Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Tonight's card........
Your 2024 breakout star of the year, ‘The Brilliance’ James Ellis will be in action THIS SATURDAY when we return for our first show of the year for HOODIE WEATHER 2!

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18th January, 2025

Swanage Railway launches £20,000 appeal to restore ‘push pull’ set​

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4TC set No. 409 at Wareham in 1980


The Swanage Railway has launched an appeal to raise £20,000 to complete the restoration of a historic TC carriage so that a 1960s British Rail ‘push-pull’ diesel train can once again run on the line from Swanage.

TC ‘push-pull’ diesel trains were a familiar sight between Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and Weymouth from the end of mainline steam until electric trains started operating on the route in May 1988, when they were coupled to the electric trains until electrification was extended to Weymouth.
 
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4TC DTSO 76275 with volunteers Dan Bennett (L) James Cox (R)


In 2017 a 4TC Group was formed by the Swanage Railway Trust formed in 2017, The group is currently restoring Driving Trailer Second Open No. 76322 and Trailer Brake Second Corridor No. 70824, and the £20,000 appeal has been launched to enable the restoration of a third TC carriage, Driving Trailer Second Open No. 76275.

That used to run in British Rail 4TC carriage set No. 404, and the aim is to recreate a 3TC ‘push-pull’ train to run on the Swanage Railway by early 2026.

Although it will cost £70,000 to restore the coach, a gift from a generous benefactor means that just a further £20,000 needs to be raised from the public, as donations will be matched by the Swanage Railway Trust.

TC carriages were converted from 1950s British Railways Mk.1 carriages at British Rail’s York carriage works in 1966.
 
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Interior of 4TC DTSO 76275

The interiors were refurbished with grey and blue laminate panelling replacing wood, improved lighting, electric heating and new seating fabric in a blue and green check pattern that became known as ‘Bournemouth Blue’.

They operated in sets of three (3TC set) or four (4TC set) carriages, pulled or pushed by Class 33 diesel-electric locomotives.

The sets had a driving cab at each end and ran from London Waterloo via Corfe Castle to Swanage between 1967 and 1969.

There was also a 4TC carriage set run to Swanage in September 1971, three months before the controversial closure of the branch line from Wareham.

In 2018, a ‘4TC’ set of carriages that had been restored by the London Transport Museum visited the line as part of its Diesel Gala and Beer Festival.
 
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4TC DTSO 76275


The restoration of a TC set along with a unique Victorian T3 steam locomotive will allow the Swanage Railway to tell the fascinating story of the Swanage branch line from its earliest beginnings to the advent of preservation.

“The tireless work of our 4TC Group’s dedicated volunteers in restoring a unique TC ‘push-pull’ train that operated on the main line through south Dorset, from the 1960s to the 1980s, is an important part of the Trust’s work to educate the public through living history. With the Swanage Railway Trust having restored a unique Victorian T3 steam locomotive from the 1890s, the restoration of a 1960s TC ‘push-pull’ train will enable the Swanage Railway to tell the fascinating story of the optimistic start and the sad end of the branch line from Wareham to Corfe Castle and Swanage.”

Frank Roberts, Swanage Railway Trust chair
 
18th January, 2025

North Yorkshire Moors Railway to welcome steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas​

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The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that 45596 Bahamas will be visiting them in April 2025.

The Jubilee loco, which will come to the NYMR off the back of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, will haul trains between the 5th and 13th April 2025.

These will be standard services, allowing the public to have a ride behind the BR green locomotive.

This is the third visitor confirmed for the 2025 season, following on from the NER Autocar’s visit in February and 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley’s visit in March.
 
231006, which had been delayed with technical issues, eventually got us back home.

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British Rail Class 231 is a class of eleven diesel-electric multiple units of the FLIRT family, which have been built for Transport for Wales by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail. The first units entered service on 18 January 2023.
 
