EUROPHOENIX BUYS ‘91s’
Locos bound for Eastern Europe
STOURBRIDGE
140
A tribute to the line that’s defied the odds
Essential reading for today’s rail enthusiast
NEW LOOK FOR GBRf ‘TUG’
No. 187 DIESEL AND ELECTRIC ERA MODELLING
Dapol’s ‘Hoover’ ‘N’ gauge Class 50s arrive at last
MODELLING SECTION
■ N GAUGE ‘50’
Dapol 'Hoover' reviewed
■ ‘ED’ IN FOCUS 4
Newsdesk: Bachmann’s mid-season update
12 D&E Files: A Class 73 called ‘BoB’
7
Newsdesk: Banana vans in ‘O’ gauge
Refinishing the Dapol ‘OO’ Network SouthEast Class 73 with numbers and nameplates.
Iwata’s ‘Revolution HP-CR’ airbrush is tested.
8
Newsdesk: IRM’s fertiliser wagons approach release
A close look at the newest two-rail ‘O’ gauge coaches from Darstaed.
20 Review: ‘O’ gauge Mk.1 suburbans
32 Review: ‘N’ gauge Class 50s reviewed
‘OO’ Class 20/3s, 24/1s, 117s, 121s, and the 4BEP are among the current projects making progress at Bachmann alongside the Graham Farish Class 319 EMU.
Dapol progresses its new banana vans to the livery stage whilst Accurascale reveals CAD impressions of its ‘OO’ Mk.5 stock.
Livery samples of Irish container flats and fertiliser wagons arrive at IRM. Cavalex receives the first prototypes of its ‘OO’ BBA and BLA wagons.
A popular Class 73 electro-diesel is profiled.
16 Modelling: Class 73 No. 73129 City of Winchester
22 Exhibitions: Warley National Model Railway Exhibition
25 Review: Kernow PRA in ‘OO’
Kernow’s latest china clay wagon is closely examined.
28 Review: Effortless coverage airbrush
Dapol fits advanced electronics and a smooth running mechanism to its brand-new ‘N’ gauge model.
RAIL EXPRESS MODELLER EDITOR Nigel Burkin
REMeditor@mortons.co.uk
Improving a 4mm Class 73
■ WARLEY PREVIEW What’s in store at the NEC?
Printed in the UK
China Clay PRAs
GOING DUTCH The fascinating Class 77 story
No. 282
RAIL EXPRESS No. 282 NOVEMBER 2019 £4.50
First Class 60 released in Beacon Rail blue
CONTENTS
Issue No. 282 November 2019
MERSEYRAIL ‘777’ A STEP CLOSER TO DELIVERY: The first of the 52 four-car EMUs ordered by Merseyrail to replace its 1970s-era Classes 507/508 units has
completed static testing at the Stadler factory in Altenrhein, Switzerland, and been taken to Germany for dynamic tests to begin. The trains are due to enter service in 2020. Stefan Schulthess (Railroad, Aviation and Landscape Photography, Switzerland)
FEATURES
NEWS
14
GOING DUTCH
6
22
STOURBRIDGE 140
The fascinating story of the seven Class 77 locos in Britain, Holland and preservation.
A tribute to the quirky branch line, which has survived to celebrate its 140th anniversary.
24
0-60: CLASS 802
26
‘45’ NOT OUT
A GWR unit sets a new standard for the type.
The Derby Trainman returns with more tales of railway life in the early 1990s.
REGULARS 20
SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS
29
TIME TRAVELLER
30
EXPRESS MAILBAG
31
REVIEWS
Cars & trains; ‘Western’ at Birkenhead?
A selection of recent releases.
MODELLING
Bachmann’s mid-season update includes news of Classes 20/3 and 24/1 in ‘OO’ gauge plus a Farish ‘319’ EMU in ‘N’; we then profile ‘ED’ No. 73109 in our D&E files before showing how to model classmate No. 73139 in NSE livery; and our in-depth reviews this month include Dapol’s ‘N’ gauge Class 50 and Darset’s ‘O’ gauge Mk.1s.
