Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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So we had a lovely day in Cardiff.

We had a few drinks in the Great Western and then went shopping.

I popped into my favourite second-hand models railway shop and picked up a few bargains.

Cleo had a good look around Primark and bought some leggings for herself.

We had some lunch and then went back to the Great Western.

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15th November, 2024

Luxury sleeper train to visit Wales and Somerset in 2025

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On board the Belmond Britannic Explorer


In 2025, the East Somerset Railway will welcome the new luxury sleeper train, the Britannic Explorer, as it embarks on one of its first journeys to the southwest of England.

This 5 star silver service sleeper train, which is being launched and operated by Belmond next year, is set to visit the East Somerset Railway in July 2025.

Departing from London, the Belmond Britannic Explorer services will include three and six-night voyages along three captivating routes traversing the magnificent natural sceneries of Cornwall, The Lake District, and Wales.
 
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By day the trips will include optional guided tours highlighting the rich cultural fabric, natural beauty, and history of each destination along the routes, in the evenings passengers can relax in the onboard spa, and socialise in the botanically themed Bar within the MK3 Observation coach, envisioned as the dynamic epicentre of the Britannic Explorer.

The on board dining experiences will be curated by the esteemed Chef Simon Rogan, who is known for his creative flair and whose restaurants boast an exquisite eight Michelin stars and two Michelin Green stars globally.
 

Introducing the Britannic Explorer, a modern celebration of the tradition of touring​

See Britain through new eyes aboard the first ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales.

Paying homage to the Great British tradition of touring, the Britannic Explorer celebrates the art of slow travel, preserving Britain’s pioneering railway history while ushering in a new era of culture and creativity.

Visit and rediscover intriguing villages, historic cities and awe-inspiring countryside, admiring the landscapes from your private suite.

From the rolling hills of the Welsh valleys, to the sparkling blue waters of Cornwall, and the jagged mountains of the Lake District, celebrate all that is intriguing, quirky and quintessential about Britain.

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Mark III carriage - Observation Car and Bar
 
Last edited:
Friday 15 Nov 2024
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Engineering work between Cardiff and Bridgend to affect journeys on three Sundays in November and December​


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

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Stock picture of track renewal


Passengers are urged to check before they travel between Bridgend and Cardiff on three Sundays in November and December, when Network Rail will be carrying out essential engineering work.
The South Wales Main Line between Bridgend and Cardiff will be closed all day on Sundays 24 November, 1 and 8 December.

Network Rail engineers will be working at two locations:
  • near St Fagans level crossing, between Pontyclun and Cardiff Central stations
  • Squires Bridge between Llanharan and Pontyclun stations
They will be replacing more than 1km of track at St Fagans over the course of the three Sundays (355m per weekend), as well as installing more than 5,000 tonnes of new ballast (track stone) and more than 1,600 new sleepers.

While work is in progress, St Fagans level crossing will be closed, with a diversion in place for road vehicles. The crossing will be closed from midnight on Sunday 24 November to midnight on Monday 25 November, and for the same hours on both 1-2 and 8-9 December.

At Squires Bridge, engineers are carrying out drainage work, which requires a continuous closure of Llantrisant West level crossing from 11.30pm on Saturday 23 November until 5.30am Monday 25 November, and the same hours on Saturday 30 November to Monday 2 December.

On all three weekends, trains between Bridgend and Cardiff that usually run on the South Wales Main Line will be diverted via the Vale of Glamorgan Line, adding around 30 minutes to the average journey. Buses will replace trains for stations between Bridgend and Cardiff on the South Wales Main Line (Pencoed, Llanharan and Pontyclun).

Great Western Railway trains to and from Carmarthen will run between Swansea and Carmarthen only. Trains to and from Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot Parkway and Bridgend will be retimed to run earlier or later than usual.

Transport for Wales trains that usually run via Pontyclun will be retimed to start earlier or later than usual and will be diverted to run via Barry. These trains will also run to an amended timetable.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “We are working really hard to improve train service punctuality and this essential work is a part of our commitment to do that.

“We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway, but we have planned the renewals to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“I would like to thank passengers for their patience and urge them to check their journeys before travelling.”
 

British Rail Class 15​


The British Rail Class 15 diesel locomotives, also known as the BTH Type 1, were designed by British Thomson-Houston, and built by the Yorkshire Engine Company and the Clayton Equipment Company, between 1957 and 1961.

They were numbered D8200-D8243.

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East Finchley Station, with Diesel on local goods on 6 April 1962
View SE, towards Finsbury Park on BR(ER) surface line via Highgate, towards Central London and Morden on LT Northern Line (High Barnet branch). Although Diesels were used, freight was still being handled from Highbury Vale to High Barnet (until 10/62), Mill Hil and Edgware (until 9/64). The locomotive is a BTH/Paxman Type 1 800hp Bo-Bo, introduced in 1957; this is No. D8241 built in 2/61. The Class were surplus to requirements by the late 1960's and were scrapped.
 
The Class 15 was ordered by British Railways (BR) shortly after the announcement of the 1955 Modernisation Plan, which led to the procurement of a diverse number of diesel locomotives under the 'pilot scheme'.

Shortly following the completion of the first locomotive during 1957, its performance was sufficient to justify multiple follow-on orders, leading to a total fleet of 44 locomotives.

In service, the type was relatively unreliable, much of this been traceable to its Paxman 16YHXL power unit.

Its fortunes were further impacted by inconsistent policy making.

During the late 1960s, it was decided to withdraw the Class 15 in favour of the more numerous and successful British Rail Class 20 locomotive, both types having been developed to satisfy the same Type 1 specification.

Their final use was as departmental vehicles, coming to an end in the late 1980s.

One example has survived into preservation.

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September 1980 at Colchester MPD Diesel Class 15 (D8233) BTH Diesel ADB968001
 
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The only surviving class 15, D8233, is seen while residing at the Crewe Heritage Centre. It has lead a slightly nomadic existence in preservation, but since this photo was taken, it has moved to the East Lancashire Railway and a thorough rebuild has started. This view was taken 28th August 1999.
 
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