Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Inspiration at Blackpool North
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6th November, 2025

Great British Railways legislation put to Parliament​

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Great British Railways - coming soon


The government has presented legislation to Parliament to create ‘Great British Railways’, claiming that the new law is “paving the way for a simpler, more reliable network, which puts passengers before profits”.

The Railways Bill will create Great British Railways (GBR), which will be a new, publicly-owned company, charged with managing passenger services and rail infrastructure.

The government believes that through being state-owned, GBR will be accountable to passengers, freight customers and the wider public.

Although sections of the railway industry, including freight, are to remain in private ownership, GBR will have overall responsibility for coordinating the railway network.

GBR will have its headquarters in Derby.

The government argues that it will bring coherence to the management of the railway, creating a simpler railway that passengers will find it easier to travel on.
 
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Derby’s successful bid to be the home of GBR


GBR will run an app which passengers can use to check train times and to book tickets.

The government sees the Railways Bill as building on its public ownership programme, which has already seen more than half of passenger operators return to state ownership.

Changes contained within the Bill include:
  • a stronger passenger watchdog body, with the power to investigate poor service and to require improvements
  • reform of fares and ticketing, with tickets still sold at station ticket offices, vending machines and onboard trains, and expansion of successful trials of Pay As You Go and fares
  • a requirement that GBR increases the use of rail to carry freight
  • more say for the Scottish and Welsh governments, and mayors in England, on how the railway operates in their area.
The government will also publish its accessibility roadmap today, which sets out immediate actions to improve railway services for disabled passengers.

Measures include expanded eligibility criteria for the Disabled Persons Railcard, more ‘welcome points’ across the railway, more consistent staff training, and improved maintenance of infrastructure that is essential for access, such as lifts and escalators.

The Transport Salaried Staffs Association, a trade union, said that it welcomed the Bill, but wanted to see firm guarantees on jobs, pay and conditions, and that it wanted a more thoroughgoing renationalisation, including bringing freight operations back into public ownership.
 
7th November, 2025

Avanti West Coast unveils Poppy Train ahead of Remembrance Day​

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Poppy Train at Glasgow


Ahead of Remembrance Day, Avanti West Coast has partnered up with Poppyscotland and the Royal British Legion to create and transport a wreath to London.

Veterans, reservists and volunteers will assemble a poppy wreath as it travels from Glasgow to London.

The train used has also been specially decorated by Alstom with the ends of Pendolino 390151 featuring a poppy design.

The train has also been named ‘Unknown Soldier’ and made 13 stops along the way to London, where veterans and Royal British Legion supporters will present posies of poppies.

Their hope is to highlight the railway’s connection to the military while encouraging donations to the Poppy Appeal.

Before departing Glasgow at 8 am, the plain wreath was decorated with its first tribute by an Avanti Veteran.

Numerous members from different organisations will join the train as it heads south, where it will be greeted with a welcome party at London Euston.

The completed wreath will then be carried to the station’s memorial.
 
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“The Poppy Express is a journey of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude – a moving tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our democratic freedoms and way of life. We are deeply grateful for the continued support of passengers, partners, and colleagues at Avanti West Coast who make this special service possible. For over 100 years, remembrance has been part of the fabric of society – it continues to unite people across all backgrounds, communities and generations, and this journey allows us to celebrate the enduring spirit of remembrance that unites communities across the nation.”

Poppy Appeal Manager, Vicky Lawson, from the Royal British Legion
 
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Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino 390151 - Fylde Road Viaduct, Preston.

Complete with Poppies on the leading car, Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino 390151 was passing over Fylde Road Viaduct as it was approaching Preston with the 06.52 Edinburgh to London Euston service (9M50) on an overcast November 8th 2025.

The stone arch at the rear of the Driving Car once took the now drained Lancaster Canal underneath the railway, the bridge being an original Lancaster & Preston Junction Railway structure that was completed in 1840.
 
7th November, 2025

Special charity tour to bid farewell to South Western’s Class 455s​

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Class 455 No. 455868 at Hook


A special farewell tour will run this December as South Western Railway bids farewell to its Class 455 trains.

