BackTrack Magazine

  • Home
  • BackTrack Magazine

BackTrack Magazine We sell single copies of Backtrack magazine as well as subscriptions.

Backtrack is Britain's leading historical railway journal, covering every era of railway history from its earliest days and infancy up to the more recent events of around ten years ago.

Aberbran Halt (demoted from a station with loop between Neath and Brecon) gives a good impression of being closed and ab...
03/06/2024

Aberbran Halt (demoted from a station with loop between Neath and Brecon) gives a good impression of being closed and abandoned with its platform overgrown by weeds and its building decidedly dilapidated – but it was in fact open and dealing with passengers!

Photograph from the John Spencer Gilks collection.

Talyllyn Junction was where the scenic Mid-Wales branch from the Cambrian main line at Moat Lane Junction met the Brecon...
30/05/2024

Talyllyn Junction was where the scenic Mid-Wales branch from the Cambrian main line at Moat Lane Junction met the Brecon & Merthyr. On 20th May ‘2251’ 0-6-0 No.2236 was biding its time before setting out with the 2.05pm to Newport, its driver taking the opportunity to go round with the oil can and the station master grabbing a moment from his no doubt busy day to watch. The signals (which seem somehow out of proportion in such a setting) preclude immediate action as a train from Builth Road to Brecon was due in and there might be passengers to make a connection. This all carried on until the end of 1962.

Photograph from the John Spencer Gilks collection.

Have you checked out the latest issue yet? If not, you're missing out! But don't worry, there's still time to grab a cop...
25/05/2024

Have you checked out the latest issue yet? If not, you're missing out! But don't worry, there's still time to grab a copy. Just head to https://bit.ly/BTKJune24 to get the latest issue.

🚂 Via Melton Mowbray - colour spread by Tommy Tomalin on the Midland route via Brentingby Junction, Melton Mowbray station and water troughs.

🚂 Protecting the Tube: Part One - Alistair F. Nisbet describes measures taken to secure the Underground system against flooding and wartime damage.

🚂 The Lost Junction at Dauntsey - Mike Fenton chronicles the story of a long-lost Wiltshire country junction station.

🚂 Barlaston (and Tittensor) - Mike G. Fell reviews the life and times of a North Staffordshire wayside station.

🚂 From the Pendragon Archives - photos of the not entirely satisfactory Fowler Class 3 2-6-2 tanks.

🚂 Directors' Cut - four-pages colour spread of the Great Central Railway D10/D11 'Director' Class 4-4-0s.

🚂 Table 51 Revisited: Part Two - M. G. Sadler concludes the story of the development of the first unified National Cross-Country Timetable.

🚂 Day Return from Kettering - Peter Butler recalls a railway outing from 1974.

🚂 The Decline of the Manchester Ship Canal Railway: Part Two - Partington and Ellesmere Port - by David Ratcliffe.

🚂 Later at Southampton - Following the previous month's steam selection, Gavin Morrison presents a colour spread of the modern scene.

🚂 From the Dawn of Public Railways: The Whitby Weighing Machine House - Peter Kain provides the historical context for a survivor from the beginning of public railways.

🚂 The Talyllyn Railway in old postcards - Rob Langham offers some reflections on a much-loved narrow gauge line.

73 years ago today! The 57XX’ 0-6-0PT No.9760 has come to a stand at Clarbeston Road, where a water tank has been though...
19/05/2024

73 years ago today! The 57XX’ 0-6-0PT No.9760 has come to a stand at Clarbeston Road, where a water tank has been thoughtfully placed at the end of the bay platform, with a local from Fishguard on 19th May 1961. Historically the main line continued south to Neyland and Milford Haven but it was to be Fishguard which became the GWR’s
passenger port for Ireland from 1906. As the name suggests in GWR style, the actual village of Clarbeston was a couple of miles away; a circuitous road would lead you there, eventually!

Enjoying Backtrack, why not subscribe? We offer subscriptions from just £4.60 monthly including delivery to the UK. You're in complete control, cancel when you wish (although we know you'll enjoy the magazine too much!) 😜 https://bit.ly/BacktrackFB

Photograph from the John Spencer Gilks collection.

