Rail (Enthusiast) Magazine - No.239 Nov 1994

Rail (Enthusiast) November 1994. Issue No.239

Main features:

- Cover Picture:  On October 13 Class 47s Nos.47839/705 visited a new Post Office sorting depot at Low Fell on gauging trials. The train, comprising a BG and SuperGUV, is seen returning to Heaton at Low Fell Junction.

- News:  £30m boost for Waverley Route revival; Welsh industry urged to move freight by rail; Camelon joins ScotRail network; Eurostar ticket rush; more on 'Heathrow Express' tunnel collapse; InterCity East Coast at the Motor Show!

- Railtour Focus:  RAIL's regular pictorial round-up of recent railtours includes the Midland Class 20 Association's 'Norfolk Nog' and the 'Dorset Docker' operated by Pathfinder Tours.

- Off the Rails:  Red Star withdraws free travel for injured owls and hedgehogs; trainspotters see a Class 37 which was last used regularly in the 1960s; Clan Line whoops through Godalming...

- It's Deadly Serious Now:  In six month's time, Pete Waterman will become the biggest private railway passenger operator in Britain. In an exclusive interview with Howard Johnston, he reveals several surprises - not the least of them being his intention to base Waterman Railways at Derby.

- Around the Regions:  Howard Johnston's fortnightly round-up highlights subjects as diverse as the solution in sight to a Mid-Norfolk dispute and a station house owner's objections to line re-opening plans in Wensleydale.

- Channel Tunnel News:  Those unfortunate Eurostar failures, and a Car Shuttle trip to France, are featured in Barrie Hughes' regular column.

- Open Lines:  'Bustitution' for some Bedford-Bletchley services, and a lack of co-operation over ticketing and publicity between some train operators, are highlighted by Trevor Garrod.

- The Eurostar Experience:  As well as highlighting a Eurostar trip from Waterloo to Brussels and back, this special section looks closely at catering arrangements on these 186mph supertrains, as well as speed, fares and service.

- Preservation Progress:  The University of Nottingham still wants to buy a Class 47; Class 33s for Meadowhall and Cheddleton; new homes for more DMU vehicles; deal close on Royal Tank Regiment; Zebedee 'may be a runner'.

- Rail Mail:  A product Planning Manager replies to recent 'Pacer' criticism; a moving tribute to much-loved railway photographer Bert Wynn; Hibberd diesel shunter details; new look at Loadhaul livery.

- Traction News:  Our class-by-class Locomotive Review is followed by Loco Level 5 news, the Irish Scene, Naming Notes and our always-sad visit to the End of the Line.

- All Change:  What's going on in the world of locomotive allocations and sector pool changes.

- Rolling Stock News:  RAIL's detailed coverage of today's railway scene continues with Multiple Matters, Coaching Call, Works Report, Departmental Developments and Underground News.

- RailFile:  South Hampshire Metro planned; Transport Minister inaugurates Manchester Airport southern rail link spur; shaping the future at Babcock Rail; Valleys Operating Unit insight.

- Freight Facts:  Paul Shannon examines the present day pattern of limestone traffic from the quarries at Tunstead, Peak Forest and Rylstone.

- Railway Jigsaw:  The interesting railway route between the old Manchester Exchange Station and Earlestown is described by Gavin Morrison as another section of his photographic journey around Britain locks into place.

- Euro Traction View:  David Haydock puts Italy's fast E444 electrics, built by Savigliano in 1967/8, under the microscope as his popular series continues.

- Model Rail:  Hornby v Lima for the Class 92; Waterman joins Warley sponsors; cranes help The Lineside Look; modelling the Class 27 'McRats'; exhibition diary.