The Changing Face of Cotswold Rail

RailwayThe Herald

www.railwayherald.co.uk Issue 121 - 21st February 2008 ISSN 1751-8091 Contents Newsdesk

London Overground stock to be leased from QW Rail Leasing Ltd Page 3 170 ticket barriers for London Waterloo New automatic ticket barriers completion by the end of between Platform 8 and Platform Class 458 'Juniper' refurbishment are at last to be fitted at December, will see the 13 with two further like phases programme commences Waterloo station to aid security, introduction of 170 ticket gates to follow. Access to platforms will Page 4 make it quicker and easier to exit at the entrance to all main line be maintained while the work is the platforms and to dispense platforms and in the station carried out. Steamy Affairs placed into with a number of the many ticket subway connections with the To make way for the gating line, voluntary liquidation inspectors currently employed at Underground. Waterloo East retail units between the platforms Page 5 the platform entrances most of station is not at present affected. and the station concourse will every day. In order to minimise disruption have to close, with new facilities All change for West Somerset The £20 million investment, to passengers, the project will take planned to open once work is Railway Spring Gala weekend which is scheduled for place in phases, with work starting complete. Page 15

Railtour Listings Page 6 Full steam ahead to Scarborough in 2008 Preservation View Page 11 The West Coast Railway running back to York and then Thursdays from 22nd July until Events Diary Page 14 Company (WCRC) has announced calling as outward with an 28th August, including August Bank plans to operate the popular anticipated 20.15 arrival back at Holiday Monday, 25th August. Front Cover steam-hauled 'Scarborough Spa York. Additionally, WCRC plans A Central Trains-liveried Class 170, Express’ service during both Details of the locomotive pool to run steam specials over the now operated by Arriva Cross- Spring and Summer this year. allocated to work these trains is Settle and Carlisle route on each Country, departs from Cheltenham Final confirmation of timings is currently not available and will be Saturday in August. These trains in mid-February. Ken Brunt awaited but the train is expected announced nearer the time. will operate between York and to leave York around 09.45 calling The train is scheduled to Carlisle and return. Rear Cover at Knaresborough, Harrogate, run during the Spring Bank Further information will be During the Keighley & Worth Valley Leeds and York with an anticipated Holiday from 26th May through available shortly by telephoning Railway's Steam Gala weekend on 16th/17th February, LNER 'K1' arrival at Scarborough at 13.15. to 29th May inclusive, and then 01524 737751 or 01524 737753 2-6-0 No. 62005 storms up- The return is planned for 17.00, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and or going to www.wcrc.co.uk grade out of Keighley with the 13.25 goods to Damens Junction. Providing banking assistance at the rear was BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T Railway Herald WORLDWIDE RailwayThe Herald No. 80002. Phil Sanderson WORLDWIDE Publication from the publishers of Railway Herald The Railway Herald is due to be A new monthly round-up of news and some of the best railway photography from published every Friday and is available around the world in a digital magazine, available direct to your desktop on e-mail subscription or from our website at www.railwayherald.co.uk Railway Herald Worldwide is published on the first Tuesday of every month and available on e-mail subscription (free of charge) or it can be downloaded Submissions direct from our new look website at www.railwayherald.com We welcome submissions from all

Issue 1 readers, especially digital photographs. Inside our very first issue: February 2008 Pictures should be sent to the editor at [email protected] u The latest news and events from across Europe, the America’s and the Asia Pacific region Good quality scans of colour slides and prints are also acceptable. u Winter railroading - USA style! A look a the snow covered railway scene in the United States. Currently there is no financial payment made for photographs u Australian High Speed - A pictorial review of the Australian XPT trains and a round-up of the current fleet. published in Railway Herald. Where possible we always try to use news u Up and over the Rockies - Ian Lothian takes us on a journey photographing Canada’s ‘Kicking photographs taken within the Horse’ pass. production week of the publication date. u Plus much, much more!

Website Visit www.railwayherald.com/worldwide for more details Our website contains all the back Available free-of-charge in PDF format. issues of the magazine together with a host of new features which will be Issue 1 available now. Issue 2 available from 4th March online soon! www.railwayherald.co.uk Railway Herald on the web ... www.railwayherald.co.uk National Rail Timetable The entire UK National Rail Timetable is now available as a PDF download Editorial Team: from the Network Rail website. Richard Tuplin Editor [email protected] Produced in the same fashion Brian Morrison Contributing Editor [email protected] as the printed version and John Whitehouse Railtour Editor [email protected] ordered by table number, the current timetable is available by Editorial Address: clicking here. The Railway Herald, PO Box 252, Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. United Kingdom. DN17 2WY The railway by-laws and Telephone: 0844 870 0735 E-mail: [email protected] information for enthusiasts are also available online from the Network Rail website, by Railway Herald is produced by Railway Herald Ltd (Registered as company number 05837609 in England) clicking here. Registered office: Hobarn House, 12 Brompton Road, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 1DY © Copyright Railway Herald Ltd 2006-2008

