Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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The touring exhibition train Inspiration


More than 80,000 people have visited Inspiration, enjoying the interactive activities, engineering challenges and historical artefacts that it contains.

Visitors have included thousands of schoolchildren, who have taken part in bespoke tours, learning about the careers available to them as workers on the railway network.

The first tour dates for 2026 were announced in November last year, and further dates were announced in January.

Inspiration’s final tour stops are:
  • East Somerset Railway:  Monday 1 June – Wednesday 3 June
  • Hull:  Friday 5 June – Sunday 7 June
  • Weardale Railway:  Monday 8 June – Sunday 14 June
  • Rail Live (Long Marston):  Wednesday 17 June – Thursday 18 June (separate event registration required)
  • Scarborough:  Saturday 20 June – Monday 22 June
The Inspiration exhibition train was co-curated with the National Railway Museum.

The train’s tour was supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and rolling stock leasing company Porterbrook funded its attention-grabbing livery.
 
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Enjoying the travelling exhibition train Inspiration


“It’s been incredible seeing the fantastic welcome Inspiration gets in towns and cities all over Britain.

“Not only has the railway family supported the train every step of the way, but tens of thousands of new people have discovered how rail travel changed our world. Many visitors don’t regularly use the railway, some have never been on a train, so it’s been really special to share the story of rail and how it’s shaped our lives.

“Thank you to everyone who has visited, volunteered or helped organise this remarkable journey. We hope to see some of you at the final stop in Scarborough!”

Emma Roberts, Railway 200 Programme Manager
 
31 Mar 2026

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Transport for Wales launches bus stop review across South West Wales​

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2025 - Jack Abbott - TFW Carmarthen


Transport for Wales (TfW) has begun a review of over 6,000 bus stops across South West Wales as the region prepares for bus franchising.

South West Wales will be the first region in Wales to roll out bus franchising under the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026.

The review represents a step forward in delivering a modern, integrated and accessible bus network for passengers across the region.

Commissioned by TfW and delivered in partnership with Welsh Government, Local Authorities and Corporate Joint Committees (CJCs), the review will assess accessibility features, customer information and the physical condition of marked and unmarked stops across the region. Externiture Ltd have been appointed to deliver the review.

While Local Authorities remain responsible for the bus stop infrastructure, the review will provide robust data, including an assessment of existing NaPTAN records to inform future investment and improvements across the region.

The project supports the Welsh Government’s Travel for All ambitions and TfW’s One Network, One Timetable, One Ticket vision to create a more integrated, reliable and sustainable bus network.

It contributes to the wider goals of Llwybr Newydd and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.

Ken Skates, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, said: “Millions of bus journeys are taken by people across Wales every year and this network is an integral part of our public transport system.

“This review will play an important role in shaping improvements. It will give us a more accurate understanding of what exists today, so we can understand how to improve accessibility, safety and consistency for bus users in the coming years."

“By working with Transport for Wales and our local partners, we’ll strengthen the foundations to create a modern, inclusive transport network that works for everyone.”

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales, said: “This work will enable us to make better decisions for passengers. By understanding the condition of our bus stops, we can improve customer information, strengthen accessibility and move towards a more integrated, reliable bus network for communities across South West Wales.”

The survey is expected to be completed by winter 2026.

The current working schedule is to have franchising completed by 2030.

Under the Bus Services (Wales) Act 2026, responsibility for customer information transfers from Local Authorities (LAs) to Welsh Ministers and therefore to TfW.

8482
 
31st March, 2026

Norfolk rail depot to hold an Open Day​

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Crown Point depot Open Day


Greater Anglia’s Crown Point depot at Norwich is holding a public open day on Saturday, 6th June.

It has been over 30 years since the last time that the public could take a look behind the scenes at the depot, and it is expected to be extremely popular.

Even better, there will be no admission charge, and tickets can be applied for now.

The depot will be open to visitors from 10 am to 4 pm, when there will be the chance to explore the depot and see where Greater Anglia’s intercity and regional trains undergo maintenance and are prepared for service.


On display will be Greater Anglia’s Class 745 and Class 755 trains.

Class 745s are electric trains that operate intercity services between Norwich and London Liverpool Street, and the Stansted Express between London and Stansted Airport, whilst Class 755 trains are bi-mode units used on regional services throughout the East of England.

As well as viewing the trains, there will be demonstrations of engineering techniques, a display of railway heritage exhibits, and visitors will be able to meet the people who work at the depot to keep the trains running every day.

