Features

1938: The Kofler Automatic Train Stop system explained

by

Mark Lancaster

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9th April 2026

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

by

Mark Lancaster

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7th April 2026

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…
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Ribblehead Cement Traffic and Clitheroe Operations in 1983

by

Mark Lancaster

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1st April 2026

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…
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Class 37 tops NYMR mileage chart

by

Mark Lancaster

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28th March 2026

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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Cravens heritage unit passes initial tests prior to restoration

by

Mark Lancaster

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26th March 2026

Piers Connor & Christopher Westcott CRAVENS Heritage Trains Limited (CHTL) has revealed that its three-car unit, has passed initial tests as part of plans to restore the unit to working order. The unit is formed of two 60 Tube Stock (TS) Driving Motor cars and a 38 TS trailer vehicle which last carried passengers in…
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Shunters in Focus: 08472 Sold, 12083 Under Threat, D2996 Targeted

by

Mark Lancaster

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25th March 2026

Former Craigentinny pilot No. 08472 has been sold into private ownership by Hunslet as part of the company’s continuing downsizing of its pool of Class 08s. Once part of the Wabtec fleet, it had been in Hunslet ownership since early 2021 but the loss of the Craigentinny duty to Railway Support Services in May 2023…
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From Rutland to the Seaside: A 1974 Railway Mystery Trip

by

Mark Lancaster

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19th March 2026

An account from Adrian Searle from March 1974 describes a Sunday “Mystery Trip” rail excursion beginning at Oakham, travelling across multiple regions before arriving at Herne Bay. The journey reflects typical excursion travel conditions and routes of the period. THREE-HUNDRED MILES FOR £1·50 ON A SUNDAY MYSTERY TRIP Oakham departure OAKHAM, sole surviving passenger railway…
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Railway Air Services in 1935: Expansion, Routes and Operations

by

Mark Lancaster

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17th March 2026

An extract from a 1935 issue of The Railway Magazine detailing the development, routes and operations of Railway Air Services, including services, operators and expansion across Britain and the Channel Islands. Introduction IN the December issue of THE RAILWAY MAGAZINE a year ago, the present writer endeavoured to provide a brief history of the development…
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Inside Track Railway Holidays’ 2026 programme

by

Mark Lancaster

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20th January 2026

Inside Track Railway Holidays is shaping up for a standout year, with its 2026 itinerary promising one of the operator’s most varied and enticing programmes to date. A carefully curated selection of UK and European railway holidays is planned, combining classic rail travel with memorable destinations and relaxed, well-paced itineraries. Among the highlights is the…
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Why does snow prevent rail services from running?

by

Shannon Butcher

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6th January 2026

With parts of the country waking to snow outside their windows this morning, let’s look at how trains cope in snowy conditions, and what happens when they don’t.
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