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200 Years of the Modern Railway 2025 UK £2 Coin - Reverse
Reverse or "tails" side of the coin.
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Marcus' Model Railway Journey
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200 Years of the Modern Railway 2025 UK £2 Coin - Obverse
Obverse (heads) is the front of the coin| Denomination | £2 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.000g |
| Diameter | 28.40mm |
| Reverse Designer | William Webb |
| Obverse Designer | Martin Jennings |
|---|---|
| Edge Inscription | · ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1 |
| Year | 2025 |
| Edge | Fine milled incuse edge lettering |
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4th January, 2025
No. 7 partially stripped down
Volunteers at the Corris Railway have started the ten-year overhaul of the railway’s steam locomotive No. 7, a replica of the Talyllyn Railway’s Kerr Stuart “Tattoo” class locomotive No. 4 Edward Thomas.
This year is No. 7’s twentieth year of service on the railway and the second time it has had a major ten-year overhaul, following the expiry of its boiler ticket at the end of last year’s running season.
Corris Railway begins overhaul of steam locomotive No. 7
No. 7 partially stripped down
Volunteers at the Corris Railway have started the ten-year overhaul of the railway’s steam locomotive No. 7, a replica of the Talyllyn Railway’s Kerr Stuart “Tattoo” class locomotive No. 4 Edward Thomas.
This year is No. 7’s twentieth year of service on the railway and the second time it has had a major ten-year overhaul, following the expiry of its boiler ticket at the end of last year’s running season.
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No. 7 inside the running shed
Since its last major overhaul, No. 7 has been a regular performer, but in December 2018 it was taken out of service after a lack of lubrication caused a section of the valve gear on the driver’s side to seize.
It was taken out of traffic immediately, and with the help from the Vale of Rheidol Railway, repairs were completed before passenger train services started again in 2019.
A second failure occurred during last year’s gala when a steam gasket failed after working the initial double-header with steam locomotive No. 10 Falcon.
Since its last major overhaul, No. 7 has clocked up nearly 4,000 miles, which includes several hundred miles working on the Talyllyn Railway from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol.
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Removing the firebox cladding
During Christmas and New Year, volunteers removed the saddle tank, cab, coal bunker, boiler cladding, steam fittings, pipes, and motion.
These have been stored indoors on a flat wagon so that work can continue on the boiler and smoke box.
After the boiler has been lifted from the frames, it will be re-tubed at Maespoeth before being inspected to ensure it meets the necessary safety requirements to receive certification for the next ten years.
The driving wheels and pony truck will also be removed to provide access to the frames so they can be cleaned down and repainted.
A new stainless steel smokebox will be fabricated by the Vale of Rheidol Railway, who will also re-profile the tyres and fit new crank pins.
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Removing the coal bunker
New bearings for the driving axles will be produced in the Corris Railway’s refurbished machine shop at Maespoeth, where a recently acquired Huron mill will be used to digitally measure the axle centres and motion to an accuracy of three decimal places.
The railway usually derives much-needed income from its Santa Specials, which this year was due to feature new-build No. 10 Falcon, but they had to be cancelled this year because of the devastating consequences of storm Darragh.
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6th January, 2025
1744 home safely on North Norfolk Railway metals
The Gresley Society has announced that following its agreement reached in September, Class N2 GNR No.1744 has moved to the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) to complete its overhaul.
No. 1744 is the oldest surviving locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.
It was built in 1921, and the Gresley Society bought it in 1963.
The loco’s move to NNR is an important step towards its return to traffic, which the Society hopes will be in Spring this year.
The locomotive was withdrawn from service late in 2018 for an overhaul.
However, the overhaul became much more extensive and expensive than expected.
Gresley’s oldest locomotive moves to North Norfolk to complete overhaul
1744 home safely on North Norfolk Railway metals
The Gresley Society has announced that following its agreement reached in September, Class N2 GNR No.1744 has moved to the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) to complete its overhaul.
No. 1744 is the oldest surviving locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley.
It was built in 1921, and the Gresley Society bought it in 1963.
The loco’s move to NNR is an important step towards its return to traffic, which the Society hopes will be in Spring this year.
