Mark Lancaster
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From the Archives: Froghall Reopens in 2001 – A Landmark Day for the Churnet Valley Railway
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Twenty-five years ago, the Churnet Valley Railway celebrated the opening of its extension to Kingsley & Froghall. We revisit Nick Pigott’s original report from the October 2001 issue of The Railway Magazine, recording the inaugural train, the station’s restoration and the railway’s ambitions for the future. Originally published in The Railway Magazine, October 2001. Churnet…
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From the Archives: When Class 37s Hauled 100 Tons of Molten Iron Across the North East in 1969
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Archive: The Railway Magazine, October 1969 In August 1969, a new British Railways service began carrying molten iron between Middlesbrough and Consett using specially-designed torpedo cars. This original report from The Railway Magazine describes the locomotives, rolling stock, route and early operating difficulties. FOR the first time over an appreciable distance on British Railways, a…
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From Two Miles to 11: How the Mid-Norfolk Railway Grew from Its Historic 1997 Reopening
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On 26 July 1997, a Manning Wardle steam locomotive and a Class 122 ‘bubble car’ marked the return of passenger trains to Dereham station. Nearly three decades later, the Mid-Norfolk Railway has grown into an established heritage railway, fulfilling much of the ambition that inspired its early volunteers. On Saturday, 26 July 1997, the Mid-Norfolk…
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Class 37 double-header weekend announced for December – two railtours, rare routes and festive destinations
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UK Railtours has confirmed a weekend of English Electric Class 37 action on 11 and 12 December 2026, with two special excursions offering enthusiasts the chance to enjoy classic locomotive-hauled travel across East Anglia, London and Kent. Rail enthusiasts have two opportunities to enjoy Class 37 mainline action this December, with UK Railtours confirming traction…
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Railway Archives 1951: London’s New Battery Locomotives Built for Life Without Power
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In October 1951, The Railway Magazine reported on seven new battery locomotives being placed in service by the London Transport Executive. The article examined their use in maintenance, cable-laying and construction work, including operations when the normal power supply was interrupted. London Transport Battery Locomotives Seven new locomotives for London Transport SEVEN new battery locomotives…
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Huge Tata Chemicals track donation could secure Llangollen Railway’s future for a generation
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The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has received the first 60-foot lengths of donated railway track from Tata Chemicals Europe, in a remarkable gift that could help safeguard the 11-mile heritage line through the Dee Valley for decades. An extraordinary act of generosity by Tata Chemicals Europe is already making a difference to one of North…
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From the 1989 Archives: Braking Fault Forces Withdrawal of BR’s Entire Class 90 Fleet
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From the October 1989 issue of The Railway Magazine All 30 new Class 90 Intercity electric locomotives were temporarily withdrawn by British Rail on 17 August following the discovery of a braking system fault. The contemporary report also covered concerns involving other rolling stock and two derailments during July and August. Braking fault forces recall…
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Santa Needs You! Llangollen and Corwen Railway Launches Christmas Volunteer Appeal
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Free lunch, festive fun, lifelong friendships and the chance to make magical memories as the Railway seeks elves, greeters, raffle stewards and Welsh-speaking volunteers Llangollen and Corwen Railway is calling on people across North Wales and beyond to become part of the Christmas magic, as the heritage railway prepares to welcome thousands of families aboard…
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Railway Archives 1971: Inside British Oxygen’s £12m Rail-Served Super Plant at Widnes
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n October 1971, The Railway Magazine reported on the rail-based distribution system serving the British Oxygen Company’s new plant at Widnes, Lancashire. The article detailed the transportation of liquefied oxygen and nitrogen, including the construction and specifications of the specialised railway tank wagons. LIQUID GAS FLOWING FROM WIDNES A RAIL-BASED system of distribution, devised jointly…
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Railway Archives 1971: Scotland’s Biggest Signalbox Takes Shape at Motherwell
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In October 1971, The Railway Magazine reported on the newly constructed Motherwell Train Control & Signalling Centre. The article described plans to supervise train movements across parts of the Scottish railway network and the proposed introduction of multiple-aspect power signalling. CONSTRUCTION of Motherwell Train Control & Signalling Centre has been completed by the contractors, and…
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