LMS JOURNAL
Issues
LMSJ Issue 6
ISBN 1 874103 90 9
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Contents
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EDITORIAL
Following the publication of LMS Journal No.5, I was literally inundated with messages of goodwill from readers, so much so that I almost wondered if it was a plot to stop me from doing anything except to answer them. It is my practice to acknowledge all comment, although if there is another deluge, this may not be possible. Due to some e-mail problems that lasted for several weeks following publication, it is possible that some readers may not have received a response from me even though my computer screen suggests otherwise. If this is the case then please accept my apologies.
Although it is not my practice to comment upon what reviewers may say, there was one occasion where the review was factually wrong, so, on behalf of the contributor, I drew this to the reviewer's attention. However, it is clear from another recent review, that the rationale behind LMS Journal was not clear, so I felt that setting out the journal's aims and objectives would make a useful subject for this editorial.
Unlike Midland Record, which follows the fortunes of one company using the guideline 'from inception, through grouping into Nationalisation', this journal caters for a number of railway companies that came together for just 25 years before becoming part of an even larger system. Therefore, the underlying theme for LMS Journal is 'from grouping into Nationalisation'. However, I must add that with both journals the coverage declines as we come to the end of steam and, whilst there is not a clear cut-off point, there will not be much published about the years post-1968. However, with LMS Journal, I will not hesitate to cover the period prior to 1923 in order to present a complete story.
In terms of balance I approach the question of 'mix' on a divisional and subject basis, Western, Midland, Central and Northern, with a standard policy overlay. Of course if I had two articles about pre-group constituent coaching stock and another about LMS standard stock, it would meet the divisional mix requirement but fail the 'subject balance test' and only one article would be included in an edition. Naturally, the mix of articles is dependent upon what I commission or receive from contributors and I believe that judgement can only be made over a number of issues. Each issue of LMS Journal is considered to be a stand-alone work, which is why the page numbering always starts at No.1 and the edition number provides the identity. I have described Midland Record as a part work and the same applies to LMS Journal; each part adds to the sum of knowledge about the subject under examination. Readers will not find eulogies to the glory of steam as seen in the 1950s/60s but are more likely to find factual accounts of how the railway was structured and operated. I have a firm policy of publishing corrections in the section entitled 'LMS Times'. It is my belief that a mark of scholarship is to admit and correct any previous errors.
My good friend and contributor, Phil Chopping, expressed my objectives rather well. 'A journal is an ongoing dialogue and debating forum. Unlike a magazine or book, it can be continually updated. The problem is to devise an adequate form of index. ' I entirely agree, which is why I am grateful to The LMS Society which has undertaken to produce an index for the first five editions, from the Preview to No.4, so I hope their efforts will be supported by readers.
Many readers also purchase LMS Locomotive Profiles and inevitably these contain the occasional error, or additional information comes to light following publication. Therefore, just as Midland Engines is associated with Midland Record, the LMS Profile series is in parallel with LMS Journal.
Bob Essery
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