The locomotive was withdrawn from service late in 2018 for an overhaul.
However, the overhaul became much more extensive and expensive than expected.
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1744 departs for the North Norfolk Railway
Work began on the overhaul in 2019.
However, the Covid-19 lockdown that started the following year and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2002 impacted the progress and the cost of the overhaul.
Stripping down no.1744 revealed that the loco needed much more work than had been thought.
Costs rose to around £650,000, to carry out a major programme of mechanical and boiler work.
On Tuesday 8 October last year, the locomotive’s boiler passed its steam test at the works of Northern Steam Engineering at Thornaby.
It was then re-assembled in parts.
On Thursday 12 December, no.1744 was taken to the NNR’s workshops at Weybourne.
The NNR will initially fund the remaining work required.
The Society will repay the funds by allowing no.1744 to run without charge for a period of time.
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1744 Out of Frame Steam Test
The Gresley Society needs to raise more money to meet the full cost of the overhaul.
It has launched an appeal called The N2 Overhaul Completion Club.
It aims to raise the £100,000 it needs by one hundred members giving £1,000 each.
The donors will allowed to pay in up to eight instalments.
They will receive several benefits, including a certificate, the chance to watch overhaul work being carried out on no.1744, and a year’s free membership of The Gresley Society Trust.
Since its launch in November, the Club has raised £17,750. It is still looking for more members to help raised the rest of the money.
Details of how to join the Club are available on the Society’s website.
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Steam Loco 1744
“I wish to thank Northern Steam Engineering, who have shown great flexibility in agreeing how their work programme on the class N2 could be brought to an orderly close, and the North Norfolk Railway for their positive and constructive approach to the funding problem they could see we faced.
“ I’d encourage all LNER lovers what want to see the class N2 paired once again with the Midland & Great Northern Society’s unique set of Quad-Art carriages to get on board with our appeal!”
Philip Benham, Chair of The Gresley Society
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British Rail Class 18
The British Rail Class 18 is a class of hybrid locomotives designed and built by the British railway locomotive manufacturer Clayton Equipment Company in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.
It has also been referred to as the CBD90 Hybrid+ by Clayton and private railway customers.
The Class 18 was first revealed as the CBD90 during mid-2019; initial customers were typically operators of private railways, such as steelworks and nuclear power plants.
In May 2020, the type was ordered by the rolling stock leasing company Beacon Rail, it has been envisioned as a successor to the 1950s era Class 08 and Class 09 shunters.
The Class 18 is primarily battery-powered, being recharged either via track-side mains power supplies, regenerative braking, or its onboard diesel generator.
A three-month trial using the first example of the type was conducted by the train operator GB Railfreight during early 2022.
Beacon Rail has fifteen of these Clayton CBD90 Hybrid Diesel-Battery 'Bo-Bo' locos on order. 18001 is being trialled out by GB Railfreight at Whitemoor Yard and here the loco seems to be undertaking some crew training runs when pictured at March, Whitemoor Junction on July 15, 2022
The British Rail Class 18 is a class of hybrid locomotives designed and built by the British railway locomotive manufacturer Clayton Equipment Company in Burton upon Trent, Staffordshire.
It has also been referred to as the CBD90 Hybrid+ by Clayton and private railway customers.
The Class 18 was first revealed as the CBD90 during mid-2019; initial customers were typically operators of private railways, such as steelworks and nuclear power plants.
In May 2020, the type was ordered by the rolling stock leasing company Beacon Rail, it has been envisioned as a successor to the 1950s era Class 08 and Class 09 shunters.
The Class 18 is primarily battery-powered, being recharged either via track-side mains power supplies, regenerative braking, or its onboard diesel generator.
A three-month trial using the first example of the type was conducted by the train operator GB Railfreight during early 2022.
Beacon Rail has fifteen of these Clayton CBD90 Hybrid Diesel-Battery 'Bo-Bo' locos on order. 18001 is being trialled out by GB Railfreight at Whitemoor Yard and here the loco seems to be undertaking some crew training runs when pictured at March, Whitemoor Junction on July 15, 2022
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These locomotives were assigned the Class 18 designation under TOPS, this selection was the next in sequence from the Class 17 Type 1 locomotives, which had also been produced by Clayton between 1962 and 1965.
