Modern Railways
@modernrailways.keypublishing.com
Updates from the team at Modern Railways magazine, which has provided news, views and analysis on the UK's railways for 60 years.
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Subscribe today at shop.keypublishing.com/mrsubs
GB Railfreight recognises the Branch Line Society's 70th anniversary by naming a Class 57 and highlights how £1.5 million has been raised for good causes by the BLS in the past decade.
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbrf...
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbrf...
GBRf names Class 57 after Branch Line Society
GB Railfreight recognises the Branch Line Society's 70th anniversary by naming a Class 57 and highlights how £1.5 million has been raised for good causes by the BLS in the past decade.
www.modernrailways.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:17 PM
GB Railfreight recognises the Branch Line Society's 70th anniversary by naming a Class 57 and highlights how £1.5 million has been raised for good causes by the BLS in the past decade.
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbrf...
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbrf...
Hitachi homes in on fuel contamination as cause of GWR's IET issues: www.modernrailways.com/article/hita...
Hitachi focuses on fuel as cause of IET failures
Blocked filters thought to be caused by contamination, say insiders
www.modernrailways.com
December 22, 2025 at 11:17 AM
Hitachi homes in on fuel contamination as cause of GWR's IET issues: www.modernrailways.com/article/hita...
A milestone has been reached in the procurement of new trains for Northern, as the operator's MD revealed at a Modern Railways event in Manchester.
www.modernrailways.com/article/mile...
www.modernrailways.com/article/mile...
Milestone reached for planned new Northern train fleet
In its quest to replace almost all of its current fleet, Northern has issued a request for tender for up to 450 new trains.
www.modernrailways.com
December 16, 2025 at 9:27 AM
A milestone has been reached in the procurement of new trains for Northern, as the operator's MD revealed at a Modern Railways event in Manchester.
www.modernrailways.com/article/mile...
www.modernrailways.com/article/mile...
In an exclusive interview, Jamie Burles, who is responsible for leading the new integrated railway in Anglia, highlights the potential and possibilities an integrated railway and well-performing operators can offer
www.modernrailways.com/article/chan...
www.modernrailways.com/article/chan...
Changing times on Anglia!
In an exclusive interview with Modern Railways, the man overseeing the joint c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail operation in the east, JAMIE BURLES, highlights the potential and possibilities an
www.modernrailways.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:44 AM
In an exclusive interview, Jamie Burles, who is responsible for leading the new integrated railway in Anglia, highlights the potential and possibilities an integrated railway and well-performing operators can offer
www.modernrailways.com/article/chan...
www.modernrailways.com/article/chan...
The East Coast main line has taken the headlines for the latest timetable change, but elsewhere on the railway there are major changes as ANDY BOWES-RODEN reveals.
www.modernrailways.com/article/majo...
www.modernrailways.com/article/majo...
Major changes – and a new speed record in new December
Away from the East Coast main line there are major changes in some areas from December 2025. ANDY BOWES-RODEN reveals some of the key alterations and additions
www.modernrailways.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:37 AM
The East Coast main line has taken the headlines for the latest timetable change, but elsewhere on the railway there are major changes as ANDY BOWES-RODEN reveals.
www.modernrailways.com/article/majo...
www.modernrailways.com/article/majo...
FREE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS 🎁 🎄
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
December 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM
FREE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS 🎁 🎄
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
Great Western Railways said farewell to its 'Castle' HSTs on 13 December, marking the end of an era in Devon and Cornwall: www.modernrailways.com/article/gwr-...
GWR says farewell to ‘Castle’ HSTs
49 years of service marked – including unplanned Newquay runs
www.modernrailways.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:20 AM
Great Western Railways said farewell to its 'Castle' HSTs on 13 December, marking the end of an era in Devon and Cornwall: www.modernrailways.com/article/gwr-...
Chiltern Railways is running a farewell railtour for its Mk 3 sets on 22 February 2026 to raise money for Railway Children - more details at www.modernrailways.com/article/chil...
Chiltern plans Mk 3 farewell tour
Special train to raise funds for Railway Children
www.modernrailways.com
December 12, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Chiltern Railways is running a farewell railtour for its Mk 3 sets on 22 February 2026 to raise money for Railway Children - more details at www.modernrailways.com/article/chil...
