Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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4th April, 2026

Branch Line Society to run The North-South Connection this May​

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The Branch Line Society are inviting passengers to join its stock move, The North-South Connection, on Friday, 1 May 2026, ahead of the Welsh Dragon fixture the following day.

The HST rolling stock (2+7 formation) is expected to be running as a Class 1 train, in place of the more usual Class 5.

The movement is set to be a one-way journey, picking up from Manchester Victoria.

Following this, the ECS movement is set to follow the mainline towards Watford Junction (1:30 pm), and onto the Great Western Mainline, where the stock will be left at Reading (3:00 pm) to be prepared for the following day’s main event.

Timings are all approximate, with confirmation with Network Rail due closer to May.

Onboard passengers can enjoy refreshments and snacks from the buffet counter, which can be located in Coach F.

125 Group will be providing a selection of merchandise from Coach C.
 
4th April, 2026

Porterbrook’s Converted Box Wagons enter service​

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MWA-C box wagons


Porterbrook’s new converted MWA-C box wagons have entered frontline service following a 14-month programme which was undertaken in Mansfield at the WH Davis Factory.

The MWA-C box wagons have been converted from seventy-six HHA hopper wagons. The MWA-C use much of the same equipment as on the former HHA hoppers, including the bogies, brake gear and system, along with other reusable components.

The new difference is the robust, stronger, durable box body design, which sits on the frames and has a greater capacity compared to the hopper wagons.
 
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Porterbrook HQ


The project, which began in December 2024 in partnership with Heavy Haul Rail Limited, was aimed at prolonging asset life. It is expected that the box wagons will have a 30-year service life.


In their new state, the box wagons are more flexible in the duties they can perform, as they can now carry a greater variety of goods than they would have done if they were still hopper wagons.


“We are pleased to have partnered with Heavy Haul Rail Limited on this sustainable initiative, transforming these assets into market leading boxes with an important role to play delivering volume across the network for many years to come.

“This highlights our ongoing focus to drive growth in the freight industry, and support the increased movement of heavy goods and materials by rail.”

Max Ordish, Head of Freight and Commercial Projects at Porterbrook


“It is great to see these 76 converted coal wagons now delivering for customers across the UK, as part of our long-term plan to meet growing customer demand for bulk freight.  Delivering materials by rail offers significant carbon reduction and fuel savings compared to road freight because it would take 140 lorries to replace one of our jumbo heavy haul trains.

“Giving the wagons a new lease of life was not only the more sustainable option, but it also supported the local economy because they were converted at UK based firm WH Davis.”

Dave Penney, CEO of Heavy Haul Rail Limited
 
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5th April, 2026

Steam locomotive 4709 moves into Tyseley workshop​

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Chassis inside the workshop


The 4709 Group says that the chassis for No. 4709 has been relocated to the workshop at Tyseley.

The priority will be to assemble the chassis into a rolling chassis.

The assembly work for the pony truck is now nearing completion and will be finished when the wheelset is fitted.

The cylinder block and extension frames are now approaching becoming a single unit.


4709’s compensating beam is approaching completion for machining, and the new equalising beam brackets have been cast and are awaiting machining.
 
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4709 driving wheels


The next job is to fit the buffer beam, which will allow for a new centre stay to be machined, which can then be fitted to the front end assembly.

The eccentric sheaves now need to be refurbished and refitted to the main driving wheel set.

Donor loco, 4115, only provided three driving wheelsets, so a new trailing driving wheelset will require a balance weight, which has been cast but needs lead filling before being used.

With the chassis moving into the workshop, work will proceed quickly. However, to complete the rolling chassis, £30,000 needs to be raised, and donations can be made via the 4709 website.
 
6th April, 2026

TV star travels on Welsh railway to publicise town’s Comic Con convention​

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Chris Barrie shovelling coal


Television comedy star Chris Barrie, best known for his role in Red Dwarf and the BBC sitcom The Brittas Empire, travelled on the Llangollen Railway on Easter Saturday, 4th April, to publicise the start of Wales Comic Con.

Chris was greeted by dozens of fans at Corwen railway station as he boarded a special heritage service to travel through the Dee Valley to Llangollen, where he was to have a busy day at the Wales Comic Con convention to be held at the Llangollen Pavilion.
 
