Covering the UK and International Railway Scene
PROVIDING TOURS TO RAIL LOCATIONS FOR THE DISCERNING ENTHUSIAST, WHETHER
YOUR INTEREST IS NUMBER CRUNCHING, PHOTOGRAPHY, OR TRACK BASHING
STARS
BREAKING NEWS
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Breaking News
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primarily be used to direct you to Breaking NEWS, a change of content on the
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encourage you to post messages and information on the Forum page and to check
it regularly? This page will have items deleted that are time expired and/or of
no use anymore.
5 Feb Thanks
again to Ray Jones who has very kindly updated his spreadsheet
of locos seen at Sotteville on our Tour around there.
You can find that in the members only area under
Resource and on the Yahoo Groups site. Visiting Belgium or
the Swiss Alps? Too cold, then visit some updates in our RESOURCE
section. A complete set of photos is now available from all last years German
Tours. Thanks to Pete Kelly for submitting his recent trip report to Paris. You
can find it in the members only section.
3 Feb Important news for our Railtour in the Czech Republic has
been appended to our Tour Brochure. Direct link is HERE. If you haven’t booked already –
now is a good time to!
29 Jan An
update of the Tour situation.
I can now confirm that the USA Tour is GO GO GO. So if you have already booked, you can search for your
flights now, and if you haven’t yet booked and are thinking about it, please
do. Also we have had one drop out of the Normandie Rapide and also one on the Belgian in March – so if you
wish to snap up these places – ring the Office NOW! Please consider joining us
on the Hungarian Railtour and also the exciting Czech Charter train after the
Slovakian Railtour. Version 2 of STARS Slovak fleet database has been posted up
in the RESOURCE section and also the Yahoo Group site. All things French…..I’ll
say this only once…… take a little poke at our French resource sight for the
latest information….. thanks for pissing by!
26 Jan I
have posted a new link site some of you maybe aware of in any case. http://www.steamlocomotive.info/ -
as the name suggests a resource that covers the world. Not up to date - but
running a website it is a mammoth task! Also an interesting article on Munich
trams can be found here http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/muenchen-transport-gets-EUR135m-investment.html
25 Jan One of our members will be travelling to Paris this Saturday
and requires assistance in the locations of the following Y’s. The listing on
this site is out of date. Can anyone help please?
Y7258/7703/7794/7871/8093/8338/8361 – please reply back to me? Also to
clarify the position with regard to the new Yahoo Groups Page - only members
will be able to access the LINKS, PHOTOS, FILES etc.
the only area open to non-members is that they can post messages and receive
them. If you are a non-member and wish to avail yourself of the other
facilities please contact me and I’ll send you a
joining form.
24
Jan Good news will be with
you regarding the USA Tour from Monday 30th January. Please find on
our front page of the website a link to a new STARS Yahoo Groups Page. As time
dictates I will upload file/photos/links and generally communicate with the
membership. Just as important this will allow you to communicate with us and
other members. Please try it – join up and be the first (apart from me!) to
post a message
22
Jan We
will be introducing during this year a set of easy to use email addresses to
contact STARS. First up will be the email address to us for anything connected
with this website. The email address is web@stars-tours.org.uk.
Please
find an interesting article on Thailand’s railway by following this link:- http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/chiang-mai-line-included-in-infrastructure-package.html.
New posts in the SBB and Czech Resource section.
Please check it out.
18
Jan I have posted up an
update for International Tours 2012
15
Jan Interesting German link HERE.
Romanian Map posted up in the members-only area. Slovakian Fleet List updated. Ukranian List added. There are Tour updates for Upper Rhine, the 2nd Bene, Paris and the Czech Railtour.
15 Jan 3D tamping http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/tamping-in-three-dimensions.html.
Also the
second print run is still available of the 74 page STARS Publication by Author Nairb Seivad entitled 'Privately Owned New Build European
Locomotive Database'. It is in A5 format, colour, stapled and laminated, price
is £4.00 plus 85p P&P. A new French section under RESOURCES has been
created. If you know of any websites that details French loco news etc please forward them to me? The Belgian section has been
updated. Turkish Timetable available in the LINKS section. Other
additions also in the LINKS section.
11
Jan Please
take a look at our Photo Gallery. Quite a few added with more to come…
9
Jan With apologies to
Maurice Smith for the lateness of posting this request up but here it is – “I’m
hoping you can help me. Do you know of anyone who went on both trips to East
Germany in September and October and who could supply me with a list of Class
261 Gravita seen and the location of same. I would be very grateful for any info received. Here’s
hoping Maurice” If you can help either email me or Maurice direct if you have
his emal addy.
9
Jan Please
note the new membership rates. In the LINK section please find a link to the
new Bulgarian Timetable – particularly useful if you are coming with us on the
Tour there this year. It’s a big file!!! Also whilst I’m on the subject of
Bulgaria – the new STARS stock book will be out in time for the tour – price to
be advised. The new CD and ZSSK timetables are available in the RESOURCE
section. I have created a new POLISH section in RESOURCE. Take a peek and if
you can add to it please let me know. New addition to the Stock List – take a
peek also! Swiss Roll Railtour Narrative is also available. A selection of
photographs posted up from Ian McNeil - many thanks Ian! Also a new Indian
LINK.
