Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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30th April, 2026

Ruislip Lido Railway unveils special guest locomotive​

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Tony - mid overhaul


This May Bank Holiday, the Ruislip Lido Railway is hosting an exciting gala on the Sunday and Monday.

The railway has already announced two visiting locomotives, Victoria from the Statfold Barn Railway & Museum at Tamworth in Staffordshire, and Christopher from the Littlehampton Miniature Railway in West Sussex.

They have now announced that ‘Tony’ will be visiting for the gala as part of a collaboration between RLR, Fairbourne Railway, and Littlehampton Miniature Railway, as the locomotive approaches the final stages of its rebuild.

‘Tony’ will not be running; however, it is a brilliant opportunity to see its extensive overhaul works that have been underway.


The locomotive will be out on display for the gala in their workshop yard for visitors to get a closer look at and learn more about the process.

This appearance marks the first time that the locomotive has been available for public viewing in around 10 years.

Visit RLR’s website for more information on the restoration of Tony and for tickets for the gala.
 
30th April, 2026

New Tyne and Wear Metro vehicle given name in tribute to music superstar​

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'Ariana Grinder' on the Tyne and Wear Metro network


The Tyne and Wear Metro’s newest rail maintenance vehicle has been named Ariana Grinder, in a playful nod to musician Ariana Grande, following an internal competition by Nexus.

The grinder is a road and rail going vehicle (RRV) that will be set to work across the Metro’s 77km network, grinding the top of the rails to remove defects and restore the rail after wear and tear.

This extends the service life of both the rails and train wheels, while helping to deliver smoother journeys for customers.
 
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‘Ariana Grinder’ on the Tyne and Wear Metro network


The specialised machine is manufactured by Möser Maschinenbau GmbH, a German company that has produced rail-processing equipment since the 1990s.

Rail grinders are widely used across mainline railways, light rail, tramways, metros and industrial tracks.

Ariana Grinder is part of a modernisation in maintenance capability within the Tyne and Wear Metro, supporting reliability and performance across the network.


“The RRV allows us to get through a greater volume of rail profiling work. It’s a task that happens when the Metro system is closed to the public, so they don’t often get to see it.

“The grinder is capable of driving along the tracks, where it deploys a spindle which grinds the top of the rails. This makes it nice and smooth, eradicating any tiny imperfections in the steel.

“We have given it a first run out during our recent major renewal programme in South Tyneside and it went really well. We are already looking forward to using it on other parts of the Metro system. It’s a great investment in rail maintenance technology.”

Stuart Clarke, Infrastructure Director at Nexus.
 
1st May, 2026

Coventry City promotion celebrated with newly named service​

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Avanti West Coast’s ‘Lady Godiva’ Pendolino train (390039)


On Saturday, 2 May, Avanti West Coast will mark Coventry City’s return to the Premier League by temporarily designating the 09:40 departure from Coventry to London Euston as the ‘Sky Blue Champion’, celebrating the club’s recent success for supporters travelling to the final game of the season.

The temporary title references the club’s ‘Sky Blues’ nickname and follows their Championship triumph, sealed with a 5-1 victory over Portsmouth and promotion confirmed on 17 April.

The service is scheduled to be operated by the ‘Lady Godiva’ Pendolino No. 390039, carrying fans towards Watford for the season’s closing fixture at Vicarage Road.
 
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Avanti West Coast’s ‘Lady Godiva’ Pendolino train (390039)


Named after the legendary figure, the Lady Godiva train was selected as a symbol of the city and continues to represent Coventry along the West Coast Main Line.


Coventry station, managed by Avanti West Coast, regularly accommodates supporters travelling to fixtures across the network.

The occasion will be marked by the arrival of the renamed service and congratulatory messages displayed throughout the station.

The station has become an increasingly important transport hub in the West Midlands, following an £82 million redevelopment, including a new building, multi-storey car park, and recent platform upgrades.


“Congratulations to Coventry City on their return to the Premier League and winning the Championship title. This is a great moment for Coventry – a key hub on our network and a city we’re proud to serve.

“It’s fantastic to see everyone united in celebration after the club secured promotion and we’re excited to play a part in marking this historic occasion with fans travelling on our ‘Sky Blue Champion’ service this Saturday. We’re looking forward to welcoming fans onboard next season as they travel to Premier League matches across our network.”

Maria McCarron, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Coventry.
 
1st May, 2026

Cornish railway offers discounted tickets this Bank Holiday Weekend​

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30587 on a goods train


Bodmin Railway have announced a locals discount, set to reduce prices for tickets purchased by residents of Cornwall between Sunday, 3 May and Monday, 4 May.

