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.

STAR LETTER It’s more than alright on the ...

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.

Although born in Doncaster during the Second World War, Peter Fitton was brought up in the Fylde, hence his interest in the L&Y – his bedroom in St Annes overlooked the then main line to Blackpool Cen

Overhauls, restorations and running notes

Some final thoughts from the team at RAIL