6
Jan DRS orders new UK Locos
http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/direct-rail-services-orders-15-vossloh-eurolight-uk-locomotives.html.
Various STARS Tour reports now posted to
the relevant members-only page. Many thanks for all those in 2011 that took
time out to send them in.
3
Jan New MAV Timetable
uploaded together with Amendments, the Croatian Timetable and the Polish
Timetable plus Amendments into the LINKS area. Also into the Resource section
is the new Slovenian Timetable, and a new Belgian link that will be of
interest. The January Magazine is available on line in the member’s only area.
2
Jan After a long absence
normal service resumes. Thanks to those members who posted in the Forum section
– most appreciated. In the resource area both the Swiss and Belgian sections
have been completely updated. LINKS section has also been updated. 2012 Tours
Brochure is up. Full details of 2012 Tours appear. Please note the increase in
membership fees. Courtesy of the Gronian please click
on the link for an interesting article on Indian Railways http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2010/sep/17/top-10-indian-train-journeys-rail?&CMP=EMCTRVEML1572
28
Oct Today
sees an upload of Brian Davies’ latest Stock Formation list (No.11). As always
we are indebted for his information. PLUS I have also uploaded Brian’s Poland
Railtour photographs – ta very much! You can find both in the members-only
section.
26
Oct Ian McNeil asks a
question in the Forum. Can you help him? DB114009 no more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtZ9EYbq5EI.
Interesting link to Basel Trams here:- http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/basel-chooses-bombardier-to-supply-60-trams.html.
Also, perhaps a shape of things to come in Spain? http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/hydrogen-fuel-cell-tram-unveiled.html.
Also in the news is the first Regioshuttle Class 840
unit delivered into the Czech Republic. It is expected to be used out of
Liberec. Link is here:- http://www.zubacka.cz/aktualne/20111019_motorovy_vuz_840001_je_v_ceske_republice/index.htm.
I have posted new files on SBB in the members-only section under RESOURCE.
Multiple apologies for the following late post ups: Martin Kirk’s excellent
tour of Switzerland back in July of this year - you will find it in the
members-only section. Ken Ashwell’s report on Holland
is also there. Rob Hamilton has supplied an excellent link to Maps. You can
find this in the RESOURCE area.
25
Oct Thank
you for your patience. A bit of an enforced absence.
Right - back into the swing of things, obviously a backlog to catch up with.
First up in the members-only section is Trevor Wallis’ collection of
photographs from Sweden and USA. Many thanks Trevor….
27
Aug Please
find an update to the Fleet list in the members-only section. A link to some
interesting news from Estonia is here http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/estonian-freight-operator-orders-chinese-shunters.html.
Also a link to Belgian Open Days in September and October
this year http://www.b-rail.be/php/news/index.php?lang=N&site=corporate&task=view&id=999.
For ease of translation these are: 24/25 September: Schaerbeek and Antwerp,
01/02 October: Merelbeke and Stockem
Merelbeke, 08/09 October: Ostend and Charleroi, 15/16
October: Hasselt and Kinkempois' 22/23 October: Mechelen and Salzinnes
25
Aug OK, a short break from the
website! We can confirm all remaining Tours for this year are running. In 2012
the Normandie Tour is fully booked, and at the time
of posting this only ONE place is left on the Bene!!!
We have therefore advertised relief runnings on both
tours so please check it out!
5
Aug Interesting
breaking news in the Ukraine http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/ukrainian-railways-agrees-locomotive-orders-worth-EUR146bn.html
3
Aug Tours for 2012 have been
added!!! Why not book up now and guarantee a place? All links should now be
working – however if you find any that are not please let me know. OK – now for
you tramophiles – interesting bit of news here:- http://www.railwaygazette.com/nc/news/single-view/view/freiburg-begins-work-on-tram-extension.html,
plus the new STARS Magazine for July has been posted up. DON’T SUFFER IN
SILENCE. Thanks goes to Brian Davies who pointed out a formatting malfunction
which I hope I have put right now. If any of the web pages don’t appear correct
please let me know and include the web browser and version you are using
together with your screen resolution.
2
Aug A
technical change to the website may see some links not working for the next few
days. The result will be a more secure members-only area as we move swiftly
towards more information being given to members by this medium. A reminder
please only to bookmark the index web address www.stars-tours.org.uk and to use the
opportunity now to clear your cookies and history as many of our pages have
moved. The availability and running of Tours this year has been updated.
29
July Germany has been added to
the Resource area. Here you will find maps, links, latest stock news and other
information. If you have any additions please let me know. Thanks go to Terry Nuttall for supply an idea of the place to visit in
Mannheim plus a link. Please find that in our new RESOURCE area under Germany.
The additional East German Tour details are now advertised under International
Tours 2011.
17 July A bit of an interlude. Now back for some updates! First
off today sees a revamp of Martin Kirk’s Sik Listing
will all known information to date. If you have any sightings and/or
information of your own please feel free to share it. The new
Greek timetable can be found in the LINKS section together with a new one for
the UK. SBB Stock List has been updated. SNCF changes since March added. SNCB Stock news updated in the RESOURCE area plus new links.
