September marks the 200th anniversary of the British railway network, and to recognise the occasion, three of Bauer Media’s leading transport brands have joined forces for the publication of its RAIL 200 bookazine.  The editorial teams behind RAIL, Steam Railway and Model Rail have created a 228-page Collector’s Special Edition which will be available from retailers from 6 August, priced £9.99.

RAIL 200 charts the past, present and future of the UK’s railway story, from the first passenger line in 1825 to today’s 200mph Eurostar.   It tells the story of rail’s development through the industrial revolution, two World Wars, the transition from steam to electric, the challenges of delivering iconic projects like the Forth Bridge and how rail now impacts every aspect of daily life.

Andy Calton, Director of Brands and Content (Automotive and Specialist) commented: “Bauer’s team of railway experts across all three of our train titles collaborated in fine fashion to pull together this behemoth of a (228-page) bookazine. It’s packed with incredible images and amazing tales and is a fitting tribute to two hundred years of the railway. George Dent, Head of Content, Transport, and RAIL’s Editor Dickon Ross deserve special mention for their efforts, but in truth it was a real team effort and something everyone can all be very proud of.

“With Bauer’s archive providing some of the content for the bookazine, the team also created all-new, bespoke content as no stone was left unturned in a bid to make this celebratory bookazine something really special. And, ace designer Mandy Brett’s conceptual cover, is a true attention-grabber!”

Dickon Ross, Editor, RAIL said: “This special souvenir bookazine doesn’t just tell the 200-year story of rail; it’s also the story of how a transport invention changed our economy, how and where we live, and how we spend our free time.  And it’s a story that’s just begun, as we look at what we think the future holds for the story of rail.”

Holly Jerram, Publisher, Automotive and Transport added: “RAIL 200 has been an enormous project, spanning three of our leading railway titles and two markets, but the result is a fitting celebration of a national institution.   What our exceptionally talented teams have created, is a superb Collector’s bookazine that will be a must-have for all rail enthusiasts and history lovers alike.”

RAIL 200 will be available to purchase from the following retailers – WHSmith HS, WHSmith Travel, Morrison’s, good independent stockists, and online from Great Magazines www.greatmagazines.co.uk and Mags Direct 

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For further press information, please contact:  
Susie Asbury – Interim Corporate Communications Director, Bauer Media UK
susie.asbury@bauermedia.co.uk

RAIL – Britain’s biggest-selling modern railway magazine, published fortnightly.  Bringing the news, comment and analysis from the rail industry.

Steam Railway – The number 1 steam magazine in the UK marketplace, is regarded by the industry as being the first choice for readers to find out the latest steam-related news.  Dedicated 100% to the steam railway industry and the railway preservation movement, the brand offers readers views from some of the industry’s most respected journalists alongside event information, reviews, historical and archive material.

Model Rail – A talented editorial team – whose combined knowledge of model railways equates to over 200 years’ experience! – and a practical ‘how-to” attitude has proved a winning combination for Model Rail’s huge number of loyal subscribers.  Packed with lively layouts, stunning photography and step-by-step articles as well as product reviews and expert tips, readers can gain all the knowledge they need, whether they’re an absolute beginner or an expert model-builder.

About Bauer Media UK  
Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Brand Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.