Features

  • From the archive: Clan Line and the Golden Arrow – a marriage made in heaven

    From the archive: Clan Line and the Golden Arrow – a marriage made in heaven

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    Joan Jackson tells the story of the special relationship between the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society and the Venice-Simplon Orient Express. Sitting in my luxury seat on the Southampton boat train hauled by an immaculately-presented ‘Merchant Navy’, it is almost impossible to believe that 27 years ago a steam ban fell across the nation. For…

  • From the archive: Gorton’s Giant – the largest Garratt in the world

    From the archive: Gorton’s Giant – the largest Garratt in the world

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    The Soviet railways’ search for greater freight capacity led to the ordering of a Beyer-Garratt locomotive from Britain. The resulting Ya-01 was described as the largest Garratt in the world and was tested in the Soviet Union during 1933. Robert Humm recounts… Gorton’s Giant THE LARGEST GARRATT IN THE WORLD Soviet railway recovery BY the…

  • From the archive: Bill Hoole’s unforgettable “Tees-Tyne Pullman” run

    From the archive: Bill Hoole’s unforgettable “Tees-Tyne Pullman” run

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    Commander W. J. Alcock recalls an exciting journey on the “Tees-Tyne Pullman”, driven by the late Bill Hoole. First published in the October 1979 issue of The Railway Magazine, the account describes a run from Kings Cross towards Darlington and Newcastle. TRIBUTE TO A MASTER COMMANDER W. J. ALCOCK, RN (RTD), DESCRIBES AN EXCITING RUN…

  • From the archive: The pitfalls of recording railway history – as examined in 1979

    From the archive: The pitfalls of recording railway history – as examined in 1979

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    E. D. Hamer examines some of the pitfalls involved in investigating and recording railway history. Drawing on his study of Rhodesia Railways, he considers conflicting recollections, incomplete company records, photographs and the importance of presenting history accurately and readably. Investigating railway history E. D. HAMER EXAMINES SOME OF THE PITFALLS OF RECORDING PAST EVENTS ONE…

  • Fantastic February Fares: the £12 BR loophole that turned into an all-line adventure

    Fantastic February Fares: the £12 BR loophole that turned into an all-line adventure

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    In February 1986, British Rail offered bargain saver fares which enabled the creative enthusiast the chance to travel all around the country for peanuts. I mean, you’d obviously go from Coventry to Thurso via Portsmouth, wouldn’t you? Pip Dunn did… Loopholes. I’m sure we’ve all exploited them at one time to another. Rail enthusiasts certainly…

  • Archive: The Maldon Branch in 1959

    Archive: The Maldon Branch in 1959

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    From the December 1959 issue of The Railway Magazine, P. J. Norris looks at The Maldon Branch, including Maldon East & Heybridge, Wickham Bishops Station, Langford & Ulting Station and Maldon Station. The article records the branch’s passenger services, goods traffic, station buildings and operating details as they stood at the time. ONE of the…

  • Daughter to revive Clevedon miniature railway once run by her father

    Daughter to revive Clevedon miniature railway once run by her father

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    CLEVEDON’S disused miniature railway is to be revived by the daughter of the line’s previous operator. Robin Jones reports… North Somerset Council has appointed Emma Coles and her family to the helm of the once much-loved attraction, alongside announcing a wider programme of rejuvenation at Salthouse Fields and Clevedon seafront. Last September, the council began…

  • The Flying Scotsman visit is a flying success

    The Flying Scotsman visit is a flying success

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    The East Lancashire Railway was excited to welcome the legendary Flying Scotsman back onto its track for an array of unique experiences at the beginning of June. Ever since the railway played a key role in her historic restoration, she has held a special place in the heart of the ELR. Her occasional visits are…

  • Take your passion to the great outdoors with garden railway modelling

    Take your passion to the great outdoors with garden railway modelling

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    Railway modelling is a rich, creative and varied hobby — and for those with the space and the passion to take things outside, there are few more satisfying ways to enjoy it than with a garden railway. A garden railway combines the enjoyment of model trains with the creativity of outdoor landscaping, giving modellers the…

  • So you want to improve your photography?

    So you want to improve your photography?

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    How to take better railway photographs – Pip Dunn explains Do you ever look at a picture in a magazine and think: “I wish I could take an image that good”? Here are a few basic tips on equipment, technique and approach to help you get that bit better at railway photography. Photography has come…


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