Thanks go to Simon Smith and his quick turnaround of the report from the recent
Czech Republic Railtour appended by Rose Purdy and an additional day plus
Adrian’s listing. Kevin Wood has submitted an excellent report of a recent trip
to California – well worth a look and can be found in the MEMBERS-ONLY AREA.
Thanks also go to Trevor Wallis with his narrative and partial numeric from
last year’s tour to USA. An interesting article about the possible break-up of
USA railways can be found HERE.
26
June Why not take a peek at our
SALES webpage? No new books but many are now on offer and many for you to make
an offer on! Adrian’s Garage is only so big - so the more we can sell at
discounted rates the more room there is for new books! Y News has been
tentatively updated. Much to do in this area – but one for next month! Also in
our FORUM Brian Davies asks for some information on Underground Stock, if
anyone can oblige he would be most grateful. Some interesting news regarding a
rebuild of a UK Class 73 can be found here.
Brian Davies has also very kindly created, in fine detail I may add, a report
of his annual Switzerland trip. You can find it in the members-only area – PLUS
(!) photographs of the demise of Thornaby Depot in
the PHOTOS section.
12
June OK – I have placed all
things CZECH/SLOVAK/SLOVENIAN and BELGIUM in a new section in the RESOURCE
area. Check out the Fleet listings as I have amended them in the RESOURCE area.
In particular the ZSR listing is now bang up to date. New
BELGIUM Fleet listings available. Thanks go to Martin Kirk for a number
of MAP links added to the resource area, and an excellent European link in the
LINK area. And Bill Sheppard has found a couple of interesting Polish steam
sites…. Thanks!
11
June The
members area is under construction again. I will in the fullness of time be
shifting the contents of LINKS into this area and creating a new RESOURCE area.
31
May April’s STARS Magazine has
been added to the website. New update on Stock Lists. New STARS Tour Report. Suggestion of new format in the members only page. As ever if you have any suggestions for
improvements to the website I am all ears and no hair! And finally (!) worth a
read http://blunt.cf.ac.uk/features8.html
30
May Much
has been updated in all areas of the website – Please take a look around. New link, photos, Tour Reports etc. One to mention is new
information on Flight booking. Importantly, a live debate has begun over what
members should get for their membership. Specifically what I would be keen to
understand is from a member’s perspective what you would want to see available
to MEMBERS-ONLY on this site?
23
May A
lull in updates on this website will come to an end over the coming weeks.
There is much to post up and report on. For those who have come back from the
recent trip to the Czech Republic – I hope you enjoyed it as well as I did.
3
May As you will no doubt
agree we would prefer to have in a grimy hands a copy of the long-awaited
Platform 5 book on Czech and Slovakia railways. That is not to be in time for
our trip there next week. However, between Eva (our very good host in the Czech
Republic), Adrian and me, we will provide you with the Brno allocation listings
for the coming Tour. This is accurate to December 2010 and includes the trailer
re-numberings. We will bring those over with us to Brno. In the meantime if you
want to print your own off or simply want to look at the information it has
been posted in the members-area.
I
was hoping that we could provide more information, but the other listings
(uploaded on our website) for the rest of the Divisions are not entirely
accurate in terms of allocation or technical detail. We would recommend however
that participants bring along with them the LCGB Preserved book, the Gradis Bohemia small book (I have a old spare to give away
to a suitable person), and a cheap spotters book from a certain publisher whose
attempts at matching trailer units to the new UIC codes not entirely accurate –
or to be more accurate, not accurate at all and close to making it up kind of
feeling!
On
a serious note, I will be using the Tour as information gathering to construct
a book of our very own. Time will dictate on how much information will be
contained in it, and it may well be for instance – that the preserved section
would simply point the reader to the LCGB book whilst providing known updates.
As they say “There’s no point in reinventing the wheel”, and I think we would
all agree that the LCGB books are very accurate and worthwhile having. I will
ask for feedback nearer the time whether or not to have separate Czech Book or
a Czech and Slovak Book with numbers integrated…
1
May I have just received
some excellent photos from Brian Davies – thanks! He writes: “Selection of
photos from our annual Switzerland visit attached. Amongst others we managed to
visit the Goldenpass line between Montreux
and Zweissimen, the Glacier Express line between Andermatt and Disentis, the Ratische Bahn between Disentis and Chur, plus a fine
supporting cast of minor private Swiss railways! IMG_7244.JPG is an interesting
shot of a road service vehicle Adrian may appreciate.” Ed’s note – and others
won’t!!! You will find the photographs in our members-only section.
5
Apr OK final update before
hols! Please check out the latest info on our Tours as some elements have
changed. Information has also been posted to all members. Steve Phillips has
very kindly forwarded a link to us, and he says "Thought the clip below
might be of interest as some of the consist were spotted on the recent Normandie Tour at Sotteville and
mentioned on page 18 of the recent STARS Mag." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afrr4rGn2GE&feature=related