Before you join
Questions
Everything people ask before they join.
Is it really a story? Is it real history?
Both. Each story is a real journey on a real date, and the places, routes, trains, times and working practices are checked against sources. The people who tell it are ours, and so is everything they say. Nothing in the parcel copies a real company's tickets or documents: the pieces carry no crest, initials or company lettering. Each story comes with a page on what was real, and members can read the full list of sources.
When does my first parcel arrive?
The first parcel of all is posted in the first week of November 2026. After that: join by the 25th of a month and your parcel goes out in the first week of the next one; join after the 25th and it is the month after. We post second class, which now delivers on alternate weekdays, so "first week" is the promise.
When is my card charged?
When you join, for your first parcel. After that, on the 23rd of each month, for the parcel posted in the first days of the next month. Taking payment a couple of days before the list closes on the 25th leaves time to sort out a card problem before we post. Checkout shows the month of your first parcel and the date of your next payment before you confirm.
What does the payment look like on my bank statement?
RAILWAY DISPATCH, followed by the amount. If you see a charge you don't recognise, that's us, and you can see every payment on your account page.
What is in the parcel?
Six pieces from one journey: an A4 journey print, a ticket, a route chart, an illustrated story booklet, a railway document and a post card, wrapped in kraft, tied and wax sealed. It goes in a plain C4 envelope as a large letter.
Can I start from the beginning?
The first journey, Kinnaber, starts in November 2026. Each journey runs over three parcels, and each part is told by a different person, so a chapter stands up on its own. Join part way through and your first parcel is the next part. We don't post back issues, so joining at the start of a journey is the way to get the whole set.
Can I pay for three months or a year in one go?
Yes. Three months is £44.97 and twelve months is £164.89, which is eleven months' price for twelve parcels. You pay once, the parcels come every month, and then it ends: nothing renews and nothing else is taken from your card. We write once near the end in case you would like to carry on.
I'm buying for someone else.
Enter their delivery address at checkout and use your own email for the account. You'll manage it; they'll get the post, and nothing in the parcel mentions the price. For a gift, the three or twelve month option is usually the one to pick, because it ends on its own rather than charging you again.
Can I pause?
Yes, for up to three months in any year, from your account page. No parcel and no charge while paused.
How do I cancel?
From your account page, without phoning or emailing anyone. It stops the next payment and the next parcel. You also have a legal right to cancel within 14 days of your first parcel arriving; see Cancellation.
Do you post outside the UK?
Yes, to Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For the monthly parcel the postage for your country is added as its own line at checkout and on each payment; the price of the parcel itself is the same. Framed maps go by Royal Mail International Tracked: £15 to Europe and £25 anywhere else we post to, shown when you choose the country.
Large print?
A large-print printed edition is something we would like to offer. Tick the box in your account and we'll let you know if it happens.
Do you run a letters page or take photographs from members?
No. The Railway Dispatch is a story in the post 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, with a link to the source on every line.
Who are you?
The Railway Dispatch is run by Fathi Hassan and Ali Shami, 17 Central Avenue, Rowley Regis, B65 8BA. Email hello@therailwaydispatch.com.