Rail Express  |  273 - February 2019
Privatisation of British Rail in the mid-1990s saw the bulk of its freight businesses acquired by what became EWS, somewhat nullifying the intention of creating competition between different companies, apart from in a few relatively niche areas.
Step forward to today, however, and the situation has changed dramatically. EWS is now DB Schenker, although it can still be regarded as the spiritual rump of British Rail’s freight operation in many ways. Working methods have moved on, and the company was the instigator of the ‘Class 66 revolution’ now standard amongst freight operators – but it still owns many ex-BR locos and is based at the ex-BR ‘super depot’ at Toton.
More importantly, many traditional freight flows once operated by EWS/DBS have disappeared over the past two decades, such as countrywide mail traffic, parcels, wagonload and – most significantly – coal. Meanwhile other areas, such as intermodal containers and aggregates, have grown – opening the door to new entrants to the rail freight market.
All of which means that, on a measure of total freight tonne kilometres worked, DBS is no longer dominant – and, in fact, only holds a slender lead over its nearest rival Freightliner, with GBRf not too far behind either (see page 9). Now with Freightliner set to take over the Mendip Rail stone traffic, intermodal demand still rising, and sizeable HS2 construction contracts on the horizon, then we might soon see DBS lose its position at the top for the first time ever.
What is clear, however, is that the rail freight market does now have the competition that 1990s Privatisation set out to achieve.
Per saperne di più
leggere di meno
First produced in print in 1996 and published every month, Rail Express is your monthly insight into the world of modern railway. Boasting the tagline: ‘Essential reading for today’s rail enthusiast’, the title brings you all the latest in rail-industry news, including developments, changes in policy and lots more.
25 years later and Rail Express has firmly cemented its status as the go-to publication for UK rail fans. With an entire section devoted to modelling and news for modellers, insightful and in-depth features on some of the important issues facing rail enthusiasts today, and stories that unveil the history of British trains and bring them to life in front of your very eyes. Whether it’s overground or underground or electric or steam trains that blow your whistle, Rail Express contains everything the modern rail enthusiast needs to know.
With a whole host of rail-related news and in-depth features, upcoming events in the world of train fans, comprehensive scale-model guides and letters and reviews from fellow enthusiasts, Rail Express brings you coverage of absolutely everything train-related. No matter what kind of trains you’re into, you’ll be on track with your hobby with an annual Rail Express Magazine digital magazine subscription - download the latest edition to your device today.
A Rail Express Magazine digital magazine subscription is your go-to for all things rail-related, subscribe today and enjoy:
- The UK’s favourite modern rail enthusiast title
- Essential features and news for today’s rail enthusiast
- A comprehensive scale models guide
- Superb photographs of trains in action
- Reviews and letters from fellow enthusiasts
- Delivered directly to your device every month
Riceverete 12 edizioni durante un periodo di 1 anno Rail Express abbonamento alla rivista.
Nota: le edizioni digitali non includono gli articoli di copertina o i supplementi che si trovano nelle copie stampate.
Articoli in questo numero
Di seguito una selezione di articoli in Rail Express 273 - February 2019.