Railways Illustrated

The best coverage of today's railway scene. Each issue of Railways Illustrated offers a comprehensive round-up of the latest news and topical events from the UK across the present-day railway, including heritage traction in operation on the main lines. Railways Illustrated reflects the energy and vitality of the present-day railway scene.

Welcome

Railways Illustrated

Batteries included: GWR launches its Class 230 fast-charge technology trial

Start of a new era as Cornish digital signalling goes live

Freight expectations for converted Class 321s as Varamis Rail goes for growth

GB Railfreight revives Western Consort on repainted Class 69

GTR manager visits all 2580 British railway stations to benefit two children’s charities

Branch Line Society’s latest charters boosts ongoing Martin House support

Grand Union Trains open access Stirling service approved by ORR

WSMR applies to ORR for new open access service

New community spaces opened at Henley-in-Arden and Battle stations

IN BRIEF

TfL introduces Friday off-peak fares trial

South Western Railway celebrates heritage of Class 455 fleet with retro blue and grey repaint

Scrapping signals the end for the ‘Shenfield Shark’

Class 86s return to WCML for Carabao Cup final

FirstGroup looks to expand some Lumo services through to Glasgow

Marston Vale reopening to be celebrated with train naming

Caledonian Sleeper opens new guest lounge on Platform 1 at London Euston

100-day countdown clock ticks down to June opening of Levenmouth Rail Link

Upgraded Treherbert line reopened after a nine-month refurbishment

TfGM announces £21.4m investment in Metrolink system improvements

Nottingham fare evasion crackdown sees 45% month-on-month increase in penalties

LRSSB looks to standardise training and development on UK tramways

IN BRIEF

Traction News Another 16 withdrawn Class 60s offered for sale by DB Cargo

First former Freightliner Class 86/6 reactivated in Bulgaria

Class 50 doyen heads to Locomotive Services

Another two HST power cars reactivated for RailAdventure

Shunter News

Unit News

Unit Focus

Wagon News

Livery Changes

Coaching Stock News

Naming Update

NRM prepares for opening of £8m New Hall at Locomotion

65th anniversary highlights progress on Baby Deltic Project Class 23 recreation

GCR holds reunification event… with a difference!

Restoration work begins on long-stored Warcop Class 37

Preserved CDA china clay wagons make their Bodmin debut

Swanage Railway: Wareham main line DMU service will not return in 2024

Pacer 142055 set to move to Cambrian Heritage Railways

Main 2024 heritage diesel gala season gets off to a strong start

Differing fates meet derelict Class 503 EMU vehicles

Irish-based BREL railbus destined for Gwendraeth Valley Railway

NYMR sleeper coaches head for pastures new

What’s happening to… • Our monthly round-up of restoration projects around the country, compiled by Pip Dunn.

A main line Peak finally returns

Fleet survey: Stadler Multiple Units • With TfW Rail set to introduce its Class 756 tri-modes and Class 398 tram-trains into traffic this year, Richard Clinnick profiles the various Stadler multiple unit fleets in traffic in Britain.

PICTORIAL

The pioneering spirit • It is now more than 30 years since Class 46 Peak D172 Ixion first returned to the main line with a test run to Sheffield, becoming the first privately-owned heritage diesel locomotive to operate over British Rail metals. Andy Coward met up with the locomotive’s owner, Pete Waterman, to recall his memories...