- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Marcus' Model Railway Journey
- Thread starter Marcus Antonius
- Start date
- Status
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
R40484 OO Gauge Hornby RailRoad GWR Class 800 MC Coach 814001
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Cleopatra anime?
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
29th January, 2026
Diesel rides at the East Anglian Railway Museum
The East Anglian Railway Museum near Colchester in Essex is holding a special Diesel Days event on Sunday, 15th and Wednesday, 18th February.
The museum is based in Wakes Colne at Chappel and Wakes Colne Station.
Visitors will be able to travel in vintage wagons or carriages in trains hauled by diesel locomotives, an ex-British Railways’ Class 101 diesel multiple unit that used to run on the Marks Tey to Sudbury line, or a diesel railbus built by Waggon and Maschinenbau of Germany
The admission ticket allows unlimited rides throughout the day, with trains running between 11 am and 3 pm.
As well as travelling on the diesel trains, visitors can look around the original buildings from when it was a station on the line between Sudbury and Long Melford.
There is also a Goods Shed, Restoration Shed, and Exhibition Hall to explore.
The museum also houses various train carriages from different periods, which visitors can look around.
On Wednesday, 18th February, the Braintree and Halstead Model Railway Club will open their room to visitors.
Refreshments with hot and cold food and drinks will be on sale at the Platform 2 Café.
Tickets for the day cost £11.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, with a 50p reduction if booked in advance at https://earm.co.uk/events/diesel-days/.
The East Anglian Railway Museum is not just about diesels, as it is also home to a Class 309 Electric Multiple Unit that used to operate between London Liverpool Street and Clacton-on-Sea, and is in the process of restoring London & North Eastern Railway N7 Class No. 69621.
Diesel running days at Essex museum
Diesel rides at the East Anglian Railway Museum
The East Anglian Railway Museum near Colchester in Essex is holding a special Diesel Days event on Sunday, 15th and Wednesday, 18th February.
The museum is based in Wakes Colne at Chappel and Wakes Colne Station.
Visitors will be able to travel in vintage wagons or carriages in trains hauled by diesel locomotives, an ex-British Railways’ Class 101 diesel multiple unit that used to run on the Marks Tey to Sudbury line, or a diesel railbus built by Waggon and Maschinenbau of Germany
The admission ticket allows unlimited rides throughout the day, with trains running between 11 am and 3 pm.
As well as travelling on the diesel trains, visitors can look around the original buildings from when it was a station on the line between Sudbury and Long Melford.
There is also a Goods Shed, Restoration Shed, and Exhibition Hall to explore.
The museum also houses various train carriages from different periods, which visitors can look around.
On Wednesday, 18th February, the Braintree and Halstead Model Railway Club will open their room to visitors.
Refreshments with hot and cold food and drinks will be on sale at the Platform 2 Café.
Tickets for the day cost £11.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, with a 50p reduction if booked in advance at https://earm.co.uk/events/diesel-days/.
The East Anglian Railway Museum is not just about diesels, as it is also home to a Class 309 Electric Multiple Unit that used to operate between London Liverpool Street and Clacton-on-Sea, and is in the process of restoring London & North Eastern Railway N7 Class No. 69621.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
29th January, 2026
Forged in Steam exhibition
At the end of last week, a new exhibition was launched at Haworth Art Gallery, in Accrington, Lancashire, as part of Railway 200.
The exhibition named ‘Forged in Steam’ was created by photographer Diane Muldowney.
Funded by the Community Rail Network through the DfT’s Community Rail Development Fund, Community Rail Lancashire, Lancashire County Council, and Northern, it launched on the 24th January, where Diane was supported by three artists whose photography captures railway heritage.
It captures steam in action in the present day, not as something of the past, highlighting the people behind the locomotives who keep steam alive.
Bess Holt, Andrew Nicholas, and Ajaz Qureshi’s photos put a spotlight on how far steam has come while also reflecting on sustainability and the adaptations made within a modern environmental context.
Railway exhibition launched at Haworth Gallery
Forged in Steam exhibition
At the end of last week, a new exhibition was launched at Haworth Art Gallery, in Accrington, Lancashire, as part of Railway 200.
The exhibition named ‘Forged in Steam’ was created by photographer Diane Muldowney.