Crown Point depot was opened in 1982, and Greater Anglia now operates it in partnership with Stadler.

The depot is vital in maintaining train services across the region, and each day it fuels up to 27 trains and refills their sand dispensers.


The Open Day has been organised as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations.

This is a nationwide celebration of 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway, and also celebrates the railway’s role in connecting communities and supporting local economies.

It is expected that there will be a great demand for tickets for the event, which are free but must be booked in advance.

Further information about the open day, as well as details of how to book tickets, travel, accessibility, and safety information, and are on the dedicated Open Day web page at https://www.greateranglia.co.uk/crown-point-depot-open-day.


Crown Point depot is currently undergoing a major upgrade.

“We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors from across the region to Crown Point for what promises to be a fantastic day. “


“This is a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of a working depot and see first-hand the work that goes into keeping our trains running safely and reliably every day, connecting communities across East Anglia with each other and with London, and enabling longer journeys right across the UK rail network. We hope visitors of all ages will enjoy learning more about the railway and meeting the people who make it happen.”

Helen Dickerson, Depot Yard Manager at Crown Point
 
Wednesday 1st Apr 2026

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western', I had a pint of 'Batemans Triple XB' and 'Courage Best Bitter'.

Then we went for a walk around the shops and market and ended up in 'The Gatekeeper'.

We had 30 hot and spicy chicken wings between us for dinner.

I had a few pints of 'Lurcher' followed with a final pint of 'Titanic Plum Porter' for desert. :lol:

Then it was the bus home.

The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 269, ADL Enviro200, CN64 FWT

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1st April, 2026

Severn Valley Railway to offer brake van rides at Spring Gala​

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A goods train hauled by GWR 4930 Hagley Hall


The upcoming Spring Gala at the Severn Valley Railway in April will offer passengers a unique opportunity, in addition to watching and travelling behind 71000 ‘Duke of Gloucester’, LMS pug No.11243 and Port of Par Bagnall ‘Judy’.

The recently restored GWR ‘Toad’ brake van will also be available for rides during the gala, giving passengers the chance to ride on a heritage goods train along the Severn Valley, offering a long-lost experience of travelling on a working goods train.

Situated as the leading brake van, between the loco and the train of goods wagons, passengers will experience the rough and hard riding of a 4-wheel brake van right behind the steam engine.

For those wishing to travel on the veranda, an iconic feature of a ‘Toad’ van, there is the added experience of being partially exposed to the elements on three sides, plus the bonus of travelling through smoke, coal dust and near total darkness when passing through tunnels, all adding to the excitement.
 
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Toad brake van


Tickets for the Toad brake van / Goods Train experience must be bought in advance, in addition to a valid Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala Ticket.

Those with heart, back or respiratory conditions should seek advice before travelling, if they consider booking for a ride, on this unique experience.
 
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4930 Hagley Hall at Arley


Brake van rides will only be available on Thursday, 16th April and Sunday, 19th April.

On Thursday, 16th April, No. 4930 Hagley Hall will be the goods train engine with rides travelling the full 16-mile length of the railway.

Leaving Kidderminster at 9:20 am and 2:05 pm, with one departure from Bridgnorth at 11:50 am.

On Sunday, 19th April, GWR Saddle tank No. 813 will be the goods train engine with rides running between Kidderminster and Highley.

Departures from Kidderminster will be at 10:48 am and 2:30 pm, with one departure from Highley at 12:35 pm.

Tickets can be booked via the Severn Valley website.


“This is a truly special opportunity to experience a very different aspect of railway operation. Travelling in a brake van as part of a goods train is about as authentic as it gets. You’re right behind the locomotive, surrounded by the sounds, smells and atmosphere of a working railway. It’s noisy, it’s dirty, and it’s incredibly exciting. Experiences like this are rarely available, and they offer a real insight into the vital role freight trains once played on Britain’s railways.”

Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager
 
1st April, 2026

Multiple steam locomotives to get new livery as major rebrand announced​

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New look identity, coming soon


The Great Little Trains of Wales has announced a new rebrand that will bring all of its member railways under one brand.

The Great Little Trains of Wales is made up of a number of narrow gauge railways, including the Vale of Rheidol Railway, Talyllyn Railway, Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways and more.

As part of the rebrand, all railways will adopt the British Rail Rail Blue colour scheme and will complement the new carriage livery that is also in development.

The Double Arrow logo will be introduced across all railways and will feature the new Great Little Welsh Railways name.


