4 News
Grand Central struggles to maintain even a basic service as its HST power cars fail. Fastline Freight begins running coal trains, but with GBRf assets.

17 News in pictures
EWS starts new Aberdeen to Blackburn flow, but there are losses in the South West as the Cattewater bitumen and Marsh Mills clay flows cease.

22 Reviews
We review the latest BTF compilation DVD from the BFI, which covers the 1970s-80s, and a new colour book that looks at classic traction on the ER.

24 Wrexham & Shropshire launched
Wrexham finally gets its direct London trains, although the launch day was not without its problems, the first train suffering from several loco issues.

26 Old Oak Common farewell
After Crossrail got the okay, the closure of Old Oak Common was to be expected. We present a look back at the famous West London shed here.

28 Time Traveller
20 years ago, British Rail was showing off its latest hardware in Germany. Meanwhile in 1976, Bishop Eric Treacy sadly passed away by the lineside.

30 Railtours
Our columnist looks at the enduring popularity of the Class 37s. Weymouth is the place to be this summer, if the number of tours is any indication!

34 Preservation
The AC Locomotive Group a€~completes the seta€ as it acquires 87002 from Porterbrook. A main line return for the ex-purple electric is on the cards.

38 Mess room
The Conservative leader, David Cameron, visits Basford Hall ahead of the Crewe by-election and Rigg provides his take on the old ticketing system,

40 Traction & Rolling Stock
Hanson Tractiona€ s 56311 (ex-preserved 56057) makes its first test run. EWS moves 37670 to Knottingley for a B-exam, could it return again?

58 Classifieds
Looking for a gift, something to read or watch, or maybe even some ideas for a holiday in the UK or on the continent? Check our classified section.
Rail Express Modeller
III Comment: Less is more
Musings on the production of this 50th issue, more surprises from Dapol and Heljan plus details of our latest exclusive commissions. Instead of all this interest in early failures shouldna€ t we be demanding a better a€~Whistlera€ or a€~Westerna€ ?

IV News: Trade developments
The shock announcements continue with the news that Hattons and Heljan are joining forces to offer a Class 14 a€~Teddy Beara€ . But wait, therea€ s more... Kernow has linked up again with Dapol to produce a a€~Thumpera€ DEMU!

VI News extra: a€~Na€ gauge report
The annual general meeting of the a€~Na€ Gauge Society brought with it exciting news from both Dapol and Graham Farish. Our report from Grahame Hedges includes news of a Class 86 electric locomotive and supportive OHLE system.

VII Reader offer: Class 37/5
RAIL EXPRESS has linked up with Bachmann to produce the former split-box refurbished Class 37s. Demand has been so great that we are launching a version in Railfreight Metals livery... but youa€ ll have to hurry if you want one!

IX Reviews: Genesis HOA hopper
Genesis has just released a pewter kit of the recently introduced HOA hoppers operated by EWS Construction. Chris Ibbotson builds it and gives us his views. We also look at C=Rail Intermodala€ s 20ft a€~tanktainera€ in plastic.

XI Layout: Holland Park
Two digitally-controlled Heljan gantry cranes form the centrepiece of Nick Gurney new a€~OOa€ gauge project which depicts a fully functional container terminal. If you like intermodal trains then youa€ ll love this superb layout!

XIX Serial: Mostyn
The wheels on the bus go round and round... Resident road vehicle expert, Eddie Knorn impresses the importance of having the correct type of bus on your layout and describes Mostyna€ s fleet of Crosville Leyland Nationals.

XX Exhibitions: Diary dates
A preview of the key specialist society shows being staged in June by both DEMU and MIGO+1, plus our normal quick reference a€~Diary datesa€ listing. Why not have a trip out?