Railways Illustrated Magazine December 2025 Vorige editie

In this issue, we pay tribute to Pathfinder Railtours which is calling time on its operations at the end of the year. It’s been a great company and has run some utterly superb railtours. Pete Watts is one of the nicest
people in the rail industry and I think in 30-plus years, I’ve only seen him ‘mildly annoyed’ once…

I will forever thank him for getting 50s to Mallaig, Kyle of Lochalsh and Thurso, as well as 20s to Penzance, Lymington, Fort William, and a host of other places. We also present part two of our state of preservation
feature, looking at the former main line locos – diesel and electric. Again, if you don’t agree on anything, do let me know… From the stats, there
are many locos still needing restoration, and for that to happen they need resources – manpower and money – so if you want to get involved,
financially or with spanners, get in touch with a preservation group and off er your services.

Our Nostalgia feature goes back to the 1960s with a selection of pictures from the SiCol collection. It’s an oft used comment, but ‘oh for a Tardis’
and the ability to enjoy a steam heat Class 76 on five Mk. 1s over the Woodhead route, a 45 on the Thames-Clyde Express, or a DMU to Aldeburgh….

And 10 Pictures comes from Dave McAlone, whose images I’ve been using in magazines for three decades now, so I knew he’d deliver a great selection of shots. Sure enough, he didn’t disappoint.

Although shorter days are new with us, there’s much to look forward to in the pages of RI these next few months, so I’m sure the long winter
nights will just fly by! In the meantime, as always, enjoy the issue!