Features

From the archive: Swindon ‘Steam’ opens to the public

by

Mark Lancaster

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30th July 2026

We take a verbatim look back at when JOHN STRETTON was given an insight into Swindon’s new £11m railway museum. WEDNESDAY June 14, 2000 will become an important day in the history of Swindon and its railways. After many years, alternative suggestions, trials and tribulations along the way, this date was due to mark the…
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Bedford Electrification on Schedule – Railway Magazine archive from June 1979

by

Mark Lancaster

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21st July 2026

Published in the June 1979 issue of The Railway Magazine, this archive article reports on progress with the electrification of the Moorgate/St. Pancras–Bedford line. The article describes work underway, engineering developments and infrastructure improvements as they stood at the time of publication. Bedford Electrification on Schedule Work underway between Moorgate, St. Pancras and Bedford WORK…
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From the archive: Gorton’s Giant – the largest Garratt in the world

by

Mark Lancaster

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16th July 2026

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

by

Mark Lancaster

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14th July 2026

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

by

Mark Lancaster

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13th July 2026

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…
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Archive: The Maldon Branch in 1959

by

Mark Lancaster

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9th July 2026

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…
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The Flying Scotsman visit is a flying success

by

Mark Lancaster

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24th June 2026

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

by

Mark Lancaster

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19th June 2026

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…
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Archive 1987: South Tynedale Railway volunteers prepare for a new season

by

Mark Lancaster

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15th June 2026

From a 1987 issue of The Railway Magazine, this archive extract records activity by South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society volunteers. It covers work at Alston, Gilderdale, locomotives, passenger figures, events and plans for the 1988 season. Volunteers and a turning point YEAR 1987 will be remembered by its regular volunteers as the most momentous in…
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Archive: Cornwall’s industrial steam survivors in 1975

by

Mark Lancaster

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13th June 2026

From the March 1975 issue of The Railway Magazine, this archive extract looks at industrial steam locomotives still present in Cornwall after the main-line railways of the county were fully dieselised in 1964. The article covers locations including Par Harbour, Falmouth Docks and Penlee Quarries. Cornwall after dieselisation WHEN the main-line railways of Cornwall were…
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