Hope your weekend was fantastic! Let's kick off the week with a photo from the Pendragon archive.Colbren Junction, on th...
13/05/2024

Hope your weekend was fantastic! Let's kick off the week with a photo from the Pendragon archive.

Colbren Junction, on the Neath & Brecon Railway, was the point of divergence of a branch to Ynys-y-Geinon where it joined the Midland Railway’s odd presence in South Wales following its acquisition of the Swansea Vale Railway. The latter had closed to passengers in 1932 but the sparse (as in two trains a day) service between Neath and Brecon clung on until October 1962. ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT No.3772 takes refreshment at Colbren Junction while working one of them to Brecon on 20th May 1961. It nevertheless warranted four coaches and there’s at least one other passenger! The Ynys-y-Geinon branch passes to the right of the signal box.

Photo from the John Spencer Gilks collection.

Don't miss out on the latest issue! There's still time to purchase in-store or online for £6.50 including postage to the...
27/04/2024

Don't miss out on the latest issue! There's still time to purchase in-store or online for £6.50 including postage to the UK, £9 for Europe, and £11 for the Rest of the World. https://bit.ly/BTKMay24

There's plenty to keep you entertained with Backtrack Vol.38 No.5 - May 2024
* The Chester Meeting - colour spread of the variety of steam to be found at Chester General station.
* The Easter Soaking at Southport: 1952 - A wet bank holiday on the railway described by Alistair F. Nisbet.
* Great Western Railway News Reports: 1930 - culled from the press by Jeffrey Wells.
* Langley Green: Part Two - David J. Hayes concludes his detailed study of freight operations at this West Midlands location.
* Three Second Stations in Yorkshire - Jeffrey Wells looks at developments at Middlesbrough, Wakefield and Boroughbridge.
* Southampton Central - four colour pages of steam in action by Gavin Morrison.
* Table 51: Part One - M. G. Sadler tells the story of the development of the first national cross-country timetable.
* Queen Adelaide’s Carriage - Tom Nicholls tells the untold story of one of the National Collection’s treasures.
* All the ‘2s’ - archive photographs of some veteran 2-2-2 locomotives.
* The Coming of the Railway to Annfield Plain - Rob Langham reveals local railway politics in County Durham.
* A Veteran Railway Driver - A Carlisle Man’s Experiences’ - Berenice Baynham uncovers a tale from the East Cumberland News in 1902.
* The Signal Ladies of Selside - Peter Butler recounts how three ladies staffed a signal box on the Settle–Carlisle line in World War II.

A fantastic way to start a Friday with a photo from the Pendragon archive.Carmarthen was visited on 18th May 1961, with ...
26/04/2024

A fantastic way to start a Friday with a photo from the Pendragon archive.

Carmarthen was visited on 18th May 1961, with a number of branch line journeys possible from there – Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, Aberayron... ‘74XX’ pannier tank No.7402 was photographed shunting stock across the bridge over the River Tywi.

Photograph from the John Spencer Gilks Collection.

Nelson and Llancaiach. The GWR’s ‘cross-valleys’ route between Pontypool Road and Neath featured last time with a photog...
24/04/2024

Nelson and Llancaiach. The GWR’s ‘cross-valleys’ route between Pontypool Road and Neath featured last time with a photograph of the monumental Crumlin Viaduct. During the two hours-plus journey Nelson & Llancaiach station was duly arrived at and from there a branch went off to Dowlais (Cae Harris) – this was the Taff Bargoed Joint line (GWR/Rhymney Railway). GWR ‘56XX’ 0-6-2Ts ruled thereabouts and on 18th May 1961 No.5618 was rostered to lead the 9.35am to Dowlais. ‘Main’ line and branch both closed in 1964.

Photograph from the John Spencer Gilks collection.

📢New issue alert - A brand new issue of Britain's leading historical journal Backtrack is out now. https://bit.ly/BTKMar...
15/02/2024

📢New issue alert - A brand new issue of Britain's leading historical journal Backtrack is out now. https://bit.ly/BTKMarch24 £6.50 including postage to the UK, £9 for Europe and £11 Rest of World including postage.

