Features

12 Records broken by ‘Fab Four’ A full report and pictures from Barrow Hill’s ‘Fab Four’ gala which attracted record crowds.

18 Cotswold Comparisons Following major investment and re-doubling of the Cotswold Line, for this month’s Practice & Performance Keith Farr has a cab ride over upgraded line.

24 Flying Scotsman ‘150’ We trace the illustrious history of one of the world’s most famous express trains, 150 years old in June. 30 Ace service at Wimbledon Recipient of a ‘Golden Spanner’ award, Phil Marsh visits Wimbledon depot, one of the country’s top performing maintenance centres. 34 Loughborough Then & Now Contrasting views of the Midland Main Line station.

38 Cathedrals of Steam A selection of rare loco shed scenes in colour, recorded by the camera of Trevor Owen. 44 Time Traveller A further selection of classic images from The Railway Magazine archives. 47 A Fireman’s Tale Brian Bell tells the real story of how tough life on the footplate really could be.

DOUBLING UP: The upgraded Cotswold Line - p18 The upgraded Cotswold Line - p18 150 NOT OUT: ‘ The Flying Scotsman’ train story - p24 The Flying Scotsman’ train story - p24 SERVING AN ACE: Wimbledon depot visit - p30 Wimbledon depot visit - p30 The dark and moody atmosphere only found in a steam locomotive shed is admirably conveyed in this view of the Barrow Hill roundhouse on the evening of April 12, with five green locos around the turntable. From left: Manning Wardle 0-6-0ST Sir Berkeley, J72 0-6-0T No. 69023, NER ‘H’ class 0-4-0T No. 1310, N2 0-6-2T No. 1744 and C1 4-4-2 No. 251. Full report and more pictures - p12. DAVE BOWLES

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Contents June 2012. No. 1,334. Vol 158. A journal of record since 1897

Headline News

Tornado lined up for ‘Elizabethan‘ recreation - see page10

ATOC wants franchise reform; Thirteen bid for three franchises; Consultations on protecting Brunel’s legacy; Tornado for ‘Elizabethan’ re-run; Waterloo is UK’s busiest station; Threat to close ticket offices hots up; Open access paths to be auctioned?

On the cover

MAIN IMAGE: A powerful view of BR Class 7 Pacific No. 70000 Britannia bursting out of Watford Lodge tunnel on April 14 with a ‘Cathedrals Express’ from London Euston to Chester. The photographer was on the canal towpath shooting through the fence. Note the smoke ring. MIKE SPENCER

INSET: The amazing line-up of six LNER locos at the ‘Fab Four’ gala. ROBIN STEWART-SMITH

Track Record The Railway Magazine’s monthly news digest

Longer Pendolinos begin service - see page 82

64 Steam & Heritage NYMR may reinstate Whitby platform; Beamish gets partner for Dunrobin ; Epping Ongar line reopens in May. 76 Railtours Charter restrictions during Olympics; Railfest charter update; Re-birth of HST charters? 82 Traction & Stock 11-car Pendolino ’s in traffic; Deep clean for Greater Anglia. 85 Traction Update Scrapped, sold or repainted? Full details here.

88 Net wo rk £350million sig nalling upg ra de fo r Gr ea t We st ern; Rev amp fo r St alybridge; Blackfriars car to uches ar e back . 90 Fr eigh t 91 Narr ow Ga uge Qu arr y trio on their wa y home; 13 in st eam at St at fo ld . 95 Metr o Au spicious star t fo r new Black pool tr ams; Nottingha m ex te nsion to use fo rmer Gr ea t Ce nt ra l tr ack bed . 96 Classic Tr ac tion Rest or at ion beg ins on pr ot ot ype HST ; Fu ll Class 50 fleet at Se ve rn Va lley ; Fi rst loc o lif t at Wi llit on. 100 Wo rld Au stria ce lebr ate s 175 ye ars of ra ilw ay s; St eam re tr ea t in China; New Ze aland cuts back to urist tr ains . 102 Op er at ions Ne ws A ro und-up of new s fr om tr ain and fr eigh t oper at ing co mpanies .

Regulars

16 Multiple Aspects 16 Railways in Parliament 37 Location, Location Our selected location this month is Culloden viaduct. 44 Time Traveller Photographic gems from The Railway Magazine archives. 52 Subscriptions Offer 54 Panorama More of the very best in railway photography in our monthly showcase. 60 Meetings Details of railway society meetings near you.

Panorama: The RM’s photographic showcase see page 54.

109 Heritage Diary A comprehensive listing of dates when heritage railways and steam centres will be open. 90 100 Years Ago A look back to what Britain’s senior rail title was reporting 20, 50 and 100 years ago. 113 Reader Services 114 Prize Crossword and Where Is It?

June 2012 • The Railway Magazine • 5