Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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The train home was a Class 150 'Sprinter'

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Hymek D7018 on the West Somerset Railway


In addition to D7017, the Quantock Hills and West Somerset coast will reverberate to the “Maybach Music”, the term used by diesel locomotive enthusiasts to describe the distinctive sound of Hymek diesel hydraulic locomotives at work, particularly of its system locomotive, No. D7018.

Fifty years ago, a group of enthusiasts came together to preserve at least one of the Western Region’s Hymek diesel hydraulics.

Calling themselves the ‘Diesel and Electric Group, later becoming the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group, they succeeded in purchasing the two Hymeks, D7017 and D7018.

On the August Bank Holiday weekend, the West Somerset Railway will operate a special timetable.

The sound from the Hymeks will be audible as they haul eight coaches on the climbs to Crowcombe Heathfield and Washford.

On both days, D7017 and D7018 will operate solo and in a double-headed lunchtime pairing, as well as on early morning and evening journeys.

Steam-hauled services will also run over the weekend.

In British Railways days, Hymeks worked over the line to Minehead on summer holiday trains, and one of the class hauled a special five-coach train from Paddington to Minehead used in the filming of The Beatles’ first feature film, A Hard Day’s Night.

On-train scenes were filmed at Crowcombe Heathfield station, including the Fab Four running along the platform, and George and Ringo riding bicycles.

Inevitably, local schoolchildren wanted to see the action, and the local school closed for the day.

The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group is based at Williton, where it has constructed a large depot and workshop building for the eight diesel hydraulic and diesel electric locomotives in its care.

Tickets for the August Bank Holiday can be purchased in advance from the West Somerset Railway’s website or station ticket offices on the day.

D7017 received a major overhaul in 2022.

In 1995, D7018 suffered engine failure, which required an extensive overhaul, and the locomotive was out of use for the next 23 years.


“The DEPG has been part of the West Somerset Railway from the earliest days and it’s great to be able to highlight their hours of patient work by putting a weekend spotlight on two of their fleet. It’s sobering to think that in the year of Railway 200 that they have been caring for “modern traction” for half a century and that the two “Hymeks” have spent four times as long on the WSR as they did in British Railways’ service”.

West Somerset Railway General Manager Kerry Noble
 
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17th August, 2025

Europhoenix Rail unveil new livery for Class 37 locomotive​

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37423 in its new livery


Europhoenix Rail Ltd has unveiled a new look for Class 37 No. 37423.

37423 has recently been in the workshop, undergoing some TLC, and has now been unveiled in its new Europhoenix livery.

The locomotive is in the general rail services pool of locomotives and will be used on stock movements and thunderbird duties.

37423 was previously in use with Direct Rail Services before moving over to Europhoenix.
 
18th August, 2025

A BLS double header as steam locomotive 1054 set for Great Central gala​

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1054 and 16440 depart Oakworth on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway


The Great Central Railway has announced that Coal Tank No. 1054 is to visit for their Autumn Steam Gala.

Taking place between the 2nd and 5th October 2025, the gala will see the Coal Tank line up alongside already confirmed 45596 Bahamas, which is also visiting courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society.

The gala will see an intensive timetable with double headers, evening trains and goods trains.


“We’re thrilled to welcome the Coal Tank to the Great Central Railway this autumn. It’s an exceptional locomotive with a fascinating history, and its pairing with Bahamas – on the latter’s final runs before overhaul – will be a real treat for visitors. This combination offers something truly special for enthusiasts and families alike.”

General Manager at Great Central Railway, Malcolm Holmes
 
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19th August, 2025

Steam locomotive 5029 Nunney Castle set for West Somerset Gala​

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5029 'Nunney Castle'


The West Somerset Railway (WSR) has announced an exciting line-up of locomotives for its Autumn Steam Weekend from Friday, 17th to Sunday, 19th October.

As part of this year’s celebrations, the railway will celebrate Railway 200 in one of the biggest events of the heritage railway calendar.

Some engines appearing will be from other heritage railways and mainline operators.
 
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Another gala visitor, LSWR T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563


The latest locomotive to be confirmed is GWR Castle Class No.5029 Nunney Castle, courtesy of Locomotive Services Limited, on its first appearance at a preserved railway since returning to traffic earlier this year.

Other locomotives confirmed so far are:
  • London & South Western Railway (LSWR) T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563 (courtesy of the Swanage Railway Trust),
  • GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 Nos. 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 7828 Odney Manor,
  • Mogul 2-6-0 No. 9351
No. 563, in its striking LSWR Green livery, deserves special mention, as when it returned to steam in 2023 after a major overhaul, it was the first time it had been in steam since 1948, and will certainly be a rare sight on the West Somerset Railway.

