Tabla de contenidos para March 2017 en Rail Express

IN a month of anniversaries that includes 40 years since the last ‘Westerns’ were withdrawn and 35 years since the quirky Holyhead Breakwater shunters were scrapped, we celebrate our own major milepost: 250 issues. Rail Express was launched in 1996, right in the middle of the privatisation of British Rail, and we have tracked the ever-changing railway scene since then – always from an enthusiast’s point of view, with an eye on what’s happening to the locos, units, coaches and wagons. Our founding premise was ‘for enthusiasts, by enthusiasts’, and that’s as true today as it’s always been – not least because many of our writers from Issue 1 are still with us today, which hopefully speaks volumes about the magazine itself. I personally still feel much like the new…

THE restricted reach of the electrified network has always been a headache for freight and passenger operators where traffic demand requires trains to operate beyond the wired or third-rail boundary. So the technical advances represented by a new generation of bi-mode traction and rolling stock will offer the opportunity to maximise the use of the electrified network while preserving the ability to provide through services to destinations with lower traffic densities. There is nothing new in the electro-diesel concept other than the current description of ‘bi-mode’. In 1962, the first of 49 Class 73 locomotives emerged from Eastleigh Works, which built six locomotives using English Electric components that entered service as Nos. E6001-6 (later Class 73/0). Their performance was successful and a further 43 locomotives numbered Nos. E6007-49 (Class 73/1)…

THE story of Rail Express is that of the privatisation era of Britain’s railways. Launched in 1996 at the height of the sell-off of British Rail’s businesses, we have charted the fortunes of the various passenger and freight organisations that have existed since then – but always from the point of view of what is happening to the locos, units, coaches and wagons. Issue 1 was dated June 1996, but was launched at the open day at Tinsley depot, Sheffield, on April 27 that year. Strange to think that this once major diesel depot is now confined to the annals of railway history – something unimaginable on our launch day, but representative of the way our railways have changed massively in just over two decades. The launch issue was co-edited…

BY the mid-1980s, the Class 37 fleet was in need of refurbishment as the locos were by then 20-25 years old. The programme created a number of subclasses, one of which was Class 37/7, which was given extra ballast weight to provide greater starting tractive effort for heavy freight work – the locos coming in at 120 tonnes versus around 100 tonnes for a standard ‘37’. Locos chosen from the series 1fleet (i.e. former split-box Nos. 37001-119) were numbered upwards from No. 37701, while those from the series 2 fleet (i.e. former centre-headcode Nos. 37120-308) were numbered downwards from 37899. These all had Brush electrical equipment – but eight others were fitted with alternative GEC electricals, becoming Nos. 37796-799 (series 1) and 37800-803 (series 2). A total of 44 locos…

FURTHER Class 73/9s have been dispatched to Brush to undergo the alternator upgrades that are proving successful on No. 73968, this loco having undertaken several long-distance empty stock moves during January without incident. January 8 saw No. 73970 haul collision-damaged No. 73969 south from Craigentinny to Loughborough, where both will be upgraded and the latter repaired, while No. 73967 made the same journey along the East Coast Main Line late on January 22. To make up for the loss of No. 73969 for several months, a Class 67 is once again being utilised by GBRf and Serco, a loan which is understood to be funded by Virgin East Coast as a result of the Craigentinny run-away incident (see last issue). This made its debut in the form of No. 67010…

EUROPHOENIX now has a third Class 37 in its colours following the repainting of No. 37608 at Eastleigh Works, it being rolled out from the Arlington workshops on January 11. Stablemate No. 37611 is expected to follow once it can be released from traffic. Also at the Hampshire works, No. 66301 has become the latest to receive the DRS plain blue livery. At Loram, Derby, No. 37407 now carries BR large logo blue as its rebuild for DRS nears completion. Across at Toton, No. 66136 was outshopped in DB red in time for the arrival of the first intermodal service from China, both it and No. 92015 receiving ‘Yiwu-London Train’ branding on their bodysides for the ceremonial arrival. Two more DMUs have appeared in Northern’s new white and blue livery…

Alstom DISPLACED by the return of No. 08454 from overhaul, No. 08954 finally departed Liverpool Edge Hill on January 25, making a return to Polmadie after five months away from the Glasgow depot. HNRC NEWLY-ACQUIRED and fully serviceable No. 08428 was put immediately to work by HNRC during January, it departing Warrington Arpley for Cardiff Tidal on the 24th. Its arrival helped alleviate a shortage of serviceable shunters on the Celsa duty, which was initially caused by the removal of No. 08818 to Barrow Hill on January 9. Unloaded the next day, No. 08818 first underwent repairs before moving on to Leeds Midland Road on January 27 for aspin on the wheel lathe. Rather more unplanned was the transfer of No. 08389 from South Wales to the Derbyshire roundhouse on…

