The railway has been shaped by its people -from the early pioneers, through waves of immigration and women in wartime, to today’s diverse leaders. TONY STREETER reports

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Some final thoughts from the team at RAIL

Being too young to go to Shildon in 1975, my railway hobby started with the Liverpool and Manchester Rocket 150 celebrations in May 1980. I have lasting memories of visiting Rainhill for the cavalcade

Your guide to the galas, special events and main line railtours

One of the features of the Severn Valley’s Autumn Galas is overnight running. The chance to see steam operating after dark draws many enthusiasts to the event. But what is involved behind the scenes in making this unique gala feature a reality? GARY ESSEX talks to some of the SVR volunteers involved in the event.