The March 2022 issue of Today's Railways UK is full of interesting articles and features covering all aspects of Britain’s railways, plus all the very latest news from across Britain’s railway network. This month we look in depth at new trains on Britain’s railways, but we also include all our regular monthly sections covering light rail, heritage railways, preservation and railtours, with readers’ letters and our grumpy old man also in attendance.
Feature articles this month include:
Rolling Stock Special: New Trains on Order: Our detailed review of all new rolling stock currently on order provided by Robert Pritchard and Ian Beardsley. We also include a summary of the major rolling stock changes in 2021 and take a look at the latest figures charting the average age of the current British fleets.
SWR Retains Class 707s as New Class 701s are Further Delayed: South Western Railway’s Engineering Director, Neil Drury, talks to Robert Pritchard about the company’s latest fleet plans in the light of continued delays with its large new fleet of Class 701 Aventras.
The Clock Tower Collection: Doncaster’s Hidden Treasure: The remarkable story of the Doncaster Grammar School Railway Collection, some of which is now on public display in the town at the new Danum Gallery, Library & Museum, as Kevin Jagger discovers.
Glasgow to Falkirk via Cumbernauld: Ian Lothian takes us on a rail journey through the Central Belt of Scotland, from the rejuvenated Glasgow Queen Street to Falkirk Grahamston via Springburn, Stepps and Cumbernauld.
The New Order at Heathrow Express: The 15-minute Heathrow Express service is the most expensive per mile in the country, if not in Europe. The Class 332 EMUs, which operated HEx services for more than 22 years were withdrawn at the end of 2019, with the service instead being provided by upgraded ex-Great Western Electrostars. Robert Pritchard profiles the current Heathrow Express offering.
Maidstone: A Tri-Station Destination: With three stations on two unconnected lines serving its town centre, Maidstone is almost unique amongst medium-sized towns in Great Britain (the only other example being the town of Dorking, Surrey). Malcolm Bulpitt reports from Kent’s County town.
All Change at Huntingdon: Richard Oakley reports on the lengthy and complex project to demolish the old A14 viaduct at Huntingdon, which was completed at the start of 2022.
News stories this month include:
- First Group seeks new bi-mode locomotives
- Omicron service cuts begin to see reinstatement
- Spring opening confirmed for Crossrail
- Timber loading facility for Altnabreac
- DRS secures new contract with Tesco
- Hopes rise for Leamside reopening
- West Midlands tram repairs “progressing well”
- Final assembly of new Tyne & Wear Metro trains begins
- Tramlink Nottingham makes £21.4 million loss
- More DRS Locomotives offered for sale
- Transport for Wales Class 197, authorised for service as Class 231s begin testing
- South Western Railway stands down entire Class 456 fleet
- Greater Anglia fleet becomes fully PRM compliant as first Class 379s are stored
- Plans for Stockton & Darlington 200th anniversary celebrations unveiled
- Maroon makeover for South Devon “Hall”
- Class 365 EMU enters preservation at the East Kent Railway
- GBRf railtour raises over £140 000 for Prostate Cancer UK
- “Clan Line” to haul “End of Southern Steam” anniversary special
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