Danny Jones was commentating the match and Nino Bryant wins against Wild Boar, he then drops the mic. and dives into the ring and pile drives Nino into the mat and steals the Champoions belt.
All hell breaks loose then! :lol:
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ATTACK! Hoodie Weather 2 Results​

ATTACK! 24:7 Title Match
Danny Jones defeats ELIJAH (c) - TITLE CHANGE !!!

ATTACK! 24:7 Title Match
ELIJAH defeats Danny Jones (c) - TITLE CHANGE !!!

Scramble Match
James Ellis defeats Daisy Jenkins and Reece Alexios and Tommy Vrill (w/Larry The Caddy)

Singles Match
Kanji defeats Myla Grace

Singles Match
Jay Joshua defeats Emersyn Jayne

ATTACK! Tag Team Title Match
Father And Son Flower (Old Poppa Sunflower & Sonny The Sunflower) (c) defeat Rising Tide (Leon Cage & Shane Hook)

ATTACK! Title Match
Nino Bryant (c) defeats Wild Boar
All workers
Daisy Jenkins, Danny Jones, ELIJAH, Emersyn Jayne, Father And Son Flower, James Ellis, Jay Joshua, Kanji, Larry The Caddy, Leon Cage, Myla Grace, Nino Bryant, Old Poppa Sunflower, Reece Alexios, Rising Tide, Shane Hook, Sonny The Sunflower, Tommy Vrill, Wild Boar

Next Competition
Neo has purchased tickets for us to.......

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19th January, 2025

New Trial to Assess Bridge Strikes to be Pioneered in Grantham​

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Harlaxton Bridge following a bridge strike


Remote Monitoring Equipment will be fitted to Harlaxton Bridge on the East Coast Main Line at Grantham.

This Victorian bridge which was built long before road haulage was a viable option, is one of the top five in the country that is frequently hit by lorries hauling containers and trailers.

It was hit eleven times in the space of nine months in 2024, with three of those incidents happening in the space of one week, amounting to delays and repair costs of £600,000 which was footed by the taxpayer.

Today, the bridge now sits right next to a busy road junction where six roads converge and although the bridge has been protected with chevrons, signs and protective beams to warn lorry drivers, the measures seem to fall short of preventing these incidents altogether, which has led to looking at this problem from another angle.
 
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Close up of a lorry wedged at Harlaxton bridge in October 2023


To reduce the impact of travel disruption to the railway that crosses the bridge, £50,000 has been granted to Network Rail to undertake a trial using cameras and sensors.

The equipment will enable Network Rail engineers to survey the bridge in seconds, drastically speeding up the reopening of the line over the bridge after it has been hit by an oversized vehicle.

This will reduce delays and long periods of examination, which currently involve engineers attending the site and checking the structure, which can take a few hours before allowing rail services to resume.

The network of cameras and sensors to be set up on Harlaxton Bridge will significantly expedite this process by providing real-time alerts and access to video footage.

The cameras will offer visual indications following a bridge strike, while the sensors will measure the impact and inspect the structure and alignment of the railway tracks.

If this trial proves successful, other bridges across the country suffering from regular bridge strikes will be fitted with the same system.
 
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How the bridge strike technology works


“We work tirelessly to reduce the needless disruption caused by bridge strikes, which nationally cost the British rail industry about £20m a year in delays, cancellations and repairs.

“While we know we cannot prevent all future incidents, this technology will cut the inspection time after a bridge strike from hours to seconds in many cases.

“This means we can have trains running again much sooner after a bridge strike, providing a boost to the reliability of the railway and saving potentially hundreds of thousands of pounds.

“We will also continue our efforts in other areas of our campaign against bridge strikes, including making proactive visits to haulage companies to encourage lorry drivers to plan routes carefully and check vehicle heights.”