Beacon reportedly plans to offer the Class 18 as a replacement for Class 08 and Class 09 shunters, which are commonly used in private yards and sidings, all of which were at least 58 years old at the time of the Clayton order being placed.
Company officials have been keen to emphasise the Class 18's environmental credentials, particularly its capacity for emission-free running, in comparison to legacy counterparts.
The Class 18 locomotive features a modular design and is primarily powered by 524 kWh lead–acid batteries, the latter are reportedly rated for a lifespan of seven to eight years and are easily replaceable.
These batteries can be charged via a mains power supply, as well as through regenerative braking.
Additionally, to increase its running time, the Class 18 also has an onboard 55 kW (74 hp) diesel generator, which is domestically manufactured by JCB Power Systems and is compliant with EU Stage V emissions regulations.
The DC motors used require an unusually high operating voltage of 564V.
In a standard configuration, it can reach a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour (20 km/h) and weighs roughly 90 tonnes (99 tons).
Support for the Class 18 will be provided by Power Torque Engineering of Coventry.
In addition to Britain's railways, the Class 18 has been homologated as to enable its operation across most of continental Europe.
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Revolution Trains RT-CL18-BE-001 Clayton Class 18 (18001-5) / CBD90 Beacon Rail Hybrid Battery Diesel Locomotive (Single Headlight)
RT-CL18-BE-001Revolution Trains OO Gauge
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7th January, 2025
The platform at Ealing Broadway where the incident occurred
As part of its investigation into an incident at Ealing Broadway station when a passenger’s hand was trapped in the doors of an Elizabeth Line train, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is appealing for the passenger involved or anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.
The incident occurred at around 00:07 on Sunday, 24th November 2024, as an Elizabeth line train was departing from platform 3 of Ealing Broadway station.
A passenger’s hand became trapped in the doors of the train and was still trapped in the doors as the train moved off.
A member of staff who was working on the platform pulled the passenger clear of the train before it had left the platform.
Witness appeal launched after incident at West London railway station
The platform at Ealing Broadway where the incident occurred
As part of its investigation into an incident at Ealing Broadway station when a passenger’s hand was trapped in the doors of an Elizabeth Line train, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is appealing for the passenger involved or anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them.
The incident occurred at around 00:07 on Sunday, 24th November 2024, as an Elizabeth line train was departing from platform 3 of Ealing Broadway station.
A passenger’s hand became trapped in the doors of the train and was still trapped in the doors as the train moved off.
A member of staff who was working on the platform pulled the passenger clear of the train before it had left the platform.
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Ealing Broadway Station
This type of incident is known as a ‘trap and drag accident’, and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an independent safety investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
What is known about the incident is that nearby passengers who saw what was happening alerted the train driver, who stopped the train after it had travelled approximately 17 metres.
Although the passenger sustained minor injuries, they weren’t seriously injured.
If anyone was involved in the incident or has any information about it, they are asked to call 01332 253324 during office hours, or email witness@raib.gov.uk or #Ealingbroadway at any time.
Any information supplied will be treated in the strictest confidence.
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Elizabeth Line train at Hayes & Harlington
All major incidents occurring on the railway are investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, such as when a ScotRail train collided with a fallen tree and suffered significant damage to the leading driver cab on 27th December 2023, and when two trains collided on the Cambrian line in Mid Wales.
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Trap and drag accident at Ealing Broadway
Investigation into a trap and drag accident at Ealing Broadway on the Elizabeth line, 24 November 2024.The platform involved during the daytime
At around 00:07 on 24 November 2024, a passenger’s hand became trapped in the closing doors of a train at Ealing Broadway station on the Elizabeth line.
The train subsequently departed from the platform with the passenger’s hand still trapped in the doors.
The passenger, who had been attempting to board the train, was forced to run alongside it for several metres before being pulled away by a member of railway staff who was working on the platform.
The driver was alerted to what was happening by nearby passengers, and the train stopped after moving approximately 17 metres.
The passenger is reported to have sustained minor injuries because of the accident.
Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident.
It will also consider:
- the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
- the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks associated with passengers boarding and alighting from trains on the Elizabeth line
- post-incident management of platform-train interface accidents
- any underlying management factors.
We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.
| Date of occurrence | Description of accident/incident | Current status |
|---|---|---|
| 24 11 2024 | Trap and drag accident at Ealing Broadway | Investigating |
RAIB is conducting an independent safety investigation into this incident and would like to hear from the passenger involved or anyone who witnessed the incident.
If you have any information, please call 01332 253324 during office hours or email witness@raib.gov.uk at any time. Any contact will be treated in the strictest confidence #Ealingbroadway
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7th January, 2025
Northern's 156415 stands at Colne with a Preston service
Over the last 2½ years, passengers on trains operated by Northern have lost, mislaid, or forgotten more than 32,600 items of personal possessions.
Among the items found on Northern’s trains and stations are a prosthetic leg, a hamster without a cage, a wig, a cupboard, and crutches.
The most common items that passengers leave behind are phones and laptops, but others include an ironing board and a 10kg box of chicken breasts.
One customer even got off the train but forgot to take their bicycle, even though they were still wearing a helmet.
Among the strange requests that Northern received was a customer trying to track down a plain white handkerchief.
The operator’s hotspots for lost property hotspots are at Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly stations, but they are not the only places, as forgotten items are regularly found at stations and on trains throughout Northern’s network.
Hamster and prosthetic leg among lost items on Northern trains
Northern's 156415 stands at Colne with a Preston service
Over the last 2½ years, passengers on trains operated by Northern have lost, mislaid, or forgotten more than 32,600 items of personal possessions.
Among the items found on Northern’s trains and stations are a prosthetic leg, a hamster without a cage, a wig, a cupboard, and crutches.
The most common items that passengers leave behind are phones and laptops, but others include an ironing board and a 10kg box of chicken breasts.
One customer even got off the train but forgot to take their bicycle, even though they were still wearing a helmet.
Among the strange requests that Northern received was a customer trying to track down a plain white handkerchief.
The operator’s hotspots for lost property hotspots are at Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly stations, but they are not the only places, as forgotten items are regularly found at stations and on trains throughout Northern’s network.
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Northern train on the Northumberland Line
Before customers leave a train, Northern is appealing for customers to make sure they check they have all their belongings with them.
Also, if they have been sitting down waiting for their train, to make sure they have not left anything behind where they had been seated.
The number of items lost by Northern customers is dwarfed by those in London, where London Transport’s Lost Property Office processes more than two hundred thousand items each year.
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Northern trains at Blackpool North station
Elsewhere on the UK railway network, Southeastern uses a digital tracking system to identify and return lost property to their owners.
“We understand that losing something can be extremely stressful, so we often remind customers to make sure they have all of their personal belongings before leaving the train. Unattended bags at our trains and at our stations can also prompt security alerts which cause delays and disruption. When a passenger comes forward to report lost property, our staff work hard to track down that item and reunite them – but it’s no mean feat.”
Alex Hornby, Northern’s commercial and customer director
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8th January, 2025
Erdington bridge strike 7 January 2025
Lorries have hit a Birmingham railway bridge three times in the first week of the new year.
Network Rail is urging lorry drivers to be familiar with the height of their vehicle in order to reduce bridge strikes in future.
The railway bridge concerned is located on Summer Lane in Erdington.
A lorry hit the bridge on Friday, 3 January.
Another hit it just before 10 am on Tuesday, 7 January.
Engineers inspected it and authorised it to reopen, only for another lorry to strike it at 12.10pm.
The bridge reopened for a second time at 1.45pm.
The first lorry to strike the bridge today did not stop.
However, the second had to stop, as it was badly damaged.
The impact ripped off Its trailer roof and left it hanging over the road.
This resulted in disruption to local residents and to motorists.
All three of these bridge strikes disrupted railway services on the Cross City line between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley.
Trucks hit Birmingham railway bridge twice in one day
Erdington bridge strike 7 January 2025
Lorries have hit a Birmingham railway bridge three times in the first week of the new year.
