Sam Hewitt

By Cedric Johns Stopped for repairs, Peppercorn A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado has been taken out of traffic until the end of the year after it failed during its 90mph scheduled run with the ‘Ebor Flyer’ on April 14. In a statement issued by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, spokesman Mark Allatt explained: “Following discussions…

Continue reading »

Three of the post-Grouping Big Four took the plaudits at Great Northern’s sale at Poynton on October 6, when nameplates from the LNER, LMS and GWR led the way. At their head was Sansovino from LNER A3 No. 60053, the Pacific creeping into five figures with a price of £10,500, ahead of Defence from LMS…

Continue reading »

Two expat Southern Railway nameplates, another from a tragic LMS 4-6-0 that was involved in the country’s worst-ever peacetime rail disaster, and a fourth from a Gresley LNER A4 Pacific, will be at the core of Great Central Railwayana’s auction on December 1. The SR plates are Cunard White Star from Merchant Navy Pacific No.…

Continue reading »

By Peter Elson MANY people struggle to find a vocation in life, but seven-year-old Stephen Done had a very clear vision of his future career path. He made this momentous announcement to his mother one day in the family’s kitchen stating emphatically: “I am going to be a steam train driver.” Sadly, he was immediately…

Continue reading »

By Hugh Dougherty RAILWAY design has not been forgotten at the newly-opened £80 million V&A Dundee gallery of design history thanks to exhibits within the iconic building’s Scottish Design Galleries. Appropriately for Dundee, there are engineering drawings for building the replacement and present day Tay Bridge, as well as a picture of the original ill-fated…

Continue reading »

WR 4-6-0 No. 6989 Wightwick Hall was rolled out into the sunshine for the first time after being fully lined out in readiness for its debut in Buckinghamshire Railway Centre traffic next year. The occasion was a special memorial event, Dennis Brynley Howells Celebration of Life, on Friday, October 26, at a tribute to the…

Continue reading »

The first components for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust’s third new-build project, the £3 million Gresley V4 2-6-2 No. 3403, have been ordered. The trust has placed a £4320 order with Unilathe of Stoke-on-Trent for 12 tender spring hooks from a closed die forging in BS970 070M20 material to original LNER drawing No. 159010. This…

Continue reading »

SociÉtÉ John Cockerill-built vertical-boilered tank engine No. 2945 returned from overhaul in time to take part in the Lavender Line’s Classic Cars & Miniature Steam Traction Engines Rally on October 6/7. Formerly named Yvonne, the locomotive has now been renamed Lady Lisa. Built in 1920, the locomotive was employed as a shunter at a gas…

Continue reading »

By Geoff Courtney THE newest resident at the Spa Valley Railway was put to work within days of its arrival in mid-October, handling trains packed with thirsty visitors eager to sample the delights of the line’s popular autumn real ale and cider festival. On October 14, Class 31 diesel No. 31430 Sister Dora moved from…

Continue reading »