Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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More recently, the locomotive has taken on a loaded test run of 8 empty WHR saloons, where the locomotive proved the master of the winter railway, with no sanding required on the 1-in-40 grades.

The loaded test run was also proving that the locomotive’s newly completed spark arrestor worked fine.

Higher loads and more gauging runs will be completed during the spring when operational restrictions allow.
 
11th February, 2025

DB Cargo UK moves from road/rail to road vehicles to improve breakdown response​

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DB Cargo UK's new fleet of road recovery vehicles


DB Cargo UK has improved its ability to respond to breakdown and recovery operations with a fleet of ten new Iveco 7-tonne vans that will carry heavy-lifting and other recovery equipment.

The new Iveco vans will replace the company’s ageing fleet of Bruff road/rail vehicles that have been out of service since 2023 when ten other Iveco vans were obtained.
 
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DB Cargo UK’s new fleet of road recovery vehicles


They will be deployed throughout the UK and have been specially adapted so that DB Cargo’s recovery teams will be able to access the remotest parts of the UK rail network.

As the leading provider of breakdown and recovery services to the UK rail industry, every year DB Cargo UK responds to more than 140 incidents.

These range from minor derailments to major accidents, and provide a rapid and effective recovery service to ensure the UK s railway network is kept moving.

Emergency teams are based at DB Cargo UK depots in Toton in the East Midlands, Wigan in Lancashire, Millerhill in Scotland, Newport in South Wales and Hoo Junction in London, and operate 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.
 
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DB Cargo UK Class 66


The new vans will provide DB Cargo UK breakdown and recovery operation with a greater agility and ensure a speedier response to incidents.

Bruff road/rail vehicles were custom built for the company in 1999, but they needed be be placed on railway lines to respond to incidents, which greatly reduced their usefulness and they will now be disposed of.

Also, equipment used to recover locomotives and wagons is now more compact and mobile, making it easier to transport and well within the capability of what the new vans can deliver on a day-to-day basis.

Several years ago, DB Cargo UK donated a Breakdown and Recovery truck that can run on road and rail to the National College for High-Speed Rail for use in engineering courses at the college.
 
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DB Cargo Class 66 on the Bootle branch line


This is a significant investment we re making in our breakdown and recovery service which plays a pivotal role when things go wrong on the rail network. As well as recently expanding the number of depots we operate out of, over the past two years we have also invested more than 2 million in new welfare vans and lifting equipment to improve our overall response to incidents. Our teams work is both physically and mentally demanding and is often undertaken in challenging environments and harsh weather conditions. We've worked hard to ensure they have everything they need when out on site, which can sometimes be for weeks at a time, he added.

Sean Coulby, DB Cargo UK Breakdown and Recovery Manager
 
11th February, 2025

Class 108 DMU set for The Greatest Gathering appearance​

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Class 108 DMCL (Driving Motor Composite Lavatory) No. E 52064, with E 59250 and M 51941, in BR green livery, at Kidderminster station during Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Gala on 20th April 2024


In another announcement ahead of The Greatest Gathering, a Class 108 DMU is set to appear at the event for all three days.

The Class 108 DMU is visiting thanks to the Severn Valley Railway and is subject to operational requirements.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
11th February, 2025

Unexpected problems found while overhauling boiler for steam locomotive No. 76077​

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Standard Class 4 2-6-0 No. 76077


Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited has issued an update on the progress in overhauling the boiler of Standard Class 4 2-6-0 No. 76077.

Among the latest findings are the boiler contains lamination in the steel platework, additional repair work is required to ensure its long-term life.

However, a Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) examination revealed unexpected problems.
 
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Boiler of 76077 inverted and ready to be lowered to the ground


The boiler is being overhauled by Leaky Finders Ltd. in Devon.

After arrival, work started on removal of the front tube plate, which is to be replaced, with the front parallel ring of the barrel also due to be replaced.

To enable the ring to be removed, the boiler need to be inverted.

Most of the foundation ring rivets were removed, and part of the corroded firebox throat plate cut out.

A Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) examination of the boiler revealed that there were laminations present that could cause problems in places that need welding, such as when carrying out patch repairs.

Laminations occur when impurities such as small deposits of slag can end up as linear pockets within the steel when it is being rolled.
 
