Welcome
There was a time when railway nostalgia was all about steam. But for a growing number of railway enthusiasts, the diesel & electric era holds a great fascination which was not given the coverage it deserved in the traditional titles. In 1994 Traction magazine was launched to redress the balance. Regular features include fascinating insight from those who actually worked with this form of motive power during the BR years, memories of enthusiasts recalling trips behind their favourite locomotives, visits to depots, or the view from the lineside and platform end. Each issue also contains numerous nostalgic photos from the glory days of diesel & electric traction in the UK. Some relevant coverage from the current day is also included, along with reviews and a smattering of modelling for good measure. It continues to offer an alternative to those whose first love is travelling behind, looking at or photographing classic diesel & electric locos and units, plus those who recall the varied delights of the real railway.
This Month
Over the past few months it has been a pleasure to feature the ‘Classic Classes’ series - The Class 47s and I am indebted to Simon Lilley, John G Hiscock and Robert Ward of the Class 47 Preservation Project for all their hard work. They have spent many hours over a period of years researching and compiling this thorough look at one of the major diesel electric locomotive classes to operate on the British railway network, which I believe could form the basis of a definitive book on the class. Their research has brought many fascinating facts to life, throwing light on hitherto unknown areas of the locomotives’ development. This month they reach the final chapter, part seven, of this in-depth series with a look at the post privatisation era. Of course, it is a history that has yet to close and, with the publishing of their articles, further facts and theories have come to light. I am indebted to the readers who have written in regarding aspects of the series and have forwarded their correspondence to the authors who are going to put together a ‘catch up’ feature to appear in a future edition of Traction. In next month’s issue, we will take a different look at the class when Bob Dunn presents one of his fascinating driver’s insights into working with Class 47s. Meanwhile, Parrot brings us right up to date on the Brush fleet scene with his quarterly report commencing on p.45 of this issue. It has not been all good news for some class members I’m sorry to say. Providing some welcome relief to the everyday freight workings out there on the contemporary scene have been D1015 Western Champion heading a rake of empty clay tankers down to the South-West, reviving memories of workings of the past. Closer to home there was also a retro feel when BR green-liveried 31 190/D5613 appeared at Boston with empty steel bogies. Seen in the company of the two privately-owned former BR diesel shunters that trip wagons to and from the Docks, this provided a real green era nostalgic treat for photographers and passers-by alike. Let’s hope we can look forward to more colourful moments of this nature in future to remind us of our great railway past.