NORTHERN BELLE REPAIRS WITH the Northern Belle set not having any booked workings for several weeks, Mk.2d BFK/Support Coach No. 17167 was sent away for overhaul on December 23, being moved by No. 57312 Solway Princess as the 5Z70/01.10 Gresty Bridge-Eastleigh Works. GREAT WESTERN UPDATE DAMAGED in the collision at Plymouth in April 2016 when DMU No. 150219 collided with HST power car No. 43160 Sir Moir Lockhead OBE , set No. OC56 was back in action by early January, having visited Wolverton for repairs. It is formed of Nos. 41126+46010+40116+42508+ 42216+42344+42261+44059, the latter TGS substituting for No. 44030, which had returned to traffic in set No. LA01 in December (but has since been replaced by No. 44011). Mk.3a SLEP No. 10589 was moved by road from…

■ DB CARGO: On December 27, No. 66103 powered a7Z61/12.15 Thornton Yard to Mossend Down Yard comprised of two-axle FPA container flats Nos. 200346/59/63, 400094/105/34/ 47 /60/1/2/79/86/203/4/16/27/42/8/66/8/71/3/88/92/3. By the end of January, all had been reported as scrapped on site at Mossend. Two sets of FCA-A ‘twin’ container flats have been modified with the result that they have a significantly reduced capacity, down from 68 tonnes to 60.8 tonnes. Nos. 610099/100 and 610313/4 (both Pool 6001) now have a GLW (gross laden weight) of some 86 tonnes or thereabouts (depending on the tare). Their new TOPS design code is FC001F. Henry Orchard & Sons took no time at all in despatching the remaining 10 CDA china clay hoppers in the ‘strategic reserve’ at St Blazey to large chunks of metal…

THE first pre-production versions of Revolution Trains’ ‘N’ gauge PFA/KFA container flats have been received by the company for checking and test running. Once again being produced in conjunction with Rapido Trains, both versions of the model are pictured here with the main difference being the two bogie types, Sambre & Meuse VNH1 and Gloucester GPS. As with the previous TEA tankers, a high level of detail is incorporated, including etched and wire components, while the spine of the model is diecast metal to provide weight. Production is due to commence once amendments have been made to the tooling with pre-ordering once again essential as the models will be made strictly to order. www.revolutiontrains.com Like us on facebook facebook.com/RailExpressMag Follow us on twitter @railexpress…

THE first samples of the ‘OO’ gauge Ministry of Defence Warwell wagon being developed by Hattons have now arrived, putting the model on course for release at the end of this year. Announced back in October, the retailer is planning no less than 20 models to take account of the wagons’ service life of over 70 years. This naturally includes the original form with diamond frame bogies (below left) and the 1980s onwards modernised version with Gloucester GPS bogies (above). The wagons acquired by BR and modified with bolsters (below right) or false decks (bottom) to carry steel and rail have also been tooled. Prices are currently set at £33 for any pristine version and £37 for those with factory weathering. www.hattons.co.uk…

EARLY January saw the first eight models released in Dapol’s new series of 7mm scale BR wagons. These all depict types from the ‘traditional’ era, that is the unfitted and vacuum-braked wagons introduced following Nationalisation and which largely remained in service until the early 1980s. First announced way back in September 2013, the line-up of models is now very different from the vague types unveiled at the time but all are based around the standard 10ft wheelbase chassis. The initial batch of models includes the diagram 1/039 13t open wagon in BR grey and a representation of unpainted natural wood, while the diagram 1/044 version with tarpaulin bar also appears in BR bauxite. The rest of the releases are all vans, including the ubiquitous 12t ventilated van with both planked…

AWARD FOR RENAISSANCE RAILCARS' CLASS 101 RENAISSANCE Railcars, based at the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire, has been named Railcar of the Year for its three-car set. The group comprises active GCR volunteers who share a passion for DMUs. They maintain the Metropolitan Cammell (Class 101) vehicles on the heritage line. The Railcar Association gave the award for RR’s three-car formation of Nos. 51427, 50321 and unique buffet car 59575 (which is a former Class 111). Nos. 51427 and 50321 have recently been subject to comprehensive repairs and repainting, while No. 59575 won the Railcar of the Year award when it entered service in 2014. GREEN LIGHT TO BUILD WORCESTER PARKWAY THE Department of Transport has given the green light to a major new station. Worcestershire Parkway is expected to…

