Deal includes more than 2,700 vehicles and significantly boosts company’s UK presence

Eyebrows were raised among the steam fraternity when the Watercress Line preserved a ‘Sprinter’ diesel multiple unit. Now the train has arrived at Ropley, MARK PEARCE delves deeper into what the move means for the future of heritage rail motive power.

Overhauls, restorations and running notes

EXPERT ANALYSIS OF THE ISSUES AFFECTING TODAY’S MAIN LINE CHARTER SCENE

GARY ESSEX looks at the railways that have successfully diversified their income streams, from contract work for main line operators to reinventing themselves as invaluable training sites.

When Riviera Trains sold all its Mk. 2 coaches to WCR in the summer of 2024, the agreement was that WCR would look after Riviera’s customers and allow other TOCs to haul these coaches. But that never