Features

14 Starts from ’The Cross’ In Practice & Performance, Keith Farr explains the challenges facing steam crews to get away from King’s Cross without slipping or stalling. 21 Rails in the Dales Andy Flowers puts the Wensleydale Railway, one of the fastest growing heritage lines, under the microscope. 26 The North Clyde Branches For the fourth of our Branch Line features, Chris Milner goes north of the border and visits the North Clyde branches to Milngavie, Balloch and Helensburgh.

32 Titled Trains of Britain - part 3 Presenting the third part of the exclusive series started in the November 2011 issue, covering Titled Trains from the ‘St Mungo’ to ‘Thanet Pullman Limited’. 40 Loco-hauled through the ages A nostalgic look by Mike Page at how Beccles has changed, even though loco-hauled specials have continued.

43 The Dorset Dazzlers Mike Arlett concludes his tale of the legendary Somerset & Dorset footplate crew of Donald Smith and Peter Beale. 49 Panorama A selection of some of the best railway images in our monthly showcase. 53 Railway Clearing House The Railway Clearing House was once a well-used term. David Monk-Steel explains its functions and how its work prevented disputes between railway companies.

SETTING THE PACE: Steam from ‘The Cross’ - p14

ON THE BONNY BANKS: Rails to Loch Lomond - p26 WHAT’S IN A NAME? Part three of our exclusive series - p32

February 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 5