1995: there was privatisation talk in the air. At East Midlands Allied Press (EMAP), the publisher of magazines based in Peterborough, changes were also afoot. After being an enthusiasts’ magazine since its inception by Peter Kelly in 1981, Rail (originally called Rail Enthusiast ) was changing direction. Advertising manager David Lane and editorial staff Philip Sutton and Murray Brown happened to be discussing one day what was taking place, and one of them suggested “why don’t we publish our own magazine?” So were sown the seeds of an exciting venture. The idea was simple – create ajournal for enthusiasts by enthusiasts. Setting up a new magazine takes time and money. The three budding publishing tycoons (slight exaggeration there!) managed to find a fourth…

WITHDRAWAL of the ‘Westerns’ began in 1973, when 11 examples were switched off for the last time. These included the four locos (Nos. D1017-20) that had not been fitted with air brakes. As a consequence of the introduction of Mk.2a/b/c coaches, which were air-braked only, as well as air-braked freight trains, dual-braking of fleet had begun in 1968. No. D1066 Western Prefect was the first to be treated, but with the fleet due to be run down, a decision was made to only modify 70 members of the 74-strong class. The first loco to be stopped was No. D1032 Western Marksman in January 1973, although it was to be four months later before it was officially withdrawn. During this period, the loco…

Tyneside Railways – The 1970s and 1980s By Colin Alexander Published by Amberley www.amberley-books.com 96 pages, colour, 235x165mm, softback. £14.99 THIS is a picture and caption format book that takes a nostalgic look back to the railways around Newcastle during the period of huge change that was the 1970s and 80s. It is filled with mostly modern traction shots, but with a few preserved and industrial steam as well. There are mostly two photos per page, adding up to around 180 in all. It is fair to say the quality of the image printing is only just acceptable – but the choice and range of shots used does make up for that. ‘Peaks’, ‘37s’, ‘40s’ and ‘Deltics’ form a large part of the photos – not forgetting the ‘03’ shunters…

THE Scottish Railway Preservation Society has finalised details of its trips for May and June, and these include a high mileage long day from North Berwick to Kyle of Lochalsh on May 27 and a trip to south of the border on June 10 in the form of a Glenrothes to York charter. In addition, North East Railtours is using the services of the SRPS to run its annual May Day trip from Newcastle to the West Highland line, this year’s destination being Fort William. Bishop Trains, the new promoter based at Bishop Auckland that ran its first train in November 2016, has three trains planned using the SRPS coaching stock. Destinations are Liverpool (April 15), Lincoln/Skegness (June 17) and Edinburgh (November 18). The firm is looking at running tours…

CLASS 04 FOR MID-NORFOLK OFFERED for sale towards the end of last year, the Churnet Valley Railway’s Class 04 No. D2334 has been sold and moved to a new home at the Mid-Norfolk Railway in early January. Once it has been returned to operational condition, it is planned to use the loco on shunting duties at Dereham. Class 04s were based at Dereham for shunting work in the 1960s, although No. D2334 spent all of its BR life allocated to Heaton, Gateshead and Darlington depots. MID HANTS OFFERS DIESEL RUNNING DAYS MONTHLY diesel operating days have been added to the Mid Hants Railway’s 2017 timetable. No. 33053 is booked to work three round trips on May 27/July23/September 2, with No. 50027 Lion rostered to work on…

PAINT is one of three main business divisions at Loram in Derby, the others being Projects and the maintenance of Network Rail’s fleet. The company has a well-deserved reputation for quality work, with its two-pack paint finish being good for up to 10 years. Each vehicle goes through three stages – prepping, painting and finishing – with each job taking around eight shifts to complete. Preparation is the biggest part of the job, roughly 80% of the total, and this is done in a separate shed. The loco is then moved into the dedicated paint facility, which is self-contained within the Kelvin Projects workshop, and was only installed a couple of years ago. The quality of the paint is important – but not as much as the way it is…