2 RailwayThe Herald NewsDesk

DRS holds Open Day at Crewe DRS is organising an open day at Crewe Gresty Road Depot on Saturday 19th July from 10.00- 16.00. Like the events at Carlisle, entrance will be by ticket only, applications for which should be sent to [email protected] clearly stating your full name and postal address. Each application is valid for one applicant only, although family groups (maximum of two adults and two children) can be made by clearly indicating ‘Family Group’ on the email and stating the number of adults and children attending. Closing date for applications is 22nd June. Tickets will be picked at random after the closing date and all successful applicants will be then p Vandalism in the Greenford area resulted in considerable service disruption on 7th February. As a result of the informed within the following two problems, the Cricklewood-Calvert 'binliner' was diverted via Reading and Oxford. The 'down binliner' service is weeks. recorded passing Cholsey behind Freightliner Class 66/5 No. 66518. Don Gatehouse On the day, a donation of £2 is requested for each ticket issued, which will go to the DRS London Overground EMU stock to be leased Sponsorship and Donation Fund to A leasing contract for a new London Overground operator’s franchise. In 2027, when the fleet is half be distributed to various charities fleet of EMUs is set to release millions of pounds way through its economic life, TfL will have the option and local communities. for investment by the operators Transport for of taking on a second lease or entering into a new London (TfL), as it will avoid some £250 million agreement with another party for other more up-to- being spent on acquiring the fleet of 47 four-car date trains. There is also an option for TfL to extend RBS to sell units. the fleet by seven trains to 54. The trains for the London Overground network London Overground Rail Operations Ltd., the Angel Trains are to be leased from QW Rail Leasing Ltd, a London Overground operator, has also confirmed Royal Bank of Scotland-owned joint venture between National Australia Bank and that an order for a new generation of DMUs has Angel Trains is up for sale. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. The contract been placed with Bombardier. The trains will be Three bidders have indicated an will give TfL use of the trains until 2027 or longer manufactured for Angel Trains who will lease them to interest in taking over the business, if it wishes. This differs from the usual rolling stock London Overground. The eight Class 172 Turbostars a Deutsche Bank, AIG, Babcock & lease in the UK, which lasts only as long as the train will be delivered from the end of 2009. Brown consortium, Macquarie of Australia and Terra Firma, a private Alstom pulls out of Intercity Express Programme equity house. Alstom has announced its Alstom says that the decision sales potential outside the UK is withdrawal from bidding for the to withdraw was taken after a thought to be the main reason Merseytravel Inter-city Express Programme complete analysis of the Invitation behind the decision, coupled with investment (IEP). to Tender document and that it a reluctance to divert engineering The French-based company would now concentrate on other resources from the Automotrice Merseytravel is to support the had been on a short list along important opportunities in the UK a Grand Vitesse (AGV), the redevelopment of Chester and with Hitachi and the Express Rail relating to rolling stock, signalling company’s current flagship train. Ormskirk stations with grants Alliance, made up of Angel Trains, and maintenance. The IEP contract is due to be totalling more than £400,000 Babcock & Brown, Bombardier and The high bidding costs for a awarded to the successful bidder over the next two years. Siemens. unique train with no apparent in winter 2008/2009. Both stations are key links to the Merseyrail network, Chester being the 10th most used of December start for Corby Virgin Trains attacks WSMR Merseyside’s 90-plus stations with Ormskirk being in 13th position. station construction with new service from Wrexham The announcement of funding Plans for a new rail passenger service to Corby In a surprise move that appears aimed directly at for Ormskirk station comes remain on track following the announcement on the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway as Merseytravel begins a new 22nd February by North Northants Development Company, Virgin Trains has announced that a direct study to look at demand for Company and English Partnerships, the national Wrexham-Euston service will start operating from the potential reinstatement and regeneration agency, that Kettering-based Mainland December this year. possible electrification of the Contractors have been appointed to undertake the The service, which is subject to completion of the Burscough Curves. infrastructure works for the new station, with a West Coast route modernisation work, is scheduled This project would involve contract valued at £1.8 million. to run on Mondays to Fridays as an extension of one electrifying the link between the The company will now commence work with of the Chester trains, with a departure around 07.00 two stations in Burscough, which Network Rail to co-ordinate the delivery of the from Wrexham, the return journey leaving Euston at are currently on completely necessary civil engineering works before construction 18.10. separate railway lines – Burscough of the station and platform can begin. It will be Journey time between Wrexham and London will Bridge (Southport to Manchester responsible for construction of the road, transport be around two-and-a half-hours. The trains will be line) and Burscough Junction interchange including a bus area, drop-off and pick-up formed of Class 221 Super Voyagers and are said to (Ormskirk to Preston line), areas and a taxi rank, a car park and co-ordination of be introduced on a trial basis, with more services on and would allow for a direct services and drainage. A start on site is expected in weekdays and weekends being likely if the inaugural link between Ormskirk and mid-March, with completion scheduled for December. trains are successful. Southport.

RailwayThe Herald 3 NewsDesk u The £650,000 refurbishment of Runcorn station by Network South West Trains commences refurbishment Rail is complete and the new-look premises were formally opened programme for Class 458 'Juniper sets on 22nd February by Derek Twigg, MP for Halton and a regular user of the station, and Virgin Trains' Station Manager Keith Millard. The work undertaken includes a new First Class lounge and Standard Class waiting area being provided and the booking office and retail area moved and upgraded, with access improved for wheelchairs. Station staff have also benefitted from the refurbishment with a much-improved ticket office. Externally, the appearance of the station has been enhanced with the provision of new cladding. u The ‘never-ending’ painting of the Forth Bridge is set to come to a halt in 2012, when completion of the £18.5 million work currently being undertaken on the structure is scheduled to last untouched for between 20 to 30 years. Sections being worked upon are now screened off from the environment p Class 458 No (45)8002 approaches Vauxhall, leading a Reading-Waterloo service. An eight-car refurbished Class before old layers of paint applied 455 set can be seen in the background led by unit No 5715. Brian Morrison over the last 120 years are South West Trains’ has begun to refurbish the of the work the units will have a ‘C4’ overhaul, which removed using an abrasive blasting First Class seating areas on its fleet of 30 Class 458 involves removing components such as the wheels, technique. Steelwork requiring ‘Juniper’ EMUs as part of a two-year improvement axles and suspension for inspection and renewal, maintenance is then repaired project. as appropriate. In addition, lights have already been before new specialist glass flake The compartments will be upgraded with new added near the base of the passenger doors to epoxy paint is applied in three seats, new tables and a new coat of paint and the improve visibility in the footstep area at night. The protective layers. Currently 200 train’s toilet for the disabled will be improved work is taking place at Bournemouth Traincare Depot, people work on the bridge on a to provide easier access to wheelchair users. A where work on the first unit is underway. The work daily basis. It is not anticipated that programme to install CCTV in every carriage is also takes approximately two weeks, with one unit in the the project will affect train services. underway for improved security. During the course depot at a time. Looking back at decades of diesels A collection of three programmes looking back at the traction variety of the 1980s and 1990s.

Diesel Decade - The 1990s (£17.95) In retrospect, the 1990s proved to be a watershed period in the operation of Britain’s railways and the diesel traction to be seen reflected this. No sooner had sectorisation become the norm that privatisation took over with it’s myriad of associated corporate liveries. Features Class 20s, 26s, 31s, 33s, 37s, HSTs, 46s, 47s, 50s, 55s, 56s, 57s, 58s, 59s, 60s or 66s then this video will be for you. Running time approx 93 minutes.

Diesel Decade The 1980s - Part 1 (£19.95) Featuring the type 1, 2 and 3 diesels from the 1980s that made the it such a magic period in railway history as BR blue finally succumbed to sector liveries. See and hear in action Class 20s, 25s, 26s, 27s, 31s, 33s & 37s. Highlights include steam-heat 26s on the Kyle of Lochalsh line, 25060 at Hereford, 33s on the Portsmouth service, 31s and 37 on passenger in East Anglia and 20s on Skegness services and a even a quadruple header. Running time approx 72 minutes.

Diesel Decade The 1980s - Part 2 (£19.95) Featuring the Type 4 and 5 locomotive types from this decade of change as BR blue finally succumbed to sector liveries. See and hear in action class 40s, 45s, 46, 47, 50s, 55s, 56s, 58s & 59s. Highlights include 40s on the S&C, 45022 on ‘The Devonian’ in 1980, 46009 on passenger, 47042 on MGR at Doncaster, 50025 in action on the day before it crashed, Deltics North and South of the border, early days of the 56,58 & 59s. Running time approx 72 minutes.

