Heritage Railway Magazine 248 Back Issue

THIS year we have commemorated a low point in the annals of UK heritage traction, the eradication of steam from the main line and its scrapping en
masse 50 years ago.

There were many observers who believed back in 1968 that with the passing of a generation or two, steam would be slowly but surely forgotten, and
interest would wane. However, as we have seen, the exact opposite
is the case.

Untold miracles have been worked in the sector of railway heritage since the Talyllyn Railway was taken over by volunteers in1951, and they are
still coming fast and furiously.

Arguably one of the highest points of the movement came in October, and had little to do with steam.Our special feature on pages 50-55 outlines the comeback of one of the most phenomenal preservation projects of all–the rebuild of the world’s first modern traction passenger vehicle to running
order in all its early Edwardian magnificence and complete with a matching auto-trailer. I was there at its launch on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway and I can vouch for the fact that you have to see and ride in this vehicle to appreciate its true splendour, original woodwork, clerestory roof and all.

However, there are many more big landmarks now queueing up to take the limelight. Next year should see the long-awaited debut of new GWR Saint
No. 2999 Lady of Legend at Didcot Railway Centre, giving us another window on the age of Edwardian railways. And another glaring hole is set to be filled in the Swindon heritage fleet, in the form of Grange 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange, which now seems to be on its homeward straight at Tyseley.