CAPTION: Pierino Piffaretti (left), Managing Director of Switzerland’s Schindler Waggon, hands over a symbolic key for the company’s Pratteln works to Swiss Adtranz chief Beat Müller, to mark the change of ownership of the rolling stock business at the beginning of January
CAPTION: BAA director Michael Maine (2nd from left) and Heathrow Express Ltd Chairman Rod Hoare (right) joined the ceremonies at London’s Paddington station on January 19 to mark the launch of FastTrain services to Heathrow airport. Air travellers were offered free travel for the first week to sample the Siemens/CAF Class 332 EMUs, which are due to start running through to the airport in June. At present passengers on the 15 min interval service must transfer to buses at a temporary Heathrow Junction station
CAPTION: Compania Uruguaya de Cemento Portland took delivery of a batch of 10 second-hand clinker wagons from Czech Railways on January 2. Part of a fleet of 28, the wagons entered service on AFE tracks between Montevideo and Verdum five days later
CAPTION: Saudi Railways Organisation is taking delivery of six SDL50 diesel locos from General Motors Electro-Motive Division. They are fitted with roof-mounted air filters to keep out sand and dust. One unit is seen on test at London, Ontario, before dispatch