Funded by the Community Rail Network through the DfT’s Community Rail Development Fund, Community Rail Lancashire, Lancashire County Council, and Northern, it launched on the 24th January, where Diane was supported by three artists whose photography captures railway heritage.
It captures steam in action in the present day, not as something of the past, highlighting the people behind the locomotives who keep steam alive.
Bess Holt, Andrew Nicholas, and Ajaz Qureshi’s photos put a spotlight on how far steam has come while also reflecting on sustainability and the adaptations made within a modern environmental context.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Forged in Steam exhibition
Ajaz Qureshi also read a poem at the launch before attention turned to the photographs.
Drop-in family-friendly sessions, where attendees can work alongside artists, will be held on the 21st and 22nd of February.
The exhibition will be open until the 5th April, with further information on the gallery available here.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Forged in Steam by Ajaz Qureshi
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Peak 45 118 "The Royal Artilleryman", on the back of "The Canary Brush" positioning move with 47 593 "Galloway Princess", at Nuneaton 23/1/26
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
BR Class 37 37114 "Cardiff Canton" at Loughborough Central
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
34702 "257 Squadron" at Loughborough Central
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Sleeper Train in Preston Station
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
London Northwestern Railway Class 370 No.730220
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway are set to move into public ownership from Sunday.
Both operators currently run under the West Midlands Trains business, with London Northwestern Railway running services between Liverpool, Birmingham and London Euston via the WCML, and West Midlands Railway serving passengers in and around the West Midlands and Birmingham.
West Midlands Trains joins Greater Anglia, c2c, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway that are currently managed by DfT Operator Limited.
Govia Thameslink Railway will then follow on the 31st May 2026, with Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway following after, with the aim to have all ownership completed by 2027.
“From this Sunday, the thousands of passengers who travel with London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway will be using services that are owned by the public and run with their interests at heart.
“We’re working hard to reform a fragmented system and deliver a reliable railway that regenerates communities, rebuilds the trust of its passengers, and delivers the high standards they rightly expect.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander
“We are proud to be one of the fastest-growing train operators in the country with millions of passengers travelling on London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and West Midlands Railway (WMR) services every month. We’ve introduced more than 100 new trains as well as upgrading our depots and station facilities. We’re looking forward to opening five brand new stations later this year and we’re also rolling out ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ ticketing across 75 locations to enable seamless tap-in, tap-out travel for our customers.
“Public ownership is an exciting opportunity to build on this success through a strong culture of collaboration and integration with the wider family of publicly owned operators.
“Together, we can drive performance by sharing best practice and accelerating innovation and continue to deliver even better journeys for our passengers across the LNR and WMR networks.
“We are now a step further on the journey to Great British Railways – a railway that we can be proud of and one that benefits the passengers and communities we serve.”
Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains
West Midlands train services set to move to public ownership
London Northwestern Railway Class 370 No.730220
London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway are set to move into public ownership from Sunday.
Both operators currently run under the West Midlands Trains business, with London Northwestern Railway running services between Liverpool, Birmingham and London Euston via the WCML, and West Midlands Railway serving passengers in and around the West Midlands and Birmingham.
West Midlands Trains joins Greater Anglia, c2c, Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern, London North Eastern Railway and South Western Railway that are currently managed by DfT Operator Limited.
Govia Thameslink Railway will then follow on the 31st May 2026, with Chiltern Railways and Great Western Railway following after, with the aim to have all ownership completed by 2027.
“From this Sunday, the thousands of passengers who travel with London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway will be using services that are owned by the public and run with their interests at heart.
“We’re working hard to reform a fragmented system and deliver a reliable railway that regenerates communities, rebuilds the trust of its passengers, and delivers the high standards they rightly expect.”
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander
“We are proud to be one of the fastest-growing train operators in the country with millions of passengers travelling on London Northwestern Railway (LNR) and West Midlands Railway (WMR) services every month. We’ve introduced more than 100 new trains as well as upgrading our depots and station facilities. We’re looking forward to opening five brand new stations later this year and we’re also rolling out ‘Pay-As-You-Go’ ticketing across 75 locations to enable seamless tap-in, tap-out travel for our customers.
“Public ownership is an exciting opportunity to build on this success through a strong culture of collaboration and integration with the wider family of publicly owned operators.