Here's what's in store:

‘Stars’ and ‘Saints’ - three colour pages of this famous Great Western 4-6-0s.

Lincolnshire’s Railways - a survey of the county’s railway system by

Stephen Roberts Langley Green : Part One - David J. Hayes looks at Post-Steam Operations at this West Midlands location.

A Tale of Four Tunnels - Jeffrey Wells describes four Southern tunnels
at Merstham, Balcombe and Clayton The ‘Northern Belle’ - David P.
Williams looks back at an LNER luxury tourist train.

At the London End - four colour pages of steam at the southern extremity of the West Coast Main Line.

An East Midlands Portfolio - steam in colour in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire from the Simon Lathlane Collection.

The Belfast Central Line 1874-2023 - a troubled history recounted by Robert Phipps.

A Right Royal Scandal: The Closure of the Deeside Line - Part Two - David Spaven concludes the story of the Aberdeen–Ballater branch.

From One Side to the Other - colour photographs by Gavin Morrison of the trans-Pennine ‘Copy Pit’ line between Todmorden and Burnley.

Finds from the Cambrian Era - archive photographs from the Cambrian Railways.

Lake’s Chief Mechanical Engineers: Part One - F.W. Webb: as seen
through the eyes of Charles S. Lake - reviewed by Malcolm Cowtan.

We hope you enjoy it!

📢New issue alert - A brand new issue of Britain's leading historical journal Backtrack is out now. https://bit.ly/BTKJAN...
14/12/2023

📢New issue alert - A brand new issue of Britain's leading historical journal Backtrack is out now. https://bit.ly/BTKJAN24 £6.50 including postage to the UK, £9 for Europe and £11 Rest of World including postage.

There's plenty to keep you entertained on these cold Winter nights. Here's what you can expect from our January issue.

❄️Snow on Snow - three colour pages of wintry scenes by Gavin Morrison.
❄️The 125th Anniversary of the Direct Railway Line from Aviemore to Inverness – the building of this route described by Anne-Mary Paterson.
❄️Steam in Good Portions: Part One – Steve Leyland describes the working of the through coaches from Manchester to Glasgow in the last years of steam.
❄️Great Central: Part Two – Stephen G. Abbott concludes the story of the GCR and the demise of most of its mileage.
❄️The London & Brighton Railway’s first line – Jeremy Clarke describes how the railway first reached Brighton via Shoreham-by-Sea.
❄️Celebrating ‘Jubilees’ – four colour pages of the popular LMS 4-6-0s in action.
❄️Western Wanderings - archive photos by John Spencer Gilks of branch line scenes.
❄️In the Line of Duty – Jeffrey Wells looks at some fatal accidents to railwaymen between 1880 and 1920 during the course of their work.
❄️Colour Samples in South Wales – diesel locomotive livery variety photographed in colour by Rodney Lissenden.
❄️The Turnberrry War Memorial – a footnote to the history of a famous railway hotel by Arnold Tortorella.
❄️Closure of the First Part of the East Coast Main Line – Alistair F. Nisbet looks at aspects of railway policy in Fife and Tayside.
❄️Thomas Elliot Harrison’s ‘Early Freaks’ – Rob Langham introduces some early locomotive curiosities.
❄️The Swainsley Tunnel in the Manifold Valley – Mike G. Fell investigates an engineering project of the narrow gauge Leek & Manifold Light Railway.

New issue alert 📣 Backtrack Volume 37 No. 12 December 2023 is available now in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKDec23 A...
17/11/2023

New issue alert 📣 Backtrack Volume 37 No. 12 December 2023 is available now in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKDec23 Already a subscriber? We thank you, and appreciate each and every one of you. Sit back, relax, your copy is on it's way.

