Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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3rd March, 2026

Heritage railway tickets now available in Llangollen tourist information centre​

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Visitors planning a journey on the Llangollen and Corwen Railway now have an easier way to secure tickets, thanks to a new partnership right in the heart of Llangollen.

For the first time, advance tickets can be purchased in person at the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre, combining travel planning with local expertise under one roof.

Working with Go North Wales, the centre allows visitors and residents to reserve seats, ask questions, and receive tailored advice, all in a single stop.

While online booking remains popular, many travellers still value face-to-face guidance from knowledgeable staff.

Led by Denise, Barbara, and the dedicated team, the centre is a gateway to everything the Dee Valley offers.

Beyond railway tickets, visitors can book accommodation, plan itineraries, explore local eateries, and access tickets for both local and national events.

Open Monday to Wednesday, and Friday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 16:30, and Sunday, 9:30 am to 16:00, the centre complements station ticket offices along the line, giving travellers more flexibility than ever for a memorable heritage day out.
 
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James Veal, Denise Williams and Ian Lebbon at the launch of the new partnership


“We are absolutely delighted that Denise, Barbara and the team at the Llangollen Tourist Information Centre will be selling advanced tickets on behalf of the railway. The TIC does a fantastic job of promoting Llangollen, the Dee Valley and the many attractions that make our region so vibrant throughout the year. Supporting our brilliant TIC is incredibly important to us. Partnering with Go North Wales is a natural fit for the railway, strengthening collaboration across the town’s tourism offer and making it even easier for visitors to plan their trip.”

Director of Llangollen and Corwen Railway.
 
3rd March, 2026

Coffeepot steam locomotive to haul trains for first time at Gloucestershire railway​

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GER “Coffeepot” No. 229


The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway have announced a guest that will attend their Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala.

The 1876-built GER “Coffeepot” No. 229 will attend the gala from the 23rd to the 25th of May.

The locomotive was built for shunting and was later sold to the Admiralty in 1917, working at Chepstow dockyards.
 
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GER “Coffeepot” No. 229


Following some extensive restoration, it will haul passenger trains, possibly for the first time ever.


The Gala is a great opportunity to see the locomotive in action alongside 34070 Manston, joining courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd.

Further information and tickets can be found on their website.
 
Wednesday 4th Mar 2026

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western', a beer festival is on at the moment. :D:toast:

It would be rude of me not to partake.

Here I had a pint of 'Shug Monkey', 'Noble Pair' and 'Malteza Session IPA'.

Good thing we ate lunch before we came out. :lol:

Then is was onwards to 'The Gatekeeper' and I had further pints of 'Rooster's Nectar', 'Vicious IPA' and 'Birrificio Italiano Nigredo'.

Our next stop was 'The Botanist' where we had a lovely meal and a couple of cocktails each.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 544, ADL Enviro200, CN17 EYP

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Harviestoun Noble Pair

4.2% ABV

Harviestoun Brewery, Clackmannanshire. Est. 1983

This chestnut-coloured beer has a strong malt character, with notes of caramel, nuts, biscuit and toffee, balanced by mellow grassy hop notes.

Hops: East Kent Goldings, Fuggles


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Rooster’s Nectar

5.2% ABV

Rooster’s Brewing, North Yorkshire. Est. 1993

This straw-coloured pale ale is brewed using New Zealand hop varieties, delivering generous gooseberry and passion fruit flavours and resulting in a fruity, refreshing character.

Hops: Nelson Sauvin, Rakau

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4th March, 2026

D7018 to appear at the Severn Valley Railway​

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'Hymek' D7018


The Severn Valley Railway is hosting its Spring Diesel Festival from the 14th to the 17th of May.

They have announced that ‘Hymek’ D7018 will join a Class 67, which is joining courtesy of DB Cargo, at the festival.

The Hydraulic type 3 is joining courtesy of the DEPG, and will make an exciting visitor as it is one of only four surviving class members.

The event will also host a special Legacy Event on the 14th about The Greatest Gathering.

Further information on the event and tickets can be found on their website.
 
4th March, 2026

Final visitor announced for Chinnor Diesel Gala​

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Class 37/5 No. 37688 Great Rocks at rear Goathland (North Yorkshire Moors Railway)


The final visitor visiting the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway for their Diesel Gala has been announced.

Class 37 ‘37418’ will be visiting courtesy of Loram and Steve Benniston in its Loram livery and will join 37227 at the event, making it an unmissable event for a range of fans.
 
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37227 at the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway


This visitor will appear alongside other visiting locomotives, including Class 26 ‘26043’, Class 66, and ‘31128’ ‘Charybdis.

