Features

14 It’s No Norfolk Turkey! Paul Bickerdyke reports on the Mid-Norfolk Railway – a line with aspirations for the top flight.

20 The State of the Nation This month’s Practice & Performance is a miscellany covering a variety of journeys made by John Heaton during the first three months of 2011.

26 The Derwent Valley Line For the second of our series focusing on branch lines, Chris Milner visits the Derwent Valley line that runs from Derby to Matlock.

31 A Return to Matlock At the beginning of July, the long-awaited first Peak Rail train should steam triumphantly into Matlock station. Chris Milner sets the scene.

32 A Devil of a Good Ride Cliff Thomas is given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Vale of Rheidol railway.

30 From Red, White & Blue to Silver To mark the 25th anniversary of Network South East, Chris Green, who launched and managed the BR sector, concludes his fascinating inside story.

34 Five (Euro)star hotel! The interior of the St Pancras station hotel that cheated demolition has been returned to its Victorian splendour. Mike Maloney tours the Gothic masterpiece. 43 Rail Tour Guide 2011 Want a weekend or longer enjoying a rail-baed holiday? Our special guide will provide you with a complete range of ideas. 54 The Big Society The Prime Minister wants the nation to embrace the concept of the ‘Big Society’. With railways it is already happening, as Peter Brown explains.

BOOTIFUL: TheMid-Norfolk Railway - p14

DESTINATION MATLOCK: Derwent Valley focus - p26

PAINT YOUR WAGON: The NSE Story concluded - p36

July 2011 • The Railway Magazine • 5