Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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9th April, 2026

Apedale announces two special guest locomotives ahead of June Motor Roll Mania​

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60S364, 'Campbell's'


Apedale Valley Light Railway has unveiled two guest locomotives set to appear at its Motor Rail Mania event on June 27-28, adding to an already interesting event lineup for enthusiasts and families attending.

On loan from Golden Valley Light Railway, Motor Rail No. 8739 (1942) and No. 60S364 (1968) will showcase evolving eras of railway design.

Nicknamed ‘Pioneer’, 8739 features a distinctive rebuild with a Deutz air-cooled engine and rarely hauled passengers, aside from a brief stint in Nuneaton.
 
9th April, 2026

CAT UK and DB Cargo sign new 7-year contract for Jaguar Land Rover car train service​

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DB Cargo Class 66 on a freight train


DB Cargo UK has signed a seven-year contract with CAT UK to transport finished vehicles from Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant in Merseyside to the Port of Southampton.

Teams in Cheshire, the West Midlands and Hampshire currently run around three weekly services between Merseyside and Southampton, with an aim to expand operations and increase freight journeys.

Jaguar Land Rover has invested hundreds of millions towards Halewood’s future and output of the next generation of electric vehicles manufactured in the UK.
 
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Brand new Range Rover being inspected before loading for rail freight transport


The deal underscores rail freight’s reliability and sustainability, cutting CO2 emissions by around 76% versus road.

With major EV investment at Halewood, output and rail volumes are set to rise.


“It’s a real honour to play a continuing role in the transportation of such an iconic British brand. We have worked with CAT UK, formerly STVA, for more than two decades, helping them to move high-value automobiles across the UK and Europe for both import and export.”

Roger Neary, Chief Commercial Officer.
 
9th April, 2026

Telford Steam Railway to host special guest diesel locomotive this weekend​

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English Electric Preservation Group's Class 08 No. 08784


Telford Steam Railway have announced a guest locomotive to visit the line on Sunday, 12 April.

On its first heritage services of 2026, Class 08 No. 08784 will be on loan to Telford from the English Electric Preservation Group, giving visitors a unique one-day-only opportunity to ride, diesel-hauled, along the railway’s 1 in 40 gradients behind this special guest.

The Telford Steam Railway will be running five services hauled by 08784 for passengers on the day.

Visitors can also enjoy home favourites running at the site, including the narrow gauge steam tram ‘Thomas Telford’ and a model railway exhibition
 
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English Electric Preservation Group’s Class 08 No. 08784


Refreshments and food can be found at the Furnaces Tearoom, while a gift shop and second-hand bookshop offer souvenirs and merchandise.

The Phoenix Miniature Railway is also easily accessible from the Telford Railway, for a small entry charge.

Ticket prices:

Adult: £10

Child (2-16): £7

Family (2 adults and 2 children/1 adult and 3 children): £28

Each ticket includes travel on standard gauge locos, narrow gauge tram rides, and entry into the model railway exhibition.
 
Friday 10 Apr 2026

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Essential rail improvement work to take place between Llandrindod and Llanwrtyd this April​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Train passengers advised of bus replacement services on the Esk Valley Line


Buses will replace trains between Llandrindod and Llandovery, on the Heart of Wales line, from Saturday 18 April to Thursday 23 April.

Network Rail will be carrying out essential work between Llandrindod and Llanwrtyd this April, including vegetation management and level crossing maintenance, helping to keep the railway safe and reliable for passengers and freight customers.

What this means for passengers:
  • Buses will replace trains between Llandrindod and Llandovery from Saturday 18 April to Thursday 23 April.
  • An amended train service will run between Llandovery and Carmarthen/Swansea
  • Some services will be retimed, running earlier or later than usual
Passengers are urged to plan ahead and check before they travel, as journey times may be longer.

A Network Rail spokesperson said, “This essential work will help us maintain a safe and reliable railway for everyone who uses the Heart of Wales line. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these improvements.”

Passengers can check the latest travel information with their train operator or via National Rail Enquiries.
 
10th April, 2026

50 years of S15 30506 to be celebrated at the Watercress Line’s Spring Steam Gala​

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S15 506 at Ropley on The Watercress Line


The Urie Locomotive Society (ULS) marks a significant milestone this month, celebrating 50 years since S15 Class No. 30506 arrived on the Watercress Line (Mid Hants Railway).

