Rail Express

RAIL EXPRESS is Britain's favourite modern rail enthusiast title. Undoubtedly the best for modern traction photography, the magazine keeps readers informed and entertained with undiluted coverage of Britain's railways in the diesel and electric era. First produced in 1996, RE has set a new standard for the hobby, with a clean design, high quality paper and the best reproduction. January 2008 saw the magazine relaunched in an innovative 'supersize' format, showing off the ground-breaking contents to the best advantage. Every issue includes news and analysis covering the present day railway scene, plus the latest preservation developments. Also inside: RAIL EXPRESS Modeler - Diesel & Electric era modeling magazine

HEADLINE NEWS

First Class 90s head for scrap while DB Cargo UK sells two to Freightliner • Freightliner increases its electric fleet, but DB Cargo UK begins disposal of long-stored Class 90s.

Freightliner trials Class 18 • A Beacon Rail hybrid shunter has found employment at Crewe Basford Hall.

June launch for modified Class 458/4s • SWR to introduce reformed ‘Junipers’ on different routes to those planned.

More West Coast Railways Mk.2s return to traffic • ‘Air cons’ fitted with Central Door Locking head to Fort William.

Powerscene • Our authoritative class-by-class review of newsworthy locomotive workings.

Class 37 to be restored at Ruddington • Heavy Tractor Group to assist in returning former Crewe Heritage Centre resident to service.

DB Cargo UK completes first BYA slab carrier conversions • The latest modified ‘Nissen Hut’ steel carriers are for carrying slab from Port Talbot.

TfL finances still affecting maintenance and renewals • Transport for London’s continued financial concerns mean difficult decisions are required.

Concern for future of through trains between Dublin and Rosslare Europort line stations • DART trains could replace through services on Dublin-Rosslare route.

What alternative awaits GWR? • Orders for new trains are being discussed for operators, but for Great Western Railway, there needs to be a wider discussion regarding the type of train ordered, as Richard Clinnick reports.

RIA’s plans for replacing rolling stock in a more balanced manner • A new report suggests ways in which rolling stock can be replaced in a cost-effective way. Richard Clinnick reports.

High Speed Trains head for the high seas • Richard Clinnick presents a selection of images of High Speed Trains at Great Yarmouth earlier this year, ahead of their export to Mexico. These vehicles have recently arrived in their new home.

Labour’s plans for taking control of the railways • Ahead of a General Election, Labour has revealed its plans for the railways. Richard Clinnick reviews the party’s ideas.

Will it be second time around for LSL Class 45? • Locomotive Services Group announces plans for inaugural ‘Peak’ run.

REVIEWS

Bachmann expands its Mk.1 coach range

Heljan’s retooled Class 26s edge closer

Heljan’s new generation Class 47 • Brand-new Class 47 models have arrived from Heljan, initially detailed for early and midlife locomotives. No. 47214 Tinsley Traction Depot in late 1980s condition is thoroughly examined.

LMS diesel pioneer re-created in ‘N’ • The famous LMS ‘twins’ were among the first main line diesels, and signalled the desire by the LMS to transition away from steam traction. The new Graham Farish model will be a delight for early British Railways era modellers.

BR loco-hauled icons: Mk.2b coaches • Accurascale rekindles memories of ‘bashing’ various locomotive classes with the release of its ‘OO’ gauge Mk.2b coaches, a design which saw use on services as widespread as Inter-City, Network SouthEast ‘Network Express’ and...