The December issue has plenty to keep you entertained on those dark Winter nights:

🔷Across the Sea to Ireland - three pages of vintage Irish locomotives
🔷From Teenage Clerk to Station Master - Michael J. Smith describes his father’s work on the Metropolitan Railway from 1919 to 1965.
🔷Reshaping British Railways as a Business - Geoffrey Skelsey revisits the legacy of Dr. Richard Beeching.
🔷Great Central - Part One: Genesis to Maturity 1836-1957 - Stephen G. Abbott outlines the development of the GCR and its place in our railway network.
🔷The Framingham Flier - Alistair F. Nisbet describes a Great Eastern branch in Suffolk.
🔷When there was work to be done - four colour pages featuring the Great Central’s outstanding O4 Class 2-8-0 freight locomotives.
🔷The Joys of National Service - railway journeys recalled by Michael H. C. Baker
🔷Railtours: A Retrospective View - taken by Paul Chancellor.
🔷Pulverised Fuel for firing locomotives: Part Three - the concluding part of Miles Macnair’s survey of alternative steam-era technology.
🔷Eric Bruton up on the West Coast Route - archive photographs in the northern hills from the early 1950s.
🔷Scottish Sub-Sheds colour photographs by Gavin Morrison at out-stations of larger locomotive depots.
🔷Ardersier and the Fort George branch - a lesser-known Highland Railway branch described by Alistair F. Nisbet.
🔷George Wakefield: The hymn-singing station master - Anthony Dawson introduces a North Staffordshire official with a wide range of community interests.

Let us know your thoughts, we'd love to hear from you.

Another unidentified MR 4-4-0 wheels a down stopping service into Eastgate station, with the GWR locomotive depot in the...
04/11/2023

Another unidentified MR 4-4-0 wheels a down stopping service into Eastgate station, with the GWR locomotive depot in the background. With the closure of Eastgate and the loop off the main line on which it was situated, a consequence has been that fewer through trains on the Birmingham–Bristol route serve Gloucester as reversal would be required at the former Central station. Photo from John Edgington Collection.

Subscribe to Backtrack magazine for more from Backtrack magazine. We offer subscriptions from just £4.60 monthly including delivery to the UK. You're in complete control, cancel when you wish (although we know you'll enjoy the magazine too much!) 😜 https://bit.ly/BacktrackFB

Pre order the next issue of Backtrack magazine and have your copy delivered direct to your door. https://bit.ly/BTKDec23...
03/11/2023

Pre order the next issue of Backtrack magazine and have your copy delivered direct to your door. https://bit.ly/BTKDec23 £6.50 including postage for UK, £9 for Europe and £11 Rest of World.

Better still, subscribe by Monday and receive the December issue as the first in your subscription. Prices start from just £4.60 monthly (saving over 29% on the single issue price) including UK postage https://bit.ly/BacktrackFB 🚂

Already a subscriber? Thank you 👍 You can sit back, relax and Backtrack December will be delivered shortly.

This photo was taken 68 years ago today! 🫶 Fordingbridge was on the London & South Western Railway branch from Salisbury...
01/11/2023

This photo was taken 68 years ago today! 🫶 Fordingbridge was on the London & South Western Railway branch from Salisbury to West Moors where it joined the old ‘Castleman’s Corkscrew’ route between Southampton and Bournemouth. The station was graced by a substantial building and still sports Southern Railway nameplates. LSWR ‘700’ Class 0-6-0 No.30309 shuffles steadily through with a southbound local goods on 1st November 1955. Closure was to befall the line in 1964. Photo from the John Spencer Gilks Collection.

Have you got your copy yet? Backtrack November 2023 available in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKNov23Subscribers in t...
22/10/2023

Have you got your copy yet? Backtrack November 2023 available in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKNov23

Subscribers in the UK, you should have received your copy now, those overseas, it's on it's way! 🚂

There's plenty in this issue to keep you entertained until next month

⭐The Best Seat in the House - colour shots from the locomotive footplate by Dick Riley.

⭐Valves and Pistons - the recollections of a North Eastern locomotive fitter during the 1950s as told to Paul Joyce by Bob Judge.

⭐The 1888 Derailment near Portrack Viaduct - Douglas McNaught looks into an accident on the Glasgow & South Western Railway main line.

⭐Buxton and Beeching - Former railwayman William Walker reflects on a time of upheaval following the Beeching Report.

⭐A Close-Run Thing: Part Two- Saving the Bill - Niall Devitt concludes his account of the creation of ‘London Transport’.

⭐Ashchurch for Tewkesbury - three colour photos at a Gloucestershire country junction.