Visitors who bring proof of a Cornish postcode can enjoy 50% All-Line tickets for adults and children, along with 25% off All-Line Compartment Tickets.

Purchases can be made online or on the day.
 
1st May, 2026

Tributes paid to father of the Tyne and Wear Metro​

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Prof Tony Ridley at opening of Northumberland Park Metro Station (December 2005)


Tributes are being paid to Professor Tony Ridley, the civil engineer behind the Tyne and Wear Metro, following his death aged 92.

Professor Ridley was born in Castletown, Sunderland, in 1933, and played a central role in the formative years of the Metro’s creation, providing the leadership credited with bringing the project to reality.

He worked with a team of planners to design the Metro network, serving as Director General of the Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Executive (PTE) from 1968 to 1975.

Professor Ridley oversaw integral planning, securing of funding, and the inaugural year of construction in 1974.
 
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Tony Ridley (1933-2026) on Tyne and Wear Metro (002), 1997


Professor Ridley left the Passenger Transport Executive in 1975, where he then became the first Hong Kong Metro system managing director.

Following this, he went on to manage London Underground.


He subsequently served as President of the Institution of Civil Engineers and became an Emeritus Professor at Imperial College London.


“Tony was the most hard working and demanding boss I ever worked for. His enthusiasm was infectious and his contribution to public transport unrivalled.”

Mike Parker, Nexus Director General from 1994 to 2006, who worked for Tony Ridley in London Underground in the late 80s.


“Everyone at Nexus is saddened to learn of Tony’s passing and we pay tribute to the work that he did. He was a pioneering engineer who made the Tyne and Wear Metro become reality. He paved the way for a system that revolutionised local public transport in North East England.

“It was Tony Ridley and his team who first came up with the idea of taking decaying rail lines and linking them using city centre tunnels and a bridge over the River Tyne. What they created is what we know as the Tyne and Wear Metro. His work as Director General cannot be understated. He was a pioneer, who played a huge part in transforming public transport in our region.

“He famously quipped that we’d never get away with building a Metro system, but thanks to his skill and determination that is exactly what did happen.”

Cathy Massarella, Managing Director of Nexus.
 
1st May, 2026

Train services to return to Somerset railway line as contracts signed​

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142003 with its charter service


Contracts worth £200m have been signed at Bristol Temple Meads, which will reinstate the Portishead railway line for the first time in 60 years.

Work will involve building two new railway stations, relaying three miles of track and installing the infrastructure needed to run a rail service.

Morgan Sindall Infrastructure have been appointed to lead the construction of the line, as well as any highway improvements that are needed at Portishead.

Colas Rail will be in charge of a new digital signalling system, and AmcoGiffen will construct bridge work as well as highway improvement work in Bristol.

This project is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT), the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and North Somerset Council and will be delivered by Network Rail.
 
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Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, with Marcus Jones, route managing director for Network Rail’s Western route


It is expected that the railway line will be opened in Winter 2028/29 and will connect 50,000 people to the railway for the first time, with journeys taking around 25 minutes between Portishead and Bristol and 20 minutes from Pill.

A special charter, operated by Locomotive Services Group with 142003, ran towards Portishead with those on board including the Mayor of the West of England, Helen Godwin, North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell, Network Rail Western route managing director Marcus Jones, Great Western Railway managing director Mark Hopwood, Karin Smith, MP for Bristol South, Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East and Sadik Al-Hassan, MP for North Somerset.

Work will start soon in Portishead to remove the old railway and prepare the trackbed for the new track. Station House in Pill will be demolished to make way for a new station forecourt.
 
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L-R back row Mark Hopwood GWR, Ian Shuffleton Morgan Sindall, Simon Ball Colas Rail, front row L-R Mike Bell North Somerset Council, Helen Godwin Mayor of the West of England, Marcus Jones


Marcus Jones, managing director of Network Rail’s Western route, said:
“This is a significant milestone in the return of the railway to Portishead and Pill, and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing this scheme to life. With these contracts now signed, we’re moving from years of planning into full delivery.

“This project will reconnect more than 50,000 people to the rail network for the first time in decades, unlocking better access to jobs, education and services, while offering a faster and greener alternative to road travel.

“Working closely with the Department for Transport, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, North Somerset Council, Great Western Railway and our industry partners, we’re committed to delivering a modern, reliable railway that supports long‑term growth for the region and meets the needs of local communities for generations to come.”


Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said:
“This is an historic moment for Portishead, Pill and the whole of the West of England, as we continue to grow our regional rail network and look to increase the frequency of trains across the board.

