceeded three times. Bob Meek was on the train and recalls a magical run with legendary driver Bill Hoole at the regulator.

PLATFORM • send your letters to Steam World, 4 Milnyard Square, Orton South gate, Peterborough PE2 6GX or steamworld@choicemag.co.uk

STEAM WORLD CROSSWORD

A SOUTHERN REGION DAY TRIP TO CORNWALL • Despite the distance, it was just about possible to enjoy a day trip from London to Cornwall in steam days. Tony Crotaz looks back at a memorable journey all the way to Padstow in 1959 on the fabled ‘Atlantic Coast Express’.

THE SOUTHERN RAILWAY AS YOU’VE (PROBABLY) NEVER SEEN IT • Concluding his series of features examining what the ‘Big Four’ railways really looked like, David Williams presents a selection of coloured monochrome images showing the Southern Railway in all of its variety and glory.

GREAT SHOT

A RAILTOUR TO THE CONWAY VALLEY • On September 24 1966, the LCGB ran a lengthy tour into Wales as steam ran down. Paul Cooper presents Ken Vernon’s colour pictures from that memorable day in the swansong for Welsh main line steam.

ILLUMINATING TRIPS TO BLACKPOOL WITH STEAM • Blackpool’s famous illuminations brought trains from around the country - often with cheap tickets available. Christopher Baldwin recalls how he and friends took full advantage to gain ‘cops’ in the North West.

THE FINAL DECADE OF SCOTLAND’S ‘V2S’ • Gresley’s ‘V2’ 2-6-2s were a superb design, being powerful, fast and versatile. David Anderson recalls their last decade in service north of the border. Photography by the author

THE LAST YEARS OF BR STEAM • With steam running down, many enthusiasts had to take every opportunity to see as much as possible. John Western concludes his memories of the melancholy run-down – not knowing that he would soon be surrounded by steam in Africa.

A LONDON MIDLAND RAIL ROVER IN 1964 • Although modernisation was in full swing, in 1964 it was still possible to see many steam legends on the London Midland Region. Philip Lockwood and friends took full advantage of a rail rover ticket to see as much as they could in a week.

ALL THINGS CONSIDERED - BACK TO THE FUTURE? • With the announcement of a new organisation called Great British Railways to run England’s railways, NRM Associate Curator Bob Gwynne ponders the implications and wonders if any lessons really have been learnt from the past.

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