Richard Clinnick shares what to expect in the June issue of Rail Express when it hits shelves next Friday.
Welcome to the June edition of Rail Express.
What a month it has been with the prospect of Alstom winning an order for new trains that could be enough to save Derby Litchurch Lane, although this relies upon government agreeing to the business case.
Enjoy more Rail Express Magazine reading every month.
Click here to subscribe & save.
West Coast Railways has started operating the ‘Jacobite’ between Fort William and Mallaig but has been forced to cancel the second train of the day it was due to run and we take a look at the WCR Mk.2 fleet, assessing what has central door locking.
Speaking of rolling stock, the Nova 3 saga with TransPennine Express concludes this month with the return of the stock to their leasing company while the 14 Class 68s sub-leased from Direct Rail Services to haul those coaches are being returned to their rolling stock leasing company meaning they will be placed in to store.
Alstom unveiled its first X’trapolis DART+ unit for Dublin in Poland while the first regeared Class 66/6 is now in traffic with DB Cargo UK. The freight operator has also started selling Class 90s and we have full round-up of all the sales.
Our unrivalled traction and rolling stock coverage includes Powerscene, the newest operator for a Class 18, all the latest Preservation news, all you need to know regarding multiple unit news and the latest in the world of wagons.
In our features, we have an interview with Great Western Railway regarding plans for its new fleet while we assess a new report discussing ways in which new fleets can be introduced quickly that can also decarbonise the railway. Labour’s renationalisation plans are detailed while we have a fascinating look at the export of High Speed Trains to Mexico.
In Rail Express Modelling, the new generation Heljan ‘OO’ gauge Class 47 is reviewed while Bachmann has added more Mk.1 variants to its range, South Western Railway Class 450s are imminent in ‘N’ gauge, ‘OO’ gauge Class 26 livery samples are revealed by Heljan, Graham Farish LMS No.10001 is assessed, Accurascale Mk.2bs under the microscope and do the Hornby ‘TT:120’ High Speed Trains measure up? There is also a guide for low-cost ‘EM’ gauge conversions for new models.
With all that, it’s a packed edition. I hope you enjoy it.
Richard Clinnick
Editor, Rail Express.
