Trackside, a monthly magazine, saw its first issue published in May 2021 and is targeted at the 26,000 people who work in the heritage railway sector, plus the estimated 100,000 enthusiasts, says the publisher.
With the launch phase behind the magazine, former news editor Mel Holley has been promoted to editor, following Nick Brodrick’s simultaneous promotion to consultant editor – allowing him to focus on the magazine’s editorial development.
A former editor of Steam Railway at Bauer (EMAP), Mel has experience of editing a variety of transport titles. Most recently he edited routeONE a weekly trade magazine for the UK bus and coach market, and then ITT Hub News, an online news and features service about innovation and technology in transport, on behalf of Farnborough International which runs the annual ITT Hub show.
“Having established our firm credentials, we are now able to unlock the wider activity we planned during the creation of Trackside, thanks to our unique formula”, says newly-appointed editor Mel Holley.
“We’re really looking forward to the next exciting phase in our development. It’s going to be a fabulous journey,” says Mel.
According to the publisher, the UK heritage railway sector attracts 13 million visitors a year and generates £400m economic activity. More than 200 railways, museums and steam centres employ 4,000 people, with another 22,000 volunteers. Collectively, they operate 560 miles of railway, run 460 stations using 800 steam and 1,000 diesel locomotives, 2,000 carriages and 4,000 wagons. Visitors take 18.6m passenger journeys every year, covering 130m passenger miles.
“While the market is crowded, we have a proposition of being written ‘by the movement for the movement’, means that we stand out”, says Mel.
“Add to this our large format (super-A4) size, using high-quality glossy paper with inspirational photography - unique in the market - and it’s something readers have really taken a shine to.”
