The heatwave

in mid July brought parts of the UK rail network to a virtual standstill as speeds were limited on many routes and passengers advised to travel only if really necessary.

In response to criticism that the railway should be better prepared to respond to the extreme weather events that forecasters predict will become more frequent, Network Rail has appointed a task force with experts including a former chief scientist at the Met Office and a former HS2/Crossrail chairman (see Headline News, p10).

With temperatures already starting to build, newly repainted into InterCity ‘Executive’ livery and renumbered CrossCountry HST power car No. 43184 heads the 1S51 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh through Church Fenton on July 6. Brian Hall