Michael Clegg, Network Rail route engineer
 
20th January, 2025

Progress report of restoration of Swanage Railway Trust 4TC ‘push-pull’ set​

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BR ( BREL York ) Locomotive-hauled Mk.1 Class 438 ( 4TC / 442 / 491 ) 4-Car (E)MU Driving Trailer Standard Open ( DTSO ) Car 76298 ( Originally part of 4-Car set No.415 / 8015 & now part of Set "413", along with TFK 70855, TBSK 70824 & DTSO 76322 ), in a faded 'LT Metropolitan Railway' maroon livery, in Swanwick yard on 17 December 2011


The Swanage Railway Trust has issued an update on the progress to restore its 4TC diesel push-pull set.

Recent work has concentrated on TBSK 70824, where much work has been done on the interior.
 
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One of 70824’s compartments nearing completion


Driving Trailer Standard Open (DTSO) 76322

This is covered with tarpaulins and remains in storage at Harmans Cross, but once work on 70824 nears completion, it will be moved to Swanage for finishing ready for when 76275 returns.

A set of good seats has been obtained, but some will need repairing to complete a full set.

Trailer Brake Standard Corridor (TBSK) 70824
  • Compartment heaters have been refitted and tested, but some heating elements have failed and need to be sent away for repair, costing around £200 for each to be repaired.
  • Heating in the corridor, guard’s office, and toilet have been tested.
  • New linoleum has been laid throughout.
  • Compartments have been fitted out with seat frames and seating.
  • New GRP under-window panels have been made and fitted in all compartments.
  • Fitting out of the toilet has started and the sink has been refitted.
  • Work has started on the interior panelling, but some new parts need to be made.
 
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76275 showing window frames separating from the body


DTSO 76275

76275 will soon be going away for a full interior and exterior restoration, including welding repairs to corrosion, repairing the floors, and overhauling the bogies. It will be repainted in a fresh coat of blue/grey to match the rest of the 3TC.
 
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Water damage inside 76275


Trailer First Corridor (TFK) 70855

This is in store at Harmans Cross awaiting funds for its restoration, and has recently been fitted with replacement tarpaulins.


4BIG Buffet Coach 69322

This is in store at Harmans Cross awaiting funds for its restoration.


DTSOs 76298, 76301 & 76302

These are stored at Harmans Cross, and replacement tarpaulins have been fitted to 76298.

Once the 4TC set has been restored, it will be the second such set to become operational, following one restored by the London Transport Museum, which has already visited the Swanage Railway.
 
20th January, 2025

£238,000 grant awarded to Stockton and Darlington Railway

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Locomotion No.1 Replica in Steam


In its two hundredth year, the Stockton & Darlington Railway has won Lottery funding to help secure its future.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded the grant of £238,000 to the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

The money will enable the Friends will to build on the bicentenary celebrations.

Three local authorities – Durham County Council, Darlington Borough Council and Stockton Borough Council – will support the Railway’s work in maintaining the 26-mile-long heritage line.

The Stockton & Darlington Railway was the site of the first locomotive-hauled passenger train journey, in 1875.

Steam train Locomotion no.1 carried more than four hundred passengers a distance of 26 miles.

This year, celebrations are taking place all over the country and beyond to mark this historic event.
 
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Locomotion No1 at Locomotion Shildon


Over the last decade, volunteers have been working hard to maintain the Stockton & Darlington line and to compile research about its historical importance.

The Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway plan to spend the grant money on:
  • commissioning a conservation management plan: this will help to conserve unique heritage features, protect wildlife habitats and ensure access to sites along the line
  • developing a business and fundraising plan to ensure the Charity’s work in the long term
  • recruiting and supporting the volunteers who look after the line
  • recruiting of dedicated business development officer to support volunteers and staff, helping to develop the charity’s capacity for taking on guardianship of the line.
“We are delighted by the support of the Heritage Fund and our good friends and partners at Durham, Darlington and Stockton Councils together with Historic England, which will allow us to build on a decade of voluntary and professional work.

“The internationally significant heritage of the S&DR is something the people of North-East England are immensely proud of, and with this grant we can develop a fantastic partnership of volunteers, community and professionals to both safeguard its future and provide socio-economic and education benefits.”