A new survey of 125 railway business leaders commissioned by the Railway Industry Association suggests confidence in the rail market has declined in the last year, with most businesses freezing recruitment or cutting staff.
www.modernrailways.com/article/ria-...
www.modernrailways.com/article/ria-...
RIA warns of ‘lack of confidence’ in rail market
A new survey of 125 railway business leaders commissioned by the Railway Industry Association suggests confidence in the rail market has declined in the last year, with most businesses freezing
www.modernrailways.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:22 AM
A new survey of 125 railway business leaders commissioned by the Railway Industry Association suggests confidence in the rail market has declined in the last year, with most businesses freezing recruitment or cutting staff.
www.modernrailways.com/article/ria-...
www.modernrailways.com/article/ria-...
Speaking exclusively to Modern Railways, Rail Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark says key elements of the supply chain are being put at risk due to a lack of long-term visibility about future work.
www.modernrailways.com/article/bett...
www.modernrailways.com/article/bett...
Better supply chain visibility needed
Key elements of the supply chain are being put at risk due to a lack of long-term visibility about future work, says Rail Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark.
www.modernrailways.com
December 10, 2025 at 10:05 AM
Speaking exclusively to Modern Railways, Rail Forum Chief Executive Elaine Clark says key elements of the supply chain are being put at risk due to a lack of long-term visibility about future work.
www.modernrailways.com/article/bett...
www.modernrailways.com/article/bett...
Freightliner has confirmed how its loco fleet will be split between Heavy Haul and Intermodal businesses when the sale of the latter is completed.
www.modernrailways.com/article/frei...
www.modernrailways.com/article/frei...
Freightliner confirms how loco fleet will split between
Freightliner has confirmed the planned split of its loco fleet between Heavy Haul and Intermodal businesses.
www.modernrailways.com
December 9, 2025 at 9:08 AM
Freightliner has confirmed how its loco fleet will be split between Heavy Haul and Intermodal businesses when the sale of the latter is completed.
www.modernrailways.com/article/frei...
www.modernrailways.com/article/frei...
Great Western Railway's IET fleet is being affected by Generator Units being out of use, with only 18 out of 93 sets having full GU availability on one particular day.
www.modernrailways.com/article/fuel...
www.modernrailways.com/article/fuel...
Fuel pump issues hit GWR IET fleet
More than 80% of Great Western Railway’s Class 800/802 bi-mode fleets are suffering from out of use Generator Units (GU) thought to be caused by fuel pump issues with just 18 out of its 93 Intercity
www.modernrailways.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Great Western Railway's IET fleet is being affected by Generator Units being out of use, with only 18 out of 93 sets having full GU availability on one particular day.
www.modernrailways.com/article/fuel...
www.modernrailways.com/article/fuel...
Following an extensive evaluation of bids from three manufacturers, Irish Rail and Translink have jointly selected Stadler to deliver the new trains for the Dublin–Belfast ‘Enterprise’ service.
www.modernrailways.com/article/stad...
www.modernrailways.com/article/stad...
Stadler wins ‘Enterprise’ replacement deal
Irish Rail and Translink have jointly selected Stadler to deliver the new trains for the Dublin–Belfast ‘Enterprise’ service.
www.modernrailways.com
December 9, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Following an extensive evaluation of bids from three manufacturers, Irish Rail and Translink have jointly selected Stadler to deliver the new trains for the Dublin–Belfast ‘Enterprise’ service.
www.modernrailways.com/article/stad...
www.modernrailways.com/article/stad...
"This isn’t just a paint job" - Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander's comment as GBR's branding is launched ahead of a rollout from next spring.
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbr-...
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbr-...
GBR brand unveiled
Government unveils Great British Railways branding for trains, stations and websites.
www.modernrailways.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:14 AM
"This isn’t just a paint job" - Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander's comment as GBR's branding is launched ahead of a rollout from next spring.
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbr-...
www.modernrailways.com/article/gbr-...
FREE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS 🎁 🎄
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
December 8, 2025 at 6:20 PM
FREE GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS 🎁 🎄
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
This Christmas, treat the railway enthusiast in your life (or yourself!) to a 12-month subscription to Modern Railways.
Plus you'll receive a FREE GIFT (worth £25!) to make it extra special.
👉 shop.keypublishing.com/pages/xmasmr
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed his bold vision for Greater Manchester's rail network EXCLUSIVELY at MR's Public Transport in the North conference yesterday. Here are some of the highlights from his passionate speech. www.modernrailways.com/article/burn...