These will run alongside residents 37227, 97808 (08825), D1501, D2069, and 47715 between the 20th and 22nd March.

Loco allocation will be made soon an further information can be found on their website.
 
4th March, 2026

Branch Line Society announce another Alstom Depot Dash​

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One of Alstom's class 08 diesel shunters, No. 08 617


The Branch Line Society has announced another Alstom Depot Dash following a successful similar charter last autumn.

The train set to run on Saturday, 4th April 2026 (Easter Saturday) will see the society once again partner up with Alstom, GB Railfreight and Eastern Rail Services to visit three Alstom depots around the western part of central England.

Starting at Edge Hill station, one of the oldest stations on the original Liverpool & Manchester Railway, opened in 1830.

Passengers will board the train hauled by a Class 66 diesel for the run through the tunnels to Liverpool Lime Street, where the train will reverse.

The Class 57 on the rear will take the train to Earlestown to pick up more passengers before continuing onto Longsight Depot.
 
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Alstom Logo


There have been facilities on this site, which has seen continued railway use for over 175 years, though today the site largely looks after Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino trains.

The charter train is to be hauled into the site by a pair of diesel shunters, either class 08 or 09.

Following the visit to Alstom’s Manchester depot, the train will head for Wolverhampton behind the class 57, covering some lines not normally used by passenger trains.

Oxley Traction and Rolling Stock Maintenance Depot (TRSMD) is primarily used to maintain more Avanti West Coast trains, which include the new Evero 805 and 807 class units.

Oxley is another area that has seen continued railway use since the late 1800s.

On arrival at the depot, the resident 08 diesel shunter will drag the train into the shunting neck from Oxley No. 6 Road.
 
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Following two depot visits in one morning, the train will head for Edge Hill to visit the final Alstom depot of the day, but not before a run south to Bescot yard, where a Class 66 diesel change will take place, before heading on down to Bletchley, covering the Rugby up goods loop and Bletchley Relief No. 2 road where the train will reverse.

From here, the train heads north behind the Class 57. On arrival at Edge Hill, the train will run through the heart of the depot, which also maintains Avanti Pendolinos.

It will then be onward to Liverpool Lime Street to set down passengers before returning to Edge Hill station.


This charter is reserved for Branch Line Society Members only.

On board the train, a buffet car will be available providing light refreshments.

An on-board raffle will also take place during the journey, with all proceeds going towards Alstom’s chosen charities.

Additional information on the tour can be found on the Branch Line Society website.
 
4th March, 2026

Steam locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman to return to Swanage​

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Flying Scotsman at Swanage


The Swanage Railway are set to celebrate its 50th Anniversary this autumn with a visit from the renowned Flying Scotsman.

The A3 locomotive will be visiting the line for 10 days from 23rd October.
 
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Flying Scotsman Swanage March 2019


This is the first time No. 60103 has visited the railway, previously being a big hit in 2019 and 2022.

60103 will be hauling trains on the 24th, 25th, 28th, and 29th October and the 1st November.


It will also be on static display on the 23rd, 26th, 27th, 30th, and 31st of October.

Further information on tickets will be released on their website in the coming months.
 
4th March, 2026

Hitachi Celebrates Team Scotland Efforts​

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Class 385 Scotland


10 Years of Scottish operations is being celebrated by Hitachi Rail, and the decarbonisation efforts are being highlighted.

Their partnerships with ScotRail, Transport Scotland and Network Rail (‘Team Scotland’) have been progreessing seeing carbon emissions reduced by 82%

With British-built fleets such as ScotRail’s Class 385s and LNER’s Azuma fleet, they have been able to boost reliability and connectivity across Scotland.
 
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LNER Azuma in Scotland


In 2024-25, 7.8 million journeys were made on the fully electric Class 385, seeing a huge reduction in emissions, and have improved on previous years

Hitachi has been heavily invested in Scotland, with rolling stock investments and a £30 million upgrade to Craigentinny depot.

Hitachi is also sponsoring the Rail Scotland Conference on 5th March and is inspiring the next generation with its partnership with Powering Futures.

With the extension of maintenance contracts for the Class 385 fleet, Hitachi will remain part of Team Scotland into 2030.


“For a decade, Hitachi Rail has been proud to support Scotland’s railway, investing in new technology and working hand‑in‑hand with ScotRail, Network Rail and Transport Scotland to help make the Class 385s one of Britain’s most reliable fleets.

“Our long-term partnership means we never stop asking what’s next for Scotland’s railways. We are excited about the new battery and digital solutions we have been busy developing, which can help deliver even greater reliability, resilience and greener travel choices for passengers across Scotland.”

Kelly Warburton, UK Sales Director at Hitachi Rail
 
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