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Cross-section of a piece of firebox steel showing one of the laminations


Also identified during the Non-Destructive Testing were many of the original Monel metal stays in the upper part of the firebox were broken or flawed and needed replacing, as well as a few rows of crown stays due to excessive wastage of their heads in the firebox.

In January, Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited chairman Chris Irving, and its engineering director Andrew Meredith met the NDT specialists and the boiler inspector at Leaky Finders to agree a way forward.

They agreed that while the lamination issues are not by themselves a show-stopper, work needed to return the boiler to working order will be much more extensive than Toddington Standard Locomotive Limited Leaky Finders originally thought.

Although the laminations by themselves are not a major issue, since the boiler performed perfectly well throughout its BR career, they become a significant problem when patches need to be welded in to replace corroded material.
 
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76077 being overhauled at Locomotive Maintenance Services


Cracks can form when welding is carried out near a lamination, which results in weakening of the metal.

Unfortunately, when the boiler was built at Darlington in 1952, the quality of the steel was sometimes poor, and at that time, the technology needed to identify any laminations was not available.

Discovery of the laminations means that much more of the firebox steelwork will have to be removed than originally planned, which also means that over 400 perfectly serviceable copper stays will need to be sacrificed.

Once the overhaul of 76077 has been completed, it will be coupled to a new BR2A tender which is the type that it was coupled to before withdrawal by British Railways.
 
12th February

Pride Pendolino set for Greatest Gathering appearance​

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Avanti West Coast are to send their Pride Pendolino No. 390119 to The Greatest Gathering.

The appearance of 390119 is subject to operational requirements but should be on display all three days.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
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12th February, 2025

Class 47 locomotive set to visit The Greatest Gathering​

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West Coast Railway 47826 Class 47 Brush/Sulzer Co-Co


Another announcement for The Greatest Gathering and this time it is diesel, a Class 47 from Carnforth.

The Class 47 appears subject to operational requirements and is visiting thanks to West Coast Railways Co.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.


The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.
The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
12th February, 2025

Digital signalling test completed by Class 717 train​

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ETCS test


Govia Thameslink Railway and Siemens have completed the upgrade of one of its Class 717 trains to include digital signalling.

717020, which operates with Great Northern, ran for the first time on the Northern City Line between Moorgate on ETCS Baseline 3, Release 2.

No issues were reported in the empty stock trial and should see all 25 Class 717 trains upgrade in the next few months.


All services currently use digital signalling on the Northern City Line and it is planned that physical signals will be removed in May.

The East Coast Digital Programme will eventually bring huge benefits to GTR and passengers, with a more reliable, more sustainable railway, lower emissions, and even better safety for passengers.

“Working with our industry colleagues, we’ve been spearheading the introduction of ETCS and now every one of our Class 717 trains is operating in passenger service using the system on the Northern City Line.

GTR’s Head of ERTMS Oly Turner
 
12th February, 2025

Luxury train to visit Bath this Thursday​

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DB 67024 passes Brookwood with it's new headlights working 5Z25 on January 31, 2025


The Belmond British Pullman is running this Thursday, 13th February, and is heading to Bath.

A Class 67 will haul the train and will depart London Victoria at 09:47 and will pass through Herne Hill (09:59), Wimbledon (10:16), Woking (10:36), Basingstoke (11:09), Salisbury (11:50), Westbury (12:20) and Bath Spa at 13:03.

After time in Bath, the train will depart at 15:56 and will head back to London via Westbury (16:20), Salisbury (17:07), Chertsey (18:25), Clapham Junction (19:23) and London Victoria at 19:46.
 
12th February, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

For our first trip into Cardiff since our return, we thought we'd take things a little easier.

The weather was cold, but at least it was dry.

After arriving in Cardiff Centre we started of in 'The Great Western' and I had a couple of pints of my beloved 'Ruddles', Cleo was being good and had a cup of tea.

We then went shopping at TK Maxx and Primark.

Cleo bought a vase, artificial flowers, a geometric ornament and a ceramic pineapple which has a pineapple scented candle in it.

She has a new vision of how she wants to re-decorate the house.

After her little shopping spree, we headed back to 'The Great Western' and had something to eat.

This time I had two pints of 'Abbotts', at £1.79 a pint you can't go wrong. :toast:

The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 549, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 EYV
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13th February, 2025

Steam locomotive 45212 to visit Yorkshire this Saturday​

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LMS Black 5 45212


LMS Black 5 No. 45212 is set to visit Yorkshire this Saturday (15th February 2025) as part of The Valentines White Rose.

