Growing demand for digital connectivity on heritage railways
We have received payment for the content in this article. Learn more. iStock.com/PaulVinten For decades, the primary allure of heritage railways has been the opportunity to step back in time. The rhythmic chuff of a steam locomotive, the smell of coal smoke, and the tactile clatter of vintage rolling stock offer a sensory escape from […]
Network Rail to take control of Channel Tunnel rail freight site
A Government-backed deal to transform a Channel Tunnel rail freight terminal in east London has been announced. iStock.com/Teamjackson The Department for Transport (DfT) said the move could enable many more British businesses to export goods to the rest of Europe by train. Under the deal, Network Rail and its property development company Platform4 will take […]
Eligibility for Disabled Persons Railcard to be extended from Sunday
More people will become eligible for a Disabled Person Railcard from Sunday following a review of the eligibility criteria. iStock.com/Ceri Breeze Industry body the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) said the eligibility criteria will be extended to include a broader range of visible and non-visible disabilities. People who will become able to purchase it include those […]
First major work begins to electrify the Borders Railway – with line closures scheduled
Network Rail are set to begin the first stage of electrification on the Borders Railway – with three weekend line closures scheduled. The work follows the Scottish Government’s announcement of a £342m investment to electrify routes in Fife and the Borders and introduce new battery‑electric trains in September. Engineers will begin preparatory work from Saturday […]
Issue 342 | Heritage Railway Magazine
With Heritage Railway magazine, you can keep up to date with essential railway news, days out and lots more! You won’t want to miss issue 342 of Heritage Railway magazine. If you’d like to give this edition of Heritage Railway magazine a read, then you can skip the wait and download the digital version or you can order the […]
Final Northumberland Line station to open next month
The final station on the Northumberland Line station will open to passengers in March 2026. Northumberland County Council Leader Glen Sanderson outside Bedlington Station On Sunday, March 29th, Bedlington will become the sixth and final station to open to passengers on the line since December 2024. It’s the sixth station to be completed on the […]
Minimum age for train drivers to be lowered from June
Eighteen-year-olds will be allowed to drive trains from June 30 amid concerns about the number of drivers approaching retirement. iStock.com/Marc Scruton Legislation to reduce the minimum age limit from 20 to 18 will be brought before Parliament on Tuesday. The move follows concerns about an aging workforce, as the Department for Transport said a quarter […]
Former railway signaller celebrates his 90th birthday with a special railway visit
A former railway signaller has celebrated his 90th birthday with a special visit to the railway where he spent more than four decades of his career. Credit: Network Rail Eric Hilton spent almost 43 years working across the railway in a variety of roles, including becoming station manager at Crewe before moving into train planning, […]
February 2026 | The Railway Magazine
The Railway Magazine provides the latest news, Steam & Heritage, modern traction and reviews and our brand-new February issue is out now! Railways & Computers: From Charles Babbage to ERTMS British Rail’s Total Operations Processing System (TOPS) is now 50 years old, but the history of railways and computers can be traced back to the 1830s, […]
Police U-turn on controversial railway station bike theft policy
A police policy not to investigate thefts of bikes left at railway stations for longer than two hours has been reversed. iStock.com/jackcousin British Transport Police (BTP) said it is “committed to bringing more bike thieves to justice” after changing its approach. In October it emerged that BTP was no longer investigating thefts of bikes at […]