Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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5th December, 2025

Great Western Railway issues travel advice to passengers ahead of new winter timetable​

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GWR 387 landscape


Great Western Railway (GWR) has issued advice to its passengers about its new timetable and festive season travel arrangements.

Along with other operators, GWR will introduce a new timetable on Sunday, 14 December. It is making changes to timetables on many of its services, which it says are “designed to respond to changes in demand and improve service performance”.

The operator is asking its passengers to check their journey times ahead of the changes.

GWR is also urging passengers to book ahead and reserve seats for journeys during the upcoming festive period, and points out that its journey planners are up to date with Christmas and New Year information, and Advance fares are already on sale on its website.

When the timetable changes, GWR will withdraw its three remaining Castle Class sets from service.

They are now nearly fifty years old, and their final journeys will be on Saturday, 13 December.


The Castle Class trains have been running on local routes between Plymouth and Penzance.

GWR will replace them with trains from its existing fleet. It will also deploy its recommissioned Class 175s to replace the Castle Class trains.

These previously operated in Wales, and when they return to service, will be maintained by Alstom.
 
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Class 175


Repairs and improvements are scheduled across GWR’s network over the Christmas and New Year period, but disruption will be less than in previous years.

Between Saturday 27 December and Sunday 4 January, track renewal work will affect some services to and from London Paddington, with no direct services between Paddington and Cheltenham Spa.

Upgrade work to the west of Cardiff Central station between Wednesday 24 and Wednesday 31 December will mean that some tracks will close and trains will be diverted between Cardiff Central and Bridgend via Ninian Park (not stopping at Ninian Park). This will add a few minutes to journey times.
 
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First electric train into Cardiff Central


GWR is advising passengers that when booking their journeys, they can avoid busy trains by travelling early and avoiding services that depart between 10:00 and 14:00.

It predicts that its services will be at their busiest on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, and Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December.

It is also reminding passengers that rail services shut down earlier than usual on Christmas Eve, and that, as usual, no train services will run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

GWR has also issued advice about luggage.

While stressing that there is plenty of room for cabin-style hand luggage, laptop bags, and handbags in the overhead racks and under seats, it warns that there is limited space for larger and standard suitcases and bags (up to 25 x 40 x 75 cm) on each carriage’s luggage rack.

It is asking passengers not to bring more than three items of luggage or anything they cannot carry or easily move around.
 
Thursday, 5th December, 2025

I popped to my local pub with Cleo......

After a day of shopping and decorating the house for Xmas, Cleo and I decided to pop to our local for a few drinks.

I tried a few pints of 'Welsh Cake Stout' - rich, dark, with notes of biscuit malt, fruit (raisins), and a hint of sweetness - rather nice.

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6th December, 2025

The Greatest Gathering recognised with top awards​

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The Greatest Gathering!" wrapping Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter


Train manufacturer Alstom is celebrating after being recognised at the RailStaff Awards 2025 and the Railway Benefit Fund’s 2025 Heart of Gold Awards within two days of each other.

On Wednesday, 26th November, at the London offices of Railpen, the Railway Benefit Fund’s 2025 Heart of Gold awards were presented by Pete Waterman OBE, the president, and Jo Kaye, Chief Executive Officer, of the Railway Benefit Fund.

The Heart of Gold Awards recognise members of the railway industry who make a real difference by going the extra mile.
 
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The Greatest Gathering Organising Committee with the Project Team Award


This year’s Star Team Award went to the staff who organised The Greatest Gathering, held at Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works in August, and was the world’s largest-ever gathering of historic and modern trains.

The following day, Thursday, 27th November, at the NEC in Birmingham, the RailStaff Awards 2025 were hosted by Michael Portillo, the celebrated journalist, broadcaster, and former politician.

Alstom employees were 17 finalists in 20 categories at the awards, including two of the organisers of The Greatest Gathering, Ben Goodwin as Rail Ambassador of the Year and Kathryn Lancaster for a Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
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Crowds entering The Greatest Gathering


Alstom engineers Charlotte Briers and Yasha Siddiqui were also recognised, with Charlotte, a Rolling Stock Performance Lead, receiving the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award for championing empowerment and progress as part of Alstom’s female employee resource group, Voices of Women.

This is the second year that Charlotte has been recognised, as last year she won the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Verena Winifred Holmes Award for her outstanding work as Chair of the Voices of Women ERG at Alstom in promoting diversity and inclusion in the railway industry.


