6 HEADLINE NEWS Bidders announced for next West Coast and South Eastern franchises; First passenger runs for Class 230 a€~D-Traina€ ; New look for ROG Type 4; Swanage Railway reconnects to the main line; Report highlights Southern woes; South Western Trains orders new Bombardier a€~Aventraa€ fleet; First look at new Northern DMU; Alliance Rail drops Blackpool a€~Pendolinoa€ plan for a€~91sa€ ; First IEP to Penzance; East Coast operator again faces revenue shortfall; Coventry Electric Railway Museum to close. 14 FROM THE ARCHIVES: LMR We have delved into our photo library to dig out a selection of rare and unseen images taken on the London Midland Region in the 1950s and 60s. 20 SUBSCRIPTION OFFERS The best ways to get Rail Express every month. 22 A YEAR AT SCROPTON A year in the life of the not always busy signalbox on the Derby to Stoke line. 27 THEN & NOW: HUDDERSFIELD How trees have taken over at Springwood Junction. 28 0-60: CLASS 92 Neville Hill takes a stopwatch and torch on the Caledonian sleeper. 29 MAILBAG AND REVIEWS West Midlands a€~Gronka€ trips; Box Tunnel sunrise problem; plus books covering Class 50s, Southern Region signalling and freight times. 30 TIME TRAVELLER Looking back to past August news from 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago. 71 LU WORLD Sarah Siddons receives pre-overhaul inspection; Tower tragedy closes Underground lines. 72 RAILTOURS Ever been to Sevenoaks Gusset? Plus a full round- up of future tours and announcements. 74 PRESERVATION Severn Valley acquires second Class 09 shunter; Deal sees a€~Grida€ based at East Lancs; a€~Choppersa€ move to Butterley; GCR due for GWR gala. 80 POWER BY THE HOUR Class 88s make revenue earning debut; Class 68 TransPennine preparations under way. 82 POWERSCENE Notable workings from around the country. 90 UNITARY AUTHORITY First Class 345 enters passenger service. 93 SHUNTER SPOT RSS acquires first Class 09; HNRC collects a€~08sa€ . 94 COACH COMPARTMENT Met-Cam Pullman returns to main line use. 95 WAGONS ROLL New a€~shortya€ HRA hopper enters traffic. 96 IRISH ANGLE GM diesels star on charters; Grand Hibernian sees range of diesel traction.