“Through this new £200 million train line, the West of England and North Somerset, alongside our industry partners, we can connect more people to work, nature, and leisure. This investment will also help unlock sites for new homes and strengthen the country’s fastest-growing regional economy.

“Travel times between Bristol and Portishead will be halved by train services, helping the West get out of the slow lane and cutting congestion. Our record investment in more trains and better buses will get our region moving, while we continue developing mass transit plans for the longer-term.”
 
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1st May, 2026

North Yorkshire Moors Railway announces Annual Diesel Gala​

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D9553 on the EVR


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has confirmed the return of its Annual Diesel Gala, scheduled to run from Thursday, 11 June to Sunday, 14 June 2026.

The four-day event is set to celebrate Britain’s diesel railway heritage with a busy timetable for services across the heritage line.

The gala is set to welcome visiting locomotives to the line for passengers to experience, alongside North Yorkshire Moors’ own collection.

One of which is Class 35 ‘Hymek’ No. D7017, courtesy of The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group Limited at the West Somerset Railway.
 
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D7017 Hymek


Built in 1961 for British Rail Western Region, it entered service in 1962 at Bristol Bath Road and was withdrawn in 1975 during the shift to diesel-electric traction.

It later became a notable preservation locomotive, hauling the first publicly subscribed diesel-hauled service in the UK and the first mainline diesel to operate on the preserved WSR in 1977.

Also attending is BR Class 14 D9553, courtesy of Jon Gill. Built at Swindon in 1964–65, the ‘Teddy Bear’ worked industrially at BSC Corby Steelworks before preservation use on heritage lines including the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway and the Caledonian Railway.


Class 20 No. 20166, also courtesy of Jon Gill, was built in 1966 at Vulcan Foundry, later used on Channel Tunnel construction work.

It currently carries unbranded Harry Needle Railroad Company and Swietelsky colours.
 
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20166 approaches Leuchland Bridge on the Caledonian Railway


North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s home fleet will also be in service, including Class 37 No. 37264 in British Rail blue, Class 37 No. 37688 ‘Great Rocks’ in Construction sector livery, and Class 47 No. 47077 ‘North Star’, built at Crewe Works in 1965 and notable for hauling the final scheduled cross-country express on the UK network on 19 August 2002.

Additional attractions include the 1903 North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar No. 3170, brake van rides at Levisham Station, and shuttle services to Whitby.

Ticket prices are as follows:

One-day adult ticket – £45 / Child – £12.50

Two-day ticket, adult – £75 / Child – £17.50

Three-day ticket, adult – £100 / Child – £22.50

Four-day ticket, adult – £120 / Child – £27.50


Multi-day and member discounts available. Plus, an optional donation fare with retail and tea room vouchers.


“This event is a fantastic opportunity to experience the variety of diesel traction in one place. From iconic visiting locomotives to our much-loved home fleet, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors for four days of intensive services and the unmistakable sights and sounds of Britain’s diesel era.”

Nick Simpson, Head of Mechanical Engineering at NYMR.
 
2nd May, 2026

Hydrogen-powered trains for Romania​

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Siemens hydrogen-powered Mireo Plus H train


Siemens has been awarded a contract to supply Romania with its first fleet of trains powered by hydrogen,

As well as being Romania’s first hydrogen-powered trains, it will also be one of the first in Eastern Europe.

The contract is for 12 Mireo Plus H trainsets to enter passenger service in 2029, and includes a long-term full-service maintenance agreement for an initial term of 15 years.

With a maximum speed of 120 km/h, the trains will be configured as articulated two-unit trainsets with each trainset providing 131 fixed and five folding seats.

Internal and external Passenger Information Systems will provide continuous travel information.

PZB (intermittent train control) train protection systems and the European Train Control System will be fitted to ensure compliance with European safety and interoperability standards.

Maintenance will be by Siemens Mobility personnel at a dedicated depot in Bucharest, supported by Railigent X digital maintenance and fleet management systems.

The Mireo Plus H trains have a hydrogen fuel cell-based electric propulsion system, complemented by battery energy storage, with the batteries being charged via the fuel cell system or through regenerative braking.

Replacing diesel-powered rolling stock with new hydrogen trains will significantly reduce emissions and support Romania’s long-term sustainability and climate objectives.

Mireo Plus H and Mireo Plus B trains have been deployed in 24 fleets and nearly 600 trains worldwide, and combine high energy efficiency with savings of up to 25 per cent, whilst a standardised vehicle platform provides the attendant synergies and economic benefits.

Siemens Mobility has supplied Mireo-H hydrogen-powered trains to the German operator Niederbarnimer Eisenbahn, and has a contract to supply Mireo-H trains to the Südostbayernbahn network in Germany.