Yasha Siddiqui, the Graduate Chair of Alstom’s graduate scheme in the UK, received the Graduate of the Year award for her work in enhancing the programme for future graduates and ensuring everybody felt included and supported.

Yasha is now a Product Cost Engineer after graduate placements in different engineering teams, and is exploring cost-saving ideas during the design stage of new rolling stock.

Julie Williams, a Project Manager in the Digital and Integrated Systems team, was highly commended in the Project Person Award category for her involvement in the successful delivery of the Victoria Phase 4 signalling project in South London.
 
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Crowds at The Greatest Gathering


The Greatest Gathering was an outstanding success, and to handle some of the crowds, the Branch Line Society ran special shuttle charter trains to the event from Chesterfield and Derby.

Pete Waterman OBE, who presented the Heart of Gold awards, displayed a model railway at the event.


“Winning multiple honours at this year’s RailStaff Awards is a fantastic achievement for Alstom and a real testament to the talent and dedication of our people. From graduate excellence to leadership in diversity and inclusion, these awards highlight the breadth of expertise and commitment that drives our success across the UK rail industry.”

Rob Whyte, Managing Director of Alstom UK and Ireland
 
6th December, 2025

American railroads join charity foundation to bring Christmas cheer to children​

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Toys for Tots train route


American railroad operators Norfolk Southern and Amtrak are once again supporting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation to continue a tradition that has been ongoing for over 20 years.

On Saturday, 13th December, the Holiday Train will depart from Binghampton, New York to deliver toys and holiday cheer to families across the Northeast USA.

Since the project began, Norfolk Southern, Amtrak and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation have collected hundreds of thousands of toys; since 2022, Norfolk Southern has donated nearly $500,000 to the foundation to support its mission.

This year, the train starts at Binghamton, where from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at East Binghamton Yard, 5 Holmes Place, there will be free doughnuts, hot chocolate, children’s activities, music, freebies, and holiday cheer.

The train will make further stops from 11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. at Walnut Avenue. Crossing, Bainbridge, from 1:10 to 1:45 p.m. at Gas Ave Rail Crossing near 70 S Market St., Oneonta, from 2:55 to 3:25 p.m.: at Cobleskill Fire Station, 610 E Main St., Cobleskill, with a final stop from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.at Delanson Fire Station, 1797 Main St., Delanson.

Toys for Tots was established 78 years ago by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to provide children in need across the USA with the gift of a new toy or book at Christmas, to help their confidence and give them a positive memory to last a lifetime.

Since its foundation in 1947, hope and has delivered the magic of Christmas to over 314 million economically disadvantaged children.

Patrick M. Lurenz, Coordinator, Marine Corps, commented that for over 75 years, Toys for Tots has worked to ensure every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Our collaboration with Norfolk Southern and Amtrak brings that mission to life on the rails, reaching families in ways that truly make a difference.

In 2023, Norfolk Southern Corporation donated $18.2m to organisations in the 22 states where it operates through its Corporate Giving initiative.

Amtrak has started testing a new fleet of trains for the Northeast Corridor.


"We are proud to continue our annual tradition of celebrating the holidays with Toys for Tots, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, and Norfolk Southern in the Capital Region with Operation Toy Train. Combining the magic of trains, the festivities of the winter holidays, and the joy we can bring to children is one of the highlights of our year.”

Bruno Maestri, Amtrak Special Assistant to the President
 
8th December, 2025

Major fleet investments to come from publicly owned train operators​

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Northern train at Preston


Publicly owned train operators are making significant steps to improve journeys for passengers.

This includes numerous fleet upgrades from Northern, TransPennine Express, London North Eastern Railway, Southeastern, and South Western Railway.

Northern plans to acquire 450 new trains, replacing older rolling stock to improve its journeys and overall reliability.

55 new trains are being bought up by TransPennine Express to replace 29 trains, allowing full utilisation of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Ten tri-mode trains will be introduced on the East Coast Main Line by LNER to keep in line with their faster and greener commitments.

Southeastern has plans to replace its ageing Metro fleet with a large investment for 640 new carriages.

South Western Railway will have 29 of the new Arterios trains in operation.


“Investing in new trains is vital for a successful, modern and reliable rail network and it’s great to see publicly owned operators delivering ambitious fleet upgrades that put passengers first.

“Alongside the creation of Great British Railways, these programmes will bring more comfortable, accessible and sustainable journeys for millions of passengers and help deliver countless benefits.

