Today’s Railways Europe 307 – September 2021

The September 2021 issue of Today’s Railways Europe is packed with the very latest news and features from all over mainland Europe. As usual, this issue contains all the stories and analysis of Europe’s main line railways, tramways and heritage lines, plus all our regular monthly columns.

Feature articles this month include:

• Pau-Canfranc-Zaragoza: Trans-Pyrenean Revival: This spectacular international line between Pau, France and Zaragoza in Spain was served as a through route more than 50 years ago and campaigners have been pushing for its reinstatement ever since. Today, the prospects of finally achieving that goal look better than ever, as Mike Bent explains.
• Railways to the Top of Europe: In the heart of Switzerland, a network of five narrow gauge railways winds through spectacular Alpine scenery to reach its pinnacle at the highest railway station in Europe. Toma Bacic explores the diverse railways of the Jungfrau region.
• Mak DE 1024: Co-Cos from Kiel: Following the failure of a late preservation bid, the prototype MaK 1024 (DB Class 240) diesel-electrics became extinct earlier this year. Quintus Vosman traces the history of these distinctive machines.

News stories include:

• Catastrophic floods hit western Germany.
• Flooding ravages eastern and southern Belgium.
• Karawanken tunnel upgrade completed.
• Nantes-Bordeaux reopens.
• Double-deck push-pull trains for PKP Intercity.
• CMA CGM acquires Continental Rail.
• Chinese-built locomotives on test at Velim.
• Toyota cars via Channel Tunnel.
• New Poland-Luxembourg intermodal train.
• Euro 6000 arrives in France.
• First variable gauge GoldenPass Express coaches tested on standard gauge.
• New hybrid locos to replace ÖBB electric shunting locomotives.
• Hydrogen multiple unit in PESA 2025+ plan.
• Temporary freight line to be built on Karlsruhe-Basel route.
• New Stadler High Tatras rack EMUs gain authorisation.
• Lineas brands its TRAXX fleet.
• Construction begins on Bulgaria’s longest rail tunnel.
• World’s oldest operational diesel locomotive celebrates centenary.
• VSOE visits Italy.