Departing London Kings Cross at 07:38, the train will pass through Harringay (07:52), Gordon Hill (08:01), Stevenage (08:25), Huntingdon (09:00), Peterborough (09:37), Newark Northgate (10:41), Retford (11:26), Doncaster (12:33) and York at 13:12.

After time in York, the train will depart at 16:30 and will pass through Doncaster (17:10), Saxilby (18:00), Lincoln Central (18:37), Spalding (19:19) and Peterborough at 19:43.

Here, 45212 is replaced by a diesel locomotive, and the train will head back to London Kings Cross via Huntingdon (20:53), Stevenage (21:25), Potters Bar (21:48) and London Kings Cross at 22:07.
 
13th February, 2025

Class 50 locomotive set for Greatest Gathering appearance​

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50033 Glorious


Class 50 No. 50033 Glorious has been confirmed as the next attendee for The Greatest Gathering.

The locomotive appears thanks to The Class 50 Alliance and is subject to operational requirements.

50033 joins already confirmed 50049 at the event.


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
13th February, 2025

Better rail / bus connections for South Wales town could see three buildings demolished​

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Lower High Street Bus Station links


Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has submitted a planning application to improve Lower High Street in the town.

The proposed development work is part of the Merthyr Tydfil Town Centre Masterplan and aims to improve the connectivity between the town’s rail and bus stations.

The council hopes to create a new transport hub that is more modern and convenient and links directly to the high street, thus enhancing the experience of commuters and visitors.

Merthyr Tydfil station is the northern terminus of the Merthyr branch of the Merthyr Line, which saw more regular train services introduced last year.

Transport for Wales (TfW) operates passenger services to and from the station’s single platform.
 
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A Class 756 electric tri-mode train on the South Wales Metro


The Merthyr Line is one of TfW’s Valley Lines.

It was electrified in 2023 as part of the creation of the South Wales Metro.

The application includes the demolition of three buildings.

Previously, these buildings housed retailers Peacocks, Moniques and Red Cross.

The council has already appointed demolition contractors, who have secured the buildings.

The contractors have created a safe working zone around the buildings, ready to start the work if and when the planning application is approved.

National Grid is currently working at the site, relocating its sub-station.
 
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A Class 756 electric tri-mode train on the South Wales Metro


The council hopes that, if planning approval is granted, its contractor will begin demolishing the buildings in the spring.

Once demolition is completed, the area will be made safe and ready for the development work.

“The demolition of the buildings will make way for future redevelopments to the lower high street. It will also create a modern, improved public space, that enhances the connections between the railway station, bus station, and Town Centre.”

Councillor Jamie Scriven, Cabinet Member for Regeneration
 
13th February, 2025

Class 35 locomotive is The Greatest Gathering’s latest announcement​

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D7076 is seen running round light engine at Heywood before working the 1330 service to Rawtenstall during day 2 of the East Lancashire summer diesel gala. Observed on 28th June 2024.


A Class 35 ‘Hymek’ is the latest announcement from the Greatest Gathering team.

Subject to operational commitments, it is expected that D7076 will make the trip to Derby for this special weekend.

The locomotive visits thanks to the East Lancashire Railway and the Bury Hydraulic Group


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.


The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
13th February, 2025

Be among the first to ride behind newly restored steam locomotive​

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Canadian Pacific in preservation.


The Mid Hants Railway in Hampshire, also called Watercress Line, is inviting people to be among the first passengers to be hauled by newly restored Merchant Navy Class steam locomotive Canadian Pacific when it returns to service.

Built in 1941 at Eastleigh where many of the workers working for the Southern Railway were women, Canadian Pacific has been restored to its former glory by the dedicated efforts of expert staff and volunteers at The Watercress Line and generous funding of £1,254,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
 
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Volunteer Brian Carter working on the boiler


On the weekend of Thursday, 20th to Sunday, 23rd March 20 to 23, the glamour of the 1950s golden era of travel can be enjoyed by the first passengers experiencing nostalgic rides on The Watercress Line hauled by Canadian Pacific after its return to service.

In a monumental 14-year project, The Watercress Line’s skilled volunteers spent over 10,000 hours restoring Canadian Pacific and two Bulleid carriages, 4211 and 1456.