Niall Hammond, Chair of the Friends of the Stockton & Darlington Railway
 
20th January, 2025


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"Small Talk Saves Lives" - Train Manager shares powerful story of intervention

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Brew Monday


While a new year can mean a new start, it can also be a very challenging time for many facing struggles

With the additional pressure and mental health struggles, the Samaritans campaign to make the third Monday of January “brew Monday”, a day where people are encouraged to get talking over a cuppa.

At Transport for Wales, we’re supporting campaigns including Small Talk Saves Lives and Brew Monday to get people talking.

One train manager who has experienced plenty of experience in making interventions is Cardiff based Lydia Sheppard.

In the last year she has intervened with three customers facing very difficult situations.

“On two of those occasions it was fairly obvious they were in a lot of distress but on the third it was very much that something didn’t seem right,” said Lydia.

“The lady had just put someone on the train but was stood crying on the platform edge and I just got a feeling it was more than just upset at saying goodbye.”

With just four minutes until the next fast train came through, Lydia requested a line block and contacted British Transport Police who came and helped the lady.

On another occasion a customer had gone onto the line at the end of the platform and Lydia had to speak to her until help arrived.

“The biggest thing is to keep calm and reassure them that they aren’t in trouble even if they hear sirens,” she added.

“If someone is in distress just taking a moment to say ‘hello’ can break that thought pattern they might be having.”

At TfW we work closely with the Samaritans delivering training to colleagues.

Up to and including December 2024 they have delivered the session to 651 colleagues and trusted partners, including BTP and station vendors.

Bethan Hodges from the Samaritans in Wales said: “It can be a really difficult thing to do and to hear the reasons why a person is at crisis point. We are available 24/7 to listen and talk through how they are feeling, and managers can arrange call backs from Samaritans at an agreed time that suits.

“One thing I've noticed from conversations is that people may have made an intervention a while ago and feel that the moment has passed to access support, so I always make a point of saying that the offer of support has no time limit, it is always there for them day or night.

“Samaritans would like to thank staff at Transport for Wales for being there and listening to people in the most difficult moments. You have saved lives and we are so proud of you.”

2718
 
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Tuesday 21 Jan 2025

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Track renewals and vegetation management to affect train journeys in West Wales from this weekend​

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

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Pembroke track renewal March 2024


Passengers in West Wales are being urged to check before they travel later this month and into February when Network Rail will be carrying out essential track renewals, drainage work and vegetation management.

Buses will replace trains between Clarbeston Road and Fishguard Harbour from Saturday 25 January until Sunday 9 February inclusive.

Buses will also replace trains between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock from Saturday 1 February to Friday 14 February inclusive.

Between Clarbeston Road and Fishguard Harbour, Network Rail engineers will be carrying out a programme of safety-critical vegetation management.

Teams will be removing potentially hazardous trees and vegetation, including diseased, dead, or dying trees.

At Spittal Tunnel (near Rosedown cemetery), the road will be closed from Monday 27 January to Friday 31 January, between 9.30am-3.30pm each day, to allow teams to safely remove trees directly above the bridge.

Engineers will also be renewing the track at Trellewelyn near Fishguard.

A replacement bus service will run between Fishguard Harbour and Haverfordwest via Fishguard & Goodwick, and between Fishguard Harbour and Carmarthen calling at Clarbeston Road, Clunderwen, and Whitland.

Between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock, engineers will be replacing more than 1,500 yards of track at two locations – Narberth and Pembroke.

At Narberth Tunnel, they will replace 977 yards of track and 600 yards of drainage, replacing 1,400 sleepers and 3,900 tonnes of ballast (track stone).

At Pembroke Tunnel, they will replace 582 yards of track and 600 yards of drainage, replacing 815 sleepers and 2,500 tonnes of ballast.

Replacement buses will run between Carmarthen and Pembroke Dock.

A mixture of buses will run, with some calling at all stations while others will make limited stops (Whitland and Tenby only).