The locomotive will appear at the line’s Spring Steam Gala, running from 24 to 26 April 2026.

Built in 1920 by the London and South Western Railway at Eastleigh Works, No. 30506 was rescued from Woodham Brothers scrapyard in Barry, South Wales.
 
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S15 Class No. 30506


Following a successful fundraising campaign, it reached the then-fledgling Mid Hants Railway in April 1976, where it became a mainstay of the heritage fleet.

Now presented in British Railways early crest livery, it remains a popular working locomotive.

During the three-day gala, the locomotive will haul trains over the ‘Alps’ gradients between Alresford and Alton.

The event also highlights the Society’s ongoing restoration of sister engine No. 499, currently under overhaul at Ropley.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the ULS sales stand to learn more and support the final stages of the project to return No. 499 to steam.

Tickets are available via the Watercress Line.
 
10th April, 2026

Heart of Wales line trains to be replaced by buses this month​

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Walkers joining the train at Llandovery station


Network Rail will carry out essential maintenance between Llandrindod and Llanwrtyd on the Heart of Wales line this April, with bus replacements between Llandrindod and Llandovery from Saturday, 18 April to Thursday, 23 April.

The work includes vegetation management and level crossing maintenance to support safe, reliable services for passengers and freight customers.

An amended rail service will operate between Llandovery and Carmarthen/Swansea, with some trains retimed to run earlier or later than usual.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead, allow extra journey time and check before travelling via their operator or National Rail Enquiries.


“This essential work will help us maintain a safe and reliable railway for everyone who uses the Heart of Wales line. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused and thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these improvements.”

Network Rail Spokesperson.
 
11th April, 2026

Great Western Railway weekend at Essex railway​

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6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’


The Epping Ongar Railway at North Weald in Essex has released more details about its upcoming gala to be held on the weekend of Friday, 17th to Sunday, 19th April 2026.

The weekend will feature four majestic steam locomotives, including Great Western Railway (GWR) Modified Hall Class No. 6989 Wightwick Hall, which has a starring role in the Harry Potter television series.

Wightwick Hall is famous for its red livery and was used in the TV series to transport the wizards to school at Hogwarts.

Three other locomotives will be in service during the weekend:
  • GWR Prairie tank engine No. 4144.
  • Hunslet 0-4-0 saddle tank No. 2409 King George, which is on loan from the Didcot Railway Centre. It was built during World War II and worked at a number of collieries in Nottinghamshire before being sold in 1980. Rescued from a scrap yard in 1981, it has since been restored and repainted in Royal Blue.
  • GWR Hall Class No. 4953 Pitchford Hall, which looks resplendent in midnight black with gold and scarlet detailing. It is a resident at the Epping Ongar Railway, and will allow visitors to compare the differences between Unmodified and Modified Hall Class locomotives.
 
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King George at the Didcot Railway Centre


During the weekend, guests can enjoy refreshments from on-train bars, whilst on Saturday evening, there is the attraction of a Real Ale train serving locally sourced fish and chips.

A shuttle service is being laid on for visitors to the gala, with vintage buses from Epping station on London Underground’s Central Line, and Shenfield station on the East Anglia Main Line.
 
12th April, 2026

Asparagus Express returns to Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway​

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Asparagus Train


The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway will host a themed ‘Asparagus Express‘ on Saturday, 18th April, celebrating the Vale of Evesham’s protected-status asparagus season.

The steam-hauled service departs Broadway Station at 12:50 pm and returns from Cheltenham Racecourse at 2:10 pm, carrying fresh produce alongside passengers for the special journey.

Organised by the British Asparagus Festival Community Interest Company, in partnership with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, and supported by Worcestershire’s Vale & Spa, the event highlights the region’s long association with high-quality asparagus production.

The trip reflects the railway’s historic role in agricultural distribution across the Vale, when stations such as Toddington handled produce including asparagus, soft fruit, Pershore plums, apples, cherries and pears, packed and loaded into dedicated railway vans for rapid transport to market.
 
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Asparagus Express No. 3850


While rail freight for local produce ended in the early 1960s as road haulage took over, imports, including asparagus from Peru, contributed to a decline in domestic supply.

More recently, however, Vale asparagus has seen renewed demand as consumers seek locally grown produce with strong provenance and flavour.

