News

THE A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s (A1SLT) proposed project to construct the third member of Sir Nigel Gresley’s LNER ‘V4’ class of 2-6-2s is underway following the formation of subsidiary company the V4 Steam Locomotive Company Ltd to oversee the new locomotive’s construction. Work on No. 3403, the A1SLT’s third new-build, is expected to begin as soon…

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By Ashley Butlin THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has selected 200 people and projects that have transformed peoples’ lives – all part of its 2018 bicentenary celebrations. The list includes Newbattle Viaduct, near Dalkeith, opened in 1849 to carry the Edinburgh to Hawick Railway across the River Esk. When the Waverley Route (successor to…

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THE derailment of a Hams Hall to Felixstowe intermodal train at Whitacre Junction on September 12 caused disruption for passengers on freight services between Birmingham and Nuneaton that lasted several days. GBRf’s No. 66751 Inspiration Delivered was hauling 4L22, the 14.35 to Felixstowe out of Hams Hall terminal, onto the main line when seven of the…

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THE on-going saga of Ayr’s Station Hotel took a serious turn in August and September when large parts of the station had to be closed for safety reasons. Local authorities, Network Rail and ScotRail took the decision to further limit access to platforms and reduce train services on the Glasgow-Ayr-Stranraer route to protect passengers and…

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MEMBERS of Barking Gospel Oak Rail Users Group (BGORUG) have demanded a meeting with Transport for London (TfL) over the continued cancellations and overcrowding that have been plaguing the Gospel Oak to Barking service. BGORUG said a total of 13 services were cancelled on August 29 between 14.50 and 23.15, a figure disputed by TfL. BGORUG…

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THE Bahamas Locomotive Society’s stalwart Stanier ‘Jubilee’ No. 45596 Bahamas was due to be unveiled to society members and supporters on September 28 following the completion of its Heritage Lottery-funded overhaul at Tyseley Locomotive Works (TLW).The ‘5XP’, pictured on September 14, was then expected to make its in-steam public debut at TLW’s 50th anniversary open…

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OPENING of the flagship Crossrail line through Central London between Paddington and Abbey Wood has been put back by nine months. The hugely complex £16billion Elizabeth Line (EL) project to connect east and west London – and ease pressure on Underground services – had been due to open in December, but a combination of problems…

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SEPTEMBER 13 saw the first of 665 Class 720 EMU vehicles for Abellio Greater Anglia (GA) unveiled to stakeholders and the media at Bombardier’s Derby Litchurch Lane works. Three part-finished cars from five-car set No. 720501 were displayed, offering visitors a glimpse of the next generation of East Anglian commuter train. Bombardier is building 89 five-car…

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