Editor Richard Clinnick breaks down what you can find in the latest Rail Express.
Welcome to the September edition of Rail Express, and High Speed Trains are dominating the news.
As we head into the final weeks of CrossCountry using HSTs, two power cars have received a retro look to mark the end of the operator’s use of the iconic trains. Laira has returned Nos. 43207/208 to original blue and yellow and InterCity Swallow livery respectively, while the final day for full-length HST operation in England has been confirmed.
Yet, at the same time this is happening, stored HST Class 43s and Mk.3s are being exported to Mexico! We have details of the vehicles and where they are headed in what is a fascinating turn of events for the fleet.
Elsewhere, the first Deep Tube train built by Siemens for use on London Underground has moved to Wildenrath for testing while Chiltern Railways has confirmed plans to order new trains, as revealed in the August edition of Rail Express.
Speaking of new trains, Northern plans to order up to 450 new units while TransPennine Express looks set to enter the market too, just as it reduces the number of Class 68-hauled trains it operates.
Elsewhere, DB Cargo UK has withdrawn its domestic electric locomotive fleet citing cost of electricity, while Freightliner Class 86/6s are being exported.
Also in the September edition of Rail Express, Christopher Westcott asks if Transport for London still needs to mind a financial gap and what that means for planned new trains.
Richard Clinnick reports on the new fleets for West Midlands Trains, and how a capacity improvement scheme around Ely could unlock growth for the whole country while at the same time making the area a must-visit for enthusiasts.
Rail Express Modeller is also packed with the latest news and releases including a review of the revitalised Bachmann Class 40, a look at the latest Bachmann Branchline announcements and a report on Dapol’s plans for an ‘N’ gauge Class 87. Accurascale’s new FNA-D is described as museum quality, but why?
I hope you enjoy this latest issue, and if you have any feedback, do please let me know at [email protected]
Richard Clinnick
Editor, Rail Express
Not already a subscriber? Sign up here to never miss an issue.
Advert
