June 2000

32 MANX DREAM IN RED AND CREAM! - A Bob Branch photo charter captured the return of what enthusiasts have been demanding for many years on the Isle of Man - the return of the famous red and cream livery on the steam line's coaching stock. Glorious sunshine highlighted the setting for a timewarp trip back to the system's halcyon days of the 1950s and 60s with some of the finest shots taken on the island in recent years!

36 WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE! - Many heritage railways are now offering joint boat-trips, and more are planning to do so. Robin Jones carried out an in-depth nationwide study of the achievements to date in partnerships with the waterways and cruise boats sectors and the further possibilities that exist for preserved lines to broaden their horizons by taking the fast train out. - and the slow boat home.

44 DAWLISH DONKEY' SHOWCASE - Passenger figures soared, but the Easter weekend's 'Dawlish Donkey' South Devon shuttles were a washout for photographers. However, the May Bank Holiday period proved to be a very different matter indeed: suffice to say we have devoted our entire showcase page this month to stunning panoramas from the Exeter-Newton Abbot main line, and with perfect justification.

54 BETWEEN TODAY & YESTERDAY: WHAT PRICE A NEW STANDARD 3 TANK? - Will heritage lines one day find it is more economical to build new locomotives than persist in repairing historical traction for regular use? South Devon Railway fireman John Besley believes he has the answer - build a new batch of BR Standard 3 tanks, and fill one of the biggest gaps in preservation at the same time. The first part has now been made, and a fundraising book published on the subject.

60 BAIE DE SOMME - THE SEA BATHERS' RAILWAY - A French line twinned with the Kent & East Sussex Railway that is nearer for Home Counties folk to visit than many top British preserved lines is visited by photographer John Titlow. Where else in preservation have there been naked women on station platforms, you might well ask.

66 NEW GENERATION LINES: CAN BRIDPORT AND WEST BAY FOLLOW THE SWANAGE LEAD? - The Swanage Railway has worked wonders in tackling summer traffic congestion on the Isle of Purbeck with its Norden park-and-ride scheme. Can the concept be taken to the next logical stage - the building of a brand new heritage-style light rail system to take the burden off roads at other resorts? The men behind West Dorset's Brit Valley Railway scheme believe so.

74 BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD FOR PORT TALBOT SURVIVOR - The latest locomotive to return to steam on the Severn Valley Railway following overhaul will be the only surviving Port Talbot Railway locomotive, 0-6-0ST No. 26 which later became GWR No. 813. Prior to its planned resteaming in June, Hugh Madgin visited Bridgnorth to view the final stages of restoration.