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Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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31st January, 2026

Commuter train operated remotely thanks to Alstom / DB partnership​

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Remote Operation Centre at Munich


On Thursday, 29th January, Alstom collaborated with German train operator Deutsche Bahn to demonstrate the remote operation of a commuter train.

The demonstration, carried out within the confines of a maintenance depot at Munich in Germany, was designed to show how digitising movements within a depot could significantly increase their speed and efficiency.

The technology is suitable for installation on both new and existing trains, and heralds the future of carrying out shunting remotely.
 
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During the demonstration at the Remote Operation Centre in Munich


An S-Bahn commuter mainline train was used for the demonstration.

It was driven from a remote operation centre and was the first time in Germany that a commuter train had been driven remotely in a real depot environment.

A generic driving interface, suitable for installation on different types of trains, connects the train to a remote workstation.

It reduces the need for staff to walk long distances and enables shunting movements to be carried out more efficiently.

The train is linked to the remote operation centre by bridging legacy train control systems (TCMS) with a modern, standardised interface for remote operation, which emulates the train’s existing TCMS.

The train used in the demonstration was fitted with extra cameras and sensors so that the remote operator was aware of the train’s situation whilst carrying out shunting movements.

Many types of Alstom trains, including several hundred in Germany, are suitable for deploying remote operation.

The successful demonstration of the system paves the way towards towards development of a prototype, and marks the future for digital operations in depot environments.
 
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The S-Bahn commuter mainline train used in the demonstration


Aymeric Sarrazin, President Digital & Integrated Systems, Alstom, commented that the technology brings the driver’s desk to the operator in the control centre and streamlines every movement in the depot.

Alstom values Deutsche Bahn’s collaboration and its confidence in implementing this test deployment.

Alstom also has experience in remote technology through its remote diagnostic system for predictive maintenance, which it is deploying in new Avelia Horizon double-decker TGV high-speed trains being built for French train operator SNCF.

In the UK, Celsa Steel in Cardiff already use remotely-controlled shunting locomotives, provided by GB Railfreight.,


“Shunting trains by remote control can reduce the workload for our employees and significantly speed up processes in our depots. In just four months, we have put the test system on the rails: from the local 5G network to the control centre and the technology in the train. This proves that technical innovations can also be realised with existing vehicles.”

Harmen van Zijderveld, DB Group Board Member for Regional Transport
 
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31st January, 2026

Yorkshire railway station restoration approaches completion​

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Scarborough's roof from inside the train shed


The £14m restoration of the Grade II-listed Scarborough station in Yorkshire is drawing to a close.

The new louvre window roof, restored masonry, and improved drainage systems are all nearing completion, while the waiting rooms and ticket office have also been refurbished.

The roof of the station was showing signs of leakage in the run-up to 2021, but due to the station’s listing and restrictions on funding, the restoration did not start until the spring of 2025.
 
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Scarborough’s new louvre windows


Above the roof, Network Rail employed the use of Hawks to deter the seagulls from nesting around the station while the work was being undertaken.

The new glass has enabled more light to shine through into the train shed onto the platforms.
 
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Scarborough view from the top of the clock tower


The last part of the work to be undertaken has received a £203k grant for the Railway Heritage Trust to restore the unique clock tower to its former glory, complete with a working timepiece.

The station’s restoration should be complete by April 1st 2026.


“We’ve made significant progress at Scarborough station, and it’s great to see the results taking shape.

“All of the new louvres are now installed, and the main trainshed roof has been fully repaired, repainted and fitted with a new lighting system that really enhances the space. While there’s still important work to complete in the ticket office, waiting area and on the clocktower, we remain on track to finish by 31 March.

Once we had full access with the scaffolding, it became clear there was a real opportunity to restore the clocktower to its former glory. Thanks to additional funding from the Railway Heritage Trust, we’ve been able to repair all four clock faces, fully refurbish the tower and finials, and upgrade the lighting.

The finish line is now in sight, and visitors will see a real difference both inside and outside the station, with the beautifully restored clocktower providing the crowning glory.”

Ann Shannon, scheme project manager for Network Rail
“We’re pleased to award one of our largest grants of recent years to the work which Network Rail and Colt Construction are undertaking at Scarborough.

Having seen at close hand the effect of the weather and pollution on the clocktower, we are determined to support the restoration of this impressive structure so that it can be appreciated by passengers and residents for generations to come.”

Tim Hedley-Jones, executive director of The Railway Heritage Trust
 
1st February, 2026

CMA CGM Group acquires Freightliner​

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Freightliner locos transporting intermodal containers


Following its announcement in September last year, multinational shipping and logistics company, the CMA CGM Group, has completed its acquisition of UK freight operator Freightliner Ltd.

While headquartered in France and operating in around 160 countries, CMA CGM already has a significant presence in the UK, where it employs more than 7,200 workers.

286 staff work for its shipping agency, and it operates 28 services which connect the UK with the rest of the world.

Its subsidiary CEVA Logistics employs 6,768 workers at 103 sites.
 
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A Class 70 from Freightliner


Freightliner sees its acquisition by the CMA CGM Group as “the beginning of a new chapter” which “further reinforces its position as the leading intermodal rail freight operator in the United Kingdom”.

Freightliner has ten terminals, around 1.4m rail slots and two thousand wagons. It owns one of the UK’s largest fleets of electric locomotives.


In December, Freightliner operated the first hydrogen-loaded train on Britain’s rail network.

Rail freight is not included in the government’s renationalisation plans, and so remains in the private sector.

Freightliner and CMA CGM say that they share a commitment to developing a logistics service for clients in the UK and around the world that is stronger, more integrated and sustainable.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Freightliner will continue to operate as a service provider with its own distinct identity.
 
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Freightliner wagons


Other parts of the Freightliner Group are not included in the acquisition.