TfWM plans for massive rail expansion in Midlands; HST power car joins National Collection; TPE ‘802’ starts work; More new rail projects for Scotland; Start date for Highland ‘Azumas’; UK’s carbon-neutral goal will impact design of new stock; Class 484 third-rail ‘D-Trains’ for Isle of Wight; Europhoenix to export Class 91s to Eastern Europe; Changing times at LNER.
32
RAILTOURS
73
LU WORLD
74
PRESERVATION
The best ways to get Rail Express every month.
Headlines from decades past.
HEADLINE NEWS
FROM ONLY
£21.50 NEVER MISS AN ISSUE... SUBSCRIBE TODAY – PAGE 20
A1 Steam Trust drops plan for a Mk.3 set.
Former CSLR car to be scrapped.
Second World War loco back in action; Rare outing for historic Middleton locos; Rustons made ready at Telford; Gateshead shunter reunion; Veteran diesels meet; Test car restored.
78
POWER BY THE HOUR
80
POWERSCENE
90
UNITS
93
SHUNTERS & INDUSTRIALS
94
COACHES
95
WAGONS
96
IRISH ANGLE
Class 20s resurrected for RHTT work.
Notable workings, Name Game, and Spectrum.
LNER all-electric ‘801s’ enter service to Leeds.
RSS returns hired-in Class 08 locos.
More rebuilt HST stock released.
Mendip Rail takes delivery of HOAs.
Irish Rail releases 2018 results.
STOP PRESS! As this issue went to print, GBRf’s
No. 60026 was outshopped from Eastleigh Works with a stunning new look of Beacon Rail blue livery and Class 44-style nameplate Helvellyn. All 10 GBRf ‘Tugs’ are expected to gain nameplates matching the 10 original ‘Peaks’. Carl Watson
Editor’s Comment PRINT & DISTRIBUTION
Newstrade & distribution Marketforce UK Ltd, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU. 0203 787 9001 Printed by William Gibbons and Sons, Wolverhampton Published Third Friday of every month This issue October 18, 2019 Next issue November 15, 2019 Advertising deadline November 1, 2019 ISSN No 1362 234X
Paul Bickerdyke Rail Express Editor
© Mortons Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system without prior permission in writing from the publisher.
Two come along at once
W
E thought we had the moment of the month nailed in the lead up to press day, when GBRf ‘Tug’ No. 60026 emerged into the sunlight at Eastleigh Works, showing off its sparkling new blue livery, which really seems to suit the shape of the loco – or maybe I would say that as someone dating back to British Rail’s Corporate Blue era! The icing on the cake, though, is the addition of retro nameplates in the style of the Class 44s – this one being Helvellyn, but we understand GBRf’s 10 ‘60s’ will be given plates matching those 10 original ‘Peaks’. This is a nice touch by the freight haulier, which has enthusiasts in its ranks all the way to the top, but it does not have to do these things and we must give them credit for making our hobby all the more interesting. Then, however, Europhoenix went one better, when news emerged that it had acquired two Class 91s off-lease from LNER work – and not only that, they had already been reliveried at Bounds Green depot.
Rail Express is pleased to consider contributions for publication
It is amazing that they managed to keep this under wraps to all but a few – not just the deal itself, but the new look too. Class 91s have had some great liveries during their time on the East Coast route, not least No. 91110’s ‘Battle of Britain’ livery and No. 91111’s ‘Poppies’, but they really suit the new owner’s ‘Phoenix’ logo too. The plan is that up to 20 locos could be exported to an as yet unspecified country in Eastern Europe, where they will work in pairs (coupled nose-to-nose) on freight work. They will need regearing and other work for this, being designed as a fast passenger loco, but have plenty of ‘grunt’ to offer and what a sight they will make at the head of heavy freights. Paul Bickerdyke
Please do not send images that have already been sent to other publications. Prints & slides are sent at the owner’s risk and must be accompanied by a SAE for return. Digital images can be sent by email, but please bear in mind we may not be able to reply to every one, as we receive hundreds of images each week. Although care will be taken with submissions, Rail Express assumes no responsibility for loss/damage, however caused. Submitted material may also be used in connection with other Mortons Media Group projects or as content on the internet. Payment for material used will be made promptly. Please send digital submissions to RailExpressEditor@mortons.co.uk or via CD or DVD to the editorial address. IMPORTANT: Images should be ex-camera with no Photoshop manipulation.