On all three days of the gala, an intensive timetable will be operating, with trains running from early morning into the evening.

Express trains, local passenger trains, and heritage goods trains will add variety to the event, whilst visitors will be free to explore the historic stations and travel behind preserved locomotives whilst enjoying the autumn colours on the country’s longest heritage railway, from the Quantock Hills to the Somerset coast.

Some trains will also continue to the end of the line at Norton Fitzwarren, where it meets the West of England main line, travelling beyond Bishops Lydeard over a part of the line rarely used for passenger trains.

As well as the trains, there will be museums, heritage displays, and model railways to enjoy.

Further details and booking information are online at Autumn Steam Weekend 17th 19th October 1 – West Somerset Railway
 
20 Aug 2025
Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to my model railway shop and bought a couple of things.

Then we went to 'The Great Western' for a drink.

I had my usual two pints of Abott's and Cleo had a cup of tea

It was busy in Cardiff today, I think it had to do with a certain 'Tom Jones' having a concert in the castle.

So we took the bus home early.


The bus into Cardiff was a Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 253, ADL Enviro200, CE63 NZH
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Wednesday 20th August, 2025

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ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

FLEET AND ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Today I bought a two second-hand locomotives, a sausage wagon set and a fuel tanker set.

Hornby R2932 Class 153 single car DMU in Arriva Trains Wales livery​

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20th August, 2025

New deal sees Thumper remain at Kent heritage railway​

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British Rail Class 205 ‘Thumper’ Unit 1118


Following its appearance at the Kent and East Sussex Railway’s July Diesel Gala, Class 205 Unit No 1118 will be remaining at the railway for the foreseeable future.

The railway has signed an agreement with the Thumpers’ owner, Nigel Remmington, as part of their aim to create more reliable services, especially during the high risk of lineside fires during summer.

It also works in the railway’s favour to help them prepare to reopen the line to Robertsbridge, which will include shuttles between Robertsbridge, Bodiam and Northiam.

Ahead of its appearance at their Diesel Gala, the unit underwent some repair as well as a repaint at Tenterden.

The locomotive can be seen out and about for the necessary training for both driving and guards ahead of its full integration into services next year.


“We are extremely grateful to Nigel Remmington for agreeing to an arrangement that enables ‘Thumper’ No 1118 to stay with us and become part of our regular home fleet,”

“As one of the first of its class to be built in 1957, 1118 has huge significance in diesel heritage and, had the railway survived as part of the national rail network, it is undoubtedly one of the units that would have been a regular sight here in the Weald due to the proximity of the St Leonards depot. It was also one of the last units to operate the Ashford-Hastings line.

“We look forward to the ‘Thumper’ being part of a bright future here at the K&ESR.

K&ESR Chairman Derrick Bilsby
 
20th August, 2025

Contract signed for overhaul of steam locomotive 2857​

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GWR 2-8-0 No. 2857


The 2857 Society has signed a formal agreement with Riley & Son of Bury in Greater Manchester to mechanically overhaul Great Western Railway 2-8-0 steam locomotive No. 2857, normally based at the Severn Valley Railway.

Current plans are for the boiler to be removed at Bridgnorth for attention in the Severn Valley Railway’s boiler shop, whilst the bottom end of 2857 will be transported to Bury in April 2026.

Volunteers will undertake the overhaul of 2857’s tender, along with Severn Valley Railway staff.

Several major tasks need to be undertaken, all of which will be costly:
  • All the tyres on the eight driving wheels are at their permissible limit, and for 2857 to run again, they all need to be renewed, which will cost about £60,000.
  • Although the boiler is in relatively good condition, all the tubes need to be replaced, which, depending on estimates, could cost between £20,000 and £30,000.
  • The tender needs a new handbrake,
  • A new fall plate is required.
  • The bottom end requires a complete mechanical overhaul.
A fundraising appeal was launched in January 2025, aiming to raise £285,000 is now open to fund the overhaul.


The 2857 Society anticipates that if all necessary funding is obtained, the locomotive could return to traffic by 2030, a target date that the society has long aimed for.

2857 was built in April 1918 and had a working career on the Great Western Railway and Western Region of 45 years, during which it recorded a total mileage of 1,276,713 miles.

Its last day in service was Monday, 2nd January 2023, when it hauled ten carriages comprising nine ex-Great Western Railway coaches, and an ex-British Rail kitchen car, with a total weight of 320 tons.