⭐Via the Peak Forest route - three colour pages by Gavin Morrison on the former main line through Derbyshire.

⭐Open House at Derby - three remarkable photographs of a 1960 works open day.

⭐Stockport Viaducts in the news - Jeffrey Wells describes the building of the two parallel viaducts over the Mersey at Stockport on the LNWR main line.

⭐Moretonhampstead and the Teign Valley - Bruce Laws concludes his account of these Devon branch lines.

⭐JSG’s Scottish Odysseys - archive photographs by John Spencer Gilks at some lesser-known locations around Scotland.

⭐Names for the New Era - Simon Lilley reviews the British Railways policy for naming locomotives in the diesel and electric era.

⭐The Narrow Gauge Museum at Tywyn - the establishing of this valuable collection in North Wales described by Rob Langham.

Both the MR and GWR established locomotive depots in Gloucester. This is the GWR shed at Horton Road, seen on 28th March...
06/10/2023

Both the MR and GWR established locomotive depots in Gloucester. This is the GWR shed at Horton Road, seen on 28th March 1948; it had a wide range of motive power up to and including ‘Castles’ but it is only ‘57XX’ 0-6-0PT No.4659 which can be positively identified here. The shed closed to steam in 1965. Photo from the John Edgington Collection.

We unlock the volt once more and share with you one from the Pendragon archive. Eastgate station was hemmed in at the so...
12/09/2023

We unlock the volt once more and share with you one from the Pendragon archive. Eastgate station was hemmed in at the south end by the Barton Street level crossing which can be seen by the overhead signal box in the middle distance. This was a busy road/rail intersection which didn’t help the city’s traffic flow and that was a factor in the closure of Eastgate in 1975 and the elimination of the crossing. LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No.45280 waits to leave on 15th July 1961. Photo from the John Edgington Collection.

The Great Wester Railway’s station in the city was Gloucester Central, on its main line to South Wales. On 13th May 1961...
30/08/2023

The Great Wester Railway’s station in the city was Gloucester Central, on its main line to South Wales. On 13th May 1961 it was hosting ‘51XX’ 2-6-2T No.5173 and the 1.08pm local to Cheltenham. Following Eastgate’s closure all services were focussed on a rebuilt Central station; until then the two had been connected by a very long footbridge. Photo from the John Edgington Collection.

Enjoying our posts? You can see so much more when you subscribe to our magazine. For just £4.60 monthly (UK delivery) we will deliver a copy of Backtrack magazine direct to your door https://bit.ly/BacktrackFB

You won't be disappointed 😀

Welcome to the September issue of Backtrack magazine. We have plenty to keep you reading on. Go grab a copy, put the ket...
17/08/2023

Welcome to the September issue of Backtrack magazine. We have plenty to keep you reading on. Go grab a copy, put the kettle on and sit back and enjoy everything you love about the history of Britain's railways. https://bit.ly/BTKSep23 😀

74 years ago today! 🚂 Gloucester Docks, which generated traffic in the form of coal, petroleum, timber and general merch...
13/08/2023

74 years ago today! 🚂 Gloucester Docks, which generated traffic in the form of coal, petroleum, timber and general merchandise, was well served by rail connections and there we find 0-4-0T No.41537 on 13th August 1949. The first five of these chunky shunting tanks were built by the MR in 1907 but the second batch of five (including this one) didn’t appear until 1921/2. Be it ever so humble, it has nevertheless been awarded its new BR number. Photo from the John Edgington Collection.

We hope you're enjoying our posts. If you are, please share with anyone who is also interested in Railways from the past. Spread the word... 👍

The Midland Railway established its presence in Gloucester when it leased the Birmingham & Gloucester in 1845, formally ...
27/07/2023

The Midland Railway established its presence in Gloucester when it leased the Birmingham & Gloucester in 1845, formally absorbing it the following year. Its station, later known as Eastgate, had a through platform for up trains and an island serving down trains, though this photograph from the early years of the twentieth century has down trains using both. Unfortunately the identity of the MR 4-4-0s isn’t recorded. Photo from the John Edgington Collection.