Network Rail is urging lorry drivers to be familiar with the height of their vehicle in order to reduce bridge strikes in future.
The railway bridge concerned is located on Summer Lane in Erdington.
A lorry hit the bridge on Friday, 3 January.
Another hit it just before 10 am on Tuesday, 7 January.
Engineers inspected it and authorised it to reopen, only for another lorry to strike it at 12.10pm.
The bridge reopened for a second time at 1.45pm.
The first lorry to strike the bridge today did not stop.
However, the second had to stop, as it was badly damaged.
The impact ripped off Its trailer roof and left it hanging over the road.
This resulted in disruption to local residents and to motorists.
All three of these bridge strikes disrupted railway services on the Cross City line between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield Trent Valley.
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Erdington bridge strike 3 January
According to Network Rail’s most recent yearly statistics, there were a total of 65 incidents of road vehicles striking bridges in the West Midlands between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024.
These incidents contributed to 8,838 minutes (more than six days) of delays to passengers’ rail journeys.
The three bridges that lorries have struck most often in the West Midlands suffered ten incidents in total.
They were:
- Cradley Road in Cradley Heath
- Station Road near Berkswell station, and
- Birmingham Road in Warwick.
Using the slogan ‘wise up, size up’, most recently relaunched in 2021, Network Rail is asking lorry drivers to take measures to minimise the risk of driving their vehicles into bridges.
The measures include:
- knowing the height of vehicles
- properly planning routes
- never relying on sat-navs or map apps to be up-to-date for bridges and height restrictions.
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Dealing with Erdington bridge strike on 3 January
“There is no excuse for driving a lorry into a railway bridge. Our bridges are clearly marked, and lorry drivers should always know the height restrictions of their vehicles. To ignore both and bash a bridge, causing disruption to passengers and road users, is unforgiveable.
“We are looking into what might have caused this recent spate of bridge bashes but I plead with all drivers to know their vehicle restrictions and if in doubt about whether they can fit under a bridge to always use an alternative route.”
Martin Colmey, operations director, Network Rail Central route
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8th January, 2025
Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!
Well, we restarted the Wednesday bus again to travel into and out of Cardiff.
Our first one this year
I enjoyed myself with a few pints in 'The Great Western' and 'The Gatekeeper'.
We also had a lovely meal in an Italian restaurant.
The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 554, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 EYP
Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!
Well, we restarted the Wednesday bus again to travel into and out of Cardiff.
Our first one this year
I enjoyed myself with a few pints in 'The Great Western' and 'The Gatekeeper'.
We also had a lovely meal in an Italian restaurant.
The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 554, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 EYP
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This is where we ate.
Cardiff’s Ask Italian is located in Cardiff’s Cafe Quarter, on the junction of Mill Lane with Wyndham Arcade (one of the city’s lovely historic shopping arcades).
Cardiff’s Ask Italian is located in Cardiff’s Cafe Quarter, on the junction of Mill Lane with Wyndham Arcade (one of the city’s lovely historic shopping arcades).
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The bus from Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 554, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWJ
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9th January, 2025
87002 in INTERCITY livery works the 5Z86 Crewe to Carlisle
Class 87 No. 87002 will be visiting Edinburgh this Friday (10th January 2025) as it hauls The Capital’s Scot.
Departing London Euston at 06:56, the train will pass through Watford Junction (07:10), Tring (07:24), Milton Keynes Central (07:36), Rugby (08:07), Nuneaton (08:21), Stafford (08:53), Crewe (09:13), Warrington Bank Quay (09:34), Preston (Lancs) (10:09), Oxenholme Lake District (10:40), Carlisle (11:21), Lockerbie (11:46), Haymarket (13:09) and Edinburgh at 13:15.
After two hours in Edinburgh, the train will depart at 15:23 and will head to London King’s Cross via Berwick-upon-Tweed (16:07), Newcastle (16:57), Northallerton (17:53), York (18:12), Newark Northgate (19:00), Peterborough (19:52), St Neots (20:26), Potters Bar (21:04) and London Kings Cross at 21:20.
