Features

  • Inside British Rail’s 1969 Vehicle Testing: Wheel-Loading and Torsional Rigidity at Derby

    Inside British Rail’s 1969 Vehicle Testing: Wheel-Loading and Torsional Rigidity at Derby

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    A May 1969 report from The Railway Magazine details the wheel-loading and torsional-testing installation at the Railway Technical Centre, Derby. The system was designed to evaluate stress characteristics and torsional stiffness in rolling stock under controlled conditions. Purpose of the installation In certain types of rolling stock the suspension systems and torsional rigidity in the…

  • West Midlands Trains nationalised

    West Midlands Trains nationalised

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    West Midlands Trains (WMT) has become the latest train operating company to be taken back under public control, moving to be under the control of DfT Operator Limited on February 1. The operation is one of the more complex former franchises, with two distinct divisions providing services branded as London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands…

  • Hymek D7017 starring in 2026 WSR anniversaries

    Hymek D7017 starring in 2026 WSR anniversaries

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    The DEPG’s Class 35 Hymek D7017 is featuring in several major events at the West Somerset Railway this year, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the reopening of the Minehead branch. After closure of the branch by BR in January 1971, the first public trains were run by the WSR on Saturday, March 28, 1976,…

  • 1938: The Kofler Automatic Train Stop system explained

    1938: The Kofler Automatic Train Stop system explained

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    An extract from the April 1938 issue of The Railway Magazine describing the Kofler automatic train stop system. The article outlines its design, operation and trials on European railways. Introduction and Trials The Kofler Automatic Train Stop IT has recently been announced that the automatic train stop invented by the Austrian engineer, Herr George Kofler,…

  • ‘Condor’ Co-Bo starred in East Lancs photoshoot

    ‘Condor’ Co-Bo starred in East Lancs photoshoot

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    The sole-surviving Class 28 Metrovick Co-Bo, D5705, was extracted from the Baron Street shed at the East Lancashire Railway and taken to Bury Bolton Street for a night photoshoot on February 6, the day before the railway held its first diesel event of the year. For the event, the loco was positioned with a freight…

  • British Railways trials experimental paved track at Radcliffe-on-Trent in 1969

    British Railways trials experimental paved track at Radcliffe-on-Trent in 1969

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    An extract from the September 1969 issue of The Railway Magazine describing experimental paved track constructed by British Railways. The report details the design and investigation work carried out at Radcliffe-on-Trent. Introduction and Purpose MAKING THE WAY PERMANENT Experimental paved track at Radcliffe-on-Trent could substantially reduce maintenance costs IN conjunction with the Office for Research…

  • Conductor Rail De-Icing Tenders (1957 Railway Magazine Extract)

    Conductor Rail De-Icing Tenders (1957 Railway Magazine Extract)

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    An extract from the March 1957 issue of The Railway Magazine detailing the development and operation of conductor rail de-icing tenders. The text describes design features, testing, and functionality as reported at the time. Development and Purpose A further development by London Transport of precautions to prevent train delays in winter caused by conductor rail…

  • Picture Perfect Railway Photography: Tips, Techniques and the Gear That Makes the Difference

    Picture Perfect Railway Photography: Tips, Techniques and the Gear That Makes the Difference

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    Railway photography combines timing, technical skill and an understanding of light and movement. Whether capturing high-speed mainline action or heritage steam at a gala, getting the perfect shot often comes down to preparation — and having the right equipment. Becoming picture perfect Great photography, and especially exceptional railway photography, is a blend of technical awareness,…

  • Ribblehead Cement Traffic and Clitheroe Operations in 1983

    Ribblehead Cement Traffic and Clitheroe Operations in 1983

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    An extract (verbatim) from a March 1983 issue of The Railway Magazine detailing cement traffic operations involving Ribblehead, Clitheroe, and associated routes. The text outlines freight movements, locomotive use, and operational arrangements as described at the time. Introduction ROBERT H. FOSTER RECOUNTS A REGULAR BULK TRAFFIC TO THE NORTH-EAST AND SCOTLAND NOW part of Rio…

  • Class 37 tops NYMR mileage chart

    Class 37 tops NYMR mileage chart

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    LONG-TERM North Yorkshire Moors Railway resident No. 37264 covered more miles than any other locomotive on the line in 2025, even though it is not certified to operate on the main line section to Whitby. It travelled 6767 miles during the course of the year, the equivalent of 189 return trips between Pickering and Grosmont.…


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