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Chris Barrie meets Angie Turner, Corwen Station Master


Chris’s visit marked the start of a new partnership between the railway and Wales Comic Con, bringing together heritage, popular culture and tourism.

This was just the start of the collaboration, with more joint events between Wales Comic Con and the Llangollen and Corwen Railway planned for the future.

Chris has also been invited to attend the railway’s Branch Line Gala next weekend, when a full programme of steam and diesel services will be operating, so that visitors to the convention can travel on the railway as part of their Comic Con experience.
 
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Chris Barrie meets volunteers who work at Corwen Station


During his time at the railway, Chris met some of the volunteer crews and stepped onto the footplate to discover first-hand what it is like to be on a working steam locomotive.

Chris commented that he had a fantastic time on the railway, and it was great to meet so many fans.

It was something special to be on the footplate, shovelling coal and experiencing a real working steam engine, and he gave a huge thank you to everyone for such a memorable experience.


“It has been absolutely fantastic. It was so great to welcome Chris Barrie to the railway. He was a brilliant guest – a great sport and incredibly knowledgeable about steam trains. You could really see his passion for heritage railways, and it meant a lot to both our volunteers and the fans who came along to see him.”

Paul Bailey from the Llangollen Railway, who welcomed fans at Corwen Railway Station
 
6th April, 2026

Amtrak to upgrade its oldest station in Pennsylvania​

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Lewiston Station


Amtrak is to carry out substantial improvements to Lewistown Station in Pennsylvania, the oldest station served by Amtrak.

Upgrading Lewistown Station is set to begin on Tuesday, 7th April, and will include:
  • A boarding platform to improve passenger access to trains.
  • Updated LED lighting and signage for better visibility and improved safety.
  • Better access to the station through a new passenger drop-off zone and two parking bays compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Upgraded waiting room and toilet facilities.
  • A new air conditioning system in the station waiting area.
Lewistown also houses the extensive collection of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society.

Dave Evans president of the society and owner of the station building, commented that the society supports the updating of the oldest remaining Pennsylvania Railroad train station.

Lewistown is one of 134 station designs and 68 station construction projects being funded by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.

Together, they form Amtrak’s ADA Stations Program to provide accessibility, with a target completion date of 2029, using funds provided by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.


Across the Amtrak network, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the twelve months ending 30th September 2025.

Another 50 stations are expected to be completed by 30th September this year, with a forecasted investment of $311 million.

Kevin Moore, board member of Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail, added that Lewistown will enjoy more rail travel options with Amtrak’s plans to double the frequency of its Pennsylvanian service beginning in Fall 2026.

These station improvements will ensure the safe and continued use of this valuable historic building.

As well as its programme of station improvements, Amtrak is introducing a fleet of new trains that will provide greater comfort, reliability, and more contemporary amenities, and more dining options on its long-distance trains.


“As Amtrak continues modernizing stations across the country, improving the customer experience remains at the heart of our efforts. The station and platform enhancements at Lewistown will create a more welcoming and functional environment for those traveling with us for years to come.”

Dr David Handera, Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility


“Since 1849, the Lewistown station has prominently shaped the transportation network of railroads, roadways and historic canals in the Keystone State, from a bustling trade center to an essential hub for freight and passenger rail in Rural Pennsylvania. This transformative investment in one of the nation’s oldest depots will honor the legacy of Lewistown and improve overall access, safety and accommodations in anticipation of the second Pennsylvanian passenger train this year.”

Senator Judy Ward, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee
 
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7 Apr 2026

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Ty Glas railway station reopens following major upgrades​

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TfW Ty Glas


Transport for Wales (TfW) has reopened Ty Glas railway station following the completion of a major programme of work to modernise the station and enhance safety for passengers and the local community.

While the level crossing reopened to the public in October 2025 following essential safety improvements, work has continued at the station to deliver the remaining upgrades.

The key upgrades include:
  • Platform extension: Ty Glas station platform has been extended by 16 metres
  • Safety Enhancements: A renewed crossing surface with a safer route linking the station to the crossing.
  • Accessibility: The upgrades now facilitate, level boarding, making the station more accessible for passengers.
With the necessary work complete the station reopened on 4 April to customers travelling on the Coryton line.

