August 2024

Grab the brand-new August issue of Railways Illustrated magazine for the best coverage of today’s railway scene.

Railways Illustrated reflects the energy and vitality of the present-day railway scene. Here’s what’s in the August issue:

An asset, not a liability! 

Our August issue is a celebration of the Class 14s, which are marking the 60^th anniversary of their introduction into service with British Rail. Having written comprehensively about the history of the Class 14s in British Railways traffic and during their time in industry, Anthony Sayer presents a study of the Swindon-built Type 1 diesel-hydraulics and challenges the oft-quoted suggestion that they should never have been built. 

In the blood 

The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, which is hosting the 14s@60 reunion event on July 25-28, is home to two Class 14s. Andy Coward spoke to preservationist and co-owner Chris Baily about his appreciation for the Type 1 diesel-hydraulics and the ongoing preservation of the EVR duo. 

10 Class 14 Pictures: Gordon Edgar 

Lifelong railway enthusiast and accomplished photographer Gordon Edgar has an enduring appreciation for industrial railways. For our special Class 14-themed issue, he presents his personal selection of 10 images of the Swindon-built locomotives from their time working in industry for the National Coal Board. 

Here comes the summer

The arrival of summer has coincided with several diesel galas taking place at some of our main heritage railways. We look at the highlights from recent events at the Llangollen Railway, North Norfolk Railway, West Somerset Railway and North Yorkshire Moors Railway. 

Model Spot 

O gauge modelling continues to grow in popularity, with an ever-expanding fleet of ready-to-run locomotives and rolling stock. For its latest release, however, Heljan has returned to one of its earliest subjects – the split headcode Class 37/0 – to deliver an upgraded model of an old favourite.

Plus much more! Explore subscription offers here.