“Together, we can drive performance by sharing best practice and accelerating innovation and continue to deliver even better journeys for our passengers across the LNR and WMR networks.
“We are now a step further on the journey to Great British Railways – a railway that we can be proud of and one that benefits the passengers and communities we serve.”
Ian McConnell, managing director of West Midlands Trains
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
1369 on the South Devon Railway
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced that GWR Pannier Tank No. 1369 will be visiting for their Branch Line Gala.
1369 visits thanks to the South Devon Railway, and is the second visiting locomotive for the gala, following the previously announced Small Prairie No. 4555, which is visiting thanks to the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
The gala will take place from Friday 10th April 2026 until Sunday 12th April 2026 and will see brake van rides, shed tours and an intensive timetable in operation.
1369 is the sole surviving example of the 1366 0-6-0 pannier tank and was built in 1934 and this will be the first ever visit to the Llangollen Railway.
Tickets for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway Branch Line Gala, running from 10 to 12 April 2026, are on sale now.
Full details and advance booking are available at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/
“The Branch Line Gala is all about variety, authenticity and atmosphere, and No. 1369 is a perfect fit. It is a fascinating little locomotive with a genuine branch line pedigree, and the sole survivor of its class, which makes it especially significant.
“With Small Prairie 4555 returning to the Dee Valley, the final running days of Class 14 D9525 and a strong home fleet, we now have a line-up that really tells the story of Swindon-built motive power on branch lines and secondary routes. Tickets are selling well already, and April 2026 is shaping up to be a superb weekend.”
Iain Ross, Event Organiser for the Branch Line Gala
Steam locomotive 1369 set for Llangollen visit
1369 on the South Devon Railway
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced that GWR Pannier Tank No. 1369 will be visiting for their Branch Line Gala.
1369 visits thanks to the South Devon Railway, and is the second visiting locomotive for the gala, following the previously announced Small Prairie No. 4555, which is visiting thanks to the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
The gala will take place from Friday 10th April 2026 until Sunday 12th April 2026 and will see brake van rides, shed tours and an intensive timetable in operation.
1369 is the sole surviving example of the 1366 0-6-0 pannier tank and was built in 1934 and this will be the first ever visit to the Llangollen Railway.
Tickets for the Llangollen and Corwen Railway Branch Line Gala, running from 10 to 12 April 2026, are on sale now.
Full details and advance booking are available at: https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/
“The Branch Line Gala is all about variety, authenticity and atmosphere, and No. 1369 is a perfect fit. It is a fascinating little locomotive with a genuine branch line pedigree, and the sole survivor of its class, which makes it especially significant.
“With Small Prairie 4555 returning to the Dee Valley, the final running days of Class 14 D9525 and a strong home fleet, we now have a line-up that really tells the story of Swindon-built motive power on branch lines and secondary routes. Tickets are selling well already, and April 2026 is shaping up to be a superb weekend.”
Iain Ross, Event Organiser for the Branch Line Gala
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
Battery Train 230001
The UK’s first battery-only powered train will enter service tomorrow, Saturday 31st January 2026.
The Class 230 train has been undergoing trials for the past 22 months on the Greenford branch line.
On Saturday, the battery-powered train will make its debut in passenger service when it operates the 05:30 from West Ealing to Greenford.
The Class 230 train is a World Record holder when it operated for a distance of 200.5 miles, beating the previous record of 139 miles.
230001 will initially operate in passenger service on Saturdays, with a view to increasing timetabled services throughout the year.
“This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet.
“Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren’t possible or desirable.
“Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans, as well as those of the wider rail industry.
“I’d like to congratulate colleagues at Great Western Railway and Network Rail who have worked so hard to make the trial a success and make this next step possible, and also pay tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision this was.”
GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green
“We’re delighted to see this record‑breaking battery train move into passenger service, representing a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain.
“I’d like to thank rail industry colleagues who worked collaboratively on this project, including our Network Rail teams who installed the fast-charge battery banks and assisted with the safety reviews to ensure both the train and the infrastructure were ready for the introduction of passenger services. GWR’s fast‑charge trial has shown just how promising this technology is and today marks another important milestone for the industry.
“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport, and battery‑powered trains will play a crucial role in our commitment to a low‑emission railway and ambition to reach net‑zero by 2050. We’re proud to have worked closely with GWR on this innovative project and we look forward to supporting the next phase as the technology is introduced into regular operation.”
