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.

Hospital Mill level crossing. // Credit: Network Rail

Network Rail Scotland release warning to drivers about the dangers of misusing private level crossings

Multiple cases of misusing a private level crossing have prompted Network Rail Scotland and British Transport Police to issue a safety message.

Roger Smith 17 April, 2025

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Class 398 CITYLINK electric tram-train on test. // Credit: Transport for Wales

Brand new South Wales tram trains begin testing on electrified line

Transport for Wales is carrying out testing of its brand-new Class 398 CITYLINK electric tram-trains on the Valleys railway lines.

Roger Smith 17 April, 2025

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Geoff Price, conductor team manager at Blackpool North. // Credit: Northern

Retirement marks end of 48 years railway service for Northern manager

A manager with train operator Northern has retired after 48 years of service working on the railway.

Roger Smith 16 April, 2025

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TransPennine Express brings smiles to passengers with Easter Egg giveaway

To brighten up customers' journeys, from Monday, 14th to Thursday, 17th April, TransPennine Express is giving away Easter Eggs across its network.

Roger Smith 16 April, 2025

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Ben Shaw (right) presenting Robin Jones with a plaque commemorating 60 years as treasurer. // Credit: Nigel Cripps

Locomotive trust treasurer steps down after 60 years of service

On 13th April, Robin Jones retired as Treasurer of the Warwickshire Industrial Locomotive Preservation Trust after 60 years of voluntary service.

Roger Smith 16 April, 2025

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George Stephenson, the Father of Railways. // Credit: Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield

Derbyshire town has special cause to celebrate Railway 200

Chesterfield has a special reason to celebrate Railway 200 as George Stephenson, the 'Father of the Railways', is buried there.

Roger Smith 16 April, 2025

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East Midlands Railway Class 170 train. // Credit: East Midlands Railway

First upgraded East Midlands Railway Class 170 enters service

The first train has entered service in East Midlands Railway‘s £23 million programme to refurbish and upgrade its Class 170 fleet that operates regional services…

Roger Smith 16 April, 2025

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Overhauling a Chiltern Railways Class 168 HVAC system at Knorr-Bremse HVAC facility at Calne. // Credit Knorr-Bremse

Chiltern Railways extends contract with Knorr-Bremse to maintain its HVAC systems

Knorr-Bremse has secured a five year extension to its contract with Chiltern Railways to maintain the HVAC systems on its rolling stock.

Roger Smith 15 April, 2025

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ScotRail issues travel advice for travel to Scottish Cup semi finals

ScotRail will be implementing its well-established travel arrangements for this weekend's Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

Roger Smith 15 April, 2025

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Book Review: Roaming the West Coast Rails by Derek Cross

In this book, Derek Cross takes a journey along the West Coast route illustrating trains in many settings from the steam age through to modern tractio…

Roger Smith 15 April, 2025

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