Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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22 October 2024

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Slippery rails cause disruption to trains across Wales

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Transport for Wales service at Hereford

Transport for Wales is urging passengers to plan ahead, as slippery rails caused by the autumn leaf-fall season is causing delays across the network.

The lines affected are Hereford – Abergavenny, Shrewsbury – Swansea, Chester – Wrexham General, Bidston – Wrexham Central and Llandudno Junction – Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Heart of Wales is currently closed until further notice, with a number of bus operators on standby on the other routes should cancellations need to be made.

Trains may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes. Disruption is expected until the end of the day.
 
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The scene of the collision

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) deployed a team of inspectors to the site of the crash in Llanbrynmair, in Powys, last night.

This was an initial deployment, and once the site is inspected, decisions will be made on the need for further resources.

The primary aim of the RAIB team is to gather evidence and work through the crash site, and an update is expected shortly.

The RAIB is a British government agency that independently investigates rail accidents in the United Kingdom in order to find a cause, not to lay blame.

In the initial aftermath of the crash, the RAIB inspectors will be on site to interview all witnesses, examine the trains and tracks and gather all digital evidence, such as CCTV if it exists on the trains.

There should be “on train data recorders” fitted to the trains involved - they are like a “black box” and would gather anything that had been happening.

After an incident, the data can be downloaded and analysed.

The RAIB will then be trying to determine what caused the accident and would then make recommendations.

Generally speaking, the RAIB would aim to complete an investigation within a year of the occurrence.
 
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Anthony Hurford was a passenger on the Shrewsbury-bound train

Anthony Hurford, a passenger on the Shrewsbury-bound train, said he felt "pretty shell-shocked" by the incident.

"The word that keeps coming to my head is just brutal really," he told BBC Breakfast.

"Just going from, I don't know how fast we were going, maybe 40, 50, 60 miles an hour, to nothing in the blink of an eye.

"Somehow my body bent the leg of a table and ripped it off its bolts attached to the wall.

"Suddenly I was on the floor with my laptop strewn ahead of me, wondering what the hell had happened."

Mr Hurford described the train trying to stop at lights, but said "for whatever reason", it didn't come to a halt.

"There must have been 30 to 40 people from fire [service]," he added.

"There was British Transport Police who had come from Birmingham, there were three helicopters, people had come from north and south Wales as far as I'm aware.

"I was checked by three or four different medics."
 
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Two trains have collided at Talerddig, Wales.

Both trains are reported to be Class 158s running in 2 car sets and as we know the Class 158 stands up very well in this sort of event.

The trains involved are:
1S71 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury
1J25 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth

Realtime trains says
1S71 = 158824
1J25 = 158841

They are definitely 158s since they're passenger trains on the Cambrian.
 
22 Oct 2024
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Update on Powys rail incident

Joint statement: Network Rail and Transport for Wales

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Joint statement: Network Rail and Transport for Wales

At 7.29pm on Monday 21 October, two TfW trains were involved in a low speed collision near Llanbrynmair in Powys, Mid Wales.

Sadly one passenger has passed away, and a number of other people are being treated for injuries at nearby hospitals.

Our first thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who has lost his life, as well as all the other people involved in this incident.

The Cambrian railway east of Machynlleth will be closed while specialist teams continue their investigations, and we urge passengers not to travel to this part of the network.

We're extremely grateful to the emergency services who attended the scene and helped our passengers and staff in challenging circumstances.

we are working closely with other agencies, including emergency services, to understand how this incident happened and they will have our full support.

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Press release

Collision of two passenger trains at Talerddig, Powys, Wales​


The following press statement is issued by the RAIB about its investigation into the collision of two passenger trains at Talerddig, Powys, Wales

From: Rail Accident Investigation Branch Published: 22 October 2024

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At around 19:26 on the evening of 21 October 2024, the 18:31 Transport for Wales passenger service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth collided with another train on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, approximately 800 metres west of the passing loop located at Talerddig, Powys.

Initial evidence suggests that collision occurred at a speed of approximately 24 km/h (15 mph).

The second train involved was the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury passenger service, also operated by Transport for Wales.

One passenger tragically died and four other people were seriously injured.

Eleven more people sustained injuries which required hospital treatment.

RAIB was notified of the accident at 19:45 on the night of the accident and immediately dispatched a team of inspectors to examine the site and collect evidence.
 
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Additional RAIB staff and specialist equipment have arrived at the site of the accident throughout today and we continue to work in conjunction with the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway companies involved to secure the necessary evidence to support our independent safety investigation.

This will include examining the condition of the train and downloading its ‘black box’ data recorder, inspecting the track, analysing data from railway signalling and radio systems, and interviewing witnesses.

The railway approaching Talerddig from each direction consists of a single track.

