SPAIN - The Pajares route over the Asturias Mountains in the north of the country has recently closed following the opening of a new base tunnel. We visited the line south of Oviedo in September 2023 to witness the line bowing out after 139 years of regular operation.

HUNGARY - a look at traction at Budapest-Kelenfold station, a hot spot in the south-west of the city. This is the first of two visits featuring a whole range of motive power from different countries and private operators. Loco-hauled trains are in abundance, including some locos now over 60 years old.

FRANCE - featuring one of the last major routes with loco-hauled trains south of Paris. With new multiple units about to be introduced that will replace all but a handful of the locos working the route, we sample the everyday action from 2022. In the next issue of European Railway we will bring you action from 2023 when the first of the new units began to appear, thus bringing the curtain down on this classic main line. E4000, E4001, BB7200, BB22200, BB26000, BB27000 and 186 appear.

SWITZERLAND - diversions on the old Gotthard Route through Wassen.

GERMANY - a study of the Hannover avoiding line south of Celle. Local trains as well as long distance freights all feature with classes 151, 185, 193, 186 and 423 providing the action.

FRANCE - our tail-lamp section brings narrow gauge steam action..