The fleet of trains, which run between London and Guildford, Twickenham and Windsor, is to be retired by the end of the year and replaced with new Alstom-built Arterio trains.

The tickets for the tour, which will take place in places such as Epsom and Kingston, as well as a few special locations, will go on sale at 11 am on Monday, 10th November.

The profits will go to three charities: The Alex Wardle Foundation, Macmillan, and The Railway Children.
 
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South Western Railway Class 455


“While customers are getting used to the many benefits of our new fleet of Arterio trains, we know there are a lot of enthusiasts out there who will be sad to see our classic red trains go.

“The farewell tour will be a fitting tribute to these trains, which have been a staple of our railway and worked incredibly hard for more than four decades. Best of all, the proceeds will go to three specially selected charities.

“We look forward to welcoming ticket holders on board on Sunday 21 December.”

Neil Drury, South Western Railway’s Engineering and Infrastructure Director
 
8th November, 2025

New steam locomotive for the Ruislip Lido Railway​

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Dougal outside the running shed in Evesham


1970-built coal-fired steam locomotive, Dougal, has been purchased by the Ruislip Lido Railway, bringing the line’s locomotive fleet up to seven.

The locomotive will need a short programme of work to prepare it for use at the Ruislip Lido Railway after being based at The Valley Railway Adventure in Evesham.

Dougal will leave The Valley Railway Adventure before Christmas and will head to a contractor, where it will be regauged from 15 inches to 12 inches as well as have a series of modifications to make it compatible at Ruislip.

The aim is to welcome Dougal to Ruislip in mid-2026.
 
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Dougal at the EVLR


Dougal was built in 1970 by Severn-Lamb Ltd for MiniRail Ltd at Longleat House, but moved to The Valley Railway Adventure (previously the Evesham Vale Light Railway) in 2004.

In 2009, Dougal had a major rebuild, which included a new boiler and tender, making it a very powerful locomotive.

Dougal joins Mad Bess as operational steam locomotives at Ruislip, the latter being a scale version of Blanche at the Ffestiniog Railway.
 
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“We’re thrilled to have secured Dougal and to welcome it to the Ruislip Lido Railway as part of the home fleet. Having a second steam locomotive at Ruislip running alongside our current steam locomotive Mad Bess, is something the Society has aspired to achieve for many years, and it’s fantastic news for securing the future of the locomotive. The Ruislip Lido Railway is run entirely by volunteers and this achievement is a testament to their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Matthew Streeton, Chairman of the Ruislip Lido Railway Society


“I became aware that Dougal might be available and, after visiting and inspecting it with our Chief Mechanical Engineer, we knew it would be a great fit for Ruislip. Its 15-inch origins make it well-suited for conversion to a powerful 12-inch gauge locomotive, and once completed, it will be an excellent addition to the fleet. I’d like to thank all parties involved at both Evesham and Ruislip who have helped make this all possible.”

Chris Ladyman, Secretary of the Ruislip Lido Railway Society
 
10th November, 2025

Network Rail’s Wales and Western Ecology Framework partner up with Amey​

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Amey appointed to Network Rail’s Wales and Western Ecology Framework


For the next three years, Amey, a provider of full life-cycle engineering, operations and decarbonisation solutions for the UK, has been awarded a place on the Network Rail Wales and Western Ecology Framework.

This means that across the network, Amey will deliver advisory services to ensure there are no missed opportunities and that compliance is in place to enable Network Rail to meet its targets by 2035.

In further detail, some of their roles will include carrying out protected species surveys, mapping habitats, creating management plans, managing Biodiversity Net Gain metrics, and assessing areas of conservation value.

The combined knowledge will allow easier navigation of essential surveys, including bridge repairs and the necessary bat licensing requirements.

The approach to emergency works and landslide work, in relation to any protected species, will also be discussed within the framework.


Additionally, a digital approach will be used across the network, which means that surveys are supported and mapped much more easily and accurately.

Collaborations on the horizon include working with Network Rail on improvement schemes such as their resilience projects.

This isn’t the first time Amey has worked with Network Rail, so this partnership has a head start on being successful.


