Features

  • “Blue Train” – February 1983 Archive Article from The Railway Magazine

    “Blue Train” – February 1983 Archive Article from The Railway Magazine

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    D. M. RHIND WHETS YOUR APPETITE AND EMPTIES YOUR WALLET WITH A RIDE ON SOUTH AFRICA’S “BLUE TRAIN” IT’S 12 o’clock and the noon-day gun fires from Signal Hill, Cape Town, the tourists in Adderley Street say “Ooh” or “Aah,” and some of the more inexperienced pigeons in Greenmarket Square take to the air and…

  • ‘Enter Class 58’- Archive article from 1983

    ‘Enter Class 58’- Archive article from 1983

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    From the February 1983 issue of The Railway Magazine, this report records the completion of the first of 35 Class “58” diesel-alternator locomotives at Doncaster Works. It details their design development, technical specification, testing programme and early performance figures. Order and Background ON December 9 at Doncaster Works, Philip Norman, Managing Director of British Rail…

  • Harrogate Gas Works Railway – from the archive

    Harrogate Gas Works Railway – from the archive

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    Archive article from a 1969 issue of The Railway Magazine. This detailed account describes the Harrogate gas works railway, its construction, locomotives, operation and eventual closure. It includes technical specifications, gradients, rolling stock and historical context drawn from contemporary sources. Harrogate gas works railway, built because of road maintenance charges, eventually succumbed to cheaper road…

  • A look back at 810 ‘Aurora’ units entering service

    A look back at 810 ‘Aurora’ units entering service

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    In the January issue of Rail Express Magazine Tony Miles reported on the first of 33 new Class 810 bi-mode trains which entered passenger service with East Midlands Railway on December 3. Launch at Derby Etches Park MORE than three years later than expected the new ‘Aurora’ fleet was formally launched at Derby Etches Park…

  • The Tralee & Dingle Railway: Archive article from a 1939 issue of The Railway Magazine

    The Tralee & Dingle Railway: Archive article from a 1939 issue of The Railway Magazine

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    By CYNRIC MYTTON-DAVIES Introduction and Closure Announcement ONE of the most westerly lines in Europe will no longer be available for passengers by the time that this issue of THE RAILWAY MAGAZINE appears, for the announcement was made on March 15 that the Tralee & Dingle Light Railway is to be closed to passenger traffic…

  • Archive article: Newcastle Central Station New Route-Relay Interlocking Signalbox

    Archive article: Newcastle Central Station New Route-Relay Interlocking Signalbox

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    An archive article from the June 1959 issue of The Railway Magazine describing the new route-relay interlocking signalbox at Newcastle Central Station, detailing its layout, signalling equipment, telecommunications systems, relay installations, and electrical infrastructure. The North Eastern Region of British Railways has brought into operation a new route-relay interlocking signalbox above the platforms in the…

  • Archive: “The Leicesters” – From The Railway Magazine, March 1959

    Archive: “The Leicesters” – From The Railway Magazine, March 1959

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    The following article is reproduced verbatim from the March 1959 issue of The Railway Magazine. It details the working of the “Leicesters” services over the former Midland & Great Northern Joint line, including locomotive allocations, operations and a notable 1958 run. THE almost complete closure as from midnight on February 28 of the Midland &…

  • Community mural brings a splash of colour to Doncaster Lock

    Community mural brings a splash of colour to Doncaster Lock

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    Volunteers have completed a vibrant mural at Doncaster Lock to celebrate the city’s heritage and encourage more boaters to experience this part of the waterway network. Creation of the mural CREATED by local artist Kate Rhodes, with assistance from volunteer lock keeper and ex-boater Jan Miller, the mural – measuring more than 10 metres long…

  • January 1977: D.E. Canning, Signalman and Photographer, seeks snow & sun in Scotland

    January 1977: D.E. Canning, Signalman and Photographer, seeks snow & sun in Scotland

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    From the January 1977 archive, this first-hand account follows a winter rail journey over the Highland Main Line, travelling on the “Royal Highlander” and “Clansman” amid snow, summit climbs and Class 40 and Class 47 haulage. Living in Southern England and planning the trip LIVING in a sheltered part of Southern England where snow is…

  • The Isle of Wight (Newport Junction) Railway – an archive article from October 1959

    The Isle of Wight (Newport Junction) Railway – an archive article from October 1959

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    This article from the October 1959 issue of The Railway Magazine examines the history of the Isle of Wight (Newport Junction) Railway, drawing on contemporary records and board minutes to trace its development, financial difficulties, and eventual incorporation into the Isle of Wight Central Railway. The account follows the railway from its promotion in the…


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