Station Road, Manorbier, will be closed from Monday 3 February to Friday 7 February, and again from Monday 10 February to Friday 14 February, between 7am and 4pm.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “During Storm Bert and Storm Darragh at the end of last year, we recovered vast amounts of fallen trees, branches, and other items on the track. Fortunately, there were no injuries to passengers or train drivers, however, there is still more to do.

“Our number one priority is the safety of the public, passengers and railway staff, and our work between Clarbeston Road and Fishguard Harbour will help to make the railway safer.

“We are also working really hard to improve train service punctuality and the essential track renewals in Pembrokeshire are 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.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel via the Transport for Wales journey planner at TfW's journey planner or National Rail Enquiries.
 
21st January, 2025

Railway Children carriage set for Gala appearance in Cumbria​

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The carriage behind 52044 at the KWVR


The Stainmore Railway Company at Kirkby Stephen East has announced that they will be welcoming NER No. 1661 – better known as The Old Gentleman’s Saloon.

The carriage was built in 1871 but has been in preservation for a number years and famously made an appearance in The Railway Children.

It is believed to be the sole surviving operational passenger vehicle that was built by the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

The visit is thanks to owner Chris Lawson and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
 
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It is intended that the coach will run with 818, allowing visitors to see two clerestory vehicles operating together – along with 3 visiting locomotives.

The gala will take place between the 23rd and 25th August 2025.
 
22nd January, 2025

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Coryton and Lower Rhymney railway lines electrified as part of Metro

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TFW - OLE


Transport for Wales (TfW) is another step closer to delivering the next phase of the South Wales Metro as it prepares to electrify the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines in the coming weeks.

As part of the Metro project, which will deliver 170km of electrified track, 116km is already completed and ‘live’.

With the upcoming electrification of the Coryton and lower Rhymney lines (from Caerphilly to Cardiff Queen Street), the total will rise to 155km.

Electrifying these lines will enable TfW to introduce new tri-mode trains on the Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth routes, from Spring 2025.

As TfW continue to electrify more of the railway in South Wales, they’re urging the public to be aware of the safety risks, highlighted by TfW’s No Second Chances safety campaign.

Trespassing on the railway is illegal, and doing so when the railway is electrified carries a higher risk of serious injury or death.

If you see any suspicious behaviour on the tracks; contact the British Transport Police:


Testing the Overhead Line Equipment

From Friday 31 January to Sunday 02 February, no rail services will run on the Coryton, Rhymney and Cardiff Bay lines.

These rail closures will allow TfW to test the Overhead Line Equipment that will power the brand-new electric trains.

To ensure the safety of the public, several footbridges, level crossings and road bridges that cross the Coryton and lower Rhymney railway lines will be closed on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 February.

More information on these closures can be found on TfW’s website - Coryton and Rhymney line transformation | Transport for Wales

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

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22nd January, 2025

Luxury Blue Pullman HST to pass through Bedfordshire this Friday​

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The Midland Pullman HST will pass through Bedfordshire this way, on its way to Scotland.

The HST will depart from St Albans City at 07:04 and will pass through Luton (07:14), Bedford (07:44), Wellingborough (07:57), Kettering (08:06), Leicester (08:30), Loughborough (08:43), East Midlands Parkway (08:55), Derby (09:14), Belper (09:23), Chesterfield (09:40), York (10:46), Darlington (11:44), Newcastle (12:12), Berwick-upon-Tweed (13:04), Edinburgh (14:15), Polmont (14:45), Maryhill (15:21), Helensburgh Upper (16:10), Garelochhead (16:25), Arrochar and Tarbet (17:00), Ardlui (17:15), Crianlarich (17:33), Rannoch (18:26), Tulloch (19:15) and Fort William at 20:39.
 
22nd January, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We enjoyed ourselves with a few drinks in 'The Great Western', apparently we only just missed the owner of Wetherspoons, Tim Martin, who had visited a few of his pub venues in Cardiff.

We also had a lovely meal in 'McDonalds'. :lol:

Cleo bought some bread pudding, which weighed a ton!

And I bought some railway wagons for Ethnon Rail.

The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 263, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWL
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