4 News
Train builders reveal new EMU designs, Network Rail publishes high-speed routes, plus are Wrexham & Shropshire and Chiltern to merge?

14 News in pictures
Two Class 37/5s and James the Engine feature on a Spitfire Cumbria tour. BR blue Class 87 heads for Bulgarian. Western Ranger’s last runs.

16 Reviews
The lead up to the Christmas present buying season sees a bumper batch of products released, including books, calendars and diaries.

18 Feature: North Wales loco-hauled: 3
The final part of David Rapson’s epic history of diesel loco-hauled services over the North Wales Coast route sees 1991-2009 covered.

26 Time traveller
Twenty years ago there were several major milestones on the ECML as a Class 91 broke a speed record and the Mk. 4s entered service.

27 Railtours
Our columnist explains why trains don’t always run smoothly for railtour promoters, as several recent trips have shown only too well!

30 Preservation
The Class 15 Preservation Society becomes the custodian of the last Metrovick Co-Bo. ‘Baby Deltic’ engine fired-up inside 37372.

36 Traction & Rolling Stock
DB Schenker looks for five more Class 37s to make up its RHTT fleet to seven. RVE ‘grid’ 56303 returns to the main line... in plain green!

58 Mess room
The real reason why Bulgarian 87004 has gone blue, tube map changes - and changes back - and a seven-year-old FCC train driver!

59 Classifieds
Looking for a gift, models, something to read or watch, or even a RAIL EXPRESS binder? Check out our classified and web adverts here.

Rail Express Modeller

V Newsdesk: Trade developments
Painted samples of Bachmann’s eagerly awaited 4-CEP electric multiple unit go on show. ViTrains plans more contemporary releases and Heljan’s Kestrel is imminent.

VI Newsdesk extra: Guildex report and diary
Heljan reveals that its next ready-to-run ‘O’ gauge locomotive will be a Class 55 ‘Deltic’ and JLTRT announces a ‘Warship’ kit. Includes a listing of future shows.

IX Reviews: New Hornby and Bachmann products
Both the big manufactures have been busy with Hornby shipping the unique Army branded Class 60 and Bachmann now offering the Class 150/2 ‘Sprinter’ variant.

X Layout focus: Tonbridge West Yard
This well known ‘OO’ gauge layout is retiring from the scene after 20 years and over 80 exhibitions. Paul Wade recounts a fascinating history and many friendships.

XII Detailing: Merrdin Emrys remembered
One of Tinsley shed’s mascot locos, Class 47 No. 47145, is no more. Gareth Bayer pays his respects by turning a ViTrains product into a scale representation of Merrdin Emrys.

XIV Serial: Mostyn reaches another milestone
There have been many trials and tribulations along the way but we mark the Mostyn team’s 100th regular column with double-page coverage of the story to date.

XVII Reviews extra: Wagons roll
Two new freight vehicle kits, S-Kits’ ‘Sea Urchin’ ballast open and Cambrian Models’ ‘Whale’ hopper are built up. Plus, C-Rail’s R-T-R ‘High Cube’ container is reviewed.