ADVERTISING
Group advertising manager Sue Keily skeily@mortons.co.uk Advertising Fiona Leak Tel: 01507 529573 Email: fleak@mortons.co.uk Publishing director Dan Savage Publisher Tim Hartley Production editor Sarah Wilkinson Designers Charlotte Fairman, Mike Baumber, Jake Sidebotham Reprographics Jonathan Schofield Subscription manager Paul Deacon Circulation manager Steve O’Hara
EDITORIAL
Want to know when your next edition of Rail Express is on the shelves?
Editor Paul Bickerdyke Tel: 01507 529540 Email: RailExpressEditor@mortons.co.uk Editorial address Rail Express Magazine, Mortons Media Group Ltd, PO Box 99, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 6LZ
Scan this QR code for a reminder.
Having trouble finding a copy of this magazine? Why not just ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy each month
Independent publisher since 1885
Like us on facebook facebook.com/RailExpressMag Follow us on twitter@railexpress Visit our website railexpress.co.uk
Nigel Burkin Editor Rail Express Modeller
Alistair Grieve Shunters
David Russell
Preservation Units Coaches
Gareth Bayer Power by the hour Wagons
David Rapson Powerscene
William Watson Irish Angle (with Alan McFerran)
Christopher Westcott LU World (with Piers Connor)
‘Industry Witness’ News Writer
Subscribe and
Save Save over 45% off the cover price Never miss an issue of Rail Express Get every issue delivered to your door
Print only 6issues£21.50
Direct debit
12issues£45
Credit/debit card
24issues£84
Credit/debit card
Digital only 6issues£15.99
Credit/debit card
12issues£28.99 Credit/debit card
Call 01507 529529 (Quote REDPS)
Lines are open from 8.30am-5pm Monday – Friday
Visit classicmagazines.co.uk/redps
For overseas rates classicmagazines.co.uk/re-overseas
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Rates are based on UK orders only – for overseas please visit www.classicmagazines.co.uk/re-overseas. Subscriptions will start with the next available issue. Offer closes 22/11/19. Direct debit payments will continue at the price you paid (on this offer) every 6 months thereafter unless you tell us otherwise. Full terms and conditions can be found at www.classicmagazines.co.uk/terms. Quoted savings are based on a 12-issue digital subscription when compared to the cost of 12 full-price printed issues.
Save over
45%
whenyousubscribeto RailExpress
GBRf’s Biffa-liveried No. 66783 passes New Barnetby on October 10, 2018. Paul Bickerdyke
China Clay PRAs
No. 187 DIESEL AND ELECTRIC ERA MODELLING
Dapol’s ‘Hoover’ ‘N’ gauge Class 50s arrive at last
4
Newsdesk: Bachmann’s mid-season update
‘OO’ Class 20/3s, 24/1s, 117s, 121s, and the 4BEP are among the current projects making progress at Bachmann alongside the Graham Farish Class 319 EMU.
7
Newsdesk: Banana vans in ‘O’ gauge
8
Newsdesk: IRM’s fertiliser wagons approach release
Dapol progresses its new banana vans to the livery stage whilst Accurascale reveals CAD impressions of its ‘OO’ Mk.5 stock.
Livery samples of Irish container flats and fertiliser wagons arrive at IRM. Cavalex receives the first prototypes of its ‘OO’ BBA and BLA wagons.
12 D&E Files: A Class 73 called ‘BoB’ A popular Class 73 electro-diesel is profiled.
16 Modelling: Class 73 No. 73129 City of Winchester
Refinishing the Dapol ‘OO’ Network SouthEast Class 73 with numbers and nameplates.
20 Review: ‘O’ gauge Mk.1 suburbans
A close look at the newest two-rail ‘O’ gauge coaches from Darstaed.
