Before you join
Questions
Everything people ask before they join.
Is it really a story? Is it real history?
Both. Edie and her branch line are invented. The events around her are real, and every month's history note tells you what really happened and where we found it.
When does my first envelope arrive?
Join by the 25th and it arrives in the first week of next month. Join after the 25th and it's the month after. We post second class, which now delivers on alternate weekdays, so "first week" is the promise.
Can I start from Issue 1?
The story starts with Issue 1 in November 2026. Join later and you'll receive the current issue in the post and can read every earlier letter in the archive online. We don't post back issues, so the printed set is a reason to join early.
I'm buying for someone else.
Enter their delivery address at checkout and use your own email for the account. You'll manage the membership; they'll get the post. We don't offer prepaid gift plans at the moment.
Can I pause?
Yes, for up to three months in any year, from your account page. No envelope and no charge while paused.
How do I cancel?
From your account page, in two clicks. It stops the next payment and the next envelope. You also have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of your first envelope arriving; see Cancellation.
Do you post outside the UK?
Not yet.
Large print?
Every letter is set at 12 point. If you'd like the large-print edition posted instead, choose it in your account. The archive has a large-print view for everything.
Do you run a letters page or take photographs from members?
No. The Railway Dispatch is a story and a listing service, and we don't publish members' letters, photographs or content.
Where does Steam this week come from?
From the tour operators' own announcements, checked weekly, and cross-checked against other listings. We link to sources on every line and never publish times an operator hasn't.
Who are you?
[Company name] Ltd, registered in England and Wales, company number [number]. Registered office: [address]. Based in Dudley, West Midlands.