News - There is some surprise as DB Schenker grabs the Royal Mail contract from First GBRf. Govia (Southern) retains the South Central franchise.

News in pictures - Ex-Tinsley Class 47s are in the news as 47145 heads to Thomsona€ s, while 47375 is saved. Plus an update on the Spanish Class 37s & 58s.

Reviews - Another month, another selection of new items to tempt your credit card. Our main review looks at a new book on Sulzer-engined diesels.

Retrospectrum: Direct Rail Services - The original version of DRS livery is rapidly being superseded by the a€~compassa€ scheme. We provide a history and list the locos so painted.

Railtours - The Railway Children charity is a big winner following a charter to Aberystwyth, our columnist was on the train. Plus full railtour listings.

Preservation - The Mid-Hants promises change as its first diesel event in four years fails to attract the crowds. Includes gala dates until the end of 2009.

Time traveller - Twenty years ago, the first heavy-hauling Class 60 was rolled out of Brush. Plus the pop, current affairs and news from back in the day!

Mess room - Popsters Blur return with their first gig in a decade and its in a railway goods shed! Iranian president Ahmadinejad likes Irish Rail a€~smalla€ GMs!

Traction & Rolling Stock - DB Schenker stores Class 66s, but the Class 60 fleet is static. Advenza Freighta€ s Class 66/8 begins work on a Cemex fly-ash flow to Tilbury.

Classifieds - Looking for a gift, something to read or watch, or maybe even some ideas for a holiday? Check out our classified & website adverts here.

Rail Express Modeller:

Comment: Is a€~P4a€ for everyone? - Old myths about the supposed elitism of 18.83mm/a€~refuse to go away. Terry Bendall outlines why it might just be worth investigation if you fancy upgrading.

Newsdesk: Trade developments - There is a summer surprise from Hornby as it reveals a pre-production Mk. 3b DVT for release in the autumn. is the first picture of our Fastline Class 66/3.

Newsdesk: a€~Na€ gauge round-up - The latest developments in the smaller scale are shown off here, including painted samples of Dapola€ s 67 and the equally stunning Farish a€~Sprintera€ DMU.

Newsdesk: High-speed Hornby - As well as the Driving Van Trailer mentioned above, Hornby has also been displaying the progress on its Class 395 a€~Javelina€ EMU and the buffer-fitted HST.

Pictorial: Showcase layouts - The recent DEMU Showcase Event brought together another outstanding collection of D&E era projects. We present a round up of many of the layouts on show.

Modelling: Royal Mail MLV - Replica has produced a kit of the BR(S) motor luggage van in advance of its forthcoming ready-to-run version. Chris Ibbotson builds one up finished in Royal Mail red.

Review: Bachmann Class 150 - Tne of the most anticipated models for years, the Bachmann a€~Sprintera€ DMU is here. We present the first review of this landmark release. How does it stack up?

Serial: Mostyn - By the time this issue hit the shops, Mostyn will have been shown off for the first time in its extended form. The final touches are described and illustrated.

Spanner in the Works - RAIL EXPRESSa€ Class 37/5 specials are here. Read on for further details. Plus, more on the Dapol 156, while the co-editor is red after a Yorkshire rose issue!