When it was announced that the publication of a hard copy of the national UK rail timetable was to cease from the end of 2007, many rail passengers, enthusiasts and transport followers found it hard to understand that the time-honoured publication was to cease.

Network Rail, the issuer of the timetable book said they were not stopping publishing a timetable, but were only making it available as a download in PDF format from the National Rail website as well as being provided in leaflet format by train operators. Network Rail said the cost of producing, distributing and selling the product was not financially viable.

The option then arose for a private publisher to take on the product, Middleton Press, more specifically owner, Vic Mitchell, renowned for the publication of quality rail and transport titles went into discussion with Network Rail and the end result is a well produced and easy to read (if you have 20-20 vision) timetable product Rail Times, published for the first time on 9 December 2007.

Middleton Press obtained a licence to publish the work and use the PDF download timetable as the core to their product. However, where the downloadable PDF failed was the absence of late and ongoing alterations and amendments, these have to be read as a separate PDF and are confusing to say the least. While Middleton can use the Network Rail timetables they are not allowed to alter any information, even if this corrects errors or includes changes to bring the work up to date. Middleton have however got over this problem, by adding amendments to the base of the altered pages, so readers can quickly find the most up to date information.

The new timetable, officially called Bradshaw-Mitchells Rail Times is based on the A5 format, it uses thin recyclable paper and modern wax printing technology, producing a lightweight book, around half the weight and bulk of the final Network Rail Timetable. Each timetable is scaled down by 80% from the downloadable PDF version and presented side-on, two per page.

As Middleton Press, unlike Network Rail, use short run printing companies, the timetable will have frequent page amendments. Middleton currently has a 12-month licence to publish the work, and the company are planning to produce issues every month. Providing the information is still available from Network Rail, Middleton hope to continue year on year to produce a nationally available printed guide.

The 1392 page timetable costs £14.95 as is available mail order (post free) from Middleton Press, Easebourne Lane, Midhurst, West Sussex. GU29 9AZ or from quality transport bookshops.

* An excellent product and TRC wish Middleton Press every success with this venture.