Heavy Haul Rail will run independently under its current shareholder ownership, as will the European businesses, Rotterdam Rail Feeding and Freightliner PL and DE.


“We are incredibly pleased to announce our acquisition by CMA CGM. Becoming part of a global group of this scale gives Freightliner the means to accelerate its development and strengthen its role at the heart of UK intermodal logistics. By combining our deep UK rail expertise with CMA CGM’s maritime reach and global logistics capabilities, we are building a more resilient, integrated and future-ready supply chain for our customers. Our team will continue to operate with the same autonomy, professionalism and reliability that Freightliner customers trust, now supported by the long-term vision and resources of a world-class logistics group.”

Chris Lawreson, Managing Director, Freightliner
 
2nd February, 2026

Sneak peek of new London North Eastern Railway ‘Serenza’ trains​

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First Class seating on the new LNER Class 897 fleet


London North Eastern Railway has revealed images of its new Class 897 trains, as well as confirming its new name for the fleet.

Serenza, which LNER says is made of the word ‘Serene’ and a Spanish-style suffix ‘Enza’ that ‘evokes the feeling of peace and calm’, is a 10-strong fleet of Class 897 trains that will be built by CAF.

The new fleet, which will have 10 carriages per set, will replace the Class 91+ Mk4 sets and will operate alongside Azuma trains that were built by Hitachi.

The Class 897s will be the first new train fleet introduced as part of Great British Railways, although the order for the trains was placed in the previous Conservative-led government.
 
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Inside the Standard Class carriage on the new LNER Class 897 fleet


These new trains will be tri-mode, which will allow them to run over overhead power lines, diesel or batteries and will have a total of 569 seats per train.

Each train will feature reclining seats in first class, new seating in standard class (with new side bolsters and head cushions), digital screens with the latest information and water bottle refilling stations.

Accessibility has been improved, with the Accessibility Forum working with LNER to make journeys easier, with 47 recommendations made by the panel.

Each seat will have a plug socket and a USB-C charging port.
 
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A wheelchair space in a First Class carriage on the LNER Class 897 fleet


“This is an exciting milestone for LNER as we reveal an insight into what our customers can expect from their journeys in the future and unveil a name. Our new fleet will bring more comfortable, more reliable, and greener journeys across the East Coast Main Line for decades to come and we are looking forward to their introduction in the coming years.

“Reaching this stage has taken a huge amount of work and it has been great to work in partnership with CAF as we design this new fleet of trains. As LNER continues to welcome more customers onboard, these trains will be vital in helping to meet demand for train travel while delivering a new, modern experience for our customers.”

Dr Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER
 
2nd February, 2026

Beer Festival returns to Llangollen Railway​

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Dee Valley Real Ale Train


The 25th April will see the highly anticipated return of the Dee Valley Real Ale Train at Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

The event returned due to passenger demand and will run monthly throughout the season.

The beer festival atmosphere begins at 5 pm, followed by a 6:30 pm steam departure.

Visitors can enjoy a range of beverages throughout the evening.
 
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Dee Valley Real Ale Train


Tickets for the trains are now on sale, with a special relaunch offer: £20 rather than £30.

Tickets include a pint in a Llangollen Railway Train glass.

These tickets are limited, and 18+ only, and those who want to attend should book quickly.

Further information on dates and to book tickets, visit their website.


“Ales From Wales is not just a train ride, it is an experience from the moment people arrive at the station. The Station Master’s Marquee on the ramp creates a real beer festival atmosphere before you even step on board. You have a huge choice of Welsh real ales, a steam locomotive at the head of the train, and one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the country ahead of you.

“The stop in Corwen, with the pop-up Waiting Room Bar on the platform, gives people chance to step off and enjoy the setting, and the stop at Glyndyfrdwy lets passengers enjoy Porter’s Bar, which adds something really special to the evening. Then you come back into Llangollen with live music playing and everyone in great spirits. We genuinely believe this is the best party in Wales. It celebrates Welsh brewing, our railway heritage and gives people a night out they simply cannot get anywhere else.”

James Veal from Llangollen and Corwen Railway
 
2nd February, 2026

Derbyshire heritage railway joins ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign​

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At the Centre of it All


Midland Railway – Butterley has signed up to be part of the Visit Peak District and Derbyshire’s ‘At the Centre of it All’ campaign.

The campaign aims to promote the area on the basis of its location in the middle of England, which makes it accessible to people in many locations.

For example, it is just ninety minutes from London by train.

The campaign is encouraging people to take their next break in the Peak District and Derbyshire, which it describes as “a place of wild peaks and rugged moorland with views that stretch forever.”
 
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At the Centre of it all


The Midland Railway – Butterley is a standard-gauge heritage railway that lies on the Ambergate to Pye Bridge line of the old Midland Railway.

It operates both steam and diesel trains, and hosts special events.

The only historic station on the line is Butterley, which opened in 1875.

It was demolished after the line closed in the 1960s, but was rebuilt once the heritage line opened in the following decade.

The original line closed in 1968, with work to restore it beginning in 1973.

A large part of its trackbed was destroyed in 1976, when a section of the A38 road was built between Ripley and Alfreton.


The Railway ran its first preservation services in 1981.

The line runs for 3+1⁄2 miles (5.6 km) from Hammersmith to Ironville, via Butterley, Swanwick Junction and Riddings.

The Midland Railway Trust operates and maintains the line.

The Railway includes a museum, although its main exhibition hall, the Matthew Kirtley Building – which is named after the Midland Railway’s first Chief Mechanical Engineer from 1844 to 1873 – is currently closed while work is carried out on its roof, after the Railway raised the money to repair it.

The railway is also home to the Golden Valley Light Railway, which is a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge line which opened in 1991.
 
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