Well, we’ve finally started to get some warmer weather and some better ‘full-sun’ photos of our favourite locomotives (if they still exist!). While on the subject of locos that have disappeared from our network, it’s time to take a look at one of the iconic diesel locomotives that have helped shape the post-steam era, the

‘Deltic’. There are two features this month devoted to these ‘racehorses’ (or Scottish Regiments!); Tony Wright shares enthusiasm of his favourite locomotive through some of his photographs and John Buckley recalls the last ‘Deltics’ struggling their way into and out of Liverpool Lime Street. In the modelling section Paul Bason runs his camera over the prototype, providing some useful pictures and Nigel Burkin converts a late ‘60s Pinza into Royal Scots Grey in the condition it operated the London - Ramsgate services for Virgin Railways. Due to technical problems we’ve been unable to bring you Jonathan McGurk’s Trip to Toton - look out for it in a future issue. Red-faced department A number of errors crept into the May issue. I could try and pass the first off as an April Fool, as the issue number changed on the cover, but unfortunately the month didn’t. Also I’m ashamed to say I didn’t spot the mass of concrete behind the AL5 on page 31, clearly showing it to be Euston and not Crewe (further confirmed by the ‘60s neon station platform lamp bearing the name behind the loco!). I hope these didn’t spoil your enjoyment of the magazine and thanks to all those who pointed them out to me. By the time you read this (unless you have the superb privileges of a subscriber- go for it!), we’ll be at the Diesel Gala on the Swanage Railway - if you’re going, do stop by for a chat; see you there! PS: The editorial phone number has now changed - you can telephone me on 01778 392455.

Publisher: John Greenwood Tel: 01778 391116 Editor: Richard Wilson Tel: 01778 392455 E-mail: richardw@warnersgroup.co.uk Fax: 01778 425437 Head of Design: Jayne Thorpe Editorial Design: Ryan Housden Ad Design: Sarah Machin Production Secretary: Pat Price Tel: 01778 391115 E-mail: patp@warnersgroup.co.uk Brand Manager: Nilla Short Tel: 01778 392057 E-mail: nillas@warnersgroup.co.uk

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.

COVER: It’s August 1980 and the ‘Deltics’ are on the York/Hull semi-fasts, such as this example, entering Retford’s Down platform. Enthusiasts are enjoying that Class 55 roar! TonyWright

2 TRACTION T188

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.

In the next issue...

COASTAL ELECTRO DIESELS

Reminiscences of the Class 73s in and around the Sussex coastal resorts from the pen and camera of Ian James

‘DELTIC’ DECAY Following the delights of the June issue, we look at the withdrawn locos on display at Doncaster works through the lens of

Tony Murphy CLASS 101 ANGLIAN

SWANSONG John L Binch recalls the last days of MetCam DMU operation in Norfolk and Suffolk

The July issue of TRACTION is on sale onWednesday, June 2