“We are pleased to announce our appointment to Network Rail’s Wales and Western Ecology Framework. We recognise the importance of biodiversity across strategic networks, and we are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to create a more nature-positive and resilient future

“This framework appointment highlights our commitment to delivering ecology advisory services, and we are very much looking forward to supporting Network Rail in managing and enhancing biodiversity across the rail network.”


Colin Wood, Managing Director for Amey
 
10th November, 2025

East Midlands Railway’s new trains set to enter service​

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New Aurora train


Transport UK and East Midlands Railway (EMR) have announced that the first Aurora train will start operating services on the Midland Main Line next month.

The Aurora trains are part of a new 400 million fleet of 33 trains being built by Hitachi, and compared with current trains, they have more seats, modern and spacious interiors, better air conditioning, free WiFi and plug sockets at every seat, and improved customer information screens.
 
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New Aurora train


Designed as bi-mode trains, the Auroras have the advantage of being able to run on the electric overhead lines installed during the £1.5 billion Midland Main Line upgrade.

When running on electric power, carbon emissions will be dramatically cut by 66 per cent, and provide quieter and greener journeys.

Compared to the current Meridian trains, Auroras in a typical five-carriage configuration will provide 24 per cent more seats and over 19 per cent more legroom.

In designing seats for the new trains, EMR collaborated with Derby-based design firm DG to refine a FISA Lean seat for more comfort and support.


Attention has also been paid to the continuity of Wi-Fi reception, with a system utilising multiple SIM cards for optimal signal reception, and specially designed glass that allows the passage of stronger mobile signals.
 
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Close-up of a new Aurora train


A new £35 million maintenance depot has been built at Derby for the new trains.

Where possible, support for family-owned Midlands businesses was inherent in the supply of parts for the trains.


“The introduction of our first Aurora train this December marks the start of a new era for Intercity travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire. Our Auroras have been designed with our customers at their heart; with more seats, greater comfort, better connectivity and a smoother, quieter ride. We and our colleagues at Transport UK are delighted to be delivering a railway that our customers, communities and our employees can truly take pride in.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway
 
Tuesday 11 Nov 2025

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Transport for Wales and Network Rail to welcome Railway 200’s ‘Inspiration’ Exhibition train to Llandudno​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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INSPIRATION Royal Border Bridge


Transport for Wales and Network Rail will be hosting Railway 200’s flagship exhibition train, Inspiration, at Llandudno station from 15–18 November 2025.

This unique event marks Wales’ only stop on the train’s nationwide tour celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway this year.

Railway 200 is a national bicentenary programme that honours the railway’s rich history while inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals to shape its future.

The Inspiration train will have visited 60 locations across the UK by the end of the year, Transport for Wales and Network Rail are excited to bring this experience to the heart of North Wales.

Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration is the only exhibition train of its kind on the UK rail network, featuring four immersive carriages:
  • Railway firsts – Showcasing landmark moments in rail innovation.
  • Wonderlab on Wheels – Hands-on engineering exhibits to test visitors’ skills.
  • Your railway future – Exploring hidden careers in rail and encouraging future talent.
  • Partner zone – A flexible exhibition space that highlights industry collaboration.
Visitors will also discover how Transport for Wales and Network Rail work with partners across the sector, including a spotlight on Network North Wales.

Wales played a pivotal role in the origins of the modern railway.

From Richard Trevithick’s early locomotive experiments to the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, the world’s first fare-paying passenger line, our industrial heritage helped spark a transport revolution.

Alex Fortune, Senior Project Manager at Transport for Wales, said: “We’ve collaborated across the rail industry and communities to deliver events celebrating rail’s past, present and future.

Inspiration’s visit is a proud culmination of that work, and we’re thrilled to welcome it to Llandudno.”

Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, added: “This special exhibition train is set to become a new, national visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain.

“It will excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire them to take a fresh look at the railway, as part of its anniversary celebrations.”

Free tickets to board the train are available now for visits between 15–18 November.

Booked visits begin at 10am daily, with last entry at 4pm and the train closing at 5pm.

