Rail Express

RAIL EXPRESS is Britain's favourite modern rail enthusiast title. Undoubtedly the best for modern traction photography, the magazine keeps readers informed and entertained with undiluted coverage of Britain's railways in the diesel and electric era. First produced in 1996, RE has set a new standard for the hobby, with a clean design, high quality paper and the best reproduction. January 2008 saw the magazine relaunched in an innovative 'supersize' format, showing off the ground-breaking contents to the best advantage. Every issue includes news and analysis covering the present day railway scene, plus the latest preservation developments. Also inside: RAIL EXPRESS Modeler - Diesel & Electric era modeling magazine

Rail Express

Pathfinder Tours decides to call it a day • Popular tour operator to close after 52 years

‘Last’ Class 66 enters traffic as 66316 starts work for GBRf • Just over 27 years since No. 66001 began working for EWS, what is expected to be the final Class 66 for the UK has commenced revenue-earning employment for GB Railfreight.

Final ‘Aventra’ enters service • All Greater Anglia’s Class 720s are now in traffic

Statesman charter set returns to use • Crewe-based railtour set is back in action

Powerscene • Our authoritative class-by-class review of newsworthy locomotive workings.

Class 89 returns to the main line for test run • The ‘Badger’ undertakes test runs to Stafford as part of its re-certification process

GALA PICTORIAL

Class 18s offered for sale • The future of the Beacon Rail hybrids is in doubt as the entire fleet of Claytons is up for disposal.

Class 08/09 locations 2025 • It is once again time for the annual survey of the locations of the Class 08 and Class 09 shunter fleet. As in previous years, this includes all examples still in existence, be they on the national network, at preserved or industrial locations, or languishing in store awaiting re-use or disposal. Locations are correct as of September 30.

Bachmann super shunters

New Gresley Stock in ‘N'

Banger blue Class 37 in TT:120

‘Badger’ in ‘OO’ • Producing one-of-a-kind locomotives can be commercially risky, but Accurascale has pulled it off in style with the sole Class 89.

‘EM’ gauge Cavalex Class 60 • Drop-in wheel sets are installed in the Cavalex Models Class 60 allowing its digital sound functions to be tested on a large ‘EM’ gauge layout.

The spirit of Railfreight Distribution in ‘N’ • The Graham Farish Class 47 is revisited following its electrical upgrade.

How to model abandoned track • Add character to your layout by modelling old and overgrown track work.

‘Badger’ from GNER to preservation

Vertically integrated Southeastern • Southeastern has very diverse operations, from domestic HS1 services to scenic lines in rural Kent. It is the only English train operator where its staff and those working for Network Rail’s Kent Route do so as part of a single team. Tony Miles talks candidly to MD Steve White on how the new organisation has shaped up.

GB Railfreight to acquire 50 more JNA-X • The GBRf fleet of modified ‘Ealnos’ box wagons will become 150 strong following a deal with leasing company Porterbrook to purchase another batch of vehicles from Eastern Europe.

TIME TRAVELLER

Pathfinder to bow out after 52 years and some epic railtours • It’s hard to take in, but the legendary tour operator will be no more after December 20.

Variety of 071 Class locos haul upmarket tour

DLR B23 stock finally enters service after two years on test