Ashburton comeback! - Editor Robin Jones examines the realities of the South Devon Railway's proposal to rebuild the section of branch line between Buckfastleigh and Ashburton, buried beneath a dual carriageway 25 years ago.
Wenford row rages on - The Bodmin &Wenford Railway's bid to re-open the freight-only line to Wenford China clay dries has been rejected not only by a High Court judge but also by the local authority that originally backed it.The fight may not yet be over, points out Robin Jones.
A new works for a brand new locomotive! - Once the cradle of railways, Darlington is now the location of the works which is building the 50th *AI'. Hugh Madgin visits.
The pure 1950s time warp. and no compromise. - David Wilcock investigates the rebirth of the long-dead Kirkby Stephen East station.
Talking + simplicity + main line success! - Nigel Jones, Rail express services manager for English, Welsh & Scottish Raitway concludes his definitive interview with David Wilcock.
New locomotives - are they a waste of time and money - Having read of the plans of the Standard Steam Locomotive Company in Steam Railway. David Jenkinson ponders the wisdom of building new locomotives.
News - A trip to Japan for Rocket, an injection of funding for the NRM, a major link up between the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway and the main line - and badger damage are just four of the stories in preservation's sharpest news pages.
Narrow Gauge News - Peace breaks out again in the Welsh Highland dispute, while the Isle of Man's Port Erin sees electric traction for the first time!
World Steam News - The survival of 26 locomotives of the same class at a site in Germany, and the reactivation of Eritrea's railway network are some of the headline items of news of steam across the globe.
Mailbag - The problems with 'gauging' steam locomotives for use on Railtrack are one of the issues addressed in the liveliest letters column in railway publishing.
Down Main - The 'spark test' trial wnh No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresky and the ptechora of steam specials in earty 1997 are major talking points in the main line scenes most essential column, as well as an incitement to violent acts
Gallery - This month s selection of the very finest in steam photography includes a delightful view of Southern Region steam, and provides a sparkling showcase of the variety of steam action today.
Portrait- - not snaps! - Les Nixon explains how the photography of stationary locomotives requires careful thought.
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The Glorious Years - The moody black and white shots of this month's guest photographer, Ted Parker, bring back the last days of BR steam.
The One-Stop Steam Guide - Where to go and what to see! Britain's best guide to where to find steam. Our fact panel features the Foxfield Steam Railway.
Classified - Britain's brightest railway 'small ads'.
Mixed Traffic - Nigel Harris looks again at the controversy regarding National Lottery funding and the Royal Opera House and wonders what the general media would make if such lax care of funding had been taken by railways.