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.

ABOVE: Haymarket-based Class 40 D260 passes Falahill on Borthwick Bank on September 2, 1965, on the Waverley route as its heads south with a delightfully mixed freight for Carlisle. This line would cl

Some final thoughts from the team at RAIL

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

Chief Executive John Larkinson tells MPs that the chance to act was missed after information was supplied

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