Railnews Magazine May 2021 Back Issue

THE election of Mick Lynch as the new general secretary of the RMT, plus the hairline cracks which have been found on Intercity Expresses, lead Railnews for May.

But there is much more. This issue includes an exclusive and highly unusual interview with an HS2 protestor who is living in a tree house in Buckinghamshire, as well as a Guest Opinion from Network Rail Safety Task Force director Nick Millington, who makes the point that although there has been progress, the recent fatalities at Surbiton, Roade, Eastleigh and Margam are ‘tragic reminders’ that there’s more to do to further strengthen the railway safety culture.

In other news, refurbished trains intended for the Isle of Wight have developed software problems, so the line will not be able to reopen this month as planned, and any reduction in the scope of HS2’s ‘eastern leg’ through the East Midlands to Yorkshire could put jobs at risk and endanger the survival of some businesses, according to a new survey.

The railway is continuing to grow and develop: a tunnel on the approaches to London King’s Cross was reopened early on 26 April, electric trains will start running between London and Corby this month, having been delayed by rising electrification costs, and young volunteers at a heritage railway depot have started to strip down a Class 08 diesel shunter in preparation for its conversion to hydrogen power. Staying with the subject of traction, the government is being urged to launch a rolling programme of electrification, which industry bodies say will be necessary to meet legally binding Net Zero commitments.

Finally, plans to attract an investment of up to £1 billion from the private sector to modernise railway telecoms have been unveiled by Network Rail.

These are just some of the highlights from Railnews for May.