Contents:
Branch Line Steam: The N7, 69621 appeared on the Marks Tey to Sudbury branch at Christmas – this is the story of a highly successful event.
Cab Ride – West of England: The view from the cab of one of Foster Yeoman’s Class 59s over the Great Western’s main line to the West of England, from Merehead to Theale. This is an edited version of our Cab Ride Xtra No. 2 and includes scenes at Foster Yeoman’s base at Merehead.
Main Line Steam: An exciting winter on the main lines, despite the cancellations. We explore the return of steam to Paddington, with 5029 and 6024 on the line to Stratford, 34027, 60009 and 6201 on the Welsh Marches. The ‘Sapper’s’ final run, as 48773, including a spectacular ascent of the bank through Entwhistle, 5407s long return from Scotland, over the West Highland, Glasgow and South Western and Settle and Carlisle Railways, 60009 and 34027 on the S&C, 60004 in Scotland and a preview of next year’s star – 256 Glen Douglas.
BR Newslines: A green EMU at Folkestone (5001), Pathfinders in Kent (Class 56), the first Networker electric (465001), 50s and 33s and Salisbury, 60 at Padiham, Tilbury Riverside under threat, 153s in service, 507 and 321 re-liveried, Newcastle Airport extension, etc.
NSE Diesel Specials: January and February saw an enterprising series of diesel headed specials on the Southern from Waterloo to Weymouth and Yeovil, with a selection of diesel power which has not been seen on this region for many a year. This feature covers Classes 59, 56, 37, 47 and 60 piloting 33s and 47s, as well as the ‘Eastleigh Shuttle’ with an 08.
Great Central Winter: Spectacular smoke effects in cold weather on this expanding main line – with an amazing variety of locomotives for the winter – 7760, 7029, 6990, 35005, 5593 and ‘Butler Henderson’ at the end of her stay on the GCR.
Preservation Roundup: Other preserved lines had something to show in winter as well, especially Peak Rail, whose Darley Dale line opened at Christmas. We see the newest preserved line there and also 46203s unique run at Butterley, the H Class 0-4-4 tank on the Bluebell, winter season trains on the Severn Valley, Torbay and Dartmouth and West Somerset. Finally, we see NELPGs special train to welcome back Blue Peter on the North Yorkshire Moors line and the engine’s Main Line test run from Derby.
Cover Photo: 34027 Taw Valley at Lostock Hall on the occasion of her first S&C visit.
Approximately 100 minutes.