Order today by telephone, or online via our website www.rail-video.com Globe Video Films Highfield House, Saltern Road, Goodrington, Paignton, Devon. TQ4 6NT Telephone: 01803 842321 Email: [email protected] RailwayThe Herald

4 Please mention Railway Herald, when responding to advertisers RailwayThe Herald NewsDesk

u A new service from First Great Western has been introduced that is designed to help travellers adjust their journeys more efficiently when faced with service disruptions. The JourneyAlert system will text or email any cancellations, alterations or route disruptions to train services and will provide information about delay causing events such as flooding on the line and track infrastructure problems. The web-based system allows passengers to receive personalised text messages and emails that will alert them to any changes to their regular services, as well as provide further updates on request. The facility can be set up by the user to tell them about service changes before leaving the office or home. Subscribers need to register with the system and choose the number and type of alerts they wish to receive. Each part of a journey p EWS Class 67s Nos. 67017 and 67016 are pictured in 'top and tail' mode with three Cargo-D Mk3 vehicles working a Banbury - Oxford driver handling trip for the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway company. The pair are needs a separate alert setting up. seen on the return at Kings Sutton with the training working on 21st February, this service being diverted away from Registration should be made via Marylebone due to signalling problems. This was the first day of operation. Ken Brunt the First Great Western web site firstgreatwestern.co.uk where sign- up and route choice options and details are displayed. Although the Railtour operator Steamy Affairs goes service is free, it is possible that mobile providers may charge for into voluntary liquidation receipt of texts: the delivery of The news that railtour operator Steamy Affairs has untenable". emails to mobile devices can also gone into voluntary liquidation is bad enough, but Railway Herald contacted Mr. Parcell on 19th incur charges from providers.. to have the news headlined on BBCs regional news February, who confirmed that Steamy Affairs, of programme ‘Look East’ puts the proverbial boot which he is the principal shareholder, has gone into u The annual average punctuality into the rail charter movement as it casts a shadow liquidation due to its financial position. He acquired of train services on routes over all operators and not just Steamy Affairs. Steamy Affairs on the back of purchasing the ex-FM operated by ‘one’ has reached 90% This is because the charter market is bank-rolled by Rail ‘Blue Pullman’ rake, thus creating what seemed - the highest level of the franchise the general public, and anything which puts doubt into to be a good merger, combining both the customers so far and one of the best figures their minds that there is a potential risk in booking a and rolling stock into one operation. However, the for a large train operator running day out on a rail excursion has to be bad news. company was almost immediately plunged into trains over many routes. Over the On 18th February, the BBC ‘Look East’ programme a dispute with the owners of Princess Elizabeth last year 90.1% of services arrived took up the story after it alleged that a growing concerning contractual issues which, as mentioned at destination ‘on time’ (within 5 number of complaints had been made to the local earlier, were resolved in favour of the steam minutes of the published arrival radio station’s consumer affairs programme, and locomotive owning group in October. time for all services except Inter- featured two Steamy Affairs’ passengers who claimed Mr. Parcell told us that upon acquiring the business, city, where the national measure is to have had trips cancelled and not received any the financial position was much worse than he had within 10 minutes). ‘one’ becomes refund. It also claimed that the company had been been led to believe, accounts for the previous financial known as National Express East taking bookings for a period of seven months following year had not been lodged with Companies House Anglia from 27th February. its purchase by Adrian Parcell of Cotswold Rail, when it and were overdue, a fact that BBC Look East had also was alleged the company was not paying its bills. In fact, identified. As a consequence, he stated that he made a u A new ticket has been tours did operate during that period, and more would personal six-figure injection into the business. introduced by South Yorkshire have run had it not been for operating issues, which He added that Steamy Affairs' problems PTE offering those aged between were well known within the industry at the time. were exacerbated by operating issues, which he 19 and 21 a 35% discount on Furthermore, those interviewed by the BBC acknowledges affected the business, such as the public transport throughout South claimed that efforts to contact Steamy Affairs had been unfortunate termination of a returning tour at Rugby, Yorkshire. Called the ‘19–21 unsuccessful. A supplier also spoke of difficulties in necessitating conveying passengers back to their final TravelMaster’, the ticket has been obtaining payment. destinations in the south of England by road, together specially designed through the The programme additionally referred to a dispute with a period of poor locomotive and crew availability Travel South Yorkshire partnership, with ‘another railway operator’ in October last year, which caused disruption to not only Steamy Affairs but and is aimed to give school and which related to legal action being taken by the the entire Cotswold Rail/Advenza operations. college leavers starting out in owners of No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth as a result of We understand from Mr. Parcell that there work a helping hand. The cost of a Steamy Affairs tours booked to be hauled by that are outstanding issues dating back to before his weekly ticket is £13.50 (standard locomotive in April last year being subject to either acquisition of the company in addition to the late price £20.75) and a monthly cancellation or diesel substitution. Railway Herald filing of accounts, concerning certain assets which, if ticket is £49.50 (standard price understands that the action was settled in October. realised, could be the source of funding to provide the £77.25). It enables young people A BBC journalist attempted, without success, to creditors with a dividend. The firm, who will be dealing to travel on any bus, tram or train speak to Mr. Parcell at his home in Gloucestershire, with the liquidation, Hazelwoods of Gloucester, advise across South Yorkshire, regardless although Railway Herald believes that he was actually that a creditors meeting was due on 22nd February of the operator, for less than £2 on holiday at the time, and returned immediately he and they claim to have written to every creditor on per day. The ‘19-21 TravelMaster’ became aware of the furore. Steamy Affairs database. If you are a creditor, and have can be purchased from any Travel As a consequence, Steamy Affairs issued the not heard from them, they can be contacted on South Yorkshire Information following statement to the BBC; "In March 2007 01452 634800. Centre across South Yorkshire, all Steamy Affairs was purchased knowing it had some It is not expected that the other operating customers need to take with them difficulties. Despite injections of capital and time with companies, Cotswold Rail, Advenza and Heartland Rail on the day for their first purchase is the business the position of the company became will be affected directly by the Steamy Affairs situation. a passport photo and proof of age.

RailwayThe Herald Please mention Railway Herald, when responding to advertisers 5 Railtours & Excursions