To allow trains to pass each other a track loop is provided.

These loops have points at each end and allow trains to enter a short length of track which lies alongside the single line.

RAIB’s initial inspection of the track on approach to the point of collision found evidence that wheel/rail adhesion was relatively low, suggesting that the train may have entered into wheel slide when braking.

This will be an area of ongoing investigation.

Our investigation is in its very early stages and an additional update will be available in the coming days once RAIB has gathered and analysed further evidence.
 
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23 Oct 2024
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Joint statement: Network Rail and Transport for Wales

The Cambrian line between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury will remain closed until at least the end of Friday 25 October following a collision between two trains on Monday night.

The incident is currently under investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and will move to a recovery operation to remove the affected trains over the coming days.

Both TfW and Network Rail would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the local community for the overwhelming level of support they have provided during this difficult incident.

A replacement bus operation will remain in place calling at all stations on the route and customers should check before they travel and allow for journeys to take longer than usual.

Services between Machynlleth and Pwllheli/Aberystwyth and between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International will continue to run as planned.

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Lions and Wheels (British Railways’ lion emblems, 1949-1964)
On 1st January 1948, British Railways was born. It would go on to be one of the most infamous of British institutions, loved by some and reviled by many. Its corporate identity and “double arrow” logo would go on to attain international fame. But all that was to come later. The story of the early corporate identities of British Railways is one of occasional (if misplaced) design brilliance, but mostly complete confusion.

1948 - 1956​

Nicknamed 'Uni-cycling Lion' :lol:

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25 Oct 2024
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Cambrian line to reopen following rail accident
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The Cambrian line is expected to open for normal services from Monday following the tragic rail accident earlier this week, Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced today.

The investigation teams have concluded their site-based investigation, enabling Transport for Wales (TfW) engineers access to separate the two damaged trains, which are in the process of being removed from the site.

Simultaneously, Network Rail engineers have been carrying out repairs, maintenance and a series of thorough checks and safety inspections.

Safety systems on the trains that use the line continue to be regularly checked and inspected.

Test trains will run through the area to make sure everything is operating normally before beginning passenger operations on Monday.

The incident still may affect train services in the short-term and passengers should continue to check before they travel.

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales & Borders route director said:

“Monday night’s tragic events will forever be etched in my memory and my thoughts remain with all those affected. Thankfully, incidents like this are extremely rare on the railway network. We continue to operate one of the safest railway networks in Europe.

“Our engineers have been on site throughout and have conducted very thorough safety checks and we will run test trains through the area.

“I am grateful to the local community who have been very accommodating throughout this last week while we have been managing this incident.

“I would also like to thank passengers for their patience, understanding and support during the last few days as our teams have worked tirelessly to restore the railway as quickly as they could.”

Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, chief operating officer for TfW, said:

“The railways in Wales have a very good safety record, so when serious incidents like this happen, we at TfW, together with our partners at Network Rail, are determined to get to the bottom of what caused it. For that reason, we are co-operating fully with the authorities investigating the collision, and in particular, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

“We have worked hard to clear the trains safely from the accident site, and to carry out full safety checks and tests before reopening the line for passenger trains.

“Our condolences go to the family of the passenger who passed away, and we hope that those passengers and staff members injured in the collision make a speedy recovery.”

Due to operational challenges following the incident, there will be no TfW services running between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International on Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 October.

Ticket acceptance has been agreed with West Midlands Railways on this route, however customers are advised to use alternate routes where possible.
 
25 Oct 2024

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Cambrian line to reopen following rail accident​

Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Teams work to separate the damaged trains on the Cambrian Line

The Cambrian line is expected to open for normal services from Monday following the tragic rail accident earlier this week, Network Rail and Transport for Wales announced today.

The investigation teams have concluded their site-based investigation, enabling Transport for Wales (TfW) engineers access to separate the two damaged trains, which are in the process of being removed from the site.

Simultaneously, Network Rail engineers have been carrying out repairs, maintenance and a series of thorough checks and safety inspections.

Safety systems on the trains that use the line continue to be regularly checked and inspected.

Test trains will run through the area to make sure everything is operating normally before beginning passenger operations on Monday.

The incident still may affect train services in the short-term and passengers should continue to check before they travel.

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales & Borders route director said: “Monday night’s tragic events will forever be etched in my memory and my thoughts remain with all those affected. Thankfully, incidents like this are extremely rare on the railway network. We continue to operate one of the safest railway networks in Europe.

“Our engineers have been on site throughout and have conducted very thorough safety checks and we will run test trains through the area.

“I am grateful to the local community who have been very accommodating throughout this last week while we have been managing this incident.

“I would also like to thank passengers for their patience, understanding and support during the last few days as our teams have worked tirelessly to restore the railway as quickly as they could.”

