Author: Roger Smith

I have had a life-long interest in railways, growing up just a few yards from the complex of sidings at Gloucester docks. My interest continued when I left school and joined the signal department of British Railways. I am a published author and a a proof-reader for the Railway Correspondence and Travel Society's society’s monthly magazine, the Railway Observer. I am also a keen photographer, and have had a number of railway photographs published in monthly magazines and books.

Railways & Industry Brecon & Merthyr cover

Book Review: Railways and Industry on the Brecon and Merthyr: Bargoed to Pontsticill Jct., Pant to Dowlais Central by John Hodge & Ray Caston

This book describes the Brecon & Merthyr Railway from Bargoed to Pontsticill Junction with photographs of every location in this part of the line.

Roger Smith 16th July 2023

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Raging Bull photomontage 16x9 for press release - Bull not to scale

Ozzy the Bull to be officially unveiled at Birmingham New Street

Later this month, Ozzy the Bull, the star of last year’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, will be officially unveiled at Birmingham New Street.

Roger Smith 16th July 2023

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Virgin Trains Ticketing now rewards customers buying tickets through its app

Virgin Trains has introduced a scheme where buying tickets through Virgin Trains Ticketing gives points towards discounts on future ticket purchases.

Roger Smith 15th July 2023

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34053 Sir Keith Park on the Spa Valley Railway

Kent heritage railway to hold 12th Real Ale & Cider Festival in October

Later this year the Spa Valley Railway at Tunbridge Wells in Kent will be hosting its annual Railway Ale and Cider Festival.

Roger Smith 15th July 2023

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46443 at Kidderminster SVR // Credit Tony Hisgett

Appeal to be launched for restoration of steam locomotive 46443

12 years after 46443 went on display in The Engine House visitor centre at Highley, an appeal is being launched to restore it to working order.

Roger Smith 14th July 2023

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World Youth Skills Day encourages young people to join the railway

Ahead of World Youth Skills Day tomorrow, Riley Barnes tells how he is encouraging more young people to consider joining the railway for a career.

Roger Smith 14th July 2023

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UK retailer to stock Japanese model railway products

OO/HO gauge track from the Japanese model railway manufacturer Kato Precision Railroad Models will soon be available in the United Kingdom.

Roger Smith 14th July 2023

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London Liverpool Street LNER verification train

London North Eastern Railway runs trial train to Liverpool Street

LNER ran one of its Azuma trains to Liverpool Street during the early hours of 14th July to investigate using the station during periods of disruption…

Roger Smith 14th July 2023

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Škoda Group secures contract to supply 10 trams to Bergamo in Italy

Škoda Group has been awarded a contract to supply ten of its ForCity Classic type bi-directional trams to the city of Bergamo in Italy.

Roger Smith 14th July 2023

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Queen Street station and Bowline Viaduct unveil special heritage awards

Special heritage awards unveiled at Scottish stations and viaduct

Plaques have been unveiled at two stations and a viaduct in Scotland that commemorate their recognition in the National Railway Heritage Awards.

Roger Smith 13th July 2023

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