The Week Ahead Saturday 1st March sees a number of special workings taking place across the country. The highspot of this week’s railtours must be the mainline return of another Class 86. The AC Locomotive Group’s Class 86/1 No. 86101 Sir William A Stanier has now been joined on the mainline by Class 86/2 No. 86259 Les Ross, which is due to head a Vintage Trains’ excursion from Birmingham New Street to Liverpool Lime Street. For added value, there is the option to join a positioning special from and to Liverpool Lime Street in the afternoon. Tyseley’s Class 47 No. 47773, which will be positioned at the rear of the outward working, will haul the positioning special via Newton-le-Willows, Golbourne Junction and Wigan to Preston, whereupon No. 86259 will again take over for the run south along the WCML to Crewe. The train will return to Liverpool Lime Street Class 47- hauled via Earlestown, which will position No. 86259 at the helm for the return. Steam holds sway on the ECML, when the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s ‘The Talisman’ finally turns a wheel. The train was subject to several postponements last year due to the unavailability of the chosen traction, LNER A4 Pacific No. 60019 Bittern. However, with No. 60019 now available and raring to go, the Trust's King's Cross to Newcastle-upon-Tyne charter is due p West Coast Railway Company operated a Valentines' trip from Doncaster to Portsmouth on to operate on 1st March, with Bittern booked to take 16th February. Powered by Class 47/4 No. 47826, with No. 47804 on the rear, the train departs over from a diesel at Peterborough West Yard, and from Woking on the outward journey. Chris Wilson run throughout to Newcastle-upon-Tyne, as well as heading the train back to York. Diesel traction will UK Steam & Modern Traction Railtour ListingsListings then return the tour to King's Cross. The following table details the latest information available on steam, diesel and electric The Railway Touring Company offer some rare railtours for the forthcoming weeks from the date of publication. Information is understood steam mileage with its ‘Cheshireman’ this weekend. to be correct at the time of going to press. The steam section is from Leicester via Loughborough, 22nd February Sheet Stores to Stenson Junctions, and then via North VSOE (Northern Belle) 2xEWS Cl.67 Coventry-Northampton Circular Staffordshire Junction to Uttoxeter, Stoke-on-Trent and Crewe, onwards to Chester and return with No. 23rd February 71000 Duke of Gloucester being the booked traction. Heartland Rail 2xCR Cl47 Kensington Olympia-Reading-Swindon-Bath Spa-Bristol Parkway-Yate- The train originates at Mill Hill Broadway and runs via Cam & Dursley-Birmingham NS-Liverpool Lime Street and return Kettering and Melton Mowbray. Hertfordshire Railtours tbc London KX-Stevenage-Peterborough-Leeds-Skipton-Settle-Carlisle (break/rev)-Hexham-Durham-York and return Kingfisher celebrates Mother Day, albeit a day Past Time Rail 6201 (Hereford-Shrewsbury-)Hellifield-Carlisle-Shap-Carnforth (& return) early, with a Carnforth to York excursion, running via Past Time Rail 2xEWS Cl 37 London KX-via ECML-Settle-Carlisle-Hexham-Durham and return Preston, Blackburn and Rose Grove. The feature, other Spitfire Railtours 55022 Liverpool LS-Manchester Victoria-Huddersfield-York and return than 'Mum' goes free, is that the train travels via Copy Vintage Trains 2xClass 47 Birmingham Moor Street-Stourbridge Junction-Worcester FS- Pit both ways. West Coast Railway Company's Stanier Hereford (break)-Ludlow-Shrewsbury-Birmingham NS Class 8F No. 48151 is the scheduled traction. Stobart Rail has now taken over the Hertfordshire 28th February Railtours brand, including its early season programme. Hertfordshire Railtours tbc London Paddington-Slough-Reading-Cardiff-Llandrindod Wells-Craven Arms-Wellington-Wolverhampton and return They will be operating a ‘Thomas Hardy Circular’ to Dorchester and Weymouth, outwards from 1st March Northampton via Wembley, Ealing Broadway and Hertfordshire Railtours tbc Northampton-Basingstoke-Southampton-Dorchester-Weymouth then Basingstoke, Southampton and Bournemouth. (break/rev)-Dorchester-Castle Cary-Westbury and return On the return, the tour is scheduled to run via Yeovil Kingfisher Railtours 48151 Carnforth-Lancaster-Preston-Blackburn-Rose Grove-York and return and Castle Cary. DRS Class 47’s and the ‘Stobart' Past Time Rail tbc Swansea-Port Talbot Parkway-Bridgend-Cardiff Central-Newport- Mk3s feature. Two days earlier, and the company has Chepstow-Lydney-Gloucester-York and return a circular from London Paddington, outwards via Pathfinder Tours tbc Watford Jct-Coventry-Bham Int-Bham NS-Barnt Green-Cheltenham Spa-Gloucester (57/3)-Machen-Barry-Margam-Newport Reading and Didcot to the Central Wales line, which (66/5 tnt 60)-Bham NS (EWS 66)-Watford Jct (57/3) includes a break at Shrewsbury. The return travels via Railway Touring Company 71000 (Mill Hill Broadway-Bedford-Kettering-Melton Mowbray-Leicester)- the West Midlands. Leicester-Chester (break/rev)-Leicester (and return) The Branch Line Society has its first tour of 2008, Spitfire Railtours DRS Class 37 Birmingham New St-Tame Bridge Parkway-Wolves-Stafford-Crewe- entitled ‘The Port of Seaham Pioneer’, which operates Manchester Picc-Bolton-Preston-Workington-Carlisle (break/rev)- from Birmingham New Street to the Network Rail Shap-Preston and return limit at Seaham Docks with an EWS Class 66. The Vintage Trains 86259/47773 Birmingham NS-Sandwell & Dudley-Wolverhampton-Crewe- route is diverse, running initially via Chesterfield to Runcorn-Liverpool Lime Street and return Vintage Trains 47773/86259 Liverpool Lime St-Newton Le Willows-Wigan-Preston (47773)- Stockport before joining the WCML at Hartford, Preston-Crewe (86259)-Crewe-Liverpool Lime Street (47773) onwards to Carlisle Upperby Bridge Junction and Key to tour listings: thence to Low Fell Royal Mail Terminal. Here a further BLACK Charters expected to operate as booked. RED Tours cancelled by the operator EWS Class 66 will be attached and the train will GREEN Tours postponed to a future date by the operator WCRC West Coast Railway Company continue in 'top and tail' mode around the Durham MM Merrymaker from Hertfordshire Rail Tours BLUE Provisional excursion coast to Seaham. After a further reversal at Polka (Locations) in brackets on a steam tour listing indicates a diesel or electric-hauled section. Sidings to detach the assisting Class 66, the train continues south via Hartlepool, Eaglescliffe, York and Not all pick up/set down points are shown. Check with the operator before travelling any distance. Sheffield to Leicester where the train terminates. Useful Weblinks It does not go through to Birmingham New Street RailwayThe Herald because of a possession west of Hinckley, and n Online railtour listings n Current fire-risk status info therefore road coaches will be provided for New n Tour operators contact details n Email the railtours editor Street passengers.

The 6 All known 2008 railtours are listed on our website together with tour operator contact details Railway Herald RailtoursPreservationNewsDeskWeekly & Excursions Pictorial XTRA View

