News - National Express takes the East Coast franchise, Grand Central starts crew training and the Government publishes its future plans for the railways.
News in pictures - Four pages of top images including a Class 57/3 minus Dellner coupling, test trains out and about plus double-headed Class 60s on oil tanks.
Reviews - A new cab-ride DVD showcasing Western Region traction is reviewed. The latest railway-related products to read and watch are also covered.
EWS and Enterprise - The final part of David J Hayes' look at EWS' wagonload operations turns its attention away from the Black Country and towards the UK as a whole.
Time Traveller - The big stories from 5,10,20,30 & 40 years ago. Just half a decade ago, Virgin dropped loco-hauled trains, whilst 10 years ago, EWS bought up NP, „
Railtours - re's columnist reports from the Barrow Hill event, which saw top 'n' tailed pairs of Class 20s visit Hope. Includes a full listing of September's tours.

Centre RAIL EXPRESS Modeller:
The second part of our 'Modeller's Guide' to nuclear services, along with a model of 37612. News of Hornby's new Class 56 and Dapol's FEA wagon.

Traction & Rolling Stock - The end draws near for Freightliner's final six Class 57/Os, with just two in service at the time of going to press. Includes all your favourite columns.
Preservation - Three Class 37s are saved for preservation, including 37216, the former Great Eastern. RE & NYMR plan a special main line Class 25 day to Whitby.
Great diesels, Great Central - The Great Central Railway, which runs from Loughborough-Leicester, has it all - quality traction, a double-track section, and three diesel galas a year!
Mess room - A First GBRf Class 66/7 gets a B17 style 'Footballer" name, FGW appoints a 'platform poet' and two Mirror hacks are arrested in a train bomb stunt.

Cover: National Express has secured the East Coast franchise, meaning the end of GNER operations in December. On June 6th, the 23.30 to Leeds awaits departure from King's Cross with HST power car No. 43117 Bonnie Prince Charlie at the head. Philip Sutton