Jan Chaudhry van der Velde, chief operating officer for TfW, said: “The railways in Wales have a very good safety record, so when serious incidents like this happen, we at TfW, together with our partners at Network Rail, are determined to get to the bottom of what caused it. For that reason, we are co-operating fully with the authorities investigating the collision, and in particular, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

“We have worked hard to clear the trains safely from the accident site, and to carry out full safety checks and tests before reopening the line for passenger trains.

“Our condolences go to the family of the passenger who passed away, and we hope that those passengers and staff members injured in the collision make a speedy recovery.”

Due to operational challenges following the incident, there will be no TfW services running between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International on Saturday 26 or Sunday 27 October.

Ticket acceptance has been agreed with West Midlands Railways on this route, however customers are advised to use alternate routes where possible.
 
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There's only a 2' gap between the goods yard extensions and the baseboard [sidings section] behind.

I'm not sure if they will be enough room for access for my chair.

so I'll have to choose which open space to leave it.

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Plan of the baseboard sections - each section is 4' X 2'
 
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My class 52 Western has pull up alongside my Class 21.

D1003 'Western Pioneer' also in BR green.

Note the small BR emblem used as can be seen here - https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9195683/post-10708067

Also note the 'overhead electricity power warning flashes' in red, introduced circa 1961 - they have been superseded by yellow flashes on a white background.

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30 October 2024

Well, Cleo Neo and myself were going to catch a train into Cardiff Central and were met with these words.....

Rail replacement bus services!

Actually, it wasn't so bad :)

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Metro is being purpose built for Wales’ future.
It will be a modern, efficient and sustainable way to travel but there may be temporary periods of change to your journey plans while be build it.
Where possible we’re scheduling the transformation work to take place during less busy times to minimise disruption.
We’re offering connections between rail services and bus services.

I love this...........:lol:

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We had a great time when we eventually got into Cardiff, went to our usual drinking haunts.......

The Great Western, The Alchemist and Turtle Bay.

We also tried a new eatery - JRC Global Buffet - An all you can eat, self service, international cuisine buffet. :)

Also popped into my favourite second-hand model railway shop and picked up a couple of bargains.
 
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1 November 2024
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Major rail upgrades for South Wales Metro

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TfW building your metro

A significant amount of engineering work was delivered over a nine-day rail closure as Transport for Wales (TfW) continue to move forward in delivering the next phases of the South Wales Metro.

The recent closure of the Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and Treherbert lines between Pontypridd and Radyr (from September 27 to October 6) allowed TfW to progress with station, infrastructure and maintenance work.

Some of the key works included platform preparation for level boarding at Pontypridd and Taff’s Well stations, removal of a footbridge at Treforest to allow a new access for all bridge and essential drainage work ahead of the winter season.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at Transport for Wales said:

“We are pleased to have made further progress on delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro.

“During our nine-day closure we delivered a large amount of essential engineering works and we’re now looking forward to introduce brand-new trains to the South Wales network before the end of the year.

“We’d like to thank customers and lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding.”

Full Works included:
  • Station and infrastructure improvements:
- Level boarding adjustments were made to platforms 2 and 3 at Pontypridd station, alongside track and signalling improvements.

- Dismantlement and removal of the original footbridge at Treforest station, donated to the Gwilli Heritage Railway. Opening of the stairs on the new Access for All bridge with the lifts due to open in November.

- Installation of over 300 meters of the new ramped footbridge at Fernhill station, alongside 64 meters of level boarding works on the station platform.

- 135 meters of level boarding works at Taff’s Well station, alongside 700 square meters of platform resurfacing. Continued work to the new Access For All station footbridge, due to open in late 2024.

- 66 alterations and repairs to Overhead Line Equipment across the network in preparation for the introduction of new electric trains from November.
  • Essential maintenance work:
- Soil nailing works to strengthen a retaining wall in Troedyrhiw on the Merthyr line.

- Installation of the South staircase on the Gelli footbridge on the Treherbert line, which was successfully reopened on Friday 18 October.

- Essential drainage and culvert maintenance across the network to prevent flooding.

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5 November 2024

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News story - Published: 5 November 2024

Collision between passenger trains near Talerddig​

Investigation into a collision between passenger trains near Talerddig, Powys, on 21 October 2024.

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View of the accident site - train 1S71 is shown on the left of picture and train 1J25 on the right.

At around 19:26 on Monday 21 October 2024, train 1J25, the 18:31 Transport for Wales passenger service from Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth, collided with train 1S71, the 19:09 Machynlleth to Shrewsbury passenger service, also operated by Transport for Wales.