u The task of bringing the online Steam workings via Altrincham in May Railtour Listings back up-to- The Mid-Cheshire Rail Users Association is once be an additional train from Crewe to Northwich via date has begun and should be again sponsoring a series of steam-hauled shuttles Sandbach. completed shortly. There is a between Chester and Altrincham via Northwich and This is followed on 10th May with an outing to development underway in this Knutsford on 4th May, under the heading of ‘The Bristol and Minehead from Altrincham and all local area which, when announced in a Cheshire Gardens Express’. stations to Chester, and then picking up at Wrexham, few weeks, should prove popular The trains will be hauled by Stanier ‘Black 5’ No. Gobowen and Shrewsbury. The train, which is booked and useful to passengers and 45407, which will consist of two return workings to be Class 67 hauled, is routed via Wolverhampton, photographers of the charter trains between Chester and Altrincham, and also, to Birmingham and Cheltenham. alike. Stay tuned! celebrate the 40 years since the last steam-hauled For more details of these trains go to passenger train on the Middlewich branch, there will http://www.mcrua.org.uk/specialtrains u GWR 'King' No. 6024 King Edward I moved to the Great Western Society at Didcot to undergo winter maintenance Western Champion takes the coast route ahead of a programme of work due to commence in March with two ‘Torbay Expresses’ over the Easter holidays. However, some unexpected jobs were identified including a small crack at the bottom of the right-hand outside cylinder back-end. This necessitated removal of the covers, piston, slide bars and connecting rods, and an outside contractor employed to undertake the repair, which has now been completed. Also the blast pipes have been removed to cure a small leak, and an expansion strap, removed for re-metalling, has been found to be cracked raising the question of whether to repair it or replace. As a consequence, a number of trips up to early May have been cancelled, including the two Easter ‘Torbays’. Railway Touring Company has substituted No. 6201 on the ‘Dartmouth Express’ on 29th March, but its ‘Pembroke Coast Express’ on 5th p Class 52 No. D1015 Western Champion powers along the North Wales coast at Penmanmawr on 16th February, May has been postponed. with the Irish Traction Group’s ‘Irish Mail’ charter, which featured the 'Western' throughout from Ealing Broadway to Holyhead and back. Previously Penmanmawr was the most westerly point that a ‘Western’ had ventured along u A ‘Route and Branches Tour’ the North Wales coast, when a few years back No. D1015 featured on a trip for Yeoman Aggregates employees to on 24th August is a feature of Llandudno Junction, which involved an ECS move to the aggregate sidings at Penmanmawr. John Whitehouse the SRPS's recently announced programme, featuring No. 55022 Royal Scots Grey and 40145 in 'top Busy times ahead for Princess Elizabeth and tail' mode around Strathclyde. There are a busy few months followed by north and southbound 30th June, the ‘Princess’ is set for Originating at Bo’ness and picking ahead for No. 6201 Princess Settle & Carlisle charters on 24th a Shrewsbury-Hereford-Bristol up at Polmont and Glasgow Elizabeth commencing on 29th and 31st May. Kingfisher then Temple Meads return working. Queen Street, the tour will travel March on the Railway Touring steps in with three trips, first on Railway Herald also understands over lines surrounding Glasgow, Company’s ‘Dartmouth Express’ 7th June across the Pennines on that improvements to the including (provisionally) Anniesland, when it deputises for No. 6024 the Diggle route from Crewe to turntable at Churston may result Drumgelloch, Larkhill, Paisley Canal, King Edward I. York and return, followed by a in No. 6201 having some ‘Torbay Ayr and Ardrossen Harbour. Trips for Pathfinder take Carnforth-Shap-Carlisle-Hellifield Express’ turns along with No. 6024 place on 19th April to Holyhead, working on 14th June. Finally on King Edward I. u Past Time Rail has announced four new tours featuring 'Western' No. D1015 Western Champion, Compass Tours head to Scotland and Wales commencing on 5th April with ‘The English Electric traction is a feature of Compass Preservation Society has stepped in to provide No. Royal Duchy’, which is a straight Tours spring programme which gets under way 40145. Saturday 3rd May has the Class 40 heading forward London Paddington to on 5th April with a pair of EWS Class 37s from north from Workington via Carlisle and Motherwell Penzance and return operation Wolverhampton and stations via Shrewsbury and to Stonehaven and Aberdeen via Perth, Dundee and with a ‘Western’. On 26th May, in Crewe to York. Montrose. Both Tay and Forth Bridges feature on association with Mark Elderkin, The route outwards is via Diggle, and returns along the return. The intensive use of both locomotive and Past-Time has ‘The Great Western’ the Hope Valley. While at York there is an option to stock then continues on 5th May when the company which visits Weymouth, travelling stay aboard for a trip around the Harrogate Circle. heads for Aberystwyth from Barrow-in-Furness and via Swindon, Bristol Parkway, Bath EWS Class 37s remain in charge for a tour the selected stations to Carnforth, Lancaster, Preston, Spa, Westbury and Yeovil. ‘The Red following week to Cardiff from Blackburn, which picks Wigan North Western and Warrington Bank Quay. Dragon’ to Swansea is next on 9th up at selected stations via Wigan North Western, Later Compass has three tours heading for August, which returns via Hereford, Warrington Bank Quay, Chester and Wrexham. The Scotland, commencing on 31st May to Edinburgh from Ledbury, Worcester and Stroud. outward routing takes the train across the Central Holyhead and North Wales Coast stations, followed Finally, on 27th September the Wales Line while the return runs via Chepstow, the on 14th June, also to Edinburgh, from Runcorn, company returns to Cornwall with Lickey Incline and Shrewsbury. Liverpool Lime Street and Wigan North Western. ‘The Western Hind’ which offers Because EWS, which is the train operating company The final outing, on 28th June heads for Pitlochry and a rare opportunity for locomotive for the Compass Tours 2008 season, could not Kingussie from Hooton and stations to Warrington haulage, let alone ‘Western’ haulage, provide Class 37s for a pair of inter-linked workings Bank Quay and Wigan North Western. Each of these to Falmouth. All these tours over the May-Day bank holiday, the Class Forty tours should feature Riviera Trans Class 47’s. originate at Paddington.

RailwayThe Herald 7 Weekly Pictorial

The 'Silver Ghost' at work p Class 67 No. 67029 Royal Diamond is seen passing Crofton Locks on the Berks & Hants on 10th February, with a London Paddington to Cardiff Central Rugby Special, diverted from the more direct route due to engineering work near Swindon. Classmate No. 67024 is on the rear. Tom Curtis q The past few days have seen the silver-liveried Class 67 employed on crew training duties over the northern end of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway's planned operating route. The locomotive is pictured arriving at Wellington with a Wolverhampton to Crewe training trip. Pete Slagel

8 All known 2008 railtours are listed on our website together with tour operator contact details RailwayThe Herald PreservationNewsDeskWeekly Pictorial XTRA View

Arriva Cross Country at work p The first three-car unit to carry the new AXC house colours is Class 170/1 No. 170102. The unit was taken to Marcroft Engineering, Stoke on 11th January, where the full external make-over was completed. For the time being, it retains the former MML interior décor. Having returned to revenue service the previous Wednesday, it is seen approaching Stoke Works Junction on a cold and frosty 18th February with the 07.46 Gloucester- Nottingham service. Don Gatehouse q Class 170/1 No. 170108, still wearing its Midland Mainline green colours, with CrossCountry branding approaches Ashchurch with a Nottingham-Cardiff CrossCountry service on 9th February. As the repaints of vehicles continue, this livery is slowly being phased out. Jack Boskett

