ews - Emergency unit cascade to run new Thameslink timetable, FirstGBRf secures a passenger licence, Grand Central acquires two a€~Adelantea€ DMUs and the Government sets up its own Rosco to fund 200 new diesel units.

News in pictures - Virgina€ s new Fridaya€ s only Eustona€Preston diagram commences. Hanson Tractiona€ s two Class 56s are back on the main line after a winter break. Europorte 2 gets ready to start its first Anglo-French freight working.

Reviews - 2009 sees bus-to-rail multinational First Group hit 20 years of operation, celebrated in a new book. There are also three new books in the a€~Spotting Daysa€ series from Strathwood and a round-up of the other new releases.

Freight in the Park - Once home to many rail-served industries, Manchestera€ s Trafford Park estate railway closed in 2000 after a century of operation. The linea€ s latter years are chronicled in this feature by rail freight historian David Ratcliffe.

Preservation - While not the most glamorous of subjects, the big news this month is the rescue of two Class 309 EMU sets, now destined for the Coventry Railway Centre. Ex-Cotswold a€~Slim Jima€ 33202 moves to Mangapps Farm.

Time traveller - Fifty years ago, a€~Metrovicka€ Co-Bos were famously dedicated to the new a€~Condora€ overnight freight service from Hendon. Plus the railway, current affairs and pop music news from 10, 20, 30, 40 & 50 years ago.

Railtours - Hanson Tractiona€ s a€~Gridsa€ are lined up for a Retro Railtours jolly in May, which will also see a Virgin a€~Thunderbirda€ loco out for the day. Northern Charters announces its first tour, which will utilise a pair of ac electrics.

Mess room - Warrington Bank Quaya€ s a€~no kissinga€ zone gets the worlda€ s media frothing, which is also the subject for Rigga€ s cartoon! A recent nameplate auction by Virgin at the old Waterloo International raises over Ã