News - GBRf is confirmed as up for sale by owner First. We report on the latest developments. Virgin and Alstom show off new Edge Hill depot.

News in pictures - A Class 37/4 returns to the a€~Caledonian Sleepera€ , a€~Thunderbirdsa€ work the a€~Pretendalinoa€ and Classes 40 & 52 bury their differences for tour.

Pictorial: Bulgarian a€~Scotsa€ - Early May saw PTG operate a four-day charter of Bulgaria using BZK Class 87s. The best photography from the trip can be found here.

Reviews - Finsbury Park celebrates its 50th anniversary and what better way to mark the event with a book. We review this and other new releases.

Time traveller - 1970 saw the Britannia Bridge catch fire, while 1990 marked the end of the Northampton a€~Cobblersa€ . Read on for news from decades ago.

Retrospectrum: Freightliner grey - Freightlinera€ s sale in 1995 saw the newly privatised company adopt its historic red triangle as a logo. Includes livery history and loco list.

Rail freight market needs competition - Fastline Freighta€ s former Managing Director responds to our history that appeared in RE168 and comments on the future for rail freight.

Preservation - The return to the main line of 50026 Indomitable is put back by a year. A major exhibit at the G-WRa€ s GWR175 event will be gas turbine 18000.

Railtours - Our columnist reports from the first railtour operated by a Class 70, while we have pictures from Spitfirea€ s tour to Yarmouth and Cromer.

Traction & Rolling Stock - A DB Schenker Class 66 is off to Poland, but the recession causes Bulgarian operator BZK to drop plans to take the last 11 Class 87s.

Messroom - The success of A1 Tornado leads to plans for two brand new steam locos, while we reveal the original colour of Brunela€ s Tamar Bridge.


RAIL EXPRESS Modeller:

Major releases including Bachmanna€ s MBA and Dapola€ s a€~Na€ Class 58 are reviewed. Plus, modelling whisky traffic.

Comment: The new a€~Gold Rusha€ - The last few weeks have seen a mad dash by retailers linking up with manufacturers to produce any remaining locomotives not already claimed. The editor provides some background.

Reader offers: Class 03s & 37/7s - RAIL EXPRESS Modeller has joined with Bachmann in offering exclusive BR Class 03s and a€~Heavyweighta€ Class 37/7s. Read on for details of how to purchase our latest special editions.

Newsdesk: Trade developments - Pre-production samples of our BR blue Class 03s have arrived. There are also full details of the latest announcements, which includes Co-Bos, EM1/EM2s, a€~Blue Pullmana€ and LMS a€~twinsa€ .

Review: Dapol a€~Na€ Class 58 - Hot on the heels of its tasty little Class 86 reviewed last issue, Welsh firm Dapol has produced the Class 58 freight loco in a€~Na€ . We also investigate the firma€ s new small scale a€~Silver Bulleta€ .

Reviews: a€~Pocketa€ wagon & MBA - In 4mm scale, Dapol has released the Tiphook Rail a€~Pocketa€ container wagon, while Bachmanna€ s much anticipated MBA a€~Monstera€ box has also arrived. Both models are examined.

Research: Whisky trains - Another interesting commodity guide from freight expert David Ratcliffe. This feature concentrates on the movement of whisky within Scotland and across the rest of the network.

Reviews: Latest releases - Other new models are reviewed, including Hornbya€ s latest DVT pack, representing a Wrexham & Shropshire Class 67+DVT combination. Plus new products from ZTC and Graham Farish.

Modelling: Bratchell Class 455 - Chris Ibbotson builds a Bratchell Class 455/9 kit to represent a South West Trains inner-suburban example. This colourful EMU is easy to build but not so easy to paint and finish!

Serial: New turnouts for Mostyn - Work is progressing well on the new hidden sidings for the Barrowmore MRGa€ s Mostyn layout. 40 new a€~P4a€ copperclad turnouts were built in just six weeks. Check them out here.

Exhibitions: DEMU and Chatham - DEMUa€ s annual Showcase Event is previewed - a must visit event for all diesel & electric era modellers. We also take a look at the line up for the Chatham event, which includes Mostyn.