Twilight of the ‘a3s’

With Flying Scotsman and Pendennis Castle reuniting at Didcot Railway Centre for the first time in 36 years, THOMAS BRIGHT continues the definitive story of the last time these former rivals came together, in Western Australia in 1989.

East Coast express passenger locomotives have traditionally been among the most famous in the world, but MARK PEARCE looks at a survivor that deserves to be better recognised in its 150th year: NER Fletcher ‘901’ 2-4-0 No. 910.

Fifty years ago, BR allowed steam to run to Shildon under its own power for the big S&D 150 event. HOWARD JOHNSTON reveals that some invited engines – including National Collection ‘Battle of Britain’ Winston Churchill – didn’t make it.

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

GREG MORSE considers the incident at Nuneaton in June 1975 that claimed the lives of six people, and how the industry continues to focus on preventing any repeat

‘Pendennis’ ponderings I was wondering if any of ...