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
 
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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.
 
18 November 2024
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TfW 756 Driver training

First electric trains to be introduced to South Wales Metro

Electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will be introduced to passenger services for the first time in the UK today (18 Nov) as part of the South Wales Metro.

They will be introduced on the Valley lines in South Wales for the first time ever signifying a huge moment in the delivery of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.

They will enter passenger service first on the Merthyr and Aberdare lines, followed by the Treherbert line. In a phased introduction, they will replace TfW’s older trains, with fourteen set to be in service by Spring next year (2025).

Transport for Wales has already introduced sixty-five brand-new trains and seven premier class MK4 trains to the Wales and Borders network over the last two years as part of their £800 million investment into new trains.

Built by leading manufacturer Stadler, the new Class 756 Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains (FLIRTs) will be powered by the recently installed overhead electrified wires, which carry 25,000V.

These transformative ‘tri-mode’ trains are the first in the UK that can use diesel or battery on sections of railway track where there are no overhead wires.

The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.

These trains will be introduced over the coming months onto the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines, replacing older trains, with 14 units in total in service by Spring 2025.

These trains will run along these lines until late 2025 when they will begin to move over to the Rhymney and Vale of Glamorgan lines as the brand-new Tram-Trains enter passenger service. 

From then, the 756s will travel from Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth, and from Rhymney to Barry Island and Bridgend.  

Their introduction marks a major milestone in the South Wales Metro project and is part of the £800 million investment Transport for Wales is making in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders Network.

The electrification of the Merthyr, Aberdare and Treherbert lines has been essential in their introduction, alongside improvements made to station platforms to accommodate the new longer trains and deliver accessibility improvements.
 
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WATCH VIDEO: First electric trains to be introduced to South Wales Metro

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The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said:

“This is great news and a truly historic moment as we see the introduction of the first brand new electric trains on the south Wales metro. These state-of-the-art electric trains with greater capacity will make passengers journeys more comfortable and with the addition of the latest technology allowing for Wi Fi and up to the minute travel information screens, are sure to encourage more people to use the train for their travel needs.”

Emil Hansen, Commercial Project Manager for Stadler, added:

“We are thrilled to see the UK’s first FLIRT tri-mode enter passenger service in Wales. Using battery technology, these transformative rail vehicles represent a significant leap forward in Transport for Wales’ efforts to drive decarbonisation and underscore Stadler’s trail-blazing technology and commitment to clean energy.

“The realisation of these state-of-the-art trains is testament to the effective collaboration between Transport for Wales, Stadler and many other involved parties, and we look forward to continue building on this successful partnership.”

2718
 
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18 November 2024​

Britain’s first Tri-mode trains enter service in Wales​

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Stadler FLIRT at Canton Depot, Cardiff


Today, Monday, 18th November, is a landmark for Britain’s railways, as it will be the first time electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will have operated passenger services in the UK.

In a phased introduction, the Class 756 electric ‘tri-mode’ trains will initially enter service on the lines to Merthyr and Aberdare lines, followed by the line to Treherbert.

Their introduction on these Valley Lines in South Wales marks a great step forward in delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro.


As more Class 756s enter service, Transport for Wales‘ older trains will be withdrawn and by spring next year there are planned to be 14 new trains in service.

Once Tram-Trains enter service on the new South Wales Metro in late 2025, the Class 756s will be transferred to services from Rhymney to Barry Island and Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan line from Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth.


The Class 756 trains, also known by the acronym FLIRTs (Fast Light Intercity and Regional Trains, have been built by Stadler and are the first in the UK that can operate from diesel or battery power and from overhead wires.


As a prelude to their introduction, the Merthyr, Aberdare, and Treherbert lines have been electrified, station platforms lengthened to accommodate the new longer trains, and accessibility improvements made to stations along the routes.

As well as the Class 756s, in the last two years Transport for Wales has introduced 65 new trains and seven premier class Mk.4 trains to the Wales and Borders network as part of an £800 million investment in new trains.

Part of the funding to transform the Core Valley Lines for the South Wales Metro to enable faster and more frequent services between Cardiff and the Heads of the Valleys has come from the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
 
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18 November 2024​

Train operators send warning to passengers as snow arrives​

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LNER Azuma train in snow


Train operators are warning passengers of potential disruption to services as a yellow snow warning comes into force.

Services across the country could be affected by snow on the 18th and 19th November.

Transport for Wales has already closed the line between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog due to forecasted snowy weather.

TransPennine Express has said that anyone travelling from 7 pm today (18th November) and all day tomorrow (19th November 2024) will be valid on the 20th November.

Network-wide, TPE says that ticket acceptance will be in place with Northern as well as East Midlands Railway between Liverpool and Sheffield.

Merseyrail has activated its cold weather plans, which means that the first service on each line will be without passengers to check conditions before trains run.
 

19 November 2024​

Blue Peter steam locomotive to haul first passenger train after overhaul​

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60532 Blue Peter at Kidderminster


Locomotive Services Group have announced that A2 class, No. 60532 Blue Peter, will haul her first revenue-earning passenger train tomorrow, 20th November.

Previously, 61306 Mayflower was set to haul the train, however, LSG have today confirmed that following a successful Fitness To Run Exam, 60532 will now haul part of the train.