Have you got your copy yet? Are you interested in railways of the past? This is the magazine for you. https://bit.ly/BTK...
27/07/2023

Have you got your copy yet? Are you interested in railways of the past? This is the magazine for you. https://bit.ly/BTKAug23

In the August issue, you'll find:

⭐The Curious Case of the Metro-Vick Co-Bos - colour spread by Noel Machell of these strange and unsuccessful diesel locomotives.

⭐Edinburgh to Dundee via Fife - Alistair F. Nisbet traces traffic developments from 1850 to 2006.

⭐'A Main Line in Miniature?' - Geoffrey Skelsey looks at the legacy of the Metropolitan Railway.

⭐The Mistiey, Thorpe & Walton Railway - David Troughton uncovers a railway that might have been a missing link.

⭐The North Wales Coast 1846-1922 - events on a favourite holiday route described by Jeffrey Wells.

⭐Lost of the Woodhead Route - four colour pages by GAVIN MORRISON of trains on the now closed electrified route between Manchester and Sheffield,

⭐Doing Good Work - the GWR '43XX' 2-6-0s in colour.

⭐The Barry Railway's intrusions into the Rhymney Valley - railways politics and power-play in South Wales described by Terry McCarthy,
Joyce Station Clocks - Tony Robinson introduces the manufacturer of many notable railway clocks.

⭐Pulverised Fuel for Firing Locomotives: Part One - Miles Macnair looks at some alternative forms of fuel.

⭐One day at Southall - David Idle's colour shots at this west London locomotive debit in October 1965.

⭐A Maritime Miscellany - archive photographs of railway ships.

⭐Brees's Railway Practice - Gordon Biddle looks back at a technical treatise for railway engineers issued between 1837-47.

We unlock the volt and share with you from the Pendragon archive 😀30th May 1960. LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No.44826 has brought ...
03/07/2023

We unlock the volt and share with you from the Pendragon archive 😀

30th May 1960. LMS Class 5 4-6-0 No.44826 has brought in a train from Morecambe as the through coaches from Carnforth wait to be attached to form the 6.58pm departure for Leeds City.

Looking to read Backtrack magazine instantly? Not sure if you wish to switch to a digital read? Read Backtrack magazine ...
30/06/2023

Looking to read Backtrack magazine instantly? Not sure if you wish to switch to a digital read? Read Backtrack magazine on your phone, PC or tablet when you subscribe digitally. Better still, we're offering a trial offer this weekend. Receive an extra 35% off our digital price for the first year making it just £34.99 for the first 12 issues. Don't miss out, offer valid for this weekend only https://bit.ly/BTK35PMJune23

If you already subscribe, we really appreciate it. Thank you for your support 🙌

Good morning 😀 Today we share with you from from the Pendragon archive.With the opening of the Carnforth line Wennington...
20/06/2023

Good morning 😀 Today we share with you from from the Pendragon archive.

With the opening of the Carnforth line Wennington became a minor junction, with carriages to/from Carnforth being detached from or attached to Morecambe trains. On 30th May 1960 Fowler Class 3 2-6-2T No.40041 runs in with the Leeds–Carnforth train due out at 12.48pm. In the eastbound bay platform through coaches from Carnforth loiter pending the arrival of a train from Morecambe to which they’d be attached for the onward journey to Leeds. Photo credit: John Spencer Gilks

Have you purchased the latest issue? You're missing out. Buy in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKJul23⭐To the South Wes...
19/06/2023

Have you purchased the latest issue? You're missing out. Buy in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKJul23

⭐To the South West by the Somerset & Dorset – Gavin Morrison concludes his colour photographic odyssey to the south coast.
⭐Tunnels on the Potteries Loop - Mike G. Fell describes engineering work on the North Staffordshire Railway
⭐Falloden Station, Viscount Grey and the Memorial Copper Beech Tree – Neil Mackay presents a conjunction of local and national history in Northumberland.
⭐Milk Traffic Memories: Part One - David J. Hayes looks at the final years of milk trains on British Railways.
⭐Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Cotton Town Stations - a survey by Jeffrey Wells
⭐Banishing the Blues - colour phographs by Tom Heavyside of the former Glasgow area “Blue Train’ electric units.
⭐‘Jersey Lilies’ - archive pictures of the elegant Great Central Railway Atlantics.
⭐West is West - colour spread of steam at Penzance station.
⭐Lincolnshire and Humberside - East Coast colour photographs from the Simon Lathlane collection.
⭐Trestle Viaducts - a brief description by Gordon Biddle.
⭐Staines to Wokingham - an important route through Berkshire and Surrey described by Jeremy Clarke.
⭐Politics and Nuances at Swindon Works - L. A. Summers takes a close look behind the Great Western Railway scenes.
⭐The N2 Class: A case study in performance - Andrew James considers the important work done by the Great Northern-designed suburban tanks.
⭐Midland Railway Signal Boxes - Richard Foster describes the boxes at Melton Junction and New Mills Central