IT DID not take long for 2017 to claim its first shunter casualty, although this was the first such disposal for some eight months. The victim was not a great surprise either, being AV Dawson’s spares donor No. 08807. Acquired from Thomson’s Stockton scrapyard in November 2007, the shunter spent just over nine years dumped in a corner of Dawson’s Middlesbrough terminal being progressively stripped for parts to keep Nos. 08600 and 08774 operational. The shunter was latterly a grounded shell following the removal of its wheelsets, it keeping company with equally derelict No. 08912, which will meet the same fate in due course. Removal by road occurred around January 7, No. 08807 being transported the short distance to the premises of C L Prosser & Co. for dismantling, which…

THE boom in ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge models shows little sign of abating, with this issue bringing a new range of ‘traditional’ BR wagons from Dapol and the appearance of a fully finished Class 15 from newcomer the Little Loco Company. Few would ever have predicted seeing the BTH Type 1s available off the shelf but, with them selling rapidly, the senior scale is going through the same renaissance that ‘OO’ did in the early 2000s as better RTR models became available. Oxford Rail has announced its first new models for the year, this bringing unfortunate duplication as the new Warwell and 35t tank wagons will be competing against those from Hattons and Heljan respectively. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, and with subjects selected many months in advance of announcement, such…

■ A further current day Ford Transit van has been added to Oxford Diecast’s 4mm scale range. This is finished in the distinctive green and yellow colours of parcel delivery firm City Link and utilises the long-wheelbase high-roof tooling (76FT025). Priced £5.75, the model is well finished with good printing and carries a 2007 registration plate. www.oxforddiecast.co.uk ■ Best known for its laser-cut structures, the London Toy Fair saw 4Ground announce an expansion of its products with the introduction of a new range of trees and scenic scatter. An initial range of 19 trees is planned, these varying from 50mm to 280mm in height and covering types such as oak, birch and beech. A selection of complimentary ground covers is also planned, as is a new line of modelling tools,…

THE start of the year has brought mixed fortunes for the range of ‘OO’ gauge exclusive models planned by Locomotion Models. On the down side, the much-anticipated project to produce the prototype High Speed Train power cars in conjunction with Rapido Trains has been shelved indefinitely. This follows discussions between the two parties about the ongoing currency instability, leading to the conclusion that the model is not financially viable at present. Both parties have stressed that the project has not been cancelled, merely ‘paused’, but there is no timeframe for when, or indeed if, it will be resurrected. More positively, Locomotion has announced that it has, after all, commissioned a limited edition version of GB Railfreight’s BR green No. 66779 Evening Star from Bachmann. This will differ from the standard…

JANUARY saw Dapol release the first images of its forthcoming IDA container twin wagon in decorated form, the WH Davis-built wagons being marketed under the ‘Super-Low 45’ branding. Currently due for release in the spring, the ‘OO’ gauge intermodal flats are being introduced to accompany the Class 68s and are best known for their use on DRS’ Stobart/Tesco services. Inevitably, the IDAs will be released at a higher price than originally planned, with each of the four planned twin-set packs having a RRP of £43.95. Dapol has also confirmed they will not be supplied with containers, but that appropriate liveries will be released separately. The upcoming 4mm scale Freightliner Heavy Haul MJA box wagons have also increased in price, the twin-sets now costing £47.95. A further batch of ‘OO’ gauge…

NOW available from retailers is a further addition to Bachmann’s range of Network SouthEast models, and a rather unusual one at that, coming in the form of a pair of brake vans in plain blue with NSE flashes on the duckets. Believed to be the first time that the manufacturer has produced a twin set of such vehicles, they depict BR standard brake No. ADB955009 and Southern ‘Pillbox’ No. DS56010 (38-990). On the face of it, brake vans would be an unusual item of rolling stock to be on the books of a passenger sector but this stems from the 1992 reorganisation of British Rail’s engineering divisions. This saw the various activities divided up and come under the control of InterCity, Regional Railways and NSE, each taking on responsibility for…

FEBRUARY 25/26 Lincoln & District MRC Exhibition, Lady Eastwood Pavilion, Newark Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark, Notts. www.ladmrc.wixsite.com/ladmrc 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4.30pm Sun. Adult £6, child £3, family £15. For layout details see text. MARCH 4/5 Leamington & Warwick MRS Exhibition, Royal Leamington Spa College, Warwick New Road, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire. www.lwmrs.co.uk 10am-5pm Sat, 10am-4pm Sun. Adult £7, child £1, family £15. MARCH 11 Swindon MRC Modrail 2017, STEAM Museum of the Great Western, Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon, Wilts. www.swindonmodelrailwayclub.com 10am-4.30pm. Adult £5, accompanied child free. MARCH 18/19 Large Scale Model Rail Show, Warwickshire Exhibition Centre, The Fosse Way, Leamington Spa, Warks. www.largescalemodelrail.co.uk 10am-4pm. Adult £8.50, OAP £7.50, child £3. MARCH 18/19 Nottingham East Midlands Model Railway Exhibition, Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Wigman Road, Billborough, Nottingham, Notts. www.nottingham-modelrailway.org.uk 9.30am-5.30pm Sat, 10am-5pm…