RailwayThe Herald 9 Weekly Pictorial

The changing face of Cotswold Rail p With the Cotswold Rail branding having all but been removed from the railway scene, the latest purchases have been outshopped in Advenza Freight blue livery. Here Class 47/0 No. 47237 (nearest to the camera) is joined by Class 47/3 No. 47375 and Class 57/0 No. 57006 at Gloucester Horton Road on 19th February. Advenza Freight has also taken over Class 57/0 No. 57005, which is currently at Kilmarnock for repainting. Jack Boskett

q Class 43 No. 43175 was returned to the Brush, Loughborough on 18th February, to have its cab removed and sound-proofing fitted between the frame and cab floor. This aspect of the refurbishment work had been deferred during the original rebuild at the start of the MTU contract as this particular powercar was required for publicity purposes. The ensemble is headed by Class 47/0 No. 47237, with barrier coach No. 6336, seen passing Defford. Don Gatehouse Preservation View

Keighley & Worth Valley Spring Steam Gala p On 17th February, WD 2-8-0 No.90733 heads the 09.40 goods from Keighley to Oxenhope at Mytholmes Viaduct between Oakworth and Haworth. q Ivatt 2MT tanks Nos. 41312 and 41241 power past Top Field, between Haworth and Oxenhope, with the 10.25 from Keighley to Oxenhope on 17th February, the first day of the K&WVR Gala Weekend. Both Nick Wise Weekly Pictorial Preservation View Three 'slugs' and a Dukedog for SVR galas! The Severn Valley a departure from previous Railway is looking beyond events, and in order to its planned date for the provide two whole days of recommencement of exclusively diesel-operated through running in order services, this gala will to make 2008 a bumper commence on a Thursday. year, and help in the It will be interesting to recovery from last years see the response to this flood disaster. change, particularly as the Part of the plan is to SVR has not staged an have two major galas, with extensive diesel gala for the first being its 2008 two years. Diesel Gala, scheduled Details for the autumn for 24th April through to steam gala are still in the Saturday 26th April. The planning stage, except that feature will be a ‘Slug Fest’, it will have a ‘Cambrian’ with the SVR’s own Class theme and feature some 37/9 No. 37906 being classic Great Western joined by Llangollen’s No. locomotives. Normally, 37901 and No. 37905, getting No. 3440 City of which is stopping off on Truro and No. 6024 King route to the Battlefield Edward I on the same bill Line. would be considered to Also appearing will be the ultimate attraction, be Nos. 50049 Defiance, but this year there is p The Bluebell Railway is currently playing host to visiting GWR 1400 Class 0-4-2T No. 1450. D1013 Western Ranger, an additional, arguably Here, the locomotive propels an auto-coach towards Horsted Keynes in early February. The fresh from overhaul D821 magical, ingredient. Top pairing will be in operation during this weekend's Branch Line event. This locomotive will be Greyhound, and Class 20 of the bill must be the one of the attractions at the West Somerset Railway gala in March. Peter Starks No. D8188. Shunters Nos. guest appearance of the D3022 and 12099 will be Bluebell Railway's GWR West Somerset Spring Gala line up operating in 'top and tail' ‘Dukedog’ 4-4-0 No. 9014 mode on shuttle services, Earl of Berkeley, which the details of which will fulfil the long-held headed by LMS and GWR designs remain to be confirmed. dream of many to see the The West Somerset Railway has been be attending, fresh from completion of its The gala will operate over locomotive working with forced to remove three of its previously overhaul at the Flour Mill Workshops in three days, with the first a set of Great Western advertised star attractions for the line's the Forest of Dean, as will GWR 2-8-0 two having an exclusive ‘Toplight’ coaches on the Spring Steam Gala being held on 8th/9th No. 5224 from the North Yorkshire Moors diesel-operated timetable, Severn Valley. The 19th- and 13th-16th March Railway. while on Saturday 26th 21st September has to be The WSR has learnt in the last few days As a result, the full line up of April there will be two a must for all enthusiast that running repairs to LMS Jubilee No. locomotives now features the previously steam-hauled diagrams. In diaries! 5690 Leander would not be completed in mentioned locomotives plus GWR time and as such will not now be able to 'Autotank' No. 1450, GWR 'Prairies' Nos. attend the gala. Added to this Llangollen- 5542, 5553 and 4160, WSR '9351' No. New 'Patriot' locomotive to be based GWR 'Manor' No. 7822 Foxcote 9351, GWR 0-6-2T No. 5619, GWR Manor has been removed due to ongoing 2-8-0s No. 3802 and 3850, LNWR called The Unknown Warrier maintenance work and Mid Hants- 'Super D' 0-8-0 No. 49395 and LMS The group behind the appropriate in keeping with based Bullied West Country No. 34007 Stanier 5MT No. 42968 or 'Black 5' No. plan to build a brand- our project aims, as well as Wadebridge remains under repair following 45110. In addition, S&D 7F No. 88 will be new LMS-designed commemorating all those the cab fire in late December. the spare loco at Williton. 'Patriot' locomotive has who fought and died in the However, the news is not all doom and The original proposal of a BR 1948- announced the outcome First World War and other gloom! The Severn Valley Railway has 1968 theme has somewhat gone 'out of a competition to wars". offered either Stanier Mogul No. 42968 of the window' due to the general name the new loco, Three brass nameplates or 'Black 5' No. 45110 as a replacement shortage of suitable locos. However, the which will take the next are being cast by Newton for the Jubilee and the Llangollen Railway railway hope that the line-up will provide number in the series No. Replicas to the original will be providing its GW 2-8-0 No. 3802 something for everyone and the gala 45551. LMS design and the instead of the 'Manor'. Continuing the certainly gives a line-up that is likely to 'The Patriot Project', has competition winner will line's GWR history, 0-6-2T No. 5619 will attract the paying public. announced that following receive one of these with a vote from steam the other two being fitted enthusiasts who voted for to the locomotive. A Mixed Traction 'Swinging Sixties' event for GCR their favourite name from ‘45551’ smokebox number The Great Central Unfortunately, Class services, together with two a shortlist of five names plate is also being cast. This Railway is to be home 47 No. D1705 is not real-ale trains departing that were drawn up from has been kindly donated to the Class 40 Appeal's available for this event and Loughborough at 19.00 all the names suggested, to the Patriot Project by No. D212 Aureol for the the 'Drive a Locomotive and 20.30. the name The Unknown project supporter, Neil year, with one of its first Experience' over the The last two days will Warrior received the most Kinsey. appearances being at the double-track main line, will feature steam and diesel votes in the subsequent The Patriot Project is railway's 1960s event. now be covered by Class haulage plus the lines competition. seeking donations and Three steam and 45 No. D123. resident class 101 DMU. "I'm delighted that regular contributions for three diesel locomotives, The first day is diesel- The Class 40 will feature the new name for the the project and the public together with the line's only and is likely to feature on a variety of trains Patriot has been chosen launch is to be held at the DMU set, will be in action Class 31 No. D5830, Peak during the day. Steam by the public", said David Llangollen Railway where during the 'Swinging Sixties' No. D123 and the star traction is likely to include Bradshaw, Patriot Project the ‘LMS Patriot Gala’ is gala over the weekend of guest Class 40 No. D212 SR King Arthur No. 30777 leader. "The Unknown being held on the 18th 14th-16th March. Aureol, hauling passenger Sir Lamiel. Warrior is entirely – 20th April.