As a way to reduce costs, the railway’s logos and names will become more ‘Lines’ rather than ‘Railways’, for example, the Bala Lake Railway will now become the Bala Lake Line.

The precise gauge of each railway has been a problem, from the 12.25″ of the Fairbourne Line, to the 2 ft 7.5 inch gauge of the Snowdon Mountain line.

Following a consultation with the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Line and their General Manager, it has been decided that it would be cheaper if everyone followed their gauge, since they have the longest line already in use.

All stock will be regauged to the gauge used on the Ffestiniog Line, this being 1 ft 11.5 inches.

The regauging work will be carried out at the Boston Lodge Central Traincare Facility, with full details of the upgrade plan being announced in due course.


All steam locomotives will get the new livery to create a single brand that is easily identifiable.

The first locomotives with their new colour scheme will be in service this season.


“I guess if it works for the national network over in England, then apparently it can work for our group of railways here. To be honest the guys at the Vale of Rheidol only painted their tank in BR blue last year as a bit of a joke. I’m not sure how it’s now got this far and I don’t remember voting for it, but our consultants seem pretty keen on it and we’ve bought so much blue paint we might as well get on with it.”

Stuart Williams, Vice Chair GLWR and General Manager at Brecon Mountain Line


“Guys! It’s so more than just a new look. It’s about reconnecting with a powerful chapter of railway history. By embracing the Rail Blue livery and the Double Arrow logo, we are creating a strong, cohesive identity that resonates with enthusiasts, visitors, and communities alike, while honouring Gerry Barney and his iconic logo, whilst looking forward to a brave new era for the Great Little Welsh Railways.”

Tim Dunn, railway historian and spokesperson for Design Agency Diwrnod Ffŵl Ebrill
 
1st April, 2026

Bedfordshire railway to greet a giant Easter Bunny​

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Doll and Gertrude at the Leighton Buzzard Railway


This Easter, children visiting the Leighton Buzzard Railway will have the chance to meet the biggest Easter Bunny in Bedfordshire.

On Easter Sunday, 5th April, and Easter Monday, 6th April, the outsize Easter Bunny will be part of the railway’s Easter festivities.

Five trains hauled by sister engines Doll and Gertrude will be running from Page’s Park Station to Stonehenge Works, as well as the extension to Munday’s Hill, which is the full length of the line.

The first train on both days will depart from Page’s Park Station at 10.30 am.
 
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The giant Easter Bunny.


There are plenty of activities to keep children occupied whilst they are at Stonehenge Works, including an Egg Hunt to search for small plastic eggs that have been hidden away.

For each egg that they find, up to a maximum of five per child, they can exchange it for chocolate treats when they return to Page’s Park.

Also hidden around Stonehenge Works are some ‘Golden Tickets’.

Any child lucky enough to find one of these can exchange it for a boxed Easter Egg, which will be presented to them by the Easter Bunny when they get back to Page’s Park.

Each child will only be eligible to exchange one golden ticket for an Easter Egg.

For the under-fives, a new attraction this year is a separate search area especially for them.

They will also take a ride on the miniature railway, which will be running in the yard with all rides free of charge.

Rail enthusiast visitors will also be catered for, with demonstration freight trains hauled by heritage diesel locomotives running alongside the passenger trains on the Mundays Hill extension.
 
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Children meeting the giant Easter Bunny


Another attraction is a 1964 Ruston Bucyrus excavator, which was the type that, for many years, was used at the quarry face in Mundays Hill Quarry to load trains of side-tipping wagons.

Further information about the weekend’s activities and booking details is online at www.buzzrail.uk.


The railway opened its 2026 season in style with a special event on Mother’s Day, 15 March, when over 300 visitors gathered at Page’s Park Station.
 
1st April, 2026

Harry Potter steam locomotive gives Essex railway a record-breaking weekend​

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6989 Wightwick Hall


The Epping Ongar Railway is celebrating a record-breaking start to the 2026 season, featuring a special train called “Hogwarts Express Star”.

The train was hauled by former Great Western Railway (GWR) Modified Hall Class No. 6989 Wightwick Hall, which is soon to appear in the upcoming Harry Potter HBO television series.

Many families and railway enthusiasts visited the railway over the weekend to view the iconic locomotive and to experience the magic of steam.

Wightwick Hall produced an electric atmosphere as it hauled passenger services along the heritage railway, and was undoubtedly key to making it one of the railway’s most successful opening weekends.

It will continue operating services for the next couple of weeks, until Sunday, 19th April, to give visitors plenty more opportunities to ride behind the iconic locomotive.

