Welcome to the second ‘dedicated’ issue since I’ve been editor of this inspirational volume. This month, to the horror of some, but I hope the pleasure of many, we’ve jammed the pages with most things 47 or Brush 4 or ‘Duff’-shaped! Whether you have a soft spot for these formerly ubiquitous machines, or the weak two-tone horn was a dreaded death-knell, I hope that there’s still plenty within the pages to enjoy. From the ‘hush-hush’ build of ten Class 4s for the Cuban Railways during the ‘60s and the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the unfortunate accidents that befell some members of the class in their careers, I’m sure you’ll find something of interest. While we’re on the subject of dedicated issues; is this something you’d like to continue - or would you prefer the usual more varied content? How about a region or period specific issue? Sounds like something you might like?

Don’t forget this month’s easy-to-enter free competition on page 19 - there’s a diesel driving day on the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway on offer - have a go, you might be a winner!

November will be our next ‘themed’ issue and this time it’s much more black and white - in fact the theme is black and white! We’ll get together some of the excellent black and white material held in the Traction archive so you can enjoy those detailed high-contrast photos that only monochrome photos can give you. Don’t worry though, the news and other features will still be in colour! Look out for the black and white cover in the shops, I’ve seen the proof version and I don’t think you can miss it!

By the time you read this, I will have enjoyed the hospitality of the 37 254 group at the Spa Valley Railway and the chance of a tour round some locos, I’ll let you know how I got on!

PS: Don’t forget the superb subscription offer on page 26!

D1687, Tyseley, November 1963. Seen during driver training duties, brand new D1687 (47 100) is seen parked up at Tyseley depot. Withdrawn from Tinsley in July 1991, one cab from this loco is now owned by Mel Thorley as part of his collection at Adswood Railway Museum near Stockport. See more of Brian Penney’s fascinating photographs in the November and December issues. Brian Penney

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

COVER: A Hertfordshire Railtours’ charter train leaves Settle Junction on April 10, 1993, with a RES liveried 47 in charge. JimWinkley

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: The Editor, Traction Magazine, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne PE10 9PH.

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In the next issue...

LOCO CONTROLLER More remiscences from Mick Mercer

SONG OF THE RAILS Former music student Andrew Burke tended to study London’s railways

RIBBLE VALLEY RECOLLECTIONS Alan Whitaker delves into his ‘80s archive

The October issue of TRACTION is on saleWednesday, September 1st