The principal purpose of carriage conundrums is to try and solve mysteries concerning the history and disposal of locomotive hauled coaching stock after it was either taken out of normal service or condemned. Some of what is included has appeared in print previously but has to the best of our knowledge never been combined with what is not known. Generally, although not entirely, the focus is on vehicles that existed in the 1970s and subsequently.

A number of locomotives have proudly carried The Railway Observer nameplate or been associated with the Society.  No, we don't own these locomotives, but they are thought of as "ours".

The book “Preserved Coaching Stock of British Railways” by Peter Hall and Peter Fox was originally published in 1994 in two parts, both are now out of print. Since then newsletter/amendment sheets recording changes to former British Railways and Grouping Company Design Locomotive Hauled Coaching stock which has now been preserved have been produced. They are prepared by Peter Hall, to whom the society is grateful for allowing them to be included here.

This feature primarily gives details of locomotive hauled passenger trains that were of particular interest to enthusiasts because of their use of ‘out of the ordinary’ Diesel and Electric locomotives. The majority of these trains are/were of a seasonal nature or referred to as reliefs, but not all.

Written queries and answers should be sent to the Query Corner editor, Mike Gayton

Please include your membership number if applicable

Members of the Society maintain several datasets as a reference data service.  Some are historical records, others are subject to regular updates.

This feature primarily covers out of the ordinary use of locomotives on East Coast Main Line passenger trains.

The sections are: Class 90 hauled/propelled passenger trains; Class Fifties on ECML passenger trains; Drags; Seaside Deltics; Yorkshire Class 153s – final months