RAIL EXPRESS

Our August issue hits shelves on Friday! Take a look at this month's cover for a taste of what's lined up. Not a subscriber yet? Sign up and save 👉 classicmagazines.co.uk/digital22re

DfT have determined Ravensthorpe station will close after last service on December 13, to build a flyover as part of TransPennine upgrade. New station will open in 2028, 300 yards behind this vantage point, No news of fate of footbridge - Q been asked.

Seems to be an extraordinary number of ‘signalling faults’ occurring all around the country. Just an observation….

And a couple of stills....

Up close and personal today with @GBRailfreight new Class 99 today at Peterborough. 99001 moving in the yard, and yes, it is very quiet compared to other Stadler locos. Trials on EMCL begin next week on electric power - with 8270hp on tap. More in issue 352.

The final tickets for the Greatest Gathering have now sold out.

There are still a few tickets left for the Greatest Gathering event at Litchurch Lane Works, Derby, on Sunday 3rd August. Available via thegreatestgathering.co.uk See you there!

Royal Train Poll: What is your preference for the future of the Royal Train? Answer 3 would also include display at another museum or location (not enough space to add). Your answers could shape the decision making. Thank you.

News breaking tonight.... the Royal Train is to be decommissioned by the end of the current contract which ends March 31, 2027. Rising operational costs, a need to modernise the saloon interiors and insufficient use are all part of the decision. Full story in Issue 351.

We're at #Paddington railway station for the launch of the @railway200 Exhibition Train, #Inspiration! It will be visiting our Derby site as part of @greatestgather this August. Last few tickets for #TheGreatestGathering on sale tomorrow at 09.00 BST 👉 alstom.com/greatest-gathe…

A first view of the Rail 200 exhibition train, 'Inspiration', with 66719 and 66710 passing Breaston, Derby. The locos are in the Rail 200 colour scheme, under each cab window is a crest of the 'Big Four' - GWR, SR, LMS and LNER. Exhibition opens at Severn Valley on 27th.

7,500 more Greatest Gathering tickets on sale! 2,500 extra tickets for each day of the GG event ( August 1-3) on sale at 09.00 on June 27. Available from: alstom.com/greatest-gathe… or thegreatestgathering.seetickets.com/event/alstom-p… Flying Scotsman to appear too. Full list in issue 351.

What might have been...? Looking through my archive for specific '90s pics for a feature and found this of a 14-coach Eurostar going north through Rugby in late 1990s, on test.

On sale today, issue 350 of Rail Express, featuring a fascinating interview with Chris Green OBE, some great diesel gala pictures, latest news of Lumo's plans and the launch of LNW's 730/2 fleet, plus lots of news from the national network and preservation. Price £5.40.

Take a look at the cover of our 350th issue, out Friday! Are you a Rail Express subscriber? If not, you're paying more than you need to. Find out more 👉 classicmagazines.co.uk/digital22re

Unloaded at the Port of Bristol, the first two of 30 Class 99 locos for @GBRailfreight Exciting times ahead. These two will be moved to Leicester where Stadler has a new maintenance depot for the class.

First have applied to the ORR to run open access services between Hereford to London Paddington. Under its Lumo brand, trains would call at Abergavenny, Pontypool & New Inn, Cwmbran, Seven Tunnel Jct and Bristol Parkway. Services would be in conjuntion with Carmarthen services.

We've secured a £50 million contract to refresh and maintain Alstom-built Class 222 trains for @LumoTravel’s new #Stirling to #London route. Supporting 50 #jobs, we’re proud to help deliver smarter, greener and more comfortable journeys. Read more 👉ow.ly/EQkE50W3T9n

Demonstrations of the Coventry VLR (Very Light Railway) have begun on a 200 metre track in the city centre. The track needs excavation to 30cm unlike normal tram track which is 1 metre. Less intrusive, cheaper, quicker. More in issue 350 out on June 20.

Earlier today, @LocoServicesGrp ran an a 'Master Cutler' tour from Leeds to St Pancras with No. 45118, out via Melton Mowbray (pictured) and this evening will return via Leicester and Derby. When was the last time a 'Peak' ran over this route?