Network Rail’s Western route director, Marcus Jones
Debut for UK’s first battery-only train confirmed
Battery Train 230001
The UK’s first battery-only powered train will enter service tomorrow, Saturday 31st January 2026.
The Class 230 train has been undergoing trials for the past 22 months on the Greenford branch line.
On Saturday, the battery-powered train will make its debut in passenger service when it operates the 05:30 from West Ealing to Greenford.
The Class 230 train is a World Record holder when it operated for a distance of 200.5 miles, beating the previous record of 139 miles.
230001 will initially operate in passenger service on Saturdays, with a view to increasing timetabled services throughout the year.
“This is a significant moment for all those involved in this innovative project and comes at a crucial time as we focus on plans to replace our ageing diesel fleet.
“Our fast-charge trial has successfully demonstrated that battery technology offers a reliable and efficient alternative to power electric trains, in cases where overhead lines aren’t possible or desirable.
“Delivering the train into passenger service will enable us to gain further insight which can be fed into our own decarbonisation plans, as well as those of the wider rail industry.
“I’d like to congratulate colleagues at Great Western Railway and Network Rail who have worked so hard to make the trial a success and make this next step possible, and also pay tribute to the late Adrian Shooter, whose vision this was.”
GWR Engineering Director, Dr Simon Green
“We’re delighted to see this record‑breaking battery train move into passenger service, representing a major step forward for sustainable rail travel in Britain.
“I’d like to thank rail industry colleagues who worked collaboratively on this project, including our Network Rail teams who installed the fast-charge battery banks and assisted with the safety reviews to ensure both the train and the infrastructure were ready for the introduction of passenger services. GWR’s fast‑charge trial has shown just how promising this technology is and today marks another important milestone for the industry.
“Rail is already the greenest form of public transport, and battery‑powered trains will play a crucial role in our commitment to a low‑emission railway and ambition to reach net‑zero by 2050. We’re proud to have worked closely with GWR on this innovative project and we look forward to supporting the next phase as the technology is introduced into regular operation.”
Network Rail’s Western route director, Marcus Jones
Last edited:
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Eccles tram, Transport for Greater Manchester
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
1450 and the autotrain pass over Falling Sands viaduct on the SVR
The Severn Valley Railway is hosting its Branch Line Weekend from the 28th February to the 1st March.
The event celebrates 35 years since the arrival of the line’s first Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).
The weekend will celebrate how branch lines have changed, with a busy timetable featuring short, local trains, autotrain workings and DMUs in action.
Locomotives featured across the weekend include GWR 7802 Bradley Manor (appearing on the Saturday only), GWR 1450, GWR 7714, and Class 101 and Class 108 diesel multiple units.
Diesel Multiple Units and 7802 amongst those appearing for Severn Valley Branch Line event
1450 and the autotrain pass over Falling Sands viaduct on the SVR
The Severn Valley Railway is hosting its Branch Line Weekend from the 28th February to the 1st March.
The event celebrates 35 years since the arrival of the line’s first Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).
The weekend will celebrate how branch lines have changed, with a busy timetable featuring short, local trains, autotrain workings and DMUs in action.
Locomotives featured across the weekend include GWR 7802 Bradley Manor (appearing on the Saturday only), GWR 1450, GWR 7714, and Class 101 and Class 108 diesel multiple units.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Class 101 DMU arriving into Arley
Two DMUs will operate the full line and shorter shuttle journeys, allowing visitors to travel behind both with ease.
There’ll be plenty to do with the engine house open and the cafes and shop. It’s set to be a fantastic event for both enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
A range of ticket options is available, including advance discounts, along with timetables for the day on their website.
“Branch lines were once the lifeblood of local communities, and this weekend is all about bringing that atmosphere back. Whether you are a lifelong railway enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable day out, there will be something here that sparks curiosity and nostalgia.”
“This event is about more than just trains,”
“It is about experiencing the Severn Valley as it once was, taking your time, exploring the stations, and enjoying a full day out that feels special without needing a special ticket.”
Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager at the Severn Valley Railway
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
Class 122 "Bubble Car" Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train running on the scenic Weardale Railway in County Durham, England. The train is operated by the Weardale Railway Trust as a heritage passenger service.
