Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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GB Railfreight Class 66 at a loading terminal


Each year, GB Railfreight transports over five million tonnes of aggregate and sand, as well as 600,000 tonnes of cement.

Such materials are critical for the construction industry to help the Government achieve its target of building 1.5m homes over the next five years.

Last March, GB Railfreight secured an agreement with leasing company Porterbrook for the supply of 50 new type JNA-X box wagons.

GB Railfreight has a long-standing relationship with Aggregate Industries, which both companies are committed to extending and hope to continue for many years.

By transporting aggregates by rail will reduce the carbon footprint of moving construction materials essential for building homes and some of the UK’s biggest infrastructure projects.
 
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GB Railfreight Class 66 at a loading terminal


“Extending our partnership with GB Railfreight recognises the close working relationship forged between the two companies and the importance of shared goals. We value the professionalism, enthusiasm and innovation demonstrated daily by the staff of GB Railfreight in delivering our services. Together with GB Railfreight, Aggregate Industries are committed to providing excellence in customer service and making sustainable construction a reality.”

Simon Blake, General Manager (Rail) – Aggregate Industries
 
20th December, 2024

Railway 200 will now start with a global whistle up​

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Practising for the Railway 200 Whistle-Up


Following a previous announcement of a nationwide ‘whistle-up’ on New Year’s Day to mark the start of Railway 200, more participants have been announced, including overseas railways, model train manufacturer Hornby, commemorative locomotive, 910 and Thomas & Friends™.

This will be the largest-ever mass participation event by heritage railways, and more than 50 railways and up to 200 locomotives will sound their whistles and horns at horns at midday on Wednesday, 1st January 2025 to signal the start of a year-long celebration.
 
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A heritage ralway sporting Railway 200 bunting


Spearheaded by the Heritage Railway Association (HRA), the Railway 200 Whistle-Up will involve over 50 heritage railways in the UK and abroad blowing whistles of nearly 200 vintage steam and diesel.

Overseas railways taking part include Holland, South Africa, and Sierra Leone, with some sounding the whistles on British-built locomotives.

At mainline stations, trains will sound their horns at the appointed hour to welcome in the anniversary year.

On a miniature scale, model train manufacturer Hornby will arrange for a selection of model trains to toot and whistle on their track layouts, and there will also be a special appearance on social media from Thomas the Tank Engine.

In a year-long celebration, Railway 200 will commemorate 200 years of the modern railway, and explore how railways have shaped our national life and encouraged more people to consider a career in the railway.
 
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North Eastern Railway locomotive No. 910


The date has been chosen to commemorate 200 years since 1825 when the Stockton and Darlington Railway changed the world forever.

In the Locomotion museum at Shildon in County Durham, the whistle of the North Eastern Railway locomotive No. 910 sound once more.

No. 910 is the only locomotive to have appeared in all three previous Stockton and Darlington Railway anniversaries, in 1875, 1925, and 1975, and is currently undergoing restoration.

It is hoped that as many people as possible will join in the whistle-up by recording themselves, family and friends blowing whistles, sounding horns or ringing bells at noon on New Year’s Day.

Recording can be posted social media, using #Railway200 and #WhistleUp200, and if no whistles, horns, or bells are available, a Christmas party blower or popper can be used instead.
 
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Railway 200 logo


“The world changed forever in 1825 with the birth of the modern railway in Britain, and rolled out across the globe. Railway 200’s celebrations are a unique opportunity to honour a groundbreaking moment in our history while looking boldly towards the future. The Whistle-Up event marks the start of a year that will showcase how the railway continues to transform lives, connect communities, and create growth, jobs, housing and tourism. This milestone reminds us of the integral role rail plays in a sustainable future and is our chance to present the railway as a forward thinking, digital industry with vibrant and diverse career paths for a new generation. Together, let us celebrate this extraordinary British achievement and inspire a shared vision for the next century of railways.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy
 
20th December, 2024

Progress report on replica LNWR express locomotive​

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LMS 25348 "Coronation" nearing the end of her days


The LNWR George the Fifth Steam Locomotive Trust has released the latest update on progress with the project to construct its namesake locomotive.

The Frame Assembly campaign is making progress, with three major items currently being manufactured at a cost of something over £30,000.

Boro Foundry has cast the motion plate and frame stretcher and supplied the necessary materials and test certificates.

They are now waiting to be machined, which is expected to be complete by mid-January.
 
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LNWR George the Fifth replica


Work has started on the dragbox at TCL Seal of Sheffield, which is also home to new-build Clan and B17 steam locomotives.

They are profile cutting of the plates, which vary in thickness from 25 mm up to 40 mm thick, and a total weight of approximately ¾ ton.

Work has currently progressed to welding the “H” section that takes the load from the drawbar and feeds the loads into the main body of the dragbox and also carries a large Vee bracket for the brake crank.

This section needs to be drilled for the bracket’s fasteners and the drawbar pin before it can be welded into the dragbox.
 
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Motion Plate and Frame Stretcher


Once the dragbox has been fully welded, it will be heated to relieve stresses and minimise distortion caused by solidification and cooling of the considerable volume of welded metal.

The final stage will be to machine flat faces on either side to the exact width needed to place bolt holes precisely for attaching it to the frame plates.

The next stage is to dismantle the exhibit that has been on display at Crewe Heritage Centre.

However, the Heritage Centre is not suitable for carrying out significant engineering work, and the space currently occupied is needed for a forthcoming ‘Crewe in Wartime ‘exhibition.

Possible options are being considered, and a plan forward will be published next month.

After the locomotive has been stripped down, the work required for the permanent frame assembly will be defined and a list of potential contractors drawn up.
 
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Plate to be drilled before welding into dragbox assembly


One of the prime requirements for the Trust is to have a properly structured organisation that can demonstrate competence to Ricardo, which is the Acceptance Body.

That will include having build systems examined in detail, producing documentation records, and providing evidence of how a random selection of items were designed, manufactured, accepted, and assembled.

The necessary processes are in the process of being developed, and the Trust is confident that it knows what is needed to support its design and manufacturing submissions to Ricardo.
 
21st December

Steam locomotive 60163 Tornado set for East Lancashire Railway visit​


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The East Lancashire Railway has announced that 60163 Tornado will be visiting them for their upcoming Legends of Steam Gala, which takes place in March 2025.

The A1 is currently coming back from overhaul and will be joined by resident locomotives, 34092 City of Wells and 34081 92 Squadron; the latter recently arrived at the railway.

LMS Black 5 No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier will also join in the fun, taking a break from its mainline activities before it heads to Scotland to haul the famous Jacobite services.
 
22nd December

Steam locomotive 48305 set for West Yorkshire visit​


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The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has announced that LMS 8F No. 48305 will be visiting them for their Spring Steam Gala.

Taking place between the 20th and 23rd of March 2025, the 8F locomotive appears thanks to the Great Central Railway.

48305 will join other locomotives and the KWVR home fleet to operate an intensive timetable over the weekend.
 
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