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.

Full and standing trains as Severn Valley Railway-based steam locomotive No. 2857 has final day in service

2nd January 2023, was a significant day on the Severn Valley Railway as it was the final day of service for GWR 2-8-0 steam locomotive No. 2857.

Roger Smith 6th January 2023

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Siemens Mobility Electrification Rail Infrastructure

Siemens Mobility partners with University of York to explore use of solar energy to power UK’s trains

Siemens Mobility, with partners University of York and British Solar Renewables, is developing revolutionary solutions for powering Britain’s railwa…

Roger Smith 6th January 2023

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£1million scheme to provide step-free access at Wiltshire station

Starting next week, work will start on a £1million scheme to make Chippenham station in Wiltshire fully accessible from both sides of the railway.

Roger Smith 5th January 2023

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All Northern stations in South Yorkshire now has a defibrillator

A life-saving defibrillator is now available at every Northern Trains’ railway station in South Yorkshire.

Roger Smith 5th January 2023

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Northampton and Lamport Railway issues urgent fundraising appeal

The Northampton & Lamport Railway has suspended services on part of its line because a bridge needs urgent repairs and is appealing for donations.

Roger Smith 5th January 2023

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London Underground Metropolitan Line trains

Transport for London offers two-for-one entry to three Royal palaces

Three Royal Palaces have teamed up with TfL to offer two tickets for the price of one as part of the Mayor's Let’s Do London tourism campaign.

Roger Smith 5th January 2023

1 Comment

Key rail upgrades in Durham mean changes to services this January and February

Weekend disruption to services through Durham in January and February

On weekends in January and February, train services through Durham will be severely affected due to a £6 million engineering project.

Roger Smith 4th January 2023

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Christmas work completed on Transpennine Route Upgrade in Manchester and Leeds

During the Christmas break, engineers carried out improvements on the Manchester to York line as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Roger Smith 4th January 2023

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Update on progress to recreate an LNER Class G5 steam locomotive

The G5 Group has issued its latest news on progress to recreate a North Eastern Railway Class O, LNER Class G5, 0-4-4 Passenger Tank Locomotive.

Roger Smith 4th January 2023

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Book Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Railway Request Stops by Anthony Hart

This book describes the author's quest to visit, photograph, and spend time at every request stop on mainland Britain.

Roger Smith 4th January 2023

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