Classic electric locomotive set to visit Scotland this Friday
87002 in INTERCITY livery works the 5Z86 Crewe to Carlisle
Class 87 No. 87002 will be visiting Edinburgh this Friday (10th January 2025) as it hauls The Capital’s Scot.
Departing London Euston at 06:56, the train will pass through Watford Junction (07:10), Tring (07:24), Milton Keynes Central (07:36), Rugby (08:07), Nuneaton (08:21), Stafford (08:53), Crewe (09:13), Warrington Bank Quay (09:34), Preston (Lancs) (10:09), Oxenholme Lake District (10:40), Carlisle (11:21), Lockerbie (11:46), Haymarket (13:09) and Edinburgh at 13:15.
After two hours in Edinburgh, the train will depart at 15:23 and will head to London King’s Cross via Berwick-upon-Tweed (16:07), Newcastle (16:57), Northallerton (17:53), York (18:12), Newark Northgate (19:00), Peterborough (19:52), St Neots (20:26), Potters Bar (21:04) and London Kings Cross at 21:20.
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9th January, 2025
70000 Britannia at Chester Station
The Nene Valley Railway has announced that No. 70000 Britannia is set to visit the Nene Valley Railway in March 2025.
The visit of Britannia is part of the NVR’s Rail 200 celebrations and is thanks to Locomotive Services Group.
Whilst at the heritage railway, the locomotive will take part in driver experience courses, a photo charter day as well as hauling a Britannia Jolly Fisherman service.
Britannia will be at the Nene Valley Railway between the 11th and 18th of March and will also operate at the railway’s Best of British event.
Steam locomotive 70000 Britannia set for Nene Valley visit
70000 Britannia at Chester Station
The Nene Valley Railway has announced that No. 70000 Britannia is set to visit the Nene Valley Railway in March 2025.
The visit of Britannia is part of the NVR’s Rail 200 celebrations and is thanks to Locomotive Services Group.
Whilst at the heritage railway, the locomotive will take part in driver experience courses, a photo charter day as well as hauling a Britannia Jolly Fisherman service.
Britannia will be at the Nene Valley Railway between the 11th and 18th of March and will also operate at the railway’s Best of British event.
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9th January, 2025
Interlocks in place showing the new and old dogs
The Corris Railway has released a video showing the results of its work on its signal box.
The Railway’s signalling and telegraph department has been carrying out the work.
It has completed installing and testing a token machine.
Now this is done, it is ready to change from the current staff system to Electric Key Tokens (EKTs) between Maespoeth Junction and Corris.
The EKT system allows for safe working on a single line.
Welsh heritage railway shows new signal box frame interlocking
Interlocks in place showing the new and old dogs
The Corris Railway has released a video showing the results of its work on its signal box.
The Railway’s signalling and telegraph department has been carrying out the work.
It has completed installing and testing a token machine.
Now this is done, it is ready to change from the current staff system to Electric Key Tokens (EKTs) between Maespoeth Junction and Corris.
The EKT system allows for safe working on a single line.
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Filing the dogs for a precise fit
The department has also completed installing new interlocking for the lever frame, the dogs for which were made in-house by Phil Scott.
It has carried out final adjustments and testing.
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In this short video, Corris Railway’s head of signalling and telegraph Samuel Knappett shows how the lever frame works with the new interlocking dogs in place.
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The Railway is also working on a ten-year overhaul of locomotive no.7, which is a replica of the Talyllyn Railway’s Kerr Stuart “Tattoo” class locomotive No. 4 Edward Thomas.
The work being carried out in Corris Railway’s engine shed.
In the carriage shed, work continues on painting coach No. 24.
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Some S&T items have been expertly made in-house
Corris Railway is a narrow gauge heritage railway based in Corris on the border between Gwynedd and Powys in Mid-Wales.
The line first opened in 1859 as a horse tramway, connecting the slate quarries to the quays on the River Dyfi at Morben and Derwenlas.
Steam locomotives started running when the line was rebuilt In 1878.
Great Western Railway took over the line, and operated it until it closed in 1948.
Enthusiasts set up a preservation society for the line in 1966.
They began by opening a museum at Corris.
The society opened a section of line between Corris and Maespoeth in 2002 and operates passenger services as a tourist attraction.