Burnham launches Vision for the Future of Rail at MR
Greater Manchester Mayor outlines ambitious plans for rail growth and integration
www.modernrailways.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:50 PM
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham revealed his bold vision for Greater Manchester's rail network EXCLUSIVELY at MR's Public Transport in the North conference yesterday. Here are some of the highlights from his passionate speech. www.modernrailways.com/article/burn...
East Midlands Railways #Class810s are FINALLY in service - three years later than planned. www.modernrailways.com/article/emrs... - read the FULL story in the next issue of #ModernRailways!
EMR’s Class 810s FINALLY enter service three years late
Construction continues of 33-strong bi-mode trains
www.modernrailways.com
December 3, 2025 at 8:51 AM
East Midlands Railways #Class810s are FINALLY in service - three years later than planned. www.modernrailways.com/article/emrs... - read the FULL story in the next issue of #ModernRailways!
The Human Factor - why men's mental health matters: www.modernrailways.com/article/inte...
International Men’s Day - why it matters
In her latest Human Factor column, Tracey Barber says supporting men's mental health is vital for the industry
www.modernrailways.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:43 PM
The Human Factor - why men's mental health matters: www.modernrailways.com/article/inte...
ORR reveals fares revenues rise, Govt subsidy falls, and NR cuts renewals and enhancements spend: www.modernrailways.com/article/fare...
Fares income rises – and subsidy falls
NR cuts renewals and enhancements spending; TOC costs rise
www.modernrailways.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:30 PM
ORR reveals fares revenues rise, Govt subsidy falls, and NR cuts renewals and enhancements spend: www.modernrailways.com/article/fare...
#GoldenSpanners What a fabulous event - which showcases the dedication and skills of train maintainers all over Britain. The full list of winners is available now at www.modernrailways.com/article/uks-...
UK's most reliable trains celebrated at Golden Spanners
Britain's most reliable trains and their maintenance teams recognised in prestigious awards
www.modernrailways.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
#GoldenSpanners What a fabulous event - which showcases the dedication and skills of train maintainers all over Britain. The full list of winners is available now at www.modernrailways.com/article/uks-...
#GoldenSpanners The final section is 2nd Generation New EMU, and it's a Silver Spanner for c2c's East Ham team and their Class 720/6s. The Golden Spanner goes to ScotRail and Craigentinny's Class 385s. Well done to all who won - the full list is on www.modernrailways.com/ soon!
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www.modernrailways.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:46 PM
#GoldenSpanners The final section is 2nd Generation New EMU, and it's a Silver Spanner for c2c's East Ham team and their Class 720/6s. The Golden Spanner goes to ScotRail and Craigentinny's Class 385s. Well done to all who won - the full list is on www.modernrailways.com/ soon!
#GoldenSpanners Into the EMUs now and 1st Generation New EMU. Picking up a Silver Spanner is SWR's Wimbledon Depot for their Class 458/4s, while Govia Thameslink Railway scoops the Golden Spanner for Hornsey Depot's Class 387/1s.
November 21, 2025 at 3:42 PM
#GoldenSpanners Into the EMUs now and 1st Generation New EMU. Picking up a Silver Spanner is SWR's Wimbledon Depot for their Class 458/4s, while Govia Thameslink Railway scoops the Golden Spanner for Hornsey Depot's Class 387/1s.
#GoldenSpanners In the 2nd Generation New DMUs section, TfW's Class 197s maintained at Chester win a Silver Spanner, with Greater Anglia's Norwich Crown Point-based Class 755/4s winning the Golden Spanner!
November 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
#GoldenSpanners In the 2nd Generation New DMUs section, TfW's Class 197s maintained at Chester win a Silver Spanner, with Greater Anglia's Norwich Crown Point-based Class 755/4s winning the Golden Spanner!
#GoldenSpanners Onto the 1st Generation New DMU section, and it's a Silver Spanner for Govia Thameslink Railway and Selhurst Depot's Class 171s. The winner of the Golden Spanner is TransPennine Express and its Ardwick based Class 185s!
November 21, 2025 at 3:34 PM
#GoldenSpanners Onto the 1st Generation New DMU section, and it's a Silver Spanner for Govia Thameslink Railway and Selhurst Depot's Class 171s. The winner of the Golden Spanner is TransPennine Express and its Ardwick based Class 185s!