Traction (Issue 186)

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Hello, and welcome to the first issue of the new-look TRACTION! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve the magazine while still retaining all the parts that make it unique.

And it is this uniqueness that I’m trying to promote. TRACTION is not like any other rail magazine on the market. It doesn’t follow the shenanigans of the current train companies, with their ever-changing liveries or the workings of bland modern units through uninteresting modern stations. We want to keep the historical aspect going, TRACTION is in many ways a unique archive of photographs, unlikely to be seen anywhere else, of use not only to those wishing to relive their colourful past, but also modellers wishing to add a touch of realism to their models and their layouts.

Did I mention modellers? I know some regular readers may be a bit ‘put out’ as I appreciate that not all lovers of the prototype enjoy the miniature version. But the other way round is usually the case, and this magazine, like many others, cannot afford to ignore the modelling market; so you will notice the return to a 16 page supplement in the middle of this issue. I will do my utmost to keep all modelling within the remit of the mag - hopefully there will be no Class 70s!

As well as more modelling, the magazine has been ‘magicked’ by our superb designer, Ryan, so you’ll see a fresh new look to the regular features you know and love. We’ve also added some additional pages - the news is bigger, there’s a gallery section, a look back at a certain date in history and much more!

Do, please, let me know what you think - I hope you like what you see - we need to get the magazine right and ensure it flies off the shelves - it’s your magazine after all!

There was plenty of loco-hauled activity on the Norwich- Great Yarmouth National Express service due to the lack of DMUs through complications concerning fatalities and major exams being due. This resulted in the sight of a two-coach train plus DVT (for braking purposes) ‘top-&-tailed’ initially by two DRS Class 47s and later a 47 and a Class 20. Here we see this unusual formation, with 47 712 Pride of Carlisle and 20 304, looking very trainset-like, waiting at Norwich with the 10:00 to Yarmouth. More photos from various contributors appear on page 7. Peter Foster

Publisher: John Greenwood Tel: 01778 391116 Editor: Richard Wilson Tel: 01778 391160 E-mail: richardw@warnersgroup.co.uk Fax: 01778 425437 Head of Design & Production: Jayne Thorpe Editorial Design: Ryan Housden Ad Design: Sarah Machin Production Secretary: Amie Carter 01778 391115 E-mail: amiec@warnersgroup.co.uk Brand Manager: Nilla Short 01778 392057 E-mail: nillas@warnersgroup.co.uk

COVER: Hopefully our final look at snow this year! 37 401 + 37 423 Spirit of the Lakes coupled together in platform 4 at Inverness, having just returned from a line proving run to Aberdeen on January 8, 2010. Graeme Elgar

Group Advertisement Manager: Patrick Raphael Sisko Tel: 01778 391114 E-mail: patsisko@warnersgroup.co.uk Sales Executive: Jane Cottam Tel: 01778 395002 E-mail: janec@warnersgroup.co.uk Editorial Secretary: Jean Waterfall Tel: 01778 392073 E-mail: jeanw@warnersgroup.co.uk Back Issues and Reader Offers: Tel: 01778 391180 A full list of available Back Issues appears on our website: www.traction.co.uk Published by: Warners Group Publications plc, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the Editor or Publisher. All material submitted to TRACTION is sent at the owner’s risk. Although every care will be taken, the Publishers cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage, however caused. A stamped, SAE should be enclosed with all submissions.

We’re always looking for contributions to make TRACTION an even better read. If you can write about your experiences or history of the days before the railways became sanitised, or have some photographs of the period, whether black & white or colour, we’d love to hear from you! We can accept photos in all formats, from transparencies to digital media, though if emailing, please initially send small images. Send to: Richard Wilson, TRACTION Magazine, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne PE10 9PH.

2 TRACTION T186

In the next issue... UNDERGOUND ISLAND A look at the unique rolling stock on the Isle of Wight, both past and present by Jeremy de Souza

FIFE FORAY John Chalcraft presents a selection of photos taken from Dalmany to the Forth

OPEN DAY AT HORTON ROAD This Gloucester Depot’s open day in 1990 was visited by Wayne Finch with photographic results!

The May issue of TRACTION is on sale onWednesday, April 7 5 News and heritage update

What’s happening with heritage traction on the national network and preservd railways 10 D&E Decades

A look back across the decades 12 Remember the smellies?

Tony Buckton remembers the familiar smell of acetic acid workings 20 Nose ends and names

The variants of the Class 40s in and around Manchester as observed by Geoff Butler 26 Gallery

A welcome return of what’s best in heritage photography

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31 Modelling news

What’s current for Traction-era modellers in all scales. 34 Beeches TMD

Paul Warburton’s compact OO gauge diesel depot, powered by DCC 36 Bachmann’s Slammer

A product review of the OO gauge 4-CEP by Nigel Burkin 39 DCC for D&E

Nigel Burkin introduces Digital Command Control 48 The Cynon Valley in rail blue days

A look at some of the workings around this area of South Wales by John Wells

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56 Loco line up

Paul Nash gets his locos in line, all we need now are the collective nouns! 58 Drags and diversions

In this month’s selection, Al Pulford looks at loco replacements during diversions and failures 60 Life as a loco controller

Michael Mercer recalls his career as a young controller at Liverpool Street 68 TPO

Your letters and feedback 69 Reviews

We take an in-depth look at recent books and DVDs

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April 2010 3