During the upcoming Easter holidays, the railway has planned a packed schedule of events, with an Easter Eggstavaganza: throughout the Easter weekend from Friday, 3rd to Monday, 6th April, when children can win a chocolate treat by searching for clues across the railway.

On Wednesdays 1st and 8th, and Sunday 12th April, children can join Wonderful Wizards and Fabulous Fairies for a family day out filled with fun, and are invited to come dressed as their favourite character.

For visitors travelling to the railway by train, there will be heritage bus links using classic London buses providing connections to the railway from Epping Underground and Shenfield stations.


For more information about upcoming events, timetables, and to book tickets, visit the railway’s website at www.eorailway.co.uk.


“We couldn’t have asked for a more magical start to the year. Seeing the excited faces as Wightwick Hall pulled into the station was a fantastic sight. It’s a brilliant testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the enduring appeal of steam travel.”

A spokesperson for Epping Ongar Railway
 
1st April, 2026

Trials to see new Gatwick Airport train services launched​

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A plane arriving at Gatwick Airport above the new concourse


Great Western Railway says that it will be running new early morning services between Reading and Gatwick Airport.

The new services will run on Saturday and Monday from the 6th June to test demand for potential connectivity.

The trial will run for 12 weeks.

Currently, GWR runs services between 04:30 and 23:30, meaning passengers cannot use trains for early departures or late arrivals.


Trains will run as follows:
  • Saturdays departing Reading: 0228 0330
  • Saturdays departing Gatwick Airport: 0030 0124 0400
  • Mondays departing Reading: 0324
  • Mondays departing Gatwick Airport: 0024 0400
The trains will call at Reading, Wokingham, Guildford, Dorking Deepdene, Reigate, Redhill and Gatwick.


“This trial allows us to test demand for extended operating hours to Gatwick and gather real-world data on how passengers use these services. Improving sustainable connectivity to airports is important to support the growth in air travel and we’re pleased to work with Gatwick Airport and Network Rail to explore what’s possible. "The trial will help us understand whether overnight services can work operationally and commercially on this route. We’ll monitor performance closely and will review feedback before considering options to improve services in the future.”

Mark Hopwood, Managing Director, Great Western Railway
“We’re delighted to work in partnership with Great Western Railway to introduce these new overnight services, which will make travelling to and from London Gatwick even easier for both passengers catching early flights and staff working at the airport.“Strengthening sustainable, reliable public transport links is vital as our route network grows, and this trial represents a significant step in improving choice and convenience for our passengers across the region.”

Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, London Gatwick
 
1st April, 2026

May comes in April for Suffolk railway​

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May in its shed at Brockford


A Peckett 0-4-0 saddle tank has been delivered to The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (MSLR) (the Middy) to operate services on the line this summer.

Built in 1915, industrial 0-4-0 Saddle tank steam locomotive No. 1370 May was delivered from its home at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton Road to the railway’s Brockford headquarters on Tuesday, 31st March.

It took a protracted shunting operation to position May in the right place before filling the boiler with water and lighting its fire.
 
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Shunting May after arrival at Brockford


After testing, the Middy’s drivers and firemen will have a chance to become acquainted with May today, Wednesday, 1st April.


The plan is for May to operate services with another steam engine, Illingworth, which has been at the railway since last Christmas.

During the Easter weekend, it is expected that both engines will be in steam,, and a 4-wheel diesel railbus will also be operating services.
 
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May at Brockford


The 10-year certification of Illingworth’s boiler is nearing its expiry date; therefore, before it can continue in service, its boiler must be refurbished and recertified.

It will therefore return to its owner after this weekend’s services.

May has had a chequered history, and first worked at an Ordnance Factory in Coventry before moving to GEC at Stafford, where it was named Lady Godiva.

After being declared redundant by GEC, it went to Cohens, a scrap dealer and loco merchant, from where it was purchased by Yates Duxbury, based at Heap Bridge at Bury in Lancashire.

While at Yates, it was named May, and continued in operational service until 1975, when it was sold for preservation.

Last August, the the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway opened an extension to its running line, since when volunteers have been working hard to build a new station to go with it.
 
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May at Brockford


“The arrival of May continues the Middy’s policy of securing a diverse and interesting range of small industrial and shunting steam engines to haul our passenger trains. The Easter weekend it is planned will see both steam locomotives in service together with the recently arrived Great Eastern Railway Chief Engineer’s Salon coach no 14.”

