Rail Express Editor Richard Clinnick shares what you can expect to read in the April issue of Rail Express.
The past month has been busy for Rail Express.
We’ve been able to get out and meet people, arrange interviews and visits and sample new fleets. It’s been fascinating learning about the introduction of new, and not-so-new, fleets across the country. I’ll be honest, I thought it was a lot easier than it actually is, but I was only able to discover that by speaking to people on the ground who make these plans happen. That is my aim for this publication – I want us to be talking to those actually making the railway work, rather than talking heads.
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You can read about Rail Operations Group in the latest of my exclusive interviews in the April edition of Rail Express. ROG has been a force for good in the industry since it began operating and is innovating again with the imminent introduction of the Class 93s. These tri-mode locomotives will be invaluable as the railway tries to decarbonise. It was refreshing listening to Dave Burley in his Derby office discuss what these machines can do and what they will offer the railway. This follows on from Direct Rail Services’ comments last month about looking for new traction and the need to reduce emissions – it’s great to hear people actually discussing what is happening, rather than just talking about doing things. We have some exciting coverage of ROG planned in the coming months.
In late-February I was out sampling Merseyrail Class 777s only a few weeks after the Transport for Wales Class 231s. Both are great trains that will make the railway more accessible. You can read an interview with David Powell, Merseytravel rolling stock programme director in this edition of Rail Express.
And, with these with these trips in mind, I thought it would be worth rounding up the progress with all the various new fleets, and you can also read that in this latest edition.
Finally, congratulations to the Crewe Diesel Preservation Group and Locomotive Services for returning No. 47712 Lady Diana Spencer, a Mk.2f Driving Brake Standard Open (DBSO) and a rake of Mk.3s not only to the main line, but to Scotland carrying passengers. Judging by social media this has been a popular decision and it looks fantastic. I cannot wait to see it in the flesh, and thanks to everyone who has sent me images of it.
As ever, if you have any feedback, drop me a line at [email protected]
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