These upgrades are essential to enable TfW’s new electric Class 756 tri‑mode trains – part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in new trains that were introduced to the Coryton line last year – to stop at Ty Glas for the first time.

The Class 756 fleet has already played a key part across the Core Valley Lines, delivering strong performance by averaging over 90% reliability over the past six months.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW, said: “Reopening Ty Glas station marks the end of a major programme of work and the beginning of a safer, more modern travel experience for our customers.

“These upgrades were essential to support our quieter, faster accelerating electric trains and to ensure the safety of the many people who use the level crossing each day.”

"We’d like to thank the communities along the Coryton line for their patience and understanding throughout the closure”.

The completion of these works represents a significant step forward in the ongoing transformation of the South Wales Metro, and TfW is pleased that customers can now benefit from the new Class 756 trains at Ty Glas station for the first time.


The Class 756 trains bring increased capacity, improved comfort and better accessibility, featuring level boarding between the train and the platform

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7th April, 2026

Norfolk steam locomotive given Scottish look​

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WD 2-10-0 No, 90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment.


Former War Department ‘Austerity’ steam locomotive, 2-10-0 No. 90775, The Royal Norfolk Regiment has been given the livery carried by its classmates in British Railways service from 1948 until 1961.

During their BR days, WD 2-10-0s in the range Nos. 90750 to 90775 were allocated to Grangemouth and Motherwell sheds in Scotland, with their number and shed plates painted in a ’Scottish blue’.

That is the same colour it now displays, with the repainting carried out by two M&GN Society volunteers.

It also carries a 65F Grangemouth shed plate, which was loaned to the M&GN Society by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.

The Royal Norfolk Regiment is the largest locomotive owned by the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway (M&GN ) Society, and was named The Royal Norfolk Regiment in September 2017.


Although it is currently owned by the M&GN Society, it was originally owned by the Essex Locomotive Society, which loaned it to the North Norfolk Railway in 2003, where it has been operating ever since.

This will be the last year for some time that it will be in operational service, as its boiler ticket is due to expire on 5th September.

During World War II, 12 Austerity 2-10-0s, including 90775, were supplied to the Ministry of Supply in December 1943 and sent to the Middle East.

In October 1945, British military authorities in Egypt declared that 90775, along with 15 other Austerities in store in the country, were surplus to requirements, and were sent to Greece for use by the Hellenic State Railways.

Among their duties were hauling the Istanbul express between Thessalonica and Pithion and the Athens to Yugoslavia International express between Thessalonica and the Greece/Yugoslavia border.


In August 1984, the Greek vessel Empros shipped 90775 back to Ipswich Docks.

90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment was one of the locomotives that The North Norfolk Railway used as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day.

A few years ago, 90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment hauled the North Norfolkman dining train, where the North Norfolk Railway was hosting a black tie and tiara dinner to raise funds for the establishment of a memorial in Norfolk in memory of the 97 soldiers, mostly from The Royal Norfolk Regiment, who were massacred in 1940 in Le Paradis, northern France.
 
7th April, 2026

Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to host its Branch Line Gala 2026​

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GWR Pannier Tank No 7754


Llangollen and Corwen Railway are set to host its 2026 Branch Line Gala this April. Between Friday 10 and Sunday 12, visitors can enjoy a busy three-day programme of entertainment, steam, and diesel.

Visiting engines to the 2026 Gala include GWR Small Prairie No. 4555, appearing on the line for the first time in over 60 years, GWR No. 1369, the only surviving example of its class, and Class 14 D9525, which will make its final appearance at Llangollen during the event.

These are set to operate alongside home fleet locomotives No. 3802 and No. 7754.

Entertainment will run throughout the weekend, including live music and a concert on Saturday at 6 pm featuring Chris Greve, Richard Powell and John Hughes.

Food, drink, craft stalls and the Station Master’s marquee will be available at Llangollen, while all stations along the line will be open with additional attractions.
 
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1369 class 0-6-0 pannier tank


Footplate rides will also be available in limited numbers, allowing visitors to experience locomotive operations firsthand.

Demand for these is expected to be high, so pre-booking is advised.

The Llangollen and Corwen Branch Line Gala offers stunning views of the Dee Valley, with historic stations including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.