During its restoration, Canadian Pacific underwent saw a complete overhaul, including the reconstruction of its boiler, frame repairs, and meticulous restoration of intricate mechanical components.

Among the milestones reached during its restoration was in 2017 when its frame and driving wheels were reunited, and in 2019 when Canadian Pacific’s bogie and trailing truck were reunited with the frame to form a 4-6-2 rolling chassis.
 
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Volunteer Adam Meredith painting the cylinder lining


Canadian Pacific will now take its place in the Railway 200 campaign celebrating 200 years of railway travel in the UK.

Further details about the weekend and information about booking tickets for the heritage train journeys are online at https://watercressline.co.uk/special-days/canadian-pacific-launch

Among the volunteers working on Canadian Pacific was Steve Wilson, whose parents both worked at Eastleigh Works.

His father was a blacksmith before the war, and was captured by the Japanese and put to work as a POW on the Burma Railway.

During the war, Steve’s mother worked as a machinist on a capstan lathe, and may well have made studs that are still in Canadian Pacific’s frames today.

Steve was taken to an Eastleigh Works open day in the early 1950s when he was about five years of age, and he was hooked.

He agrees that seeing it return to steam is a dream come true for everyone who has been part of the team.

It’s a true labour of love, and he can’t wait for the public to experience the magic of Canadian Pacific once again.
 
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Volunteer Lucas Bell painting Canadian Pacific’s nameplate


“This fantastic restoration of the historic locomotive Canadian Pacific is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our partners. Canadian Pacific is not just a locomotive; she represents the rich heritage of British engineering and the enduring spirit of our railway community. Over the past decade, the commitment from our volunteers has been nothing short of extraordinary. This project not only breathes new life into a historic locomotive but also helps us inspire future generations to appreciate and preserve our railway heritage.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line
 
13th February, 2025

Northern Class 331 set for Derby open day​

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Northern Class 331 at Shipley


Another announcement from the Greatest Gathering team and this time we are heading to the modern day.

Northern are to send a Class 331 Electric Multiple Unit to the Derby open day, subject to operational requirements.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.


The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
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14th February, 2025
Gold Class 66 locomotive set for Greatest Gathering appearance
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Drax 50th anniversary celebrity locomotive class 66 66301 seen at Drax painted in Gold livery with 50 years decals applied to celebrate 50 years of Drax Power Station operation. Seen here on August 17, 2024


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The latest announcement is a GB Railfreight Class 66 and an IIA-D Biomass Hopper.

It is expected that the locomotive will be ‘gold’ No. 66301 and the gold livery 50th Anniversary IIA-D wagon.


The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.
The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
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14th February, 2025

Progress report on overhaul of Southern Railway steam locomotive​

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30541 at Sheffield Park in 2017


The Bluebell Railway has issued an update on the progress to overhaul Southern Railway Q Class 0-6-0 No. 541 formerly British Railways No. 30541.

Since the last progress report was issued in December, a major milestone was reached last week when the 4253 Locomotive Company, based at Rolvenden Locomotive Works in Kent, completed the construction of a new tender tank.

The new tank includes parts that could be salvaged from 541’s old tender, and after final snagging items have been cleared, the new tender tank will be transported to the Bluebell Railway at Sheffield Park later this month.
 
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Fitting a door bar to 541’s new tender tank


At Sheffield Park, work is continuing on the tender’s chassis, and the first coats of paint are being applied.

A new pressing that was required to complete work on the front dragbox has been sourced, and sections of 541’s boiler cladding that are present at Sheffield Park are being cleaned and primed.

Leaky Finders in Devon has started fitting patch screws to the lap joints between a new outer wrapper and the existing backhead of the firebox.

New stay holes have all been reamed and de-burred in preparation for them to be tapped.

The new stays are being manufactured by Leaky Finders and are being fitted as necessary along the new plate work.
 
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Patch screws being fitted to the firebox


Work on 541’s chassis has concentrated on tidying up some minor items in preparation for the optical alignment work, which is now well advanced.

Optical alignment is being carried out so that measurements can be taken and the whole chassis aligned before work starts on inserting the frame.
 
14th February, 2025

‘4VEP’ set for Greatest Gathering appearance​

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3417 (4 VEP) 'Gordon Pettitt'


Its another announcement from the team at The Greatest Gathering!