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9th January, 2025
Standard Class 4 No. 80097
The Bury Standard 4 Group, which is restoring British Railways Standard Class 4 2-6-4 tank engine No. 80097 and Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46428, has issued its latest progress report.
The most recent work on bringing 80097 back into service has concentrated on the provision of satisfactory safety valves and the regulator valve.
After a tremendous struggle, the front tubeplate has been removed from the boiler.
The problem was that where the tubeplate meets the inside of the barrel a thin bead of weld had been run in, which was a common occurrence on BR engines towards the end of steam.
To provide more room for access a section of the tubeplate was cut out.
Work progresses on Bury based steam locomotives 80097 and 46428
Standard Class 4 No. 80097
The Bury Standard 4 Group, which is restoring British Railways Standard Class 4 2-6-4 tank engine No. 80097 and Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46428, has issued its latest progress report.
Standard Class 4 No. 80097
80097 was withdrawn from service in October 2022 after it failed with a blown large boiler tube.The most recent work on bringing 80097 back into service has concentrated on the provision of satisfactory safety valves and the regulator valve.
Ivatt Class 2 2-6-0 No. 46428
Following last October’s update on progress with restoring 46428, the latest work has concentrated on the boiler.After a tremendous struggle, the front tubeplate has been removed from the boiler.
The problem was that where the tubeplate meets the inside of the barrel a thin bead of weld had been run in, which was a common occurrence on BR engines towards the end of steam.
To provide more room for access a section of the tubeplate was cut out.
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The removed tubeplate
The next stage is to invert the boiler and move it inside workshop.
Now that the tube plate has been removed a start has been made on cleaning up the inside of the boiler barrel.
The group has concerns about the condition of the barrel, and non-destructive testing (NDT) couldn’t provide a clear picture due to debris interfering with the detection equipment.
It was initially thought a ‘D’ repair would be required, but after being cleaned it appears to be alright, although the Insurance inspector will make the final decision.
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The removed ‘J’ pipe
The ‘J’ pipe that takes the saturated steam from the take-off in the steam dome to the inlet of the superheater header has been removed for cleaning and storage.
A start has been made on the restoration of the reverser cross beam.
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Friday 10 Jan 2025
Conwy Valley January 2025
The Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and North Llanrwst is set to reopen tomorrow morning (Saturday 11 January) following work to repair damage caused by adverse weather.
Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and North Llanrwst to reopen this Saturday after weather damage
Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Wales & BordersConwy Valley January 2025
The Conwy Valley line between Llandudno and North Llanrwst is set to reopen tomorrow morning (Saturday 11 January) following work to repair damage caused by adverse weather.
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Conwy Valley January 2025
Engineers continue to work around the clock to reopen the rest of the line – from North Llanrwst to Blaenau Ffestiniog – where repairs are being carried out on a damaged bridge between Llanrwst and Betws-y-coed.
The line has been shut since New Year’s Eve, with engineers working to repair damage to the track, level crossings and bridges.
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Conwy Valley January 2025
They have removed a tree and repaired four major washout sites, where the ballast (track stone) was washed away, over a 2.5-mile section of track between North Llanrwst and Tal-y-Cafn stations.
They also had to install new ballast at dozens of smaller washout sites, as well as repairing multiple level crossings and two bridges south of Llanrwst station.
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Conwy Valley January 2025
Rachel Heath, Network Rail Wales & Borders operations director, said: “There is a history of weather damage on the Conwy Valley line, with the line itself being built on a floodplain and exposed to the worst of the elements.
“Network Rail has, in recent years, repaired the worst-hit areas of the line and made them resilient by installing rock armour – but resilience is not about being resistant.
“Unfortunately, there will be times where we must close the railway to carry out repairs – however, the extensive work carried out in 2019 and 2020 means the railway is now able to recover quicker than previously when suffering weather-related damage.
“We apologise for the disruption and thank customers for their patience and understanding while our teams work around the clock to get the line open again.”
With cold weather likely to continue overnight, customers are advised to check before they travel via the Transport for Wales journey planner at TfW's journey planner or National Rail Enquiries.
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