Features

Driver experience courses are big business for heritage railways, and it provides the opportunity for men and women of all ages to drive steam or diesel locomotives in controlled conditions. Nicola Fox takes a look at the type of courses available as well as other railway experiences that might lead to someone becoming a volunteer.…

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John Hannavy takes a trip on one of France’s few preserved steam railways – and discovered it has a very interesting history. WHEN the Metropolitan Railway carried its first passengers underground in London in 1863, they travelled in open carriages – more like cattle trucks – and were hauled through the tunnels by steam locomotives. To…

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The best things in life are free, so the song says. In many cases that doesn’t apply to wi-fi on trains. The RM summarises the current situation. Most people on the move these days use a smartphone or tablet to keep in touch with the latest news and travel information, to catch up with friends…

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There are millions of combinations of rail fares in existence, and that is without taking Railcard discounts into consideration. So how do we know that we are getting the best deal. Steven Knight looks at how we can all ensure we are paying the right amount for our rail tickets. ONCE upon a time buying…

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In a Railway Magazine exclusive, Rob Gambrill tells how diligent research led to his purchase and repatriation of former Penrhyn Quarry 0-4-0ST Nesta. Without a doubt, one of the most amazing stories from the world of steam preservation is the export of numerous small British-built locomotives from the Welsh slate quarry lines. After the screening…

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This month marks the 40th anniversary of the arrival of the General Motors Class 071s in the Republic of Ireland. The ‘Big’ GMs (as they became known) went on to transform the nation’s loco-hauled services. Four decades later, they remain wholly intact as an operating class, as Gary Boyd-Hope explains. THE date is Thursday, September…

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset & Dorset (S&D) line, and in the first of a two-part Practice & Performance Keith Farr looks at LMS locomotives that worked the famous and arduous route. The Nottingham to Bournemouth Saturday ‘extra’ was battling with the climb into the Mendip hills, the…

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Having held an operating licence for less than 18 months, Chris Milner catches up with the Rail Operations Group, which has created a niche business moving rolling stock for repair and refurbishment. During2015, there became a noticeable increase in the number of empty stock trains moving around the network for repair, refurbishment, or to be…

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