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The latest announcement is 4VEP EMU No. 3417 and appears courtesy of the Bluebell Railway


The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.
The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
  • 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
14th February, 2025

Three Deltic locomotives are heading to The Greatest Gathering!​

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BR Class 55 (Deltic) 55009 (D9009) 'Alycidon' on July 13, 2024. Owned by the Deltic Preservation Society. Each Deltic was named after either a famous regiment or a racehorse


The team at the Greatest Gathering has made a big announcement ahead of August’s open day.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The latest announcement is that 3 Deltic locomotives are heading to Derby for the three day event.


The locos, subject to operational requirements, are 55009 “Alycidon”, D9015 “Tulyar” and 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier”

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
  • Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
  • Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
  • Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
  • 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
 
14th February, 2025

Change of steam locomotive for East Lancashire Railway gala​

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Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 No 45407 "The Lancashire Fusilier" (Former LMS No 5407) in British Railways Black Livery at St Georges, Cardiff on 21 April 2024


The East Lancashire Railway has announced a change of locomotive for its upcoming Legends of Steam Gala.

Originally, it was planned that LMS Black 5 No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier would be running at the event, but now, LMS Black 5 No. 44871 will be running instead.

44871 appears thanks to Riley and Son Ltd.


Of course, 44871 was made famous when it hauled part of the Fifteen Guinea Special in 1968 but is now mainly seen on the mainline, hauling tours and the ever popular Jacobite in Scotland.

44871 will be running alongside 60163 Tornado, 34081 92 Squadron and 34092 City of Wells.
 
14th February, 2025

Network Rail fined £3.75m after South Wales deaths​

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The railway at Margam


Network Rail has been sentenced and fined after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The sentencing followed an investigation and prosecution by the Office of Rail and Road.

Michael Lewis, Gareth Delbridge and a third track worker were working on the track at Margam in Wales on the 3rd July 2019.


A passenger train, travelling from Swansea to London Paddington, struck both Michael and Gareth, causing both of them fatal injuries.

The third track worker was narrowly missed by the train.

The trio was carrying out work without a site or distant lookout to warn them of approaching trains.


The investigation found systematic and wide-ranging safety failures by Network Rail, which the ORR says were similar to inspections in 2018 and 2019.

Since the accident at Margam, there has been a change in the way track workers are kept safe, with Network Rail almost fully ending red zone working, where lines remain live during track work.

However, track work incidents have since happened, with fatalities near Roade in 2020 and Subiton in 2021.


The sentencing means that Network Rail was fined £3.75m and was ordered to pay £175,000 in costs.


“Our thoughts continue to be with the family, friends and colleagues of Michael Lewis and Gareth Delbridge. I am deeply sorry for their loss. The Court has imposed a fine of £3.75m which reflects the nature and gravity of Network Rail’s failings"

Richard Hines. HM Chief Inspector of Railways


“We know that the tragic deaths of our colleagues, Gareth Delbridge and Michael ‘Spike’ Lewis, should never have happened on our railway and that has been reflected by today’s judgment.

“Over the last five years I have met regularly with Gareth and Spike’s families and our thoughts remain with them, and all those friends and colleagues who have been impacted by their deaths.

“Since this tragedy, we have continued to transform the safety of our workforce through the development of new technology and planning tools, which have almost entirely eliminated the need to work on the railway when trains are running.

“Today’s judgment reinforces why safety must always be our first consideration, and we will continue to do all we can to make our railways the safest they can be.”

Nick Millington, Route Director, Network Rail Wales & Borders
 
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14th February, 2025

Valentine’s Day Love Hearts celebrates tourism​

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Smeatons Tower, Plymouth, with GWR's gigantic Love Heart


Great Western Railway hand-delivered the giant six-foot sweets to four attractions across its network, with a personal message of love for each.

As well as Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth, the massive treats were also sent to the SS Great Britain in Bristol, Cardiff Castle and Oxford Castle and Prison.

Each Love Heart was specially made for the occasion and carried a unique Valentine’s Day message for the four separate locations.


The Plymouth confectionary carried the slogan “You Shine”, reflecting Smeaton’s Tower’s history as a lighthouse, whilst in Bristol, Brunel’s ship received the message ‘Steamy’.

Cardiff’s castle woke up to an enormous Love Heart proclaiming ‘For Keeps’ and in Oxford the sweet bore the message ‘Heart Stealer’.
 
