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.

FIRELESS LOCOMOTIVES – PART ONE

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.

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

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

Chugging and chuffing their way around heritage lines across the country, steam locomotives continue to capture our imagination, says Octavia Pollock