Apart from Brunel’s spectacular creations, bridges (both over and under) have tended to receive scant attention so the brief survey of structures on the Reading-Basingstoke route in this issue reveals a remarkable variety of styles, sufficient to whet the appetite for more about these important elements of the railway’s fabric. In a change from the normal fare, the most modern boundaries of WT’s formal mandate are explored by an account of the early incursions by British Railways Class 50 diesel-electrics into the West Country.

A new, occasional venture is inaugurated in ‘getting to know’ prominent personalities in the present-day GWR arena through interview. The first subject in this series is Bob Meanley of Tyseley fame, and author of Wiltshire Wisdom. In a complementary spirit, 4-6-0s are the subject of other articles – original colour images of locomotives in GWR livery and a survey of Hawksworth’s finest design.

The regular bulletin from the Great Western Trust explores more of the obscure and fascinating corners of the GWR’s diverse activities, directly linked to a topical aspect of today’s railway. The history and activities of the Midland & South Western Junction route have received extensive coverage thus far and in this issue, the saga draws to a close with analysis of factors relevant to its run-down and closure. Part 6 of the Pannier Story includes reference to government-assisted mechanical engineering investment. ‘Modernising the Western’ reviews post-war civil engineering investment by the GWR on its own account in much needed renewal of Neath (N&B) locomotive depot.

Contents
Introduction
The Pannier Story: Part 6 – The Collett Era
From the Archives of R C Riley: Hawksworth’s Finest
Hoovers to the Western by Roger Geach
Book Review
Modernising the Western: New Engine Shed at Neath (N&B)
Wiltshire Wisdom: ‘Western Times Interviews’ – Bob Meanley
The Demise of the Midland & South Western Junction Railway by Kevin Robertson
Great Western Railway Bridges
Great Western Liveried 4-6-0s In Colour
The Great Western Trust (GWT) – Bulletin No.13
The Guard’s Compartment