Visits are expected to last up to one hour.

To book and learn more, visit www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration.

For details on the wider Railway 200 programme, visit www.railway200.co.uk.

  • 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow.

  • Supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Inspiration is expected to welcome over 200,000 visitors across the UK, including thousands of schoolchildren.

  • Find out more: Railway 200 is here | Transport for Wales
 
11th November, 2025

Steam locomotive wows crowds at Lord Mayor’s Show​

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"Fenchurch" at Bank during the parade


Visitors to this year’s Lord Mayor’s Show, held in the City of London last Saturday, 8th November, experienced the unusual spectacle of a steam engine parading around the streets of the city.

London, Brighton & South Coast Railway ‘Terrier’ class 0-6-0T No. 72 Fenchurch, formed part of the parade, being transported on a special low-load vehicle provided by Railway Support Services (RSS).
 
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Fenchurch heading along Fleet Street


The Show attracted huge crowds, who were treated to the sight of 7,000 participants taking part in a three-mile-long parade of exhibits, floats, horses, musicians and vehicles.

Fenchurch was loaned for the event by the Bluebell Railway and was collected and transported to the show by Railway Support Services, which returned Fenchurch to the Bluebell Railway immediately after the event.

Fenchurch was chosen to star in the parade because the new Lord Mayor of London, Dame Susan Langley, DBE, specifically asked for the locomotive to be included in the show.

In 2018, she was an Alderman for Aldgate Ward, which is bordered by the east end of Fenchurch.

The London, Brighton & South Coast Railway named many of its locomotives after places that the company served.
 
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Before the start of the procession, with St Paul’s Cathedral in the background


It is now nearly three years since Fenchurch returned to service after its last major overhaul.

In September, Railway Support Services assisted the Severn Valley Railway in recovering a carriage, which had overrun sidings at Kidderminster, lifted off its bogie, and ended on a buffer stop.


“This was certainly one of the more unusual, and certainly the most public, tasks we have ever been called on to undertake. The route is quite winding and narrow in places, so we spent a day making sure we could actually take it around some of the bends. But on the day, everything went well and the public clearly enjoyed the spectacle of a steam engine running round the City streets! This was a really outstanding way to welcome the new Lady Mayor.
We were delighted to be asked to attend, especially since she appears to have an interest in railways, having specifically requested a steam locomotive. The crowds were incredible, and the way the people were pointing to the locomotive it was clearly a compelling feature of the procession! This was quite a challenging task as the movement was all organised within two weeks.
I am very appreciative of Michael Bailey, City of London Engineer and James Vernon at TfL Bridges and Structures for ensuring the necessary approvals, as well as the Bluebell Railway for asking us to transport Fenchurch for this very special occasion.

Andrew Goodman, RSS Managing Director
 
11th November, 2025

The Queen travels on one of 10 poppy trains to attend Poppies to Paddington on Armistice Day​

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The Queen attending the Remembrance Day Service at Paddington


This Remembrance Day saw Great Western Railway’s ‘Poppies to Paddington’ event, which received a Royal visit.

At Chippenham station, the Queen met with pupils from Monkton Park Primary School, and they presented her with a crocheted poppy wreath.

Her Majesty The Queen travelled from Chippenham to London Paddington, where she laid a wreath of poppies at the memorial on Platform 1 at Paddington.

She then met with The Military Wives Choir, reservists and veterans, alongside the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP and representatives from across the entire rail industry.
 
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The Queen on the train from Chippenham to Paddington


Wreaths had been placed on early morning services from numerous stations as part of a partnership with The Veterans Charity.

The tradition of Poppies to Paddington started in 2020, when just over 100 wreaths were placed.

This year saw over 250 wreaths placed at the war memorial.


“Today we stand together to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, united in gratitude. As we mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, we are reminded that our railways played a vital role in that conflict – and continue to serve our nation today – 200 years on from the birth of the modern railway.

“Today feels particularly poignant following the recent events in Huntingdon, where the courage and professionalism shown by our railway colleagues reflects the enduring values of service and care that have long characterised this vital industry.”

Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP
 
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