Southern Region first-generation DEMUs
Forever identified with the Southern Region, British Railways’ first diesel-electric multiple units, affectionately known as ‘Thumpers’, were developed quickly due to a unique set of circumstances, yet proved very successful, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Stanier's 'Turbomotive' design and development
Throughout the history of the railways experiments have aimed at improving the efficiency of the steam locomotive. One of these was Stanier’s ‘Turbomotive’, a bold initiative that used turbines instead of cylinders and valve gear for propulsion. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks at the history of this unusual locomotive.
Reality Check: Terminus Operation
Throughout the railway age the terminus has been an important part of the operational scene, and one that has brought with it special requirements, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES describes.
GWR ‘15XX’ 0-6-0PTs
Pannier tanks were synonymous with the Great Western Railway and their last evolution broke with many cherished traditions. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES charts the history of the distinctive and powerful ‘15XX’ class.
40145 - the large logo Whistler
One of the most recognisable locomotives on the preservation scene is D345, otherwise known as 40145, a machine that gained fame when it was, for a time, painted in BR large logo blue, a livery it never carried in front-line service. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES tells its story.
BR’s Class 73 electro-diesel
Despite its considerable third-rail electrified system the Southern Region had a needed a unique and special type of locomotive. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES looks back at the history of the Class 73.
Private and Industrial Railways
Thanks to the recent introduction of several new models of industrial prototypes, interest in non-main line railways has boomed over the last couple of years. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES examines the world of private railways and explains how they can inspire future modelling projects.
BR's brilliant Class 58 Co-Co heavy freight diesels
One of the most recognisable British-built diesel locomotives is the Class 58 - a successful design which never quite achieved its potential, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains.
Collett GWR ‘Manors’ on the Cambrian
Designed as a lightweight equivalent of the ‘Hall’ 4-6-0s, the Great Western’s ‘Manors’ did their best work on the Cambrian lines of mid and north Wales. EVAN GREEN-HUGHES explains why these versatile locomotives were so successful.
BR’s North British 10800
Although many people think that BR’s Modernisation Plan was the start of the diesel era, there had been several attempts to introduce alternative traction prior to that, with one of the least successful being 10800, which was, as EVAN GREEN-HUGHES relates, ordered before nationalisation.