WEST MIDLANDS FOCUS:

West Midlands Railway - a brand for Birmingham - Local authorities are looking to take greater control of suburban services
Midland Metro makes tracks - A series of extensions to the light rail system are in the pipeline
Coventry NUCKLEs down - Focus on the upgrading of the Leamington-Coventry-Nuneaton route

REGULARS:

Welcome - An introduction from the editor
Railtalk - Modern Railways' editorial view
Pan Up - Who killed Alec Trick?; a call for beauty in transport
Forum - Readers comment on topical issues around the railway today
Blood and custard - Our diary column
Moving Wheels - Rolling stock news
People - Recent appointments
In Business and small ads - Latest happenings in industry
Trackwatch - Our monthly look at changes on the national network
Crossrail update - Stations take shape
Between the Lines - Chris Stokes reviews developments at HS2
Alan Williams - TransPennine troubles for Middlesbrough passengers

FEATURES:

Cardiff prepares for CASR commissioning - A Christmas blockade will see major works in the Welsh capital
Heathrow Southern Railway - a new opportunity - Could a new proposal help meet capacity needs?
The LOROL success story - The secret behind the transformation of Londona€ s forgotten lines
Women in Rail - Founder Adeline Ginn explains the organisation's role
Rail regulation - ORR chief executive Joanna Whittington discusses recent developments
Fine restoration - A preview of entries to the 2016 National Railway Heritage Awards