alright, Rob, are you going to keep it to yourself or share the bookstore with us?
Well, the most interesting stuff is to do with the SVR (Severn Valley Railway) and a couple new-build projects. Here is my short, off-the-cuff summary.
The SVR had severe flood damage on June 19, that could have taken millions of Pounds and several months to repair. If that wasn't enough, the SVR had ANOTHER major flood in late-July that was probably worse than the first one. Not only were the tracks and cuttings flooded, there were severe landslides and the ballast was washed out right from under the tracks (and, of course, moving or suspending the tracks). The repair work will probably last well into 2008 now.
To make a long story short, although the repair bill will be well over 2 million Pounds, support was offered almost immediately. Financial donations as well as offers of practical help (from other heritage railways) have poured in.
For the time being, the SVR cannot operate its full 16-mile length of track. Instead, its just operating between two stations which are only 3.5 or so miles apart. FYI, the SVR is one of the best steam railways in Britain, if not anywhere, so this is a huge blow. I rode on the SVR way back in 1980 with my parents and it was an excellent trip, and nice and long too.
Regarding other news, the new-build project, Tornado is coming along very well. This newly-built A1 Pacific has just had its boiler installed. There is a great pic of this loco and it's very exciting to see a 1930s/40s loco being built "from scratch" as a brand new machine! :mrgreen: There are other new-builds in the works, one being a Great Central D7 from the pre-groupings years. Oh to only live in England -- I'd consider it if I could afford it !!! :cry:
Another cool news item is that the the A4 streamlined loco, Bittern, is up and running at the Mid-Hants Railway (MHR). The MHR is only a few miles from my in-laws' house and my family and I are planning to go to England this Christmas. Can't wait to see Bittern in full steam! :mrgreen::mrgreen:
I saw Bittern being worked on at the MHR during the summer of 2006, so it will be great seeing it in operation. It's also being tested for long-haul tourist trips on the main lines.
There are several other interesting items in this magazine of course. It's almost stressful trying to keep up with all this news!
Cheers, Rob