Antwerp Tram Museum has the world’s only surviving “Gyrobus” This unusual system runs on electricity, but it’s not permanently connected to a power source. The bus has a large electric motor that runs a heavy flywheel, mounted horizontally under the floor. It collects power from a special 3 pole connector at bus stops or charging… Read More Gyrobus. Flywheel-Powered Public Transport
This photo appeared in a recent box of old photos I bought at auction. It’s a modified version of Great Western 77xx Pannier tank, this is a 1933 built 97xx condensing loco. It appears that it may be at the end of of its working life, its numberplates have been removed and it’s in a… Read More GWR Locos on the Tube
The transport consultants Aecom have been appointed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council to carry out a study into the reopening of the Portadown to Armagh railway according to a report on Belfast Live This comes as part of the wider All Island Strategic Rail review, currently being discussed by the Northern Ireland… Read More The Portadown to Armagh railway
Well, not literally… But this is about aircraft tech inspired train experiments. With the announcement of Chinese scientists adding wings to high speed trains to improve performance, here’s a quick look at the history of aircraft tech being used on railways. Starting briefly with the George Bennie Railplane, a test track was built north of… Read More Flying trains
A few images of the always excellent Autumn Gala at SVR, back after last years cancellation due to Covid. The early start to see several locos on shed at Bridgnorth is always worth it. f you’re visiting the Severn Valley area check out Booking.com for great rates on hotels & other accommodation. I use them… Read More Severn Valley Autumn Gala 2021
The Great Central Heritage Railway is home to Test Car 2, an Ex BR Mk1 BSK number 35386, converted in 1974 by Derby DM&EE. It was mainly used for slip brake testing on the West Coast Main Line and testing Class 92 locos in 1994 on WCML & through the Channel Tunnel. It was open… Read More British Rail Test Car 2
On this day, 2nd July 1925, a centenary event took place, 100 years since the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The event took place on 2nd July, although the original railway opened on 27th September 1825 to freight and 10th October to passengers. My original copy of the programme is reproduced below, giving… Read More Stockton & Darlington Railway Centenary
A very hot day out at Rail Live, the UK rail industry trade show yesterday. I managed to get a look round the new Stadler 777 class units for Merseyrail. Built by the Swiss company Stadler, the first of these has just completed testing. MerseyRail has ordered 53 of these EMU’s, with two having a… Read More New MerseyRail class 777
With the UK’s biggest railway trade exhibition, Rail Live! taking place again in a weeks time, here’s a quick look at a much earlier rail trade exhibition. In 1954, Willesden in North London was the site of a joint exhibition by British Rail, London Underground & various manufacturers for the International Railway Congress. Here’s some… Read More The 1954 International Railway Congress, Willesden
Bishop’s Castle, a small market town in Shropshire, was the terminus and head office of The Bishop’s Castle Railway Company. Founded in 1860 to build and operate the line between Craven Arms, Bishop’s Castle and onto Montgomery, the line went no further than Lydham Heath and spent almost all of its opertaing life in receivership… Read More The Bishop’s Castle Railway Weighbridge
Random Railways 