In June 2022, an extension was granted for 2857’s boiler certificate, which allowed the locomotive to continue operating for another six months..
 
20th August, 2025

Great Western Railway sets new World Record for battery train​

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200 miles World Record for battery-electric train set by GWR


A new world record for the furthest distance travelled by a battery electric train has been set by Great Western Railway.

The battery electric train travelled 200 miles in a single charge, making a return journey from Reading Train Care Depot, stopping at London Paddington twice and reaching Oxford.

The 200 miles is a further celebration of Railway 200 and managed to smash the previous record of 139 miles previously set by Stadler Deutschland in 2021.

The new record demonstrates the progress that battery electric trains have made and highlights how soon Great Western Railway could entirely replace its ageing fleet of diesel locomotives.

Officials from the Rail Performance Society were on board to officially record the record and witness the next step in the performance of railways.
 
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163 miles of 200 miles World Record celebrated at London Paddington


The Class 230, No. 230001, set off from Reading shortly after midnight, celebrating 100 miles at Oxford and on the home stretch at 163 miles at London Paddington.


“We’re delighted to set a new world record – and to reach 200 miles in such a landmark year for the rail industry is the icing on the cake. It’s a real tribute to colleagues at GWR and Network Rail who have worked so hard on developing fast-charge technology.

“Today’s record attempt has been a bit of fun, but it also underlines a serious point: investment in battery technology is essential as we look to replace our ageing diesel fleet.

“Overhead lines will remain the first choice to power electric trains, but where that isn’t possible or desirable, battery technology like this offers a reliable and efficient alternative to bridge the gap.

“As part of our future rolling stock plans we’ll need battery trains to routinely cover over 60 miles between charges – and today’s achievement provides clear evidence that this is a viable and exciting solution for the future of our railway.”

GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green
 
20th August, 2025

Steam locomotive 34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair set for Watercress Line gala​

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34059 Sir Archibald Sinclair


The Watercress Line has announced that the Battle of Britain Class Pacific, 34059 ‘Sir Archibald Sinclair’, will be the second visitor for their Autumn Steam Gala.

Thanks to the Bluebell Railway, the locomotive can make an appearance at the Gala, which will run from the 3rd-5th October.

Following repairs to the firebox and boiler, and the frames and tender being overhauled, it returned to service in November 2023.

34059 will join 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley” at the Gala with more locomotives to be announced in the coming weeks.
 
21 Aug 2025

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Transport for Wales’ largest digital screen goes live at Cardiff Bus Interchange​


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TfW CBI screen - Pictured left to right: Lady Mayoress Councillor Jayne Cowan, The Lord Mayor of Cardiff Councillor Adrian Robson and Alexia Course, TfW Chief Commercial Officer.


A new digital screen, measuring just over 100m² has been launched outside Cardiff Bus Interchange and is set to transform the passenger experience.

This prominent new feature, the result of a partnership between Transport for Wales (TfW), Welsh Government, and Cardiff Council, was officially opened and commissioned for use during a ceremony attended by The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor of Cardiff Councillor Adrian Robson and Lady Mayoress Councillor Jayne Cowan.

The new screen, operated by Route Media, will display travel updates and public announcements, while also generating revenue through advertising partnerships with local and national businesses.

All revenue generated will be directly reinvested back into the network.

The income will be used to enhance services, improve passenger experience, cover the Interchange’s operational costs and support future infrastructure upgrades.

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TfW CBI screen


Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at Transport for Wales said:

“The screen is a major milestone in the digitisation of our network and it's already turning heads.”

“This is more than just a screen; it’s a powerful communications tool and a symbol of our ambition to modernise the passenger experience for everyone - whether you're commuting, visiting, or just passing through, it's well worth a look."

In addition to its daily functions, the screen is approved for live TV broadcasts.

The screen could soon transform Cardiff Central Square into a vibrant public space for major events boosting footfall and supporting local businesses.
 
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TfW CBI screen

  • The new digital screen is owned by Transport for Wales and is operated by Route Media. For advertising opportunities, please contact: dean.jones@dragon-group.co.uk
  • Timetable information for rail or bus services running from either Cardiff Central Station or Cardiff Bus Interchange will not be displayed on this screen.
  • Construction and installation of the screen was completed by Dragon Signs.
  • The screen measures in at 17m × 6m and is made up of 102 cabinets, which equates to over 1.6 million pixels. The screen has 7500 nits’ brightness and is fitted with an automatic light sensor to ensure excellent visibility in bright conditions and auto dimming at night. With a high refresh rate, the screen is also able to ensure smooth visuals of video and still image.
 
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