BELMOND Northern Belle has announced that the rake of coaches that form its main line dining train will now be based at the Severn Valley Railway instead of its current home in Crewe. The deal will last for ten years, and is said to have been more than six months in the planning. The 11 operational carriages and two spares will be housed at Kidderminster on carriage siding 1. A small compound at the north end of the Kidderminster car park will provide space for Northern Belle containers and office accommodation for its staff. After a main line trip, the Northern Belle set will return to the SVR late at night via the main line connection and be stabled before the heritage services begin the next morning. The set will…

 CHILTERN Railways announced Project Evergreen 3 in August 2008, with the aim of running a regular passenger service from Oxford to London Marylebone via Bicester. “Grayling essentially confirmed that the Government is taking the matter out of the hands of Network Rail in an effort to speed up the development of the route” The new route would be built by Chiltern in partnership with Network Rail to expand capacity in Oxfordshire and enable passengers from north and east Oxford, Kidlington, Yarnton, Woodstock and Witney to avoid the densely crowded city centre. It would also form part of the East-West Rail Programme, the ultimate aim of which is to link Oxford with Milton Keynes and Bedford, and allow for a possible return of services through to Cambridge following much of the…

“The BR freight sector was facing pressure from customers to reduce costs by running larger trains, but at the time multiple working was the only way of doing that, which did not reduce costs by any great extent.” IN June 1996, we asked the question ‘what if American diesels were bound for Britain?’. The article reflected that locomotives had rarely been imported to Britain, other than prototypes, and that the arrival of the first Class 59 types ordered from General Motors by Foster Yeoman, ARC, and National Power with the support of British Rail would allow an extended period of traffic working experience to be gained. The BR freight sector was facing pressure from customers to reduce costs by running larger trains, but at the time multiple working was the…

A QUESTION ABOUT WEST MIDLANDS COKE I FOUND the latest two issues of Rail Express (RE248 and 249) an enjoyable read, and found the modeller sections in both issues of particular interest. The Albion Metals scrapyard layout (RE248), loosely based on the now defunct operations of a scrap metal merchant based at Bilston in the Black Country, was a superb piece of railway modelling, with fantastic detailing and realism. I have attached an image of mine (scanned from a print) showing Class 08 No. 08700 propelling three loaded POA scrap carriers from Norton’s at Bilston towards Wednesbury in May 1985 along the former GWR alignment (closed to passengers in March 1972). The scrap was destined for South Yorkshire, and at that time would have been Speedlinkhauled from Bescot to Tinsley.…

A SUNDAY trip to the Welsh Valleys is being offered by UK Railtours as part of its summer programme. The ‘Valley Legend’ on July 30 starts at Paddington and picks up at Slough, Reading, Bristol Parkway and Newport before heading first for Ebbw Vale Town and then towards Aberdare and the freight branch to Tower. Although no specific traction is advertised, the train is expected to be hauled by DB Cargo Class 66s. The non-availability of No. D1015 Western Champion has resulted in a DB Cargo Class 59/2 now being planned to haul the Penzance-Paddington leg of the A1 Steam Loco Trust tour on May 29, which UK Railtours is promoting. No. 60163 Tornado will haul the outward leg. The failure of the ‘Western’ has also resulted in ‘Deltic’ No.…

THE Heritage Shunters Trust took delivery of a second former Western Region Ruston & Hornsby loco on January 11, when newly-purchased Permanent Way Machine No. 97650 arrived at Peak Rail from the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway for restoration. It joins No. 97654, which has been based at the Rowsley site for almost 12 years and has been a regular performer there since 2005. LINCOLN-BUILT No. 97650 has been preserved since 1990, when it was acquired by Lincoln City Council to represent a loco manufactured in the city. The council had previously purchased No. 08102, which had been allocated to Lincoln depot between 1980 and 1987, and after cosmetic restoration the ‘08’ was displayed on a short piece of track by Lincoln High Street signal box. However, the ‘PWM’ machine was exhibited…

