Sparks to Norwich

Loco-powered services between Liverpool Street and Norwich came to an end earlier this year, although unlike the cessation of HST workings on the East Coast Main Line at the end of 2019, coronavirus meant there was no big farewell. David Russell looks back at 35 years of electric traction on the route.

£9 million awarded to heritage railways

Money from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund will help preserved railways get through the pandemic.

‘Late life' Class 31 locomotives

WITH Bachmann about to release its newly tooled Graham Farish ‘N’ gauge ‘refurbished’ Class 31/1 with cab roof headcode boxes as part of a new batch of six new Class 31/1 models in its winter release schedule, the diverse appearance of the class is given a photographic airing in this issue of D&E Files.

LSL's Midland Pullman breaks cover

THE much-anticipated first look at Locomotive Service’s Midland Pullman HST set occurred on October 30, when the blue and white train – styled like the 1960s diesel Pullman sets that ran between St Pancras and Manchester – was released from Eastleigh Arlington.

Will dual-modes be the new ‘standard' loco?

The drive towards lower carbon emissions could see an uprated version of the Class 88 become the new mass mixed-traffic locomotive.

Last roar of the ‘Deltics'

For a short period in the final years of their careers, the Class 55 fleet was given one last chance to show just what they were capable of on the tightly timed ‘Hull Executive’ – as Paul Gildersleve, publicity officer for the Deltic Preservation Society, describes.

Córas Iompair Éireann Class 121

To say that the brand new Murphy Models ‘OO’ gauge CIÉ Class 121 model was eagerly awaited by Irish railway modellers is an understatement: It has to be one of the most important releases of 2020 even though the class was relatively small, with only 15 locomotives being delivered by EMD in 1961.

Colas HST power cars start work on test trains

WITH Direct Rail Services' Class 37s bowing out on Network Rail test train duties on October 8 after a decade and a half of operation, the venerable Type 3s have been replaced by Colas Rail VP185-powered HST power cars made redundant from East Midlands Trains.

Bachmann's winter programme

In its now established format of quarterly updates on new model releases, Bachmann reveals its programme for the winter months in ‘N’ and ‘OO’ gauge in which the biggest surprises are tucked away in the EFE Rail range.

Services Restart On Two Secondary Lines

Passenger trains return after more than five months.

Second Vanguard for Stoke Works

RSS has bought a backup 4wDH for shunting duties at the Axiom wagon plant.

The final slam

It is now 15 years since the ‘Sussex Slammer’ tour ran, marking the official end of mainline slam-door EMU operation.

LSL launches ambitious programme for reincarnated ‘Midland Pullman'

All parts of the country are to be visited by Locomotive Services’ Nanking Blue HST set.

Super-detail ‘OO' gauge MGR

CAVALEX MODELS has announced a brand-new ‘OO’ gauge model of the once numerous Merry Go Round (MGR) wagon in collaboration with Trains4U and KMS Railtech.

Original look for Tube trailer

Northern Line 1959 Stock No. 2044 is being restored at the Mangapps Railway Museum.

In the frame

Tim Helme looks at the humble ground frame, once ubiquitous but now becoming increasingly rare.

Long lost freight: Cattle trains

November 30 marks the 45th anniversary of the last cattle train to run in the UK. Steve Morris takes a look back at these interesting workings, with a focus on the trains operating out of Holyhead, the last part of Britain to be involved in such traffic.

1980s ‘Seacow' ballast hopper wagons

CONSTRUCTION of the last series of‘Seacow’ 40t ballast hopper wagons was shared between Ashford and Shildon works, with 251wagons being constructed in 1981 and 1982.

No Return To Franchises Soon

Concessions are set to replace franchise agreements after the Emergency Measures Agreements expire in September.

LSL expands with HST power cars

Three former East Midlands Trains Class 43s have joined the Locomotive Services fleet.

Heritage lines prepare to reopen

Easing of lockdown rules has allowed railways to make plans to welcome the public again.

Powerscene

Our authoritative class-by-class review of newsworthy locomotive workings.

Industrial details by Goodwood Scenics

SOLD under its ‘Bulkscene’ label, Goodwood Scenics continues to develop a hitherto untapped area of scenic modelling and a gritty side of the D&E scene: industrial scenic details.

New JNAs head straight to store

The penultimate batch of box wagons for VTG have arrived in the UK, along with the final group of HOA hoppers for Touax Rail’s Mendip contract.

Hornby Network Rail QQA

Hornby Network Rail QQA

Hastings Diesels Limited No. 1001

Thanks to the efforts of Hastings Diesels Preservation Limited, we can still enjoy the sights, and, more importantly, the unique DEMU sound on the main line. D&E modellers interested in the privatisation era have the ideal excuse to add a main line certificated DEMU to their collection in the form of Hastings Diesels Limited’s No. 1001. The kind hospitality of Hastings Diesels Limited enabled this series of reference images to be taken at St Leonards in 2008 after No. (20)1001 was equipped with CTL and OTMR.

Kit Corner: Modelling HDL No. 1001

Plastic kits have unlocked many a unique layout project by providing the means to model unusual or minority items of rolling stock or, indeed, complete trains. The Hastings line narrow bodied Class 201, 202 and 203 DEMUs do not have standard Mk.1 features, therefore seem a less than attractive choice for an off-the-shelf model, making the kit by DC Kits the best route forward. In the first of a series of Kit Corner articles, we show how to build a model of heritage ‘Thumper’ No. 1001, owned and operated by Hastings Diesels Limited, starting with the long frame vehicles. The same techniques apply to modelling Hastings ‘Thumpers’ in BR days.

Back to the future

British Railways introduced the stylish Blue Pullman trainsets 60 years ago and, while ultimately short-lived, they heralded a move out of the steam age into a diesel-powered future.

Government Gives Support To Heavy And Light Rail Operations

Travel restrictions result in passenger journeys declining by 95%.

Obituary: John Farrow

The railway industry mourns the passing of a railtour great, famed for enthusiast tours, innovation and raising money for charity.