'castles' AND 'kings' - the good and the bad - The almost larger-than-life performances of Great Western locomotives in the 1920s and '30s created an aura around the company that remained immediately post-war - although by then the reality was shockingly different. Taking a latter day view William j. Alcock examines the lack-lustre performances of the late 1940s and early 1950s. However, from 1954 the old spirit returned to a rejuvenated Western Region.
working on the footplate at northwich shed - Having become a passed cleaner not long after his 16th birthday Bruce Fisher is enjoying his days on the footplate. Promotion to a fireman at Northwich shed soon follows, but time is running out for steam...?
1955: what A great year! - It was the year of the 'Modernisation Plan', while the ASLEF strike was to have far-reaching consequences, helping road's dominance to assert itself even further. But for photographer Neil Sprinks, it was a great year. We join him as he tours the country searching out the best steam.
colin walker: tribute to A master lensman - Although best known for his Eastern Region subjects, especially the Great Central's 'London Extension', the late Colin Walker who died earlier this year, travelled far and wide. In a new series paying tribute to him we present a selection of his work, starting with the Western Region.
comment - Why three decades of 'A4s' ruling the roost will always be better than what followed, argues Mel Holley
call attention - More oddities, suggestions and comments from the steam years.
that reminds me...Drawing on items from his late father, George Dow's, collection Andrew Dow explores the factors mitigating against easy movement of goods traffic that narrow gauge railways created.
platform - Debate and discussion on a wide variety of topics - across the entire steam scene.
stratford forever! - Continuing his recollections of his days at Stratford MPD, as Assistant District Motive Power Superintendent R.H.N. Hardy turns his attention to the LTS-route-services and trains to Southend.
motivated by STEAM - Concluding his series exploring his railway career starting with his apprenticeship at Darlington Works William Cattermole gathers more practical experience, as he becomes shedmaster at a variety of depots
A summer weekend at ryde shed - It was relatively small, but the Motive Power Depot at Ryde, Isle of Wight, was no less busy than mainland sheds, especially during the height of the season. Former railway manager Peter Raye describes the locomotives' duties and how the service was maintained on a summer weekend in the 1960 season.
A signalman's perspective - Jeffery Grayer's article in February's Steam World generated much interest and correspondence. In a follow-up Exeter West Group chairman, and founder of the 1982 project to preserve the signalbox Peter Jordan explains the procedures used by signalmen concerning the working of banking engines between Exeter St. David's and Exeter Central.
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On the cover: BR-built 'Castle' 4-6-0 No. 7031 Cromwell's Castle of 85A (Worcester), is backing out of Paddington in August 1962.