Innehållsförteckning för September 2022 från Steam Days

I have always liked Bulleid Pacifics, both modified and unmodified, but it is the latter that I prefer. The last fast passenger steam locomotives to be built in Britain, the modified examples were smart and modern, but the original Pacifics, many of which remained un-modernised throughout the steam era, were the type that impressed me as a boy, and still do. Bulleid’s Light Pacifics – ‘West Countrys’, ‘Battle of Britains’, ‘Unrebuilts’, ‘Streamlined’ – call them what you like, I didn’t mind, although I have to say that the term ‘Spam Can’ lacks a certain respect for such magnificent machines. The problems which caused many of them to be modified – the tendency to slip, the chaindriven valve gear, oil bath leaks, the reverser with a mind of its own, difficulties of…

That’s a 26% saving when you pay by direct debit I have been a railway enthusiast since 1942, and together with my two sons, Ian and Andrew, since March 1993 have provided a record of Britain’s railway scene when steam ruled supreme, from the 1800s until the end of steam in 1968. With a focus on line histories, train spotters’ memories, technical information, railwaymen’s reminiscences and nostalgic photo-features, our purpose is to bring back those halcyon days. With our subscriptions you can get your magazine delivered straight to your door every month, with a superb saving on the cover price. We hope to welcome you soon to the Steam Days family. Rex Kennedy, editor 12 print issues for £44 Direct debit (26% saving) 1 year credit/debit card for £51 2 years…

In the 1950s and 1960s the main line between Hereford and Shrewsbury still saw heavy flows of long distance rail traffic. This was dominated by freight trains from South Wales to the North-West, and express passenger services from the West of England (via the Severn tunnel) and South Wales to Manchester and Liverpool. They would almost all cover this 50-mile route section without intermediate calls, apart from freight trains sometimes looped for faster trains to pass. Most enthusiasts would have paid scant attention to the intermediate railway infrastructure between Hereford and Shrewsbury, with attention focussed on the two main rail centres. However, in between the two lay attractive border towns with local railway interest, including tucked away small depots that reported to the larger depots on either side. Leominster With…

A perusal of the history of some of the main line steam locomotives that are today in preservation shows that some of them have led a bit of a nomadic existence since being saved from scrap, moving from one preservation site to another over the years. This is particularly the case for some of those saved from Barry scrapyard over 30 years ago, one or two of which remain unrestored even yet. What may not be realised by some as they gaze at National Collection locomotives in all their glory today, is that – contrary to what might be expected for items in the care of a national body – some of these locomotives too had a bit of a nomadic existence in the 1950s and 1960s before their current status…