A special one-off service has been announced, with Northern and the Weardale Railway teaming up.
Northern will operate a Class 158 passenger train on the heritage line, a first for the operator.
The service will depart Darlington on the 22nd February, completing a return trip.
Tickets for the service cost £25 in support of two charities – 123 Help 4 Family’s and the Angel Trust.
Further information and tickets are available online.
These tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so make bookings ASAP.
Northern to operate one-off service on heritage railway
Class 122 "Bubble Car" Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) train running on the scenic Weardale Railway in County Durham, England. The train is operated by the Weardale Railway Trust as a heritage passenger service.
A special one-off service has been announced, with Northern and the Weardale Railway teaming up.
Northern will operate a Class 158 passenger train on the heritage line, a first for the operator.
The service will depart Darlington on the 22nd February, completing a return trip.
Tickets for the service cost £25 in support of two charities – 123 Help 4 Family’s and the Angel Trust.
Further information and tickets are available online.
These tickets are expected to sell out quickly, so make bookings ASAP.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
WD152 Rennes
The Swanage Railway is hosting its Spring Steam Gala in March, and the tickets are now on sale.
Between the 27th and 29th March, they will be welcoming WD152 “Rennes” and 6880 “Betton Grange” to the line, where they will join “257 Squadron”, ‘Manston’, U Class Number 31806, and T3 Class Number 563.
Swanage Railway offer advance ticket option for upcoming Spring Steam Gala
WD152 Rennes
The Swanage Railway is hosting its Spring Steam Gala in March, and the tickets are now on sale.
Between the 27th and 29th March, they will be welcoming WD152 “Rennes” and 6880 “Betton Grange” to the line, where they will join “257 Squadron”, ‘Manston’, U Class Number 31806, and T3 Class Number 563.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
6880 ‘Betton Grange’
Visitors who purchase their tickets before the 7th March can take advantage of a special offer for a range of tickets, which can save you up to nearly £40.
There are some further possible announcements in the works for the gala, which will be released soon.
For further information on the gala and to access the ticket, visit their website.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th January, 2026
Inspiration Railway 200 train
New dates for the Railway 200 Inspiration train were recently announced.
On that list was the South Devon Railway from 17th March to 22nd March.
The popular interactive exhibition train is heading to Devon for the first time and will reside at the railway’s Totnes Riverside station
Inspiration to head to Devon for the first time
Inspiration Railway 200 train
New dates for the Railway 200 Inspiration train were recently announced.
On that list was the South Devon Railway from 17th March to 22nd March.
The popular interactive exhibition train is heading to Devon for the first time and will reside at the railway’s Totnes Riverside station
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Inside ‘Inspiration’ – the Railway 200 Train
Tickets are limited but free to book, and this means visitors can also enjoy a ride on the railway for just £12.
Tickets can be booked online, and if you are unable to attend in person, you can always view the virtual tour instead. https://railway200.co.uk/visit-inspiration-in-3d/
“As one of the longest established heritage railways in the south west, we’re proud that we have been chosen for the inaugural visit of Inspiration to this area.
“Our steam trains, historic stations and museum will form the backdrop to the interactive experience, providing options to create a full day out!”
Alasdair Page, Commercial Manager from South Devon Railway
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
"McRat" 27 056 in diesel row at Loughborough Central GCR, flanked by Peak D123 "Leicestershire & Derbyshire Yeomanry" and Tractor 37 714 "Cardiff Canton", 22/1/26
The primary nickname for the British Rail Class 27 diesel locomotive is McRat, a term also shared with the similar Class 26.
This nickname originated in the 1980s among Scottish rail enthusiasts, combining "Mc" (for their Scottish allocation) with "Rat," a derogatory label for Class 25s.
The primary nickname for the British Rail Class 27 diesel locomotive is McRat, a term also shared with the similar Class 26.
This nickname originated in the 1980s among Scottish rail enthusiasts, combining "Mc" (for their Scottish allocation) with "Rat," a derogatory label for Class 25s.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
The 2026 steam hauled railtour has started today with RTC’s Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express from Manchester to Carlisle. 34067 Tangmere is seen approaching Balshaw Lane on a dismal morning.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
31285 and 31465 pulling back into Stanhope after the beer train
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Tangmere August 2024
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Tangmere at Manchester Victoria today
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- Status