The new issue of Backtrack is out now. Buy in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKJUNE23 Don't miss out. We have a jammed ...
18/05/2023

The new issue of Backtrack is out now. Buy in store or online https://bit.ly/BTKJUNE23

Don't miss out. We have a jammed packed issue for you.

🚂 More from the In-Betweeners - colour photographs by American photographer Emery J. Goulash of the changeover years in Britain in the 1960s.
🚂 Hereford Reflections - Michael H. C. Baker shares some memories of a favourite location.
🚂 Sunday Excursions - Alistair F. Nisbet looks back at the once extensive lengths railways went to provide days out to the seaside.
🚂 Keeping the Wagons Rolling - Colour spread from the Simon Lathlane Collection of freight trains in steam days.
🚂 The Higham Ferrers and Rushden branch - Peter Butler introduces a Midland Railway branch in Northamptonshire.
🚂 ‘Rocket’ and its Kin: Part Two: ‘Rocket’s ’sisters’ - Anthony Dawson concludes his examination of early Liverpool & Manchester Railway locomotives.
🚂 As in Victoria’s golden days - three colour pages of steam at London’s Victoria station.
🚂 Going green at Gargrave - two examples of a BR ‘green revival’ photographed by Keith Dungate.
🚂 Chronicles of John Boyd’s Siding - A. J. Mullay explains how a cross-border railway came to host a little engineering works with a big reputation.
🚂 The Demise of the Ballachulish branch - David Spaven reveals a little-known 1960s attempt to enhance the line’s connectivity rather than closing it.
🚂 Steam and Diesel at the Ford Motor Company - industrial locomotives at the Dagenham site photographed by R. C. Riley.
🚂 Staying Single - archive photographs of single line working arrangements.
🚂 LNER Sentinel-Cammell Railcars West of the Pennines 1929-44 - Ian Travers looks at attempts at more economical local railway working in south Lancashire and north Cheshire.

On sale Thursday 🥳 Pre order your copy today. £6.50 including postage for delivery within the UK, additional postage for...
15/05/2023

On sale Thursday 🥳 Pre order your copy today. £6.50 including postage for delivery within the UK, additional postage for overseas. https://bit.ly/BTKJUNE23

Having just arrived from this train at Crianlarich Upper station on 23rd June 1951 the photographer Eric Bruton ran forw...
28/04/2023

Having just arrived from this train at Crianlarich Upper station on 23rd June 1951 the photographer Eric Bruton ran forward to catch the departure of the 9.29am Fort William to Glasgow Queen Street – an ‘express’ insofar as any trains were on the West Highland line! The motive power is being provided by two K2/2 2-6-0s Nos.61769 and 61774 Loch Garry. The K2 Class was a Great Northern Railway design from 1914 but twenty of them were transferred to Scotland by the LNER in the 1920s and ’30s, with another ten in BR days. Proper side window cabs were provided on the Scottish engines to give better weather protection than the spartan GNR type. Thirteen of the K2s working over the West Highland were given ‘Loch’ names but, as we see, unnamed specimens could be found there as well.

Address


Opening Hours

Monday 08:30 - 18:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00
Thursday 08:30 - 18:00
Friday 08:30 - 18:00
Saturday 09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+441778392024

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BackTrack Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to BackTrack Magazine:

Shortcuts

  • Address
  • Telephone
  • Opening Hours
  • Alerts
  • Contact The Business
  • Claim ownership or report listing
  • Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company?

Share