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Untold stories are at the heart of the latest edition of Steam Railway, as the magazine gets under the skin of the Midland ‘Half Cab’, Flying Scotsman’s record-breaking non-stop Australian run, and Dai Woodham’s wartime career.


Now its future and potential restoration at Barrow Hill Roundhouse is secure, we recall the convoluted and sometimes controversial history of unique Midland ‘1F’ 0-6-0T No. 41708, telling the tale of why this extraordinary engine became one of the oldest engines on BR’s books, how it came to be preserved, and why a bitter legal dispute side-lined the ‘Half Cab’ for more than a decade.

Thirty years after it officially broke the world record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive, Thomas Bright tells the definitive story of how LNER ‘A3’ No. 4472 Flying Scotsman achieved this extraordinary feat – helped by first-hand accounts from people who were there – while Toby Jennings explores the wartime record and other hitherto untold tales of Dai Woodham, in the month that the legendary late scrap man would have celebrated his 100th birthday.

Elsewhere, we break down some of the misconceptions surrounding the potential coal crisis, explore the North Norfolk Railway’s plans to rebuild Sheringham’s platform 2 station building, and celebrate the marvel that is Wolferton station.

As always, we bring you the latest news, comment and analysis from the world of steam railway preservation, including:

· ‘9F’ No. 92134 steams – first pictures

· Coal ban will increase emissions

· Railways hit by volunteer shortage

· Authentic send-off planned for Calbourne

· Four panniers set for West Somerset gala

There’s all this and more – including our regular Down Main, industrial, narrow gauge and Irish news columns – in the latest edition of Steam Railway, on sale now!

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