“This year’s Branch Line Gala is shaping up to be something really special. It really showcases our amazing railway, right up the line, with activity at every station and a fantastic atmosphere throughout. This three-day spectacular is delivered by our incredible volunteers, who work tirelessly to bring the railway to life. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re an enthusiast or just looking for a great day out. Across the weekend, there will be plenty of food and drink available, and our Station Master’s marquee at Llangollen will be at the heart of the action, creating a real festival feel.”

Iain Ross, Branch Line Gala Organiser.
 
7th April, 2026

No grounds for appeal by Stadler against losing SBB contract​

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Stadler double decker train


Stadler has lost its appeal against SBB for signing a framework contract with Siemens for the supply of 200 double-decker trains.

An appeal was submitted to Switzerland’s Federal Administrative Court on 27th November 2025.

The basis for the appeal was that Stadler could not understand on what grounds the court awarded the contract to Siemens.

The court has handed over documents relating to the contract, and although heavily redacted, they only partially restore transparency.

They make clear that in evaluating the tenders, SBB exercised its discretion to award the contract to Siemens.

Stadler lodged its appeal so that the Federal Administrative Court, as an impartial body, could conduct an independent review.

The court proceedings provided Stadler with some insight into the decision, but it wasn’t as transparent as it had hoped, since many tender documents were totally redacted.

That meant Stadler was unable to gain insight into the substance of the case and could not discover crucial evidence about the contract award.

Court documents show that SBB, in evaluating the bids, had exercised its discretion in awarding the contract to Stadler.

That is despite SBB opting for a train that is new and has not yet been tested.

In comparison, Stadler’s tender specified a double-decker train, of which 153 are already in service with SBB, and are among the most reliable in its fleet, having been operating them on its network since 2012, and over 700 are in operation in 14 countries.


Stadler has concluded that, because there is very little information on which to pursue its appeal, it has no grounds to continue the legal proceedings, and today, Wednesday, 7th April, it duly withdrew its appeal.


“We continue to regret the decision, but must accept it on the basis of the information available to us. Stadler is focusing on continuing its long-standing and successful cooperation with SBB.”

Peter Spuhler, Stadler Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
7 Apr 2026

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TfW teams up with 225 Group and Branch Line Society for charity rail tour through Wales​

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67029 at Onibury


Transport for Wales (TfW) has partnered with the 225 Group and Branch Line Society to run a special one-day charity rail tour on a Mark 4 train to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society and Railway Children.

The “Gerald of Wales” will depart Holyhead on Saturday 25 April at 07:08, travelling along the North Wales coast and continuing through the scenic Welsh Marches to Newport and Swansea, before returning via the same route in the evening.

Passengers can also join at stations along the North Wales main line including Chester and Crewe.

The journey offers the opportunity to travel between Chester and Crewe on a Mark 4 hauled by a Class 67 locomotive, a route not usually operated by these trains.

The tour is also planned to operate on lengths of track not regularly covered by passenger trains including freight loops, through lines and the ‘Leckwith Loop’ between Ninian Park and the South Wales Mainline.

TfW’s new Spring/Summer menu will be served celebrating the very best of Welsh produce.

Standard Class customers will have the option to purchase a freshly prepared breakfast or an evening meal package, crafted by our onboard chefs.

First Class passengers will be treated to a full cooked breakfast on the outward journey with a specially curated menu showcasing premium Welsh ingredients available on the return trip, including:
  • Grilled Wye Valley asparagus
  • Dewi Roberts lamb served with Caerphilly champ
  • A macerated strawberry and honey Marches trifle
All profits from the excursion will be donated to Railway Children and TfW’s 2026 charity of the year Alzheimer's Society.

Standard Class tickets are priced at £99 for adults and £79 for under-18s, with First Class Dining available at £225 for adults and £205 for under-18s. Discounted fares are available for Branch Line Society and 225 Group members as well as TfW staff.

Tickets can be booked online via the Branch Line Society website - BLS - Online booking form


This service will be a Class 67 with Mark 4 Carriages

The "Gerald of Wales / Y Gerallt Gymro" name is synonymous with services linking North and South Wales”

The locomotive 67029 is popular amongst followers of the class 67s and has been requested for the day, subject to operational constraints.

