Railway Magazine reprints first ever issue

According to distributors COMAG: “Published continually since July 1897, Railway Magazine is Britain’s most senior rail title, building up an enviable reputation for its features and earning the respect of industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.

As the country readies itself for the commemorations surrounding the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, it is easy to forget that another great monarch achieved the same milestone, when Britain celebrated 60 years of the reign of Queen Victoria in July 1897.

Railway Magazine is unable to forget this fact however, as its launch issue in coincided with the celebrations and one of its first ever features was on the Jubilee train which was to transport Queen Victoria around the country as she toured Britain.

As one of only a handful of publications that can claim to have been present for both celebrations, the July 2012 issue of Railway Magazine has a reprint of that very first issue! At 96-pages of editorial, with only a few pages of adverts left in to give a flavour of the times, this fantastic supplement is as it would have appeared to readers 115 years ago!

As well as the feature about Queen Victoria’s Jubilee train, the July 1897 issue had an interview with the general manager of the Great Western Railway and to mirror this, the July 2012 issue has interviewed one of his 21st century counterparts.

Saying “In this, Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee year, everyone is catching the joyous mood of the occasion with commemorative gifts and souvenirs – but Railway Magazine can go one better than that”, the Editor of Railway Magazine, Nick Pigott, added “Yes, The RM launched in July 1897 as Victoria's jubilee festivities were in full swing and it has been publishing continuously ever since, even during the two World Wars.”

Along with the news, articles, features and adverts, the reprinted July 1897 issue has a short story called ‘The Slip Coach Mystery’, what Pigott calls “a thrilling tale of derring-do aboard a speeding train.”

Calling it a “remarkable jubilee ‘double’”, Pigott says “this is undoubtedly the most unusual (and most valuable!) item Railway Magazine has ever given away free of charge. Make sure you get your copy with the July issue and get TWO magazines for the price of one!””