Contents May 2011. No. 1,321. Vol 157. A journal of record since 1897

Headline News

On the cover

MAIN IMAGE: GB Railfreight unveiled a new look for its Class 92s at Barking on March 23 – a far cry from the ‘plain jane’ grey they carried before. CHRIS MILNER

New trains for Northern Ireland. See page 11.

Green light for IEP construction; GW electrification approved to Bristol and Cardiff; Freight plan for HS1 moves closer; Vigin could retain West Coast, but NatEx out of favour for Anglia; Bridgnorth cliff railway for sale; FGW may not take franchise extension’; ‘Scotsman’ bolier re-fitted’.

BELOW: Also debuting was the replica Great Western Railmotor, seen in the beautiful scenery of the Llangollen Railway on March 21. DAVID WILCOCK

Track Record The Railway Magazine’s monthly news digest

64 Steam & Heritage Fantastic support after second G-WR landslip; NRM loco departs for Canada; Slieve Gullion overhaul plan. 74 Railtours Freight line tour frenzy; Leander withdrawn; Round Britain railtour rivalry. 78 Traction & Stock New Stansted Express launched; DRS buys all Schenker’s 37/4s; Repaints planned for GBRf locos.

Off to Canada. See page 65.

84 Network Job loss fears at London Midland; Weardale prepares for coal; Highbury link opens three months early. 86 Freight 89 Narrow Gauge 92 Classic Traction Diesels and beer for Swanage gala’; Leyland railbus stars at Llangollen; Fifth car for 5-BEL. 95 Metro 98 World Second quake hits New Zealand railways; Bangladesh rail improvements; Hungarian favourites fade out. 100 Operations News A round-up of news from the train and freight operating companies. 107 Traction Update Scrapped, repainted, named or sold? Full details here.

Regulars

32 Subscriptions Offer 54 Panorama A selection of the best in railway photography in our monthly showcase. 61 Reviews A selection of the latest books and DVDs are reviewed. 108 Meetings Details of railway society meetings that are near you. 109 Heritage Diary A comprehensive listing of the dates when heritage railways and steam centres operating during Spring.

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Uruguay gets rail investment. See page 99.

110 100 Years Ago A look back to what Britain’s senior rail title was reporting 20, 50 and 100 years ago.

The motive power 'anchor' of the North Norfolk Railway – former Great Eastern Railway J15 0-6-0 No. 65462 – emerges from Three-Arch Bridge, midway between Sheringham and Weybourne, on March 28 during a photo charter event organised by Neil Cave. The loco is to be withdrawn from traffic in September before the expiry date of its ten-year boiler certificate, so that Weybourne works can complete a full overhaul in time for its centenary next year. DAVID WILCOCK

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RAIL tItLE! Subscribe today and save money on every issue Call 0844 411 1111 or see page 38 for our latest offers Features 16 All Change at Duffield Neil Ferguson-Lee explains the effort needed to resurrect the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway prior to the start of services from Wirksworth to Duffield. 20 Hymek Half-century They were arguably Britain’s most successful hydraulic locos, Paul Bickerdyke recalls the life of a class that lasted just 14 years in BR service.

27 The Storming Standard Fives In this month’s Practice & Performance, Keith Farr concludes his analysis of the BR Standard 5MTs, looking at the Scottish and Caprotti valve examples. 36 Small is Beautiful A number of the Heritage Shunter Trust’s collection are up for sale; Andy Flowers records for posterity the ‘other’ HST fleet at its height.

40 Dreams really do come true! April marks the full opening of the Welsh Highland Railway. David Bateman, who worked on the project, tells how the impossible was achieved. 48 ‘Class 67’ Heaven in Bible Land Nick Pigott visits Israel to report on the railways in a troubled part of the world that’s grown into a vibrant, modern transport system.

HYDRAULIC GLORY Killed offbefore their time - p20

DREAM ON! Welsh Highland opens fully - p40

TROUBLED LANDS: Railways in Israel - p48

May 2011 • The Railway Magazine • 5