MLI Plus Magazine

Modern Locomotives Illustrated (often referred to as MLI Plus) is the ultimate bi-monthly reference for fans of diesel and electric traction. Unlike standard news magazines, each issue of MLI acts as a dedicated "profile," usually focusing entirely on a single locomotive class or a specific railway theme.

Because of its depth, MLI is considered less of a magazine and more of a collectible "bookazine." It is arguably the most valuable resource for railway modelers and historians, providing exhaustive technical details and visual records that you simply cannot find in general rail publications.

Key highlights for collectors include:

  • The "Class-by-Class" Format: Most issues are dedicated to one specific locomotive (e.g., "The Class 37s" or "The HSTs"), offering a complete history from design and build to withdrawal and preservation.

  • Livery Guides: Famous for its detailed illustrations and photographs of every livery variation a class has carried—an absolute goldmine for railway modelers looking for accuracy.

  • Technical Data: In-depth specifications, including engine types, bogie details, and modification histories.

  • Fleet Lists: Comprehensive number-by-number fleet lists, tracking the status and history of every single locomotive in a class.

Whether you are researching the history of the Deltic or looking for reference photos for a model layout, MLI Plus is the definitive technical archive for modern railway history.