News

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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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By Geoff Courtney ONE of the more esoteric subjects in the wide-ranging world of railwayana is wagonplates, but devotees to this subject are as passionate and knowledgeable as aficionados of such higher-profile categories as nameplates or signalling equipment. Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire will therefore be the place to be on December 1, when Great Central…

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By Geoff Courtney THE restoration of one of the GWR landmark diesel railcars that were the trailblazers for the modern DMUs will soon be entering its fifth decade – but volunteers on the project are determined that their enthusiasm will ensure the ground-breaking vehicle will once again earn its keep in service. Numbered W20W, the…

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By Cedric Johns THE Purbeck Hills resounded with the sound of working steam when the Swanage Railway fired up eight locomotives to take part in its successful autumn gala held on October 12-14. Fielding an impressive line-up of motive power, the locomotives in action ranged from LSWR Drummond T9 4-4-0, No. 30120 built in 1899,…

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