Recreation time

SUMMER is traditionally a time for rest and recreation. But an altogether different kind of recreation is taking place in the modern traction world. The project to recreate pioneer main line diesel loco LMS No. 10000 is well under way (see Letters on page 88 for a query about this loco's original bogies). It has enjoyed much support and, similarly, a new ‘Baby Deltic' is well advanced. Now there are murmurs that other diesel or electric trains, lost long ago to the cutter's torch, might be rebuilt to ride the rails again. If just the mention of legendary names like Lion and Kestrel makes you weak at the knees, you may be in favour of a newbuild renaissance, the like of which is already well-established in the steam community.

But not all rail fans are in favour. Where, they ask, do you draw the line? Is it a good use of scarce funding to build new versions of obscure types? Proposals to reconstitute a BR Class 210 DEMU have raised more than the odd eyebrow. There are valid questions about who will maintain these recreations in the future, where they will be located, and where the money to run them will come from.

Rail Express is interested in opinion. Let us and your fellow readers know what you think.

RE INTERACTIVE your

Talking of interaction, there are now more opportunities than ever for you personally to become involved with Rail Express. You are invited to share your experiences of roving the current network in My Rover (go to page 82) and every month we are curious to know what ‘our' loco (No. 57002 Rail Express) is up to, so if you capture a shot of this loco – the more interesting the working the better – please send it in. And don't forget, if you've taken an amazing image with your smartphone camera, we'd love to see it. It could end up on these pages.

Mark Simmons