TO USE OR NOT TO USE? - Some observations on a perennial problem. Many enthusiasts understandably feel frustration at not being able to see apparently resteamble classic locomotives in the National Railway Museum's collection returned to running order as opposed to being left 'stuffed and mounted.' The NRM's former Head of Education and Research David Jenkinson outlines his own views on whether preserved engines should be run again for the pleasure of the public, or left untouched because of overriding historical importance.

WHEN BR RECLAIMED BRECHIN! - Twenty-two years after plans were mooted to save the Brechin branch as a heritage line, the modern-day Caledonian Railway has finally come of age - with its first visit by an operational main line steam engine, BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T No. 80105 from Bo'ness, during the summer high season. However, as Simon Hickman explains, the high-profile visit was just a foretaste of ambitious plans to extend this historic line and turn it into one of Scotland's premier visitors attractions.

2807 - REBIRTH OF A HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - Thirty-eight years after it was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction Shed for scrap, record breaking Churchward heavy freight locomotive No. 2807 is now undergoing intense restoration to working order at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, with a view to returning to steam within four years when it will be needed for the line's Cheltenham extension. Andrew Bryne reports on Cotswold Steam Preservation's progress in returning the oldest locomotive from Barry scrapyard to running order at Toddington.

YOUNGER VIEW: THE YOUNG REVOLUTION! - August Bank Holiday Monday was a day to remember on the Ffestiniog Railway -forthe running of the line which dates back to 1836 was taken over by staff and volunteers all aged 25 and under, as 18-years-old Aston University transport management student Gareth Evans reports.

QUARRY HUNSLET HEAVEN! - Built for the great Victorian slate workings of Snowdonia, the Quarry Hunslets form the most prolific types of steam locomotive on UK narrow gauge heritage lines today. Cliff Thomas, the author of a new Oakwood Press book on the subject, outlines the history of these small but distinctive workhorses and reveals plans to rebuild one that was scrapped more than 30 years ago.

CARRIAGE & WAGON DEPARTMENT: - a labour of love (or a flight of fancy?) Wonders have been worked with the conversion of redundant railway carriages to holiday homes. But the conversion of four LNER box vans from a pigsty into luxury accommodation? Stephen J Crawford and his wife Julie not only managed it with spectacular effects, but had a few ghostly encounters in the process, as he explains.

A WORKSHOP WAY OUT WEB - The recent acquisition of a 700-ton press by Tavistock-based Roger Pridham Engineering has in one stroke revolutionised the facilities available for locomotive boiler overhaul at the works. But already Roger had acquired a reputation second to none in the field with crucial work carried out on some of Britain's most important steam locomotives. John Hobbs reports from the wilds, West Devon