“From unlocking jobs, driving economic growth and supporting the development of new homes, we’re ensuring rail investment benefits whole communities as well as passengers.”

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy
 
8th December, 2025

Locomotive Services Group release update on steam locomotive 71000 Duke of Gloucester​

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71000 "Duke of Gloucester"


Locomotive Services Group has released a statement after 71000 Duke of Gloucester was involved in an incident in Hanwell.

71000 and its support coach came into contact with the buffers at Hanwell East Spur.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in the “very slow speed” move, and no damage was sustained to staff or the locomotive.

LSL say that they will be carrying out a full investigation with the relevant parties.


Locomotive Services Group’s full statement is as follows:

On the 6th December 2025 at 20.40 during shunting operations within Hanwell Loop, 5Z54 consisting of Steam Locomotive 71000 & Support coach came into contact with the buffer stop at Hanwell East Spur.

This was a very slow speed move, and no passengers were involved in the incident.

There was no damage to the locomotive and no staff were hurt.

LSL TOC are carrying out a full investigation involving the relevant parties.
 
8th December, 2025

Train livery revealed for Great British Railways​

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GBR Train Livery


The livery design for the new Great British Railways has been revealed, and passengers will be able to have a look at the design for the first time tomorrow (9th December).

The Government is currently bringing train operators back into public ownership in a bid to improve the system.

Seven operators are now in Government ownership, and now a new train livery has been announced.

The branding and logo will be rolled out from Spring 2026 and will feature on trains, websites and stations to bring the railway under one brand.


It will also feature in the new ticketing app, where passengers can check times, buy tickets and also book passenger assistance.
 
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GBR Logo


The design features red, white and blue ot mirror the Union Jack flag.

The GBR logo has also been revealed, featuring the iconic double arrow symbol.

The Railways Bill has been debated in the House of Commons today, which will bring together 17 organisations under one brand.


The brand will be on display at London Bridge on the 9th December, with a special one-day exhibit, plus a special Hornby model train and a demo of the GBR-branded train in Train Sim World 6.

Posters will be on display at Birmingham New Street, Glasgow Central, Leeds and Manchester Piccadilly.
 
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GBR Train Livery in Train Sim World 6


“The future of Britain’s railways begins today. I’m immensely proud to unveil the new look for Great British Railways as we deliver landmark legislation to nationalise our trains and reform the railway so it better serves passengers.

“This isn’t just a paint job – it represents a new railway, casting off the frustrations of the past and focused entirely on delivering a proper public service for passengers.

“With fares frozen, a bold new look and fundamental reforms becoming law, we are building a railway Britain can rely on and be proud of.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
 
9th December, 2025

Porterbrook and Freightliner partner up for new wagons​

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Freightliner freight train


150 Intermodal Wagons will be introduced on the railway thanks to a new agreement between Porterbrook and Freightliner.

They are set to arrive in 2027, with a new design based on 40ft platforms.

This will make them more efficient and help them align with core growth and net-zero targets, resulting in a 7% carbon reduction compared to previous designs.

The wagons are being built by WH Davis, with the bogies supplied by Wabtec.


“Freightliner is thrilled to be partnering with Porterbrook Leasing and WH Davis on this crucial new build project. Supporting UK manufacturing wherever viable is not just important to us as a business, but also to our country’s economy. These new 40ft wagons will bring in further efficiencies to our services and increase modal share to rail from road, which in turn allows us to deliver more effectively for our customers, enabling growth and ultimately removing more lorries from our congested roads.”

Chris Lawrenson, Managing Director for Freightliner Intermodal Logistics
 
9th December, 2025

Hornby to release model of new Great British Railways Class 800 livery​

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Hornby GBR Class 800 New livery model


Yesterday, the new Great British Railways (GBR) livery was unveiled with a special Hornby 1:76 scale model of the Class 800.

The model provides a detailed and accurate representation of the livery to provide the public with a unique look at the design.

Next year, the Class 800 model will be available to customers, being released at the same time as their full-time counterparts are introduced on the network.
 
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UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander at the launch of the new Great British Railways (GBR) branding and livery.


“We are incredibly proud to work on this at such a significant point for the industry,”

“Creating the first model to showcase the new Great British Railways livery has allowed us to capture that moment in a way people can see, hold, play with and enjoy.”

Martyn Weaver, Hornby Brand MD
 
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