Contents

January 2010. No. 1,305. Vol 156. A journal of record since 1897

Headline NewsEast Coast franchise back in public ownership; Rail usage hits a new peak; Wolverton Works to stage open weekend; First Class 70s arrive; Britain’s ‘ten worst stations’ named and shamed; First of Scotland’s Class 380 EMUs unveiled; Britain’s fi rst £1,000 rail fare; Stirling Single revelation; Oyster cards for whole of London.

Right: Manchester Victoria; Britain’s worst station? – p6.

On the cover

MAIN IMAGE: Sitting on the dockside at Newport, Gwent, on November 8 is the fi rst of Freightliner’s GE-built ‘Powerhaul’ locomotives, No. 70001. CHRIS MILNER

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INSET TOP LEFT: How Britain’s fi rst-ever £1,000 train ticket might look; This one has been mocked-up by The RM team.

Track Record The Railway Magazine’s monthly news digest

60 Steam & Heritage Wheelset problem for Royal Scot; Steam back at Nant Mawr; ‘Patriot’ frames dedicated; Tornado for Mid-Hants; Agenoria seen in a new light. 71 Railtours Cruise trains for Southampton; ‘Great Britain III’ details.

Steam returns to Nant Mawr – Steam & Heritage, p60.

74 Network Derby rebuild complete; Support grows for SELRAP. 76 Traction & Stock Class 444 overhauls at Eastleigh Works; Colas 66s emerge; Stobart 92 unveiled; Virgin Mk 3 set extras. 82 Narrow Gauge Welsh Highland delays; New Bressingham loco. 84 Miniature First Garw Valley trains; Dobwalls draws crowds. 86 Classic Traction Main line Type 3 for G-WR; Swanage NR link plans. 88 Metro DLR extension rethink; Edinburgh mock-up success. 91 World News 27 ex-BR Class 87s for Bulgaria; Turkish railways expand. 93 Operations Our monthly round-up of news from the industry. 98 Disposals and Stock Spot Repainted, named, sold or scrapped? Full details here.

Regulars

12 Multiple Aspects Controversial columnist Lord Berkeley shares his opinions on the state of Britain’s railways. 12 Railways in Parliament A summary of what our MPs have asked about rail. 24 Readers’ Platform Do we have to destroy the world’s most historic main line? Just one of several lively letters. 25 Subscription Offer More and more readers are subscribing. Why not join them – by taking advantage of our Christmas offer? 31 Heritage Events Diary All the details you need on where to go for steam and classic traction ‘Santa Specials’ this winter. 31 100 Years Ago A look back at what Britain’s senior rail title was reporting 20, 50 and 100 years ago. 54 Panorama Our gallery displaying the best in rail photography.

58 Christmas Reviews Book-buying ideas for the festive season.

101 Meetings A summary of club meetings and fi lm shows of interest to railway enthusiasts.

106 Christmas Prize Crossword Your chance to win £50 worth of books in our bumper Christmas prize crossword.

Derby Works open day, 1960 – Readers’ Platform, p24.

Above: The snow-capped Scottish Highlands provide a beautiful setting as the ‘Black Five’ pairing of Nos. 45231 and 45407 approaches Slochd summit with the ‘Great Britain II’ tour to Inverness on April 10, 2009. JACK BOSKETT

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14 Fare’s Fair Chris Milner looks at the high cost of rail fares and offers some practical advice on the best way to get a bargain ticket.

18 Lame Duck Steam In Practice & Performance, Keith Farr recalls some less-than-memorable runs behind steam due to under-performing locomotives.

26 Rugby’s Hidden History The fascinating history of Rugby’s former electric depot is unearthed by Nick Pigott.

35 Rail Tourer Guide 2010 Looking for a rail-based holiday? Stuck for somewhere to visit? Our special rail tourers’ guide provides some great ideas.

47 An End to Hold-ups? Phil Marsh is given an exclusive preview of new software that could revolutionise the network.

48 Cuneo Collection for Sale Many paintings, sketches and other artefacts created by the legendary railway artist Terence Cuneo are to be sold, as Phil Marsh discovers. 50 Before the Miracle Martin Beckett marks the 50th anniversary of Barry scrapyard by unearthing rare photos of doomed steam locos en route there in 1959. 56 The Banker Phil Mathision pens our annual ghost story, which this year has a particularly topical title!

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RIP-OFFS AND BARGAINS: Fares Jungle – p14

A HERITAGE SURPRISE

Rugby’s hidden historyBuildings aren’t always what they appear to be. Scratch the surface and it is amazing what can be found, as discovered on a visit to Rugby.

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‘RUGBY CONVERSION’: Hidden History – p26

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A WICKED TALE!: Ghost Story – p56

January 2010 • The Railway Magazine • 5