COLAS RAIL OUT of service for over a decade, No. 56049 was restarted at Washwood Heath during mid-January as the latest step in the prolonged process of returning the ‘Grid’ to service. Illustrating the length of the overhaul, it was painted in Colas colours back in June 2015. DB CARGO TWO more ‘Eurosheds’ have returned to the UK, Nos. 66022 and 66052 moving north behind No. 66145 as part of the 6E26/09.11 Dollands Moor-Scunthorpe on January 7. Later forwarded to Doncaster, they arrived at Toton on the 9th sandwiched between Nos. 66103 and 60063. Reinstated to traffic during January was No. 66098, while No. 90037 Spirit of Dagenham was stored at Crewe Electric. DIRECT RAIL SERVICES STORED during December, Nos. 20302, 20305 and 20312 were collected…

CLASS 20 OUT of use since the autumn, Nos. 20118+20132 accompanied No. 73964 from Tonbridge West Yard to St Leonards on January 3 for attention. With no work to do transferring London Underground ‘S’ Stock, the quartet of Nos. 20096+20107 and 20314+20905 powered the 6Z20/ 09.32 Barrow Hill-Doncaster Hexthorpe on January 12, which conveyed two of the barrier tank wagons. CLASS 31 VETERAN Type 2 No. 31233 has seen use in 2017, despite fears for its future following the cancellation of its railtour scheduled for the week after Christmas. Having accompanied Nos. 73951+73952 to Thoresby Colliery Junction (see Class 73) on January 11, the loco remained at the High Marnham test track until the evening of January 17, when No. 37800 arrived to ‘top and tail’ with the Class 31…

THERE has been another change to the TOPS design codes applied to the FWA ‘Ecofret’ fleet in service with DB Cargo, Freightliner and GB Railfreight. This took place in mid-December, and updates the information provided in our January issue. FWA-A ‘outer’ 83 70 4520 002-4 to 129-5 (GBRf) - FW003A original protoype set 83 70 4520 168-3 to 187-3 (Freightliner) - FW003C 83 70 4520 130-3 to 167-5 (GBRf) - FW003E 83 70 4520 000-8, 001-6 (DBC) - FW003F FWA-B ‘inner’ 83 70 4521 020-5 to 034-6 (GBRf) - FW004C original protoype set 83 70 4521 001-5 to 019-7 (GBRf) - FW004E 83 70 4521 000-7 (DBC) - FW004F…

■ TRAFFIC AND TRACTION: GM No. 218 was failed at Ballybrophy station on December 29 while powering the 12.20 Cork to Dublin Heuston service, the passengers were transferred to the following 13.20 ex-Cork service. No. 231 was noted later the same day hauling the train of Mk.4s (DBG 4006) and No. 218 to Dublin. GM No. 234 failed between Mallow and Cork on December 30 while hauling the 09.00 Dublin Heuston to Cork service. No 229, the Cork standby locomotive, ran to the failure location and hauled No. 234 and its train of Mk.4s to Cork. No. 234 was then stabled at Cork and replaced on Mk.4 duties by No. 229, while ‘Belmond’ locomotive No. 216 was subsequently rostered on the standby role. GM No. 076 ran light from Dublin…

■ Following on from last issue, Hornby has confirmed that it currently has no plans to produce a Mk.3 Trailer First to go with the rest of the Great Western green HST set that was announced in January. The decision has been justified on the grounds that the other Mk.3 types sell better and will still make a representative rake. A lack of production budget has also been cited as a further reason. Quite where this leaves modellers looking to assemble a matching factory-finished set remains to be seen. Notably, the planned RRP for the GWR Class 43 power car twin-pack has also been lowered on Hornby’s website from the original £319.99 to £289.99. www.hornby.com ■ R3sprays has expanded its 4mm range of DRS transfers with a pack for No.…

THE last weekend of February will see the Lincoln & District Model Railway Club stage their annual exhibition at the new location of the Newark Showground. The recently refurbished venue is close to the A1 and A46 roads while a bus shuttle will be provided on both days from Newark Northgate and Newark Castle stations. A total of 27 layouts are booked to attend, including a number of D&E era examples. ‘N’ gauge is particularly well represented with Glenellen Castle, Loch Oran, Millfield Yard, Rails Along The Sea Wall and Westbrook all on show. Providing ‘OO’ coverage will be Deeping Lane Depot and The World’s End while Damian Ross’ ‘EM’ gauge Diesels In The Duchy will also be in attendance. Nottingham attractions Meanwhile, the Nottingham Model Railway Society will be…