Where would we be without the ‘yanks’? the story of a usa tank and its buddies

Following new-build BR ‘3MT’ tank No. 82045’s starring role at The Greatest Gathering, former Southern Region fireman DAVE WILSON explores the history of the often-overlooked ‘Standard 3s’ and recalls his encounters with the 262Ts in BR days.

To the uninitiated, the ‘Y7’ 040T looks like a bit of a dockside lightweight… but they became regulars on passenger work, some of the longest lived ex-main line locomotives in industry, and even wartime heroes, as ALAN REET reveals.

ABOVE: On June 2, 1980, 20066 hauls a coal train from Markam Colliery formed of mineral wagons and hoppers at Barrow Hill, having just come off the line from Hall Lane Junction and Seymour Junction. C

Overhauls, restorations and running notes

D3265 – Llangollen: Work has continued on the overhaul of the Class 08 based in North Wales, with a start made on looking at the valves and guides and also pressure testing of the block itself. Firstl

There’s no escaping it. The issue with charter trains, and why they cost so much to run, is the lack of decent, suitable and accessible rolling stock. There is also a definite lack of really nice coac