THIS is the final issue produced in 2018, and what a year it has been for diesel and electric enthusiasts. Standout highlights for me include our Class 50 tour to Carlisle and the Cumbrian Coast in spring, and then the Severn Valley Railway’s magnificent ‘Hoover’ gala in autumn – who would have thought we would have so much ‘50’ action a quarter of a century after they were withdrawn by British Rail. GBRf’s four-day marathon tour around the country was another unforgettable event, plus at the other end of the spectrum was the return to service recently of the NER 1903 Autocar – the stunning restoration and importance of which has now quite rightly been recognised by the Heritage Railway Association (see page 9).
This time of year is one of reflection, and I often feel the next one surely cannot live up to the last – but in this I am happy to say I am usually wrong, such is the nature of the railway scene these days! Already there is much to look forward to in 2019 – for example, the changing role of HSTs, which (happily) refuse to go away even after 40 years of front line service. Then there is the large new fleets arriving for operators like TransPennine Express and Greater Anglia, and maybe – hopefully – we will finally get chance to travel under London on the delayed Crossrail route (see page 8). Plus, who knows what surprises the preservationists and railtour operators have in store?
While we look forward to all those developments, it just remains for me to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – and I thank you for choosing Rail Express, our resolution is to carry on keeping you informed and entertained throughout the coming year.