The collision took place on Network Rail’s Cambrian line, approximately 900 metres west of the passing loop located at Talerddig, Powys. One passenger died and four other people were seriously injured. Eleven more people sustained injuries which required hospital treatment. Neither train derailed in the collision, although significant damage was caused to the leading vehicles of both trains.

RAIB was notified at 19:45 on the night of the accident and immediately dispatched a team of inspectors to the scene. Over the next few days, RAIB worked in conjunction with the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road and the railway companies involved to secure the necessary evidence to support our independent safety investigation.

RAIB released the site of the accident to Network Rail on the evening of Wednesday 23 October 2024, to allow for inspection and repair of the track, and recovery of the trains. Both trains were moved off site on Friday 25 October 2024. RAIB inspectors and support staff continued to secure evidence at the site of the accident, and at nearby locations, until Saturday 26 October 2024.

Both trains involved in the accident were 2-car class 158 diesel multiple units. These units are fitted with wheel slide protection systems, similar in function to anti-lock braking systems on road vehicles, and an automatic sanding system, which discharges sand automatically via sanding hoses when wheel slide is detected during braking. This is intended to increase the available friction at the wheel/rail interface.

The Cambrian line is equipped with the European Rail Traffic Management System, a form of railway signalling. This system removes the need for lineside signals by transmitting signalling and control data directly to the train. The limits of each section of track controlled by the system are signified by reflective lineside signs known as block markers.

The railway approaching Talerddig from each direction consists of a single track. To allow trains to pass each other there, a loop is provided. This has points at each end which allow trains to enter a short length of track adjacent to the single line. Westbound trains climb an ascending gradient to enter the loop and, on exiting, re-join the single track as it descends towards Llanbrynmair and Machynlleth.
 
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Aerial view of the accident site – train 1S71 is shown on the left of picture and train 1J25 on the right.

RAIB’s preliminary examination has found that westbound train 1J25 had been due to stop in the loop at Talerddig to allow eastbound train 1S71 to pass. Initial analysis of data from the on-train data recorder (OTDR) fitted to train 1J25 shows that the driver applied service braking to slow the train as it neared the loop at Talerddig. Around 40 seconds after the first service brake application, the OTDR records an emergency brake demand being made. This emergency brake demand remained in place until the collision. OTDR data shows that wheel slide started during service braking and was constant during emergency braking.

Train 1J25 then entered the loop at Talerddig. Although the train slowed while passing through the loop, it did not stop before passing the block marker positioned near the exit. The train subsequently exited the loop, rejoined the single line, and continued to travel for around 900 metres on the descending gradient, before colliding with train 1S71.

There is conflicting evidence relating to the speed of the trains at the point of collision. Initial analysis indicates that train 1J25 was travelling at between 24 km/h (15 mph) and 39 km/h (24 mph), while train 1S71 was travelling at around 10 km/h (6 mph) in the opposite direction. RAIB is continuing to analyse evidence relating to the collision speed, which remains an area of ongoing investigation.

Following the accident, RAIB undertook measurements of wheel/rail adhesion levels at various locations from the approach to Talerddig loop to the point of collision. These found levels of wheel/rail adhesion that were low.

An inspection of the automatic sanding system fitted to train 1J25 after the accident showed that the sanding hoses on the leading vehicle of this train (which would have been active at the time of the accident) were blocked and apparently unable to discharge sand.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events which led to the accident. It will also consider:
  • the actions of those involved and any factors that may have influenced them
  • the level of wheel/rail adhesion present from the approach to Talerddig loop to the point of collision
  • the status and performance of the braking, wheel slide protection and sanding systems on train 1J25
  • the behaviour of both trains during and following the collision
  • Transport for Wales’ policies relating to low wheel/rail adhesion and how it managed the risk of low adhesion on the Cambrian line
  • Network Rail’s policies relating to low wheel/rail adhesion and how it managed the risk of low adhesion on the Cambrian line
  • the processes used to assess and control the risk of overrun on the Cambrian line
  • any relevant underlying factors, including any actions taken in response to previous relevant safety recommendations.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry, the British Transport Police or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.
 
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5 November 2024
2742

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Joint statement: Network Rail and Transport for Wales

Following the rail collision in Powys on Monday 21 October 2024, Transport for Wales and Network Rail have fully cooperated with the British Transport Police, Office of Rail and Road and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch.

As investigations are currently still ongoing, we’ll continue to work together with investigators to understand what happened and await the full conclusion and recommendations of the investigation.

Safety is always our main priority for our customers and colleagues, and we have carried out enhanced checks to the trains and the railway line to enable the reopening of the Cambrian line on Monday 28 October 2024.

At this early stage of the investigation, it’s fundamental that we await the findings of the full report and show sensitivity towards our customers, colleagues, the local community and the families of those affected by the incident.

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