12 RailwayThe Herald Preservation View

p Class 33 No. 33109 leads Class 24 No. D5054 on the 13.50 train from Bury Bolton St to Rawtenstall on 2nd February as it awaits departure from Ramsbottom. Also recently arrived on the railway is Class 37/0 No. 37109 which is now owned by a private group. Adrian Bradshaw

RailwayThe Herald 13 Diary

The editor welcomes details of forthcoming [email protected] and should accept any responsibility for any inaccuracies events, talks, slide shows, conferences, model include a brief outline of the event, including or events which are amended, cancelled or railway exhibitions and club meetings for the speakers name if appropriate, date, time and postponed. Information, such as advance inclusion within this section. location, together with contact details (either programmes and club meeting line-ups can also Details should be sent via email to telephone, web or email). Railway Herald cannot be sent through the post to the editorial address.

21st February 2008 23rd-24th February 2008 29th February 2008 Scottish Railway Barrow Hill Engine Shed Carshalton & Sutton Model Great Central Railway Preservation Society Society, Barrow Hill Railway Club Society (London Group) (Motherwell) Roundhouse. LEATHERHEAD 2008 Model The Exmouth Arms, Starcross Conference Room, St. Mary's 'Now and Then' by Ken Horan. Railway Exhibition, Leatherhead Street, Euston, NW1 Church, Avon Street. Motherwell. Black and white images of B.R. Leisure Centre. '40 Years of London Buses and 'A Railtour of Great Britain over steam, mainly on shed in the Featuring layouts and trade stands. Trolleys' Slide show reflecting the the last 35 years' by Bob Cleary. sixties. Doors open 7.00pm, show Adults £6, All Concessions £5, changing London bus scene by Starts 7.30pm, contact Alistair commences 7.30pm. Under 15s free when accompanies John Parkin. Meeting commences Maclean on 01698 263814 . by a paying adult. Open 10.00- at 7.30 p.m. Donation £3. Irish Railway Record 17.00 (Saturday) and 10.00 - 16.30 Stephenson Locomotive Society (London Area) (Sunday) Stephenson Locomotive Society The Exmouth Arms, 1 Starcross Society Hayes Village Hall, Hayes Street, Street, London, NW1 2HR, 25th February 2008 The Mining Institute Lecture Hayes, Bromley 'Golden Days in Ireland: 1959 - 69' RCTS (Sheffield Branch) Theatre, Neville Hall, Westgate ‘The railways of Eastern Europe’ by David Soggee, Meeting starts St Mathews Church Rooms Carver Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne by Richard Biddick 19.00 Minimum Donation of £2.00; Street. ‘More thoughts along the line, Part Meeting commences at 19.30, New and non-members are both 'On Narrow Gauge Tracks' by Tom 7’ by Alan Clothier contact 0208 289 9935 for details welcome. Heavyside. Meeting commences Meeting commences at 19.00, at 19.30 contact 01434 688946 for details. 6th March 2008 Locomotive Club of Great Great Central Railway Britain (Nth West Branch) 26th February 2008 4th March 2008 Society (Rotherham Branch) The Victoria Hotel, Wargrave Road, RCTS (Nottingham Branch) Locomotive Club of Great The Three Horseshoes, Bawtry Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside. Nottingham Mechanics, 3 North Britain (Bedford Branch) Road, Wickersley. 'The Derek "Miscellany of steam in Europe & Sherwood Street. St Johns Church Hall, St Johns Street, Cross Collection' by David Cross. Asia Minor." by Geoff Monks 'Mainline and Preservation' Bedford 'Annual Quiz vs RCTS Meeting commences 19.30. Meeting commences at 19.30. by Graham Briggs. Meeting Northampton'. Commences at 19.30 commences at 19.30 Permanent Way Institution Marlow & District Railway Locomotive Club of Great (Ireland Branch) Society RCTS (Welwyn Branch) Britain (North London Royal Hotel, Dublin. Garden Room, Liston Hall, Marlow. The Methodist Church, Cole Branch) TBA. Starts 14.30 'Railtour of Japan and Java' by Green Lane, Ludwick Green. Wood Green Labour Club, 3 Stuart Adrian Palmer, follows the Society 'An Introduction to French Crescent, Wood Green, London. Scottish Railway Annual General Meeting. Meeting Railways' by Michael Bann. Meeting N22 5NJ Preservation Society commences at 19.45. commences at 14.15 "Archive Slides from the UK." (Edinburgh) by Brian Manktelow. Meeting Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Scottish Railway RCTS (Woking Branch) commences at 19.30 Terrace, Edinburgh. Preservation Society Woodham Hall, Christ Church, Signalling for the 21st Century' (Perth) Town Square. 'The RAIB - Two Permanent Way Institution by Robin Nelson. Meeting Museum & Art Gallery, George years of experience' by Andy (Darlington & North East commences at 7.30pm, contact Dr. Street, Perth. Savage. Meeting commences 19.30 Branch) Peter Howell on 0131 334 5232 'Changing face of Railways in Railway Athletic Cliub, Brinkburn for further details. the UK Post Privatisation by the 27th February 2008 Road, Darlington. 'The 2030 Two Ronnies (Ashton). Meeting Basingstoke & District Railway' by Professor Andrew Stephenson Locomotive commences at 7.30pm, contact Railway Society McNaughton, Chief Engineer, Society Alex R. Forsyth on 01738 622187 Cable’s railway year by David Network Rail. Starts 19.00 St John Ambulance Centre, Sandes for further details. Cable. Wote St. Club, New Road, Avenue. Kendal 8.00 pm. Contact: 01256 326096. Permanent Way Institution ‘The drags last roar (Part 1) RCTS (West Yorkshire) Visitors welcome. (Wessex Branch) – Final years of steam in china’ by Saltaire Methodist Chapel, Saltaire The Rose and Crown, Columbo Tony Harrison Road, Shipley. 28th February 2008 Street, Blackfriars, London. Meeting commences at 19.15, 'Gateway to the North' by David Locomotive Club of Great 'Railway Surveying - Which way contact 01539 729659 for details. Lowe. Meeting commences at Britian (Croydon Branch) now?' by Chris Preston, Network 19.30 United Reform Church Hall, Rail Survey System Engineer.. Starts 7th March 2008 Addiscombe Grove,East Croydon 18.30. Contact Eddie Gosling on Gloucestershire 23rd February 2008 'Chris Gamwell Memorial 01252 614558. Warwickshire Railway RCTS (Darlington Branch) Slideshow.' by Terry Bagworth. (Birmingham Group) The Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, Meeting commences at 19.30. Southern Electric Group Northfield Library, Church Road, Darlington. 'On Narrow Gauge (South Hampshire Branch) Northfield, Birmingham. Tracks' by Tom Heavyside. Meeting RCTS (Blackpool Branch) Eastleigh Railway Institute in TBA by Phil Darlaston commences at 19.00 Claremont Hotel, Blackpool Road, Romsey Road, Eastleigh. Meeting commences at 19.30, Preston. 'My railway career as a 'Tramway Cine Film' talk by John Refreshments available. Milton Keynes Model signalman' by Malcolm Riley. Laker. Starts 19.30. Entrance fee £2 Railway Society Meeting commences at 19.30 Stephenson Locomotive 2008 Model Railway Exhibition, 5th March 2008 Society Courtside Sports Hall, Milton RCTS (Sussex Branch) Permanent Way Institution Settlement Centre, Union Street, Keynes College (Bletchley Campus), Brighthelm Church & Community (Thames Valley Branch) Middlesbrough Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, Milton Centre, North Road, Brighton. "40 Sussex House, Reading. ‘A railway holiday in Eritrea’ by Keynes. Featuring 18 layouts (N Years of the Bluebell Railway" by 'Rail mounted rail milling' by Kay Seymout-Walker Gauge - Gauge 1) and 12 traders. Roger Price. Meeting commences Malcolm Hitt, DTK GmbH. Starts Meeting commences at 19.00, Open 10.30-17.00. Adults £3.50, at 7.30pm. Donation of £1.50 is 17.30. Contact Rodney Pinchen at please contact 01642 321205 for Children/Seniors £2 and Family £8. requested [email protected]. details