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Wednesday 8th Apr 2026

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western', I had a couple of pints of 'Abotts'.

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

I had a two pints that I cannot remember the name of, It was an IPA.

Then we went to 'The Duke of Wellington'.

I had a pint of Rev. James'.

We had our dinner there, Cleo had chilli beef, nachos and rice and I had beef and lamb kebabs, very tasty.

Then we returned to 'The Great Western' and I had two pints of 'Oxwich', a rather nice IPA.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 547, ADL Enviro200, CN17 EYT

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8th April, 2026

Class 66 to haul rail tour from Norwich to London​

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GB Railfreight Class 66 No. 66313


A special charter train, the East Anglian, is being run by the Branch Line Society on Saturday, 25th April, from Norwich to London Liverpool Street.

The tour will be hauled by a GB Railfreight Class 66 diesel locomotive, which is hoped to be one that has never worked a passenger train before.

All profits from the tour will be donated to Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Departing from Norwich at 10.55 am, the tour will travel via Diss and Stowmarket to pick up passengers at Ipswich and Colchester, continuing via the East Anglia Main Line to the recently opened Beaulieu Park station, where it is believed that this will be the first rail tour to pick up at this new station.

During the journey, the train will traverse Trowse Down & Up Passenger Loops, Marks Tey and Witham Up Passenger Loops, Chelmsford Down Passenger Loop, Shenfield Up Passenger Loop, and Ilford Up Passenger Avoiding line, and arrive at Liverpool Street at 3.08 pm.


Fares start from £66 for Standard Class (£33 under 18s), with First Class, Non-Dining at £99 (£66 under 18s), and First Class, Non-Dining, at a guaranteed table for two £119.00 (£86 under 18s).

The train will include a buffet car which will be serving a selection of hot and cold drinks

The tour will be an ideal prelude to the following day’s special train, ‘The Paxman Quarrier‘, to Tytherington in South Gloucestershire, which will be hauled by a DC Rail Class 56 to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the first Class 56 arriving in the UK.

Further information and booking details about both tours are available online at https://branchline.uk
 
8th April, 2026

Luxury train to visit Lincolnshire this Friday​

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Belmond liveried Class 67


The Belmond British Pullman will be visiting Stamford in Lincolnshire this Friday (10th April 2026).

The luxury train will depart London Victoria at 08:07 with Class 67s hauling the train throughout.

The train will head to Stamford via Kensington Olympia (08:25), Watford Junction (09:06), Milton Kings Central (09:49), Rugby (10:27), Nuneaton (10:50 and 11:05), Leicester (11:26), Melton Mowbray (11:44), Oakham (11:55) and Stamford at 12:11.

After time at Stamford, the train will head back to the capital via Peterborough (17:05), Stevenage (18:26), Hertford North (18:37), Finsbury Park (19:03), South Acton (20;26), Clapham Junction (20:47) and London Victoria at 21:08.
 
8th April, 2026

0-4-0 Kerr Stuart saddle tank to star at Severn Valley Summer Gala​

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Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ Class steam locomotive


A special attraction at this year’s Severn Valley Railway Summer Gala is a Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ Class steam locomotive.

Owned by Jack Dibnah and normally based at the Foxfield Railway in Staffordshire, which acquired it in 1983, Kerr Stuart ‘Witch’ Class 0-4-0 saddle tank No 4388 will be a star at the gala on Saturday, 18th and Sunday, 19th July.

Built in 1926 for the British Gas Light Company’s gas works at Etruria in Stoke-on-Trent, it is an unusual design, with outside cylinders, no front footplate, and a small saddle tank. At Etruria, it replaced horses to shunt coal wagons from the main line at Etruria to the gas works.

As well as the Witch Class locomotive, up to three guest locomotives are expected to attend the gala, where a busy timetable has been planned along the complete length of the railway between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

Further attractions at the gala include the Engine House at Highley, which will be open, refreshments including real ales will be on tap in station pubs, whilst running at Kidderminster Station throughout the gala will be a live-steam Gauge 1 model railway.

Engines from the railway’s home fleet are expected to include Great Western Railway (GWR) steam locomotives Nos. 813, 1450, and 7714, and diesel locomotives Class 14 No. D9551, Class 17 No. D8568 and Class 20 No. 20048.