22 Exhibitions: Warley National Model Railway Exhibition
25 Review: Kernow PRA in ‘OO’
Kernow’s latest china clay wagon is closely examined.
28 Review: Effortless coverage airbrush
Iwata’s ‘Revolution HP-CR’ airbrush is tested.
32 Review: ‘N’ gauge Class 50s reviewed
Dapol fits advanced electronics and a smooth running mechanism to its brand-new ‘N’ gauge model.
RAIL EXPRESS MODELLER EDITOR Nigel Burkin
REMeditor@mortons.co.uk
POWERSCENE
Also on October 2, blue-liveried DRS machines Nos. 20302+20303 run light engine from Crewe Gresty Bridge to York at Milford (Derbyshire). These would take over from orange pair on RHTT duties in due course. Railtec Transfers
84 RAIL EXPRESS November 2019
POWERSCENE They’re back! Once again Class 20s have returned to railhead treatment trains (RHTT) around Yorkshire, despite expectations at the end of every season for at least the last five years that such duties had ended. On October 2, Harry Needle’s Nos. 20314 and 20311 ‘top and tail’ the (Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays) 08.51 Wrenthorpe (Wakefield)Grimsby Town, which is seen passing New Barnetby (North Lincolnshire). The full diagram begins at York Thrall Europa and takes in Sheffield, Barnsley, Alfreton and Wakefield before going on to Hull, Bridlington and back to York. Tuesdays and Thursdays see a different diagram that takes in Gainsborough and Worksop instead of Grimsby. Paul Bickerdyke
❯
November 2019 RAIL EXPRESS 85
ENJOYED THIS PREVIEW? THE BEST ACTION IN TRIALS AND MOTOCROSS
DIRTb bike ke
VELO MAC MA S SPECIAL PECIAL NORTON RT RTON INTER AJS SCEPTRE SCEP E SPORTS! SCEPTR SPORTS POR ! PORTS
CLASSIC
#48
ISSUE
Forty-eight Autumn 2018
OCTOBER 2018
No. 330 October 2018 £4.30 UK Off-sale date 31/10/2018
MOTO MEMORIES // TECH TALK // MONTESA COTA 200 // BULTACO MATADOR
3.60
Running, Riding & Rebuilding Running, Rebuilding Real RealClassi RealC Classic C lassi Motorcycles
BOXER CKS TRIC
HOW THE LEGEEND BEGAN
SUPERMAC’S TRIUMPH DRAYTON
PRINTED IN THE UK
PLUS MOTO MEMORIES TECH TALK MONTESA COTA 200 BULTACO MATADOR AN HOUR WITH: GERRIT WOLSINK
£3.60 US$9.99 C$10.99 Aus$8.50 NZ$9.99 PRINTED IN THE UK
HOME, JAMES!
UNIVERSITY GRADUATE
#48
001 Cover_OCT.indd 1
AT THE CASTLE
DRUMLANRIG 2018 D 20
WINNER
SUPER PROFILE: ARIEL’S HT3
GREEVES ESSEX TWIN BUYING GUIDE // STRIP YOUR TWOSTROKE // BSA B31 RESTORATION // MALLE MILE // CAFE RACER CUP // SHETLAND CLASSIC // THE CLASSIC TT // MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA
CLASSICS
65 PRE65 PRE
PRINTED IN THE UK
R 2018 ISSUE 174 OCTOBER
N48 2018 US$15.99 Aus$14.99 NZ$18.99 UK£5.50 UK Off-sale date 15/11/18
BUY SELL RIDE RESTORE
13/09/2018 10:34:50
001 CDB Cover_048.indd 1
02/08/2018 14:53:55
001 Cover_174.indd 1
03/09/2018 10:18:26
•SINGLE ISSUES •SUBSCRIPTIONS
CLICK HERE
www.classicmagazines.co.uk
ENDOFPREVI EW
I fy oul i k ewhaty ou’ v e r eads of ar ,whynot s ubs c r i be,ort r ya s i ngl ei s s uef r om:
www. c l as s i c magaz i nes . c o. uk