It has been 22 years since Blue Peter hauled a passenger train.
 
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19 November 2024​

Yorkshire railway adds Class 47 locomotive to its fleet​

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Class 47 No. 47714 after arrival at Leeming Bar


A Class 47 diesel locomotive purchased by the Wensleydale Railway has been delivered to the railway’s Leeming Bar site.

The railway purchased Class 47 No. 47714 from The Harry Needle Railroad Company in Derbyshire.

It was towed by Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions Limited’s Class 50 No. 50008 Thunderer to Castle Hills Junction at Northallerton, from where it was towed by the Wensleydale Railway’s Class 37 No. 37250 to Leeming Bar Station.
 
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Class 47 No. 47714 ready for inspection


After undergoing mechanical and electrical inspections and tests by the Wensleydale Railway’s diesel traction team staff and volunteers, on Sunday, 17th November 47714 was successfully started up for the first time at the railway.

No. 47714 is one of 512 Class 47 diesel locomotives built between 1962 and 1968 by Brush at Loughborough and by British Railways at Crewe.
 
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Class 47 No. 47714 at Leeming Bar


At 22 miles long, the Wensleydale Railway is one of Britain’s longest heritage lines. Operated mainly by volunteers, it serves both the local community and provides a great value day out in the Yorkshire Dales for tourists, families, and transport enthusiasts.

Services are currently operated by heritage diesel between Scruton near Northallerton and Leyburn on the outskirts of the spectacular Yorkshire Dales National Park and is working towards restoring passenger services from Leyburn to Redmire.

At its award-winning, restored historic stations. costumed living history interpreters provide free guided tours where they can learn more about life on the railways in the 1900s.
 
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Class 47 No. 47714 at Leeming Bar


“The purchase of this locomotive improves our operational capabilities. It has electric train-heating capacity which will allow us to heat our carriages during the cold winter months. Our immediate focus is to get 47714 fully operational and available as a back-up for 33035, which is currently in use for this year’s THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides. We will begin bodywork repairs in the New Year and aim to have it repainted for the Summer.”

Tim Williamson, Director of Engineering and Rolling Stock at Wensleydale Railway PLC
 

20 November 2024​


Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

Well, we used the bus again to travel into and out of Cardiff.

Did a spot of shopping and had a few drinks in the 'Great Western'!

I bought something for Ethnon Rail as well. :)

Our first bus [No.263], was the usual Enviro 200 but had been repainted in the new Cardiff Bus livery.

One of the latest Cardiff Bus Enviro 200's to get repainted into the new two orange is No.263 CN64 FWL.​

Seen on Churchill Way running a late running n.9 to the Heath Hospital.​

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The bus home [No.254] was also an Enviro 200 repainted into the new two orange livery.

Alexander Dennis Enviro 200 No.254 CE63 NZJ
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20 November 2024

Bahamas Locomotive Society to auction painting by famous railway artist

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Painting of Great Central Railway No. 1167 Lloyd George


To coincide with the publication of a book featuring photographs and paintings by renowned photographer and artist Eric Oldham, the Bahamas Locomotive Society is to auction one of Eric’s original paintings.

Published by Mortons Books and written by John Hillier, the book is titled The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection.

The painting to be auctioned measures 50 x 40 cm and is framed. It depicts Great Central Railway Class 9Q 4-6-0 No. 1167 Lloyd George climbing eastbound towards the Woodhead Tunnel, not far from Eric’s home at Hyde.

Eric Oldham died in 2008 aged 87. He was a founder member of the Guild of Railway Artists, an active member of the Railway Photographic Society, and a member of the Bahamas Locomotive Society for many years. Until now a lot of his fine work has not been seen by the wider public.
 
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45596 Bahamas


With The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection, John Hillier brings Eric’s photographs and paintings featuring the changing railway scene from the 1940s until the late-20th century to a wider audience.

John Hillier, Eric Oldham’s photographic mentor, was prompted to produce this book after fearing that Eric’s imagery had been lost.

Fortunately, John eventually tracked down the negatives and other ephemera, and The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection is the result.
 
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Cover of ‘The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection'


Sir John Oldham, Eric’s nephew, currently holds the collection of Eric’s work and offered the painting in order to raise funds for the Bahamas Locomotive Society.

The Auction will start on Wednesday, 22nd January 2025, and the successful bidder will also receive a copy of The Eric Oldham Legacy Collection signed by the author, John Hillier, and Eric’s nephew, Sir John Oldham.

Earlier this year, the National Trust transferred its ownership of Coal Tank No. 1054 and historic 0-4-0 saddle tank Hawarden to the Bahamas Locomotive Society.
 
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Midland Railway express near Chinley

This is number 2 of a series of 10 postcards showing paintings of pre-grouping (1923) express trains in Britain. The artist is Eric Oldham and I believe the cards date from the 1950's.

This card shows "Manchester - London express near Chinley, Cheshire. 4-4-0 locomotives Nos 774 & 1007."
 
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LBSCR: The Southern Belle​

This is number 3 of a series of 10 postcards showing paintings of pre-grouping (1923) express trains in Britain. The artist is Eric Oldham.

This card shows:
"LBSCR The Southern Belle near Merstham, Surrey. 4-6-4T Locomotive No. 332."
 
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