The December 2024 issue of Today's Railways UK is packed with interesting articles and features, plus all the very latest news from across Britain’s railway network. 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:
The Railways of Kent: Often overlooked as just an extension of London’s commuter network, Kent’s railways are actually where a surprising variety of motive power and landscapes can be found. To coincide with the publication of his outstanding new book on the subject, David Staines takes a detailed look at the railways in this colourful and picturesque county.
Miniature Wonders: Evesham Vale & Perrygrove: The 15-inch gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway in Worcestershire welcomed new owners in March, when Adrian and Sandra Corke – who have owned and operated the line for over a decade – retired. The new owners, David and Kat Nelson-Brown also own another 15 in gauge line, the Perrygrove Light Railway in The Forest of Dean. Gary Essex explores both.
An Afternoon at... Lancaster: 2024 marked 50 years since Lancaster went electric as part of the West Coast Main Line electrification. Mike Reynolds heads for the West Coast hotspot to see how the station looks today and to survey the traffic that can be seen passing through on a typical weekday afternoon.
Average Age of Rolling Stock Falls Again: On 10 October the Office of Rail & Road published its latest annual statistics on the age of the rolling stock fleets on Britain’s railways. This fascinating measure shows that in the 2023–24 financial year the average age of Train Operating Companies’ rolling stock fleets has continued to fall. Robert Pritchard reports.
Focus on the Glasgow & South Western: The Glasgow & South Western route from Glasgow Central to Carlisle via Kilmarnock & Dumfries is recognised as a key route within Scotland, both as main line in its own right and as a diversionary route. Stuart Fowler is our guide to the line today.
Severn Valley Railway Stages Successful Autumn Diesel Bash: The SVR diesel events are undoubtedly one of the highlights of the diesel preservation calendar, and 2024’s Autumn Diesel Bash was no exception. Josh Brinsford reviews the highs and lows of the railway’s latest gala event, which has been hailed by its organisers as yet another great success.
News stories this month include:
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms HS2 will reach Euston
- Passenger fatality in Cambrian Line crash
- First test trains operate on East West Rail
- RAIB issues urgent bridge safety advice
- First look inside new HS2 trains
- First new Piccadilly Line trains arrive
- Belfast Grand Central opens
- Night Tube to extend to Thursdays?
- ScotRail restores full timetable
- Third platform for Salford Crescent
- Go ahead for five new stations east of Cardiff
- KeolisAmey wins new 8-year Docklands Light Railway contract
- Class 08-e put though its paces at Whatley Quarry
- New look for Freightliner Class 70
- Chiltern launches first refurbished Class 168
- Avanti Class 807s enter passenger-carrying service
- Electric testing starts for Class 810s – summer service introduction expected
- West Midlands Class 730 roll-out continues
- Downpatrick & County Down Railway gets green light to resume running services
- South Eastern signal box gets new lease of life
- Dean Forest Railway welcomes new arrivals
- Statesman coaching stock set withdrawn for major refurbishment
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