14 RailwayThe Herald Diary

8th March 2008 Permanent Way Institution 13th March 2008 Locomotive Club of Great Stephenson Locomotive (Croydon & Brighton Branch) Locomotive Club of Great Britain (Central London Society Room B110, Croydon College. Britain (St Albans Branch) Branch) Kidderminster Railway Museum, 'SERSA Second Life System' by United Reform Church, Keen House, Calshot Street, Kidderminster Chris Woods, Network Rail. Watford Road, Chiswell Green London. N1. "Allied Military Steam ‘Electric Forum (jointly with ERS Meeting commences at 17.30 "Signalboxes in the Aire Valley." by Locomotives of WW2" by Mike and LRTA) – Pioneer Electrics by Malcolm Riley. Meeting commences Hudson. Meeting commences at Douglas Morgan and John Rosser. Permanent Way Institution at 19.30 19.15 Meeting commences at 14.15, (Lancaster, Barrow & Carlisle contact 01242 582152 for details. Branch) Permanent Way Institution Great Western Society The Railway Hotel, adjacent to (Manchester & Liverpool (Taunton Group) Preston station. Branch) Stoke St. Mary Village Hall, near 10th March 2008 'Trackwork on the Great Orme Ove Arup Offices, St. James Taunton. Lincoln Railway Society Tramway' by Iain Ellis. Meeting Building, Oxford Street, 'The Isle of Man and other Islands St Hugh's Church Hall, North commences at 17.30 for 18.00 Manchester. of Steam' by John Gulliver. Starts Hykeham, Lincoln 'Forth Bridge Refurbishment' by 19.30, Contact Peter Triggs 'To Scotland for Steam' by Peter 12th March 2008 Duncan Sooman, Network Rail. on 01823 334188 for further H Groom. Meeting commences Basingstoke & District Meeting commences at 12.30. information. at 20.00 Contact the society Railway Society Contact Rob Cummings on 0161 organisers on 01522 705365 for U.K. and overseas by Ian Clare. 228 5321 for further details. 17th March 2008 further details. Wote St. Club, New Road, Starts Great Central Railway 20.00. Contact 01256 326096. Permanent Way Institution Society (Spinkhill Branch) Stephenson Locomotive (South & West Wales The Angel Hotel, College Road, Society Grimsby & Cleethorpes Branch) Spinkhill. 'The County Donegal New Trinity Parish Hall, Saltcoats, Railway Group Kings Hotel, High Street, Newport. Railways Joint Committee' by Ken Ayrshire. Royal Air Force Club, Alexandra 'The 2030 Railway' by Professor Grainger. Meeting commences at ‘Harzer Schmalspurbahnen, a Trip Road, Cleethorpes. 'The M&GN Andrew McNaughton, Chief 19.30. up the Brocken by John Black Part 2 : South Lynn to the Coast' Engineer, Network Rail. Meeting Meeting commences at 19.30, by David Bodicoat. Starts 19.30. commences at 18.00. Contact Locomotive Club of Great contact 01294 822303 for details. Andy Franklin on 0207 557 8664 Britain (Dorking Branch) Permanent Way Institution for further details. Pethick-Lawrence House, 85 South York Railway Circle (London Branch) Street, Dorking, Surrey Archbishop Holgate's School, 10th Floor Restaurant, 55 Friends of the West "Ken Nunn Supplemental" Drama Studio, Hull Road, York. Broadway (LUL HQ), London St. Highland Lines by Graham Stacey. Meeting 'Normanton Shed 55E 1962-1968' James Park tube. 'East London Room 10, Partick Burgh Hall, commences at 19.30 by Allan Dawson, Steam Fireman Line' by Mark Eaden. Meeting Burgh Hall Street, Glasgow (round Meeting commences at 19.30. commences at 17.30 the corner from Partick Station). Internet Links Membership available. Non- Slides from the Collection of The Further contact details for the Members £2 Permanent Way Institution Late Roy Hamilton-Mr Charles clubs and socities list in this (North Wales Branch) McCrossan. column can be obtained from our The Town Crier Hotel, Chester. Meeting commences at 19.30. new-look website by clicking here. 10th-18th March 2008 'Rail mounted rail milling' by Locomotive Club of Great Malcolm Hitt, DTK GmbH. Starts To have your club or society's Britain (Oversea's Tour) 18.30. Contact 01782 717472. 14th March 2008 website listed please contact the 'Copper Canyon Railway', Mexico. Altrincham Electric Railway editor. Participants must be members Stephenson Locomotive Preservation Society of LCGB for insurance purposes. Society Altrincham Methodist Church Hall, Should this column be carrying Further details visit the website at YMCA, Bridge Street, Guildford Barrington Road, Altrincham. details of your society? Listings http://www.lcgb.org.com ‘Preserved Steam in Australia and 'Steam on the Woodhead line from for meetings, slideshows, Sweden by Brian Lewis 1932 to Electrification' by Neville model railway exhibitions and Meeting commences at 19.30, Fields. Meeting commences at conferences can be sent to the 11th March 2008 contact 01372 379216 for details 19.30, Non-members £3.00 editor. 8E Railway Association (Northwich Branch) q One of the two Class 86/9 locomotives which are primarily used for ice-breaking duties during the early part of the year, is pictured in Platform 1 at York. Gary Pinkney The Gladstone Club, Station Road, Northwich. 'American Adventure' by Bob Casselden. Meeting commences at 19.45.

Abergavenny & District Steam Society Upper Room' at 'The Hen and Chickens', Flannel Street, Abergavenny. 'Rails in the Colorado' by Nigel Lewis. Meeting commences at 20.00.

Great Western Society (Bristol Group) Room 7, BAWA. 589 Southmead Road, Filton, BRISTOL, BS34 7RG. 'Something Old, Something New' talk by Mike Dodd. Meeting commences at 19.30 for 19.45. Non-members welcome. Contact 0117 987 3244 for further details and information

The Railway Herald 15