Blackpool - Euston in doubt

Virgin's plan to bring back direct Blackpool - Euston services, has been dealt a blow by Network Rail, who have rejected the proposal due to lack of available paths. The service was planned to begin with the timetable change in December and would have restored direct London services to the seaside town after an absence of a decade.

Virgin have stated that they will appeal against the decision.

Fellsman kicks-off with the K4

The first Fellsman train of the 2013 season has left Preston with 61994 The Great Marquess in charge. Previous seasons have seen 5690 Leander and WCRC's 8F 48151 taking the lion's share of the duties, but this year it has been suggested that 5699 Galatea might feature heavily. With 46115 Scots Guardsman having recently received a loaded test and Leander due out of the workshops soon, it seems that there is the possibility of a good bit of variety on the Fellsman this year.

NRM threat - Petition

There is a real danger that one of the museums operated by Science Museums Group (SMG) , will close, due to a funding shortfall. The museums which are potentially threatened by a 10% funding cut, include the Museum of Science & Industry in Manchester and the National Railway Museum in York. You may like to sign the e-Petition challenging the cuts and the potential closure.

New Preston Depot for TPE

"The newest depot in our network has officially opened at Preston and has welcomed the team of drivers who will be based there. It's one of the latest steps on our new trains journey, as we prepare for the arrival of our new fleet. "

Photo Extra

The 'Fylde Coast Express' railtour passes Kirkham North box with the Blackpool North to Kilmarnock return leg headed by 47854 'Diamond Jubilee'.
Photo : John Green 22-May-2013







[left and centre] 86259 "Les Ross" sits in Platform 4c awaiting its move to Farington to take over from 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on the Cumbrian Mountain Express
[right] Black 5 44932 sits on Platform 7 awaiting a path north after hauling the Fylde Coast Explorer from Carlisle to Blackpool via the S&C
Photos : Bernadette Newsham 22-May-2013

Diesel Cabs for the RSR

The Railway Herald is reporting that the Stockport garden, famous for it's display of vintage diesel loco cabs, has been cleared ahead of the sale of the house. The Ribble Steam Railway has reportedly acquired two of the items, namely the bonnet nose of 20009 and the full cab of 47100, both of which will be painted into BR green and placed on display in the museum.

NEW - LOOK WEBSITE!

For months now, we've been playing around with new formats for the website. The general feedback we get is that people generally like the "look" of the site the way it was, but that it was looking a bit untidy (hard to disagree with). So... The new look is intended to remain familiar, but make the site easier to navigate. Hopefully you'll think we've managed that.

All the old features remain, but with a new, logically organised drop-down menu, though a few pages have been updated along the way. Please let us know what you think... good or bad!