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GWR’s Love Heart at Oxford Castle & Prison


Each gift was accompanied by an anonymous letter to the region’s tourist industry, from secret admirer, which turned out to be GWR.

The love letter rhapsodised about what makes the South West and Wales such a draw for tourists.

You are breathtakingly beautiful. Your rolling hills, golden beaches, wild moors, and ancient towns and cities stir hearts and minds.

Part of GWR’s letter to the four attractions​
It also celebrated how important the tourist industry is for the region.

But it’s not just your beauty that has us smitten – it’s what you do. You are the beating heart of tourism and leisure, where visitors come to escape and explore the extraordinary. You create jobs, fuel local businesses and unite communities – you make this region irresistible.

More from GWR’s love letter to the four tourist attractions​
GWR carried 55 million leisure travellers across the South West and Wales in 2024.


As well as the four attractions being celebrated on Valentine’s Day, the operator carries visitors to the Cotswolds, Bath and the Cornish coast.

A forthcoming advertising campaign featuring the Famous Five and spanning primetime television, radio and cinema is set to be launched on GWR’s social media using the handle @gwruk.


We are excited to see visitors to the British landmarks sharing photos with the iconic Love Hearts and their fun messages. Love Hearts have been made in the UK for over 70 years and they remain the perfect way to ‘Share the Love’.

Sarah-Louise Heslop, Head of Marketing for Swizzels
 
Friday 14 Feb 2025

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Network Rail responds to sentencing at Swansea Crown Court​

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

Following the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court today for a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act etc 1974, relating to the incident at Margam, Port Talbot on 3 July 2019 where colleagues Gareth Delbridge and Michael ‘Spike’ Lewis tragically lost their lives, Network Rail has issued the following statement.

Nick Millington, Route Director, Network Rail Wales & Borders, said:

“We know that the tragic deaths of our colleagues, Gareth Delbridge and Michael 'Spike' Lewis, should never have happened on our railway and that has been reflected by today's judgment.

"Over the last five years I have met regularly with Gareth and Spike's families and our thoughts remain with them, and all those friends and colleagues who have been impacted by their deaths.

"Since this tragedy, we have continued to transform the safety of our workforce through the development of new technology and planning tools, which have almost entirely eliminated the need to work on the railway when trains are running.

“Today’s judgment reinforces why safety must always be our first consideration, and we will continue to do all we can to make our railways the safest they can be.”


Background:
  • Safety is Network Rail’s first consideration and significant investment has been made in making the railway the safest it can be
  • When the tragic events happened at Margam, we had already committed £70 million of investment to track worker safety initiatives
  • We then significantly accelerated this work, and established a track worker safety taskforce, bringing all existing initiatives together and introducing a new and comprehensive 3-year programme to fundamentally overhaul working practices across the railway to improve track worker safety
  • This programme, which was focused on removing unassisted lookout working, included a complete review of thousands of maintenance tasks, development of new technology and working systems, such as the creation of an easy-to-navigate system to aid planning and delivery of work on or near the line, as well as enhanced training and safer access for track workers
  • We have invested a total of more than £300 million to deliver an unprecedented level of reform to working practices, which has almost entirely eliminated unassisted lookout working from our railway, significantly reducing the number of near misses for track workers
  • The most recent independent international data shows the UK has the safest railway in the world. During the last year we have achieved the railway’s lowest ever workforce accident rate
  • But the tragedies that occurred at Margam serve as a stark reminder to us all that safety must always be our first consideration, and we are continually looking for ways to make the railway the safest it can be.

​

About Network Rail​

We own, operate and develop Britain's railway infrastructure; that's 20,000 miles of track, 30,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts and the thousands of signals, level crossings and stations. We run 20 of the UK's largest stations while all the others, over 2,500, are run by the country's train operating companies.

Usually, there are almost five million journeys made in the UK and over 600 freight trains run on the network. People depend on Britain's railway for their daily commute, to visit friends and loved ones and to get them home safe every day. Our role is to deliver a safe and reliable railway, so we carefully manage and deliver thousands of projects every year that form part of the multi-billion pound Railway Upgrade Plan, to grow and expand the nation's railway network to respond to the tremendous growth and demand the railway has experienced - a doubling of passenger journeys over the past 20 years.
 
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