More information and ticket booking details are online at svr.co.uk.

Other railways that hold Summer galas include the West Lancashire Light Railway at Hesketh Bank near Preston in Lancashire, and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.


“We’re thrilled to be launching our brand-new Summer Gala and to welcome such a characterful and unusual locomotive as No 4388 as our first guest. This event is all about celebrating the variety of our fleet and offering something a little different for enthusiasts and families alike, whether that’s classic steam, heritage diesel or even miniature live-steam action at Kidderminster.”

Lewis Maddox, visitor engagement manager at the Severn Valley Railway, said:
 
9th April, 2026

Digital signalling installed on first DB Cargo Class 66 locomotive​

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DB’s Class 66 locomotive 66070 prepares to enter the depot at Toton for its ETCS fitment


DB Cargo UK has completed fitting in-cab signalling to one of its Class 66 freight locomotives, No. 66070.

The new in-cab signalling system, known as the European Train Control System (ETCS), was fitted to 66070 at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot.

It marked the first of its locomotives to have the in-cab signalling system, and follows a contract awarded last year by Network Rail to the company.

Fitting an in-cab signalling system to DB Cargo UK’s locomotives is an essential requirement of the National Freight ETCS Programme.

That forms a critical part of the £1.4 billion East Coast Digital Programme, which is replacing lineside signals with modern digital signalling, with the upgrade to the Class 66s being necessary to allow them to operate on the East Coast Main Line in future.

The European Train Control System operates by continuously communicating with every train, in which a computer screen in the driver’s cab displays signalling information in real-time, instead of the driver relying on lineside signals.


It took eight months and hundreds of new components for the team at Toton to install the new system in the cab of the Class 66.

Siemens will now test the veracity of the system in 66070 before it is declared operational and fit for purpose, which is expected to be later this year.

The next DB Cargo UK locomotive to be fitted with the in-cab European Train Control System is No. 66003, and the team at Toton Traction Maintenance Depot will start work on that locomotive in the next few days.


“DB Cargo UK is central to the delivery of the UK’s digital railway. Our locomotives and colleagues will play a critical role in the successful operation of digital signalling on one of the country’s most important rail routes. The fitment of 66070 is a major step in this journey, and I’m extremely pleased to say that the team has done an outstanding job on this locomotive, and will be aiming to do the same on the next locomotive in the fitment programme.”

James Bodill, DB Cargo UK’s Third Party Manager, who is leading the fitment work at Toton
 
9th April, 2026

Jacobite steam train will run in 2026 as CDL deal agreed with ORR​

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Stanier '5MT' 4-6-0 no.45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier' heads out across Lochy Bridge with the Mallaig bound "Jacobite". Inverlochy Castle can just be seen on the left, on the far river bank.


West Coast Railways has reached an agreement with the Office of Rail and Road that will see Central Door Locking installed across the fleet of Mark 1 carriages that they use on the mainline.

These carriages have been used on charter services, including the ever-popular Jacobite, for 25 years, and WCRC says that they understand how much passengers value this as part of their experience.

Last year, The Jacobite used Mark 2 carriages, but following feedback and an evaluation of the costs associated with this coaching stock, the operator has approached the Office of Rail and Road to bring back Mark 1 coaches into use.

The charter operator is working with the ORR to finalise a timeline of CDL fitment so that the 2026 Jacobite season can start.

The start of the 2026 season has been delayed but a start date is not yet known but will be shared as soon as possible.

West Coast says it is working with the ORR to come up with a plan that “balances the technical requirements of the installation with the goal of commencing the 2026 Jacobite season”.


Following valuable feedback from our passengers and an evaluation of the operational costs associated with our Mark 2 carriages, West Coast Railways has formally approached the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to reinstate our traditional Mark 1 rolling stock. These traditional carriages have been a hallmark of the Jacobite experience for over 25 years, and we know how much our passengers value their classic charm.

West Coast Railways is committed to the long-term future of heritage rail. We have reached an agreement with the ORR to install Central Door Locking (CDL) systems across our entire fleet of Mark 1 carriages used on the mainline.

WCRC Spokesperson
 
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