John Durrant, Locomotive Manager, the Mid-Suffolk Railway’s
 
2nd April, 2026

Integrated Tap and Go to be introduced to better connect Trains, Bus and Trams​

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Transport for London Bus and train


The UK Government has today announced plans to bring together Tap and Go travel across buses, trains and trams.

Similar systems are already in place in Liverpool, London and Nottingham and now local leaders are being allowed to create systems like these.

Passengers will therefore benefit from more affordable travel as well as onward journeys being more connected.

This is just one of more than 40 commitments in the Better Connected national transport strategy, which has also announced a new partnership with Google to allow people to track buses via Google Maps.


“For too long, getting from A to B has been more complicated than it needs to be.

“People want journeys to be easy and reliable. They want to be able to get off a train and straight on to a bus without having to battle through a confusing system or buy separate tickets for each part of their journey.

“That’s why we’re giving local leaders the powers to build transport networks that are simpler, more accessible and better connected, improving everyday journeys and supporting growth in every corner of the country.”

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander
 
2nd April, 2026

Weardale Railway announces family-friendly Easter weekend​

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Easter adventures at the Weardale Railway


Families across North East England are being invited to take part in a festive Easter celebration as Weardale Railway hosts a weekend of seasonal activities.

The event will run between Friday, 3 April, and Monday, 6 April, with stations such as Bishop Auckland and Stanhope offering a lively programme of family-friendly fun.

Children can take part in a large Easter egg hunt, supported by a range of local sponsors, and there is a free Easter bunny hunt at Stanhope Station, where every participant receives a prize.

A decorated egg competition will also take place daily at 2 pm, open to both children and adults who are encouraged to bring their own creations.
 
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Passenger service on the Weardale Railway


The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ offer will return, allowing children to travel for £1 when accompanied by a paying adult.

Visitors will also have the chance to ride the restored 1903 NER petrol-electric Autocar, a rare and historic rail vehicle.

Spanning 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, the railway celebrates County Durham’s heritage while supporting tourism.

Now operated as part of The Auckland Project, the line offers heritage journeys, special events and educational experiences for visitors throughout the year.


“Easter is always a really special time for us Weardale Railway, and this year we’re delighted to be offering even more for families to enjoy including our ever-popular Easter egg hunts and competitions and the opportunity to ride on the unique 1903 NER petrol-electric Autocar; there’s something for visitors of all ages.

“We’re particularly pleased to be able to offer children’s travel for just £1, making it an affordable and fun day out, and we look forward to welcoming families from across the region for an exciting Easter on the railway.”

Claire Gibbons, general manager at Weardale Railway.
 
3rd April, 2026

More capacity and improved connections with new Southeastern timetable​

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Rail operator Southeastern has announced a sweeping package of timetable improvements set to roll out in May and December, promising more frequent services, increased capacity and better connections for passengers across South-East London, Kent and parts of East Sussex.

From 17 May, travellers can expect more space during peak hours alongside enhanced travel options for key areas, including Maidstone and the Medway towns.

Peak-time services to London Blackfriars will be restored via these routes, while additional weekday trains between Charing Cross and Maidstone East aim to ease congestion and improve flexibility.
 
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Aerial shot of Charing Cross station


High-speed passengers will also benefit from extra services between Canterbury West and St Pancras International, delivering a more consistent half-hourly timetable, including on Saturday mornings.


These changes mark the first phase of a broader transformation.

A far more significant uplift is planned for December, when Metro services will see one of their biggest overhauls in years.

The vision is a ‘turn-up-and-go’ railway operating at least four trains per hour on most routes six days a week, dramatically improving convenience for everyday journeys.

The overhaul comes as the industry moves towards the creation of Great British Railways, with a focus on delivering better, more reliable journeys while supporting growing demand.

Passengers are encouraged to check updated timetables, as some services will be adjusted to improve punctuality and overall performance.


“We continually listen to our customers and monitor travel patterns to adjust and improve our timetable every May and December. In previous timetable updates we have added more services, more capacity where it is needed and more consistent departure times too.

“In May, we are introducing more space on our busiest routes, better connections into central London and more choice throughout the day.

“It is also the first step towards a major upgrade to Metro services this December, which will make it easier for customers to travel when they want, with more frequent and consistent services across south-east London on a turn-up-and-go railway.

“We aren’t sitting around waiting for Great British Railways to deliver a better railway. We are working together, today, to make changes that will build a simpler, more reliable and better-connected railway for our customers.”

Scott Brightwell, Safety, Planning & Performance Director at South Eastern Railway.
 
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