Entertainment onboard will include Gus the Asparagus Man and Asparagus Evie, while Nigel Smith, landlord of the National Trust-owned Fleece Inn at Bretforton, will sell fresh asparagus from local growers.

Asparagus-themed dishes will also be available in onboard catering and at The Cotswold Halt Café at Toddington Station.


“On St George’s Day, the official start of the British Asparagus Festival, the first ‘hundred round of gras’ is auctioned in aid of charity and taken on a different promotional trip each year. A few years ago, this included a journey on the GWSR’s steam trains, which was so popular that we have decided to make this an annual special celebration.

“Steam trains and asparagus are equally popular. This a great way to celebrate both and to promote this very special crop and encourage people to make sure they buy British.”

Nigel Smith, GWSR.
 
12th April, 2026

Stadler to install communication-based train control in Swiss city Basel​

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TANGO Tram BLT


Rolling stock manufacturer Stadler is to equip trams in Basel, Switzerland, with its communication-based train control system NOVA Pro.

Regional transport company BLT Baselland Transport AG has commissioned Stadler to carry out the work in the country’s third-largest city.

The company believes that its NOVA Pro system has shown how capable it is on the Waldenburg railway line, on which train services have recently operated in semi-automated GoA2 mode.

After the driver has given approval for the vehicle to depart, journeys continue in a fully automatic mode.

The line has a punctuality rate of more than 99 per cent, making it one of the most reliable lines in Switzerland.

NOVA Pro CBTC system regulates the vehicle’s speed, makes sure that it stops precisely at the station, and controls level crossings.

BLT will implement NOVA Pro across its core network in the Basel metropolitan area.

This will introduce automation and digitalisation to the operation of a complex urban rail operation.
 
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TINA Tram BLT


Basel’s 38 Tango and 25 TINA trams will be equipped with NOVA Pro one at a time, with the work beginning this year.

Next year, the company plans to hold initial test operations on Line 11.

Following this, the system will be implemented in phases across the BLT core network.

The public mobile network will facilitate communication between onboard and trackside train control systems using 4G/5G technology.

BLT and Stadler have been collaborating for some time.

Stadler has supplied vehicles for operation on other rail networks in Switzerland, including Lausanne and Bern.
 
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Tramlink Bernmobil side view


“Building on our long-standing collaboration, this project marks another important milestone in our partnership—for the next ten years and beyond. BLT is far more than a customer to us; it is a close strategic partner. The success of the Waldenburg railway clearly demonstrates the potential of NOVA Pro. Together, we are continuously developing the network step by step and setting new standards in reliability, automation, and innovation. In doing so, we are jointly shaping the next digitalized generation of rail transport.”

Silvio Gemperli, Head of Business Unit Signalling Switzerland
 
12th April, 2026

Gornergrat Bahn to welcome new POLARIS trains with stunning Matterhorn views​

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Gornergrat Bahn's new order of Stadler POLARIS trains (Matterhorn in the background).


Stadler has secured a contract to supply four additional POLARIS cogwheel trains to the Gornergrat Bahn (GGB), further extending a long-standing partnership between the two companies.

The new trains will operate on the route from Zermatt to the Gornergrat, a line famous for its views of the Matterhorn (4,478m) and the surrounding Valais Alps as it climbs to the Gornergrat station (3,089 m elevation).

Valued at approximately 30 million Swiss francs, the order follows previous purchases of five rack-and-pinion trains in 2019 and an additional vehicle in 2024.

The latest agreement continues Gornergrat Bahn’s fleet modernisation programme, replacing older rolling stock with vehicles designed specifically for high-alpine conditions.
 
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Gornergrat Bahn’s new order of Stadler POLARIS trains (Matterhorn in the background).


Engineered to handle gradients of up to 200%, the POLARIS trains are equipped with powerful rack-and-pinion drives.

They also feature low-floor access and full accessibility, alongside bright, open interiors intended to enhance passenger comfort.

Large panoramic windows are designed to maximise views along one of Europe’s most renowned mountain routes.

The trains’ interior and exterior styling have been developed by Italian design studio Pininfarina.

Manufacturing will take place at Stadler’s plant in Bussnang.

While delivery of the four new units is scheduled for autumn 2028, they are expected to enter regular service from winter 2028, further defining the travel experience on the Gornergrat line.
 
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Contract signing (from left to right): André Kurmann, Head of Sales Tailormade at Stadler; Dennis Laubbacher, CEO of Stadler Bussnang; Egon Gsponer, CEO of Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn/Gornergrat Bahn; Ivan Pfammatter, Head of Rolling Stock at Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn/Gornergrat Bahn.


“The POLARIS multiple units are optimally designed for the conditions of the Gornergrat line and, thanks to modern technology and high performance, increase our operational flexibility.”

Ivan Pfammatter, Head of Rolling Stock at Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn.


“The Gornergrat Railway operates one of the most spectacular and famous railway lines in the
world. We are proud that our trains travel through this unique Alpine landscape every day, offering
passengers an unforgettable experience. This repeat order is a strong sign of confidence in our
rolling stock and our expertise in the field of rack-and-pinion railways.”

Dennis Laubbacher, CEO of Stadler Bussnang.
 
13th April, 2026

Leicestershire heritage railway announces Diesel Gala guest​

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26043


The Great Central Railway has announced the final guest locomotive for its Spring Diesel Gala later this month.

The Leicestershire heritage railway has revealed that Class 26 loco number 26043 will appear at the gala, which will take place from Friday 24 until Sunday 26 April.

The locomotive has experience as a guest at diesel galas, having taken part in the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway diesel gala earlier this year.

In the run-up to that event, the Railway used the locomotive for driver experiences.

Locomotive 26043 is able to take part in the gala thanks to the Cotswold Mainline Diesel Group and Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Steam Railway.
 
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Class 26 No. 26043


The other guest locos at the gala will be Class 35 D7018 and Class 14 D9525, with the railway’s home fleet also in operation.

Within the next few days, the railway will release more details about the weekend event, including timetables, cab passes and brake van rides.

Further information and tickets are available from this web page.

The Great Central Railway regularly holds diesel galas and attracted thousands of visitors to its 2023 event.


British Rail Class 26 were manufactured by the Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) at Smethwick in the West Midlands in 1958–59, and as a result, were also known as the BRCW Type 2.

This was at a time when British Rail was carrying out its Modernisation Plan, and needed small diesel locomotives.

BRCW built 47 Class 26 locomotives.

They worked until 1994, when the class was withdrawn from service. Class 26 locos had all-steel bodies, and their cab ends had fibreglass cab roofs.

The Great Central Railway is located in Leicestershire, in the East Midlands of England. It takes its name from the company that originally built the eight-mile stretch of railway that it runs along.

Each of its four stations is restored to a particular period in the railway’s history.

Loughborough Central is in 1950s style, Quorn & Woodhouse in the style of the Second World War and the 1940s, Rothley as it would have been in the Edwardian Era, and Leicester North in the style of the 1960s.
 
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13th April, 2026

New technique leaves Pendolino windscreens spotless​

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Avanti West Coast Pendolino


Alstom, in conjunction with its cleaning contractor, OCS, has developed a solution to clean the windscreens of Avanti West Coast’s Pendolino fleet by hand at its Traincare Centre in Polmadie, Glasgow.

Previously, because of overhead live wires in the depot, windscreen cleaning had to be carried out at track level. However, a spotless clean could not be achieved due to insufficient water pressure reaching the brush at that distance.

The solution makes use of mobile staging, which, by isolating the overhead electricity supply, allows cleaners to get closer access to the Pendolino windscreens, especially the edges of windscreens that automated train washes cannot completely clean.

Pendolinos typically visit Glasgow Traincare Centre every 56 days, and if the positive initial results continue, enhanced windscreen cleaning will be scheduled as a regular maintenance task.

Over 100 staff at the depot provide round-the-clock maintenance on 17 trains per day, including around ten Class 390 Pendolinos.
 
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Pendolino windscreen before cleaning


Specialist cleaning is also undertaken at Alstom’s other Traincare Centres along the West Coast Main Line, including Longsight in Manchester, Edge Hill in Liverpool, Oxley in Wolverhampton, and Wembley in London.

At the Rail Business Awards earlier this year, the partnership between Alstom and OCS was nominated for an award in the Supplier & Contractor Excellence category.

Tim Barton, Alstom’s Train Presentation Manager, commented that this is a great example of how small, practical improvements can make a real difference, and by collaborating with OCS, Alstom has been able to introduce a relatively simple solution that delivers tangible benefits.
 
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Pendolino windscreen during cleaning


At the 2025 Golden Spanner awards, Avanti West Coast’s Class 390 Pendolino fleet won a Silver Spanner award for the most improved fleet in terms of reliability over 12 months.


“Triggered by inconsistent existing procedures, the team reviewed risks, refined materials and access methods, and integrated the task into maintenance schedules. Two controlled trials informed improvements, supported by staff feedback and targeted training. The project has demonstrated the value of close collaboration and clear communication, resulting in a higher-quality cleaning standard being rolled out fleet-wide.”

Jason Stuart, OCS Depot Manager
 
13th April, 2026

Hampshire railway to host Spring Steam Gala this month​

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73156 stands at Rothley, Great Central Railway


This month, the Watercress Line is hosting their Spring Steam Gala from the 24th to the 26th of April.

They have a brilliant line-up planned, including visiting locomotives BR Standard 5 Class No. 73156 (courtesy of Great Central Railway and The Bolton Steam Locomotive Company), Furness Railway No. 20 (courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust), Austerity Tank Engine No. 68067 (courtesy of the Great Central Railway).

These will join their resident fleet: S15 Class No. 506, LMS Class 2MT Ivatt No. 41312, and Merchant Navy Class No. 35005 Canadian Pacific.
 
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Furness No. 20


There are multiple things to do across the gala, including a chance to operate the DS58 Steam Crane under supervision, explore the engineering works, enjoy brake van rides and the miniature railway.


“Our Spring Steam Gala is a highlight in our calendar. With an exciting line-up of guest and home-fleet locomotives, visitors can ride behind some truly impressive engines while enjoying everything our heritage railway has to offer.

“From guided tours of our engineering works to brake van rides, exhibitions and the chance to explore our stations along the line, there will be plenty for railway enthusiasts, families and first-time visitors to enjoy.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line
 
13th April, 2026

Steam locomotive 34046 Braunton to visit Bath this Wednesday​

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34046 Braunton heads for Carlisle


34046 Braunton will haul a Steam Dreams Excursion this Wednesday, 13th April 2026, and will head to Bath Spa.

The tour starts at Ipswich with heritage diesel locomotives. Departing Ipswich at 06:14, the tour will pass through Colchester (06:34), Witham (06:51), Beaulieu Park (07:12), Chelmsford (07:25), Shenfield (07:37), Stratford (London) (08:18) and Willesden Sidings at 08:58.

Here, 34046 Braunton is added to the train and will head to Bath Spa via Southall (09:58), Reading (10:31), Newbury Racecourse (11:11), Pewsey (12:07) and Bath Spa at 12:54.

After time in Bath, the tour depart at 15:54 and will head back to Ipswich via Chippenham (16:10), Didcot Parkway (17:29), Reading (17:49), Maidenhead (18:05), Southall (18:28 – Diesel hauled from here), Stratford (London) (20:29), Shenfield (20:49), Chelmsford (21:13), Witham (21:27), Colchester (21:53) and Ipswich at 22:20.
 
14th April, 2026

Severn Valley Railway to offer additional brake van rides​

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Toad brake van


Ahead of their Spring Steam Gala, the Severn Valley Railway has added additional opportunities for brake van rides following selling out for the gala.

Visitors now have the opportunity to book on brake van ride experiences hauled by LMS ‘Pug’ 11243 on the 25th and 26th April.
 
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LMS ‘Pug’ No. 11243 and Hudswell Clarke No. 32 ‘Gothenburg’


On the 25th, all journeys will run as returns; on the 26th, passengers can choose a single or return travel option.

Spaces are limited and must be booked in advance, and need to be purchased in addition to a standard travel ticket.

Further information on the brake van rides can be found on their website


“Following the incredible response to this offer for our upcoming Spring Steam Gala, we’re delighted to be able to offer more of these unique brake van experiences. This is a rare chance to step into the world of traditional railway freight operation. Travelling in a brake van means you’re fully immersed in the sounds, smells and atmosphere of a working railway. It’s noisy, it’s gritty, and it’s an unforgettable experience. With demand expected to be extremely high once again, we strongly recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.”

Lewis Maddox, the SVR’s visitor engagement manager
 
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