Mark Lancaster

  • From the archive: Strengthening Brunel’s Last Masterpiece

    From the archive: Strengthening Brunel’s Last Masterpiece

    Posted

    by

    An archive feature from June 1968 detailing strengthening work on Royal Albert Bridge, Saltash, including structural testing, engineering analysis, and modifications to accommodate increased axle loads. INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION of 100-ton bogie tank wagons on specified routes of British Railways has led to the examination of structures on those where use of these wagons would affect…

  • Helston Railway buys historic viaduct key to extension plan

    Helston Railway buys historic viaduct key to extension plan

    Posted

    by

    THE Helston Railway Preservation Society has added the Cober Viaduct, also known as Lowertown Viaduct, to its land portfolio. Robin Jones reports… The six-arch curved stone structure has always been seen as a key objective and the jewel in the crown in the strategy to extend the railway as far towards Helston as possible. Often…

  • Sustainable HydroShunter unveiled at Kidderminster

    Sustainable HydroShunter unveiled at Kidderminster

    Posted

    by

    By John Titlow THE Severn Valley Railway and West Midlands-based Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions marked a major milestone in railway decarbonisation with the official launch and unveiling of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered shunter at Kidderminster Town station on February 26. Developed in the SVR’s workshops from the body of disused Class 08 D3802, the HydroShunter…

  • Chiltern loco-hauled changeover is complete

    Chiltern loco-hauled changeover is complete

    Posted

    by

    THE TRANSITION of Chiltern Railways’ loco-hauled operation from Mk. 3 stock to the CAF-built Mk. 5a stock was all but complete by mid-March, with the last service formed of the old order running with 68011 and AL04 on March 18 as 1H12, the 07.46 Princes Risborough-Marylebone. Pip Dunn reports… Mk. 3 operation to Birmingham ceased…

  • Historic station for sale for £1!

    Historic station for sale for £1!

    Posted

    by

    GLASGOW’S C-listed semi-derelict Possil station, built by the Caledonian Railway in 1897, can now be bought for just £1 as it has been officially declared ownerless. This move is thanks to it passing into Crown ownership under the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer scheme, meaning it could be purchased by a community group and restored…

  • Extreme Steam Extravaganza set for Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

    Extreme Steam Extravaganza set for Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

    Posted

    by

    The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways will host a new summer gala, the ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’, from June 19–21, 2026, promising an unusual and intensive programme of operations. Billed under the theme of “Weird and Wonderful”, the three-day event will feature a wide range of unusual train formations, rarely-seen locomotive combinations and complex shunting movements,…

  • “Tren a Thref” Returns to the Dee Valley Following Glowing Visitor Feedback

    “Tren a Thref” Returns to the Dee Valley Following Glowing Visitor Feedback

    Posted

    by

    A unique visitor experience celebrating the heritage, scenery and stories of the Dee Valley is returning this spring following a successful launch earlier this year and outstanding feedback from visitors. The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has once again partnered with Dee Valley Tours to deliver “Tren a Thref: The Corwen Heritage Adventure”, with the next…

  • ELR Vandalism Incident

    ELR Vandalism Incident

    Posted

    by

    The East Lancashire Railway has again been the victim of a deliberate and disgraceful act of vandalism overnight during the May Bank Holiday. A locomotive and several coaches from the InterCity 125 heritage set were targeted in what can only be described as a mindless attack, with extensive graffiti across the rolling stock. One coach had…

  • Unmissable Full-Day Steam Driver Experience at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway

    Unmissable Full-Day Steam Driver Experience at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway

    Posted

    by

    Steam enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike are being offered the chance to step into a childhood dream this summer, as the Llangollen and Corwen Railway unveils its Ultimate Full-Day Steam Driver Experience on Monday 1 June. This exclusive, immersive event, limited to just six participants, is far more than a taster session. It is a…

  • British Railways Trials Microfilm System for Maintenance Records at Ashford in 1953

    British Railways Trials Microfilm System for Maintenance Records at Ashford in 1953

    Posted

    by

    A 1953 report outlines a British Railways Southern Region trial using microfilm to store and retrieve maintenance information at Chart Leacon Repair Shops and Inspection Shed, Ashford, Kent. The trial includes Reader/Printer machinery and multiple Mercury Readers for use across repair shops and inspection depots. Have a read of the report, as it appeared in…


From the history of steam through to 21st century rail transport news, we have titles that cater for all rail enthusiasts. Covering diesels, modelling, steam and modern railways, check out our range of magazines and fantastic subscription offers.