“We are proud to deliver the first fleet of hydrogen trains for Romania. With the Mireo Plus-H, we combine a proven regional train platform with state-of-the-art hydrogen technology, enabling zero-emission rail operations on non-electrified lines. Hydrogen will play a key role in achieving climate-neutral mobility in Europe, and this project clearly demonstrates how innovation can be translated into reliable and economically-attractive rail solutions.”

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility
 
2nd May, 2026

New Alstom internship programme aiming to improve job outlook for SEND learners​

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Students Aaron Donaldson and Harry Hedge working on refurbishment of a CrossCountry Voyager


Alstom has launched its first supported internship programme, ASPIRE, at its historic Derby Litchurch Lane Works.

The scheme is designed to support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), offering structured workplace experience alongside tailored learning.

The initiative comes as research shows just 4.8% of individuals with a learning disability or autism spectrum condition in England are in permanent paid employment.

Alstom’s programme aims to address this gap by offering experience in practical skills, through hands-on training, with the long-term goal of finding paid employment.

Delivered in partnership with Derby College, the interns receive support from a dedicated job coach and classroom-based learning alongside their time in the workplace.

Alstom’s Training Academy also provides tailored teaching, aligned to match the current and evolving rail industry.

The interns are currently contributing to the £60 million CrossCountry Voyager refurbishment project, which covers 312 cars across the operator’s Class 220 and Class 221 fleets.

The trains are undergoing an interior refresh, including new seats, tables, carpets, improved lighting and a new passenger counting system, while their exteriors are being repainted in a new livery.

Interns are supporting both mechanical and electrical workstreams.
 
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(left to right) Tom Eisenberg, Inclusion Job Coach at Derby College, and Harry Hedges, Production Intern at Alstom



The first participants in the ASPIRE programme are Aaron Donaldson and Harry Hedges.

Aaron was selected for his engineering skills, train knowledge, and focus on securing future employment, while Harry brings a lifelong passion for rail, from model trains in childhood to volunteering at Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

Both first visited the site in summer 2025, meeting colleagues and learning about Britain’s largest and oldest operating train factory.

After several ‘in touch’ days, their supported internships began in 2026 and will run for up to one year.

Alstom also plans to welcome a further four interns, aged 16 to 24, at the Derby site later in 2026.


“We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Alstom on their supported internship programme. This collaboration is opening doors to truly life-changing opportunities for our interns, giving them a unique chance to gain real-world experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. Alstom have gone above and beyond to welcome our interns, working closely with them ahead of their placements to ensure a smooth and confident transition into the workplace. Their commitment to our interns and inclusion has made a real difference, and the interns are excited and eager to begin this next chapter.”

Amy Bacon, Supported Internship and Work Experience Lead at Derby College.
 
2nd May, 2026

Planned merger between two major American railroads​

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Union Pacific Type AC4400 locomotive


An application has been submitted to the USA’s Surface Transportation Board for Union Pacific Corporation to merge with Norfolk Southern Corporation, which, if approved, would create America’s first transcontinental railroad.

Analysis of the merger, using 100% actual traffic data, shows that it would drive growth, produce substantial cost savings for shippers, and strengthen the supply chain.

The merger will also make rail transportation significantly more competitive, and would take around 2.1 million trucks off the roads.

By using low-cost rail instead of higher-cost trucks, it is estimated that shippers would benefit from annual $3.5 billion cost savings.

Those savings would lead to lower consumer prices, whilst shippers would save on inventory and equipment costs.

A merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern would be an end-to-end merger, which would connect the eastern and western USA, with virtually no overlap in operations.

The merged railroad would provide the opportunity to develop new routes, remove the need for interchange between carriers, save one to two days in transit times, and reduce supply chain costs.

It is projected that the merger would be complete by the first half of 2027.

More information is online at AmericasGreatConnection.com.


In February this year, Union Pacific placed a $1.2 billion contract with Wabtec to modernise its type AC4400 locomotives; this is the largest investment in upgrading locomotives in the history of railways.

Two years ago, Norfolk Southern trialled a new safety reporting system similar to the UK’s Confidential Incident Reporting and Analysis Service.


Jim Vena, Union Pacific CEO, commented that this merger would enhance competition and deliver real public benefits that strengthen America’s supply chain.

“This merger is fundamentally about growth. Shippers have been clear about what they value, and the data backs it up. When single-line rail service is available, they choose it. Our combined network will deliver seamless freight moves within and across the Mississippi watershed markets with one Class I railroad accountable from origin to destination.”

