Overhauls, restorations and running notes

One of three remaining unrestored Barry ‘Hall’ class engines, No. 5967 Bickmarsh Hall has seen significant progress since its move to Llangollen in June 2024. GARY ESSEX visits the owner, Nick Gilbert, to look at progress.

We’re heading into a momentous year for railway preservation as the Talyllyn Railway marks 75 years since it was saved from almost certain extinction to become the first heritage railway. But how did the concept of railway preservation emerge and develop? MARK PEARCE digs deeper.

PRESERVED PEAK 45133’s Sulzer 12LDA28-B engine was started on December 11 for the first time in eight years, since the loco was stopped for overhaul in September 2017. The loco, owned by the Class 45/

03145 – Moreton Park: In September, the reduced-height 03 received a layer of polish from the top down to give it some protection during the winter. Some rust spots on the cab end and sides were treat

As 2025 draws to a conclusion, it’s time to look back at another varied year on Britain’s railways, and, as ever, there have been many developments, not all for the better, but plenty of good news as