“Our projections show the combined railroad will move about the same number of tonmiles as our Western competitor does today, underscoring how this merger will enhance competition in the marketplace,” Vena said. “That competition will spur innovation and help lower costs – benefits that shippers and American consumers will feel directly.”Mark George, Norfolk Southern President and CEO
 
2nd May, 2026

London Northwestern Railway train named in tribute to Bedford’s history​

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Class 150 150137 ‘Brickfield Breeze’. Named in partnership with Kimberley College, Bedford


London Northwestern Railway has named a Marston Vale Line train ‘Brickfield Breeze’ in tribute to Bedford’s industrial heritage.

Entries were judged by a London Northwestern Railway panel, following a student competition with Kimberley College.

The service operates between Bletchley and Bedford, reflecting the town’s brickmaking past, which included the world’s largest kiln, operational until 2008 and producing 500 million bricks a year at its 1930s peak
 
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Class 150 150137 ‘Brickfield Breeze’. Named in partnership with Kimberley College, Bedford


The naming marks the second on the line, after ‘Bletchley Codebreakers’ in May 2025.

The British Rail Class 150 unit 150137 was formally unveiled at Bletchley station during a ceremony attended by college representatives and London Northwestern Railway officials.


“Being able to contribute to the naming of this train is a fantastic opportunity for our students and has sparked some really insightful conversations about the heritage of Bedfordshire and the Marston Vale Line. It was fantastic to see them get creative with their name ideas, and we were so pleased to see the newly named train arrive at the platform.”

Nicola Genders, assistant headteacher at Kimberley College.


“We were delighted to connect with Kimberley College, so we could offer them the chance to come up with a name which celebrates the rich heritage of Bedford. We hope that passengers travelling with us will see the name given to our train and reflect fondly on the history behind it.”

Cara Higgs, community strategy manager at LNR.
 
3rd May, 2026

London North Eastern Railway set to appear at Edinburgh Tartan Parade​

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Edinburgh Castle dominating a London North Eastern Railway Azuma train


The Edinburgh Tartan Parade will return to the Scottish capital on Saturday, 9 May for its second year.

Rooted in a connection to Scotland’s history, London North Eastern Railway is set to both sponsor the event and participate once again, wearing the operator’s own tartan.

Thousands of spectators are anticipated along the route, which departs the Royal Mile at 1 pm.

The procession will travel down Cockburn Street, cross Waverley Bridge and finish at the Mound Precinct.

Celebrations will continue into the evening, with a ticketed concert at the Usher Hall.

The event will be headlined by viral bagpiper Ally, known for his contemporary interpretation of the Great Highland bagpipe, alongside The Red-Hot Chilli Pipers.

Television presenter Gail Porter will host the performance.
 
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LNER Azuma Celebrating Scotland


Among those participating is Autism Acceptance, whose tartan incorporates a gold stripe and 20 white threads, marking both the community’s identity and the 20th anniversary of ‘Number 6 One Stop Shop for Autistic Adults’, operated by Autism Initiatives Scotland.

The parade’s first appearance in 2025 drew 1,600 participants through Edinburgh’s historic streets. For 2026, organisers expect numbers to rise significantly, with up to 2,500 people set to join the procession.

The event showcases Scotland’s cultural traditions through tartans, pipe bands, and dancers, welcoming a wide range of participants.


“We’re proud to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Edinburgh Tartan Parade. The event celebrates Scotland and its heritage and culture, bringing people together from near and far – values that align perfectly with the role LNER plays connecting communities up and down our almost thousand-mile route.”

Jake Orros, Community Partnership Manager for LNER.


“The parade was a huge success last year and this year, it’s going to be even bigger. Tartan Parade Scotland and LNER are excited to showcase this spectacular tartan parade in the heart of Edinburgh – all capped off with a public concert and an exclusive ceilidh for parade participants and volunteers.”

Tania Pramschufer, Founder of Tartan Parade Scotland and World Fair Trade Tartan.
 
3rd May, 2026

Trackside turbines to harness power from passing trains​

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Treeva Turbines at Craigentinny as LNER Azuma passes


Publicly-owned train operator London North Eastern Railway has revealed the latest landmark in its work with clean energy infrastructure experts Treeva to pioneer a system for capturing energy from turbulent airflow adjacent to the railway.

The two organisations have begun the process of testing the concept by installing three wind turbines alongside the East Coast Main Line at Hitachi Rail’s Craigentinny depot.

LNER staff have named the turbines Sir Spins‑a‑Lot, AC Breezy, and Windiana Jones.

The turbines, which have now been installed safely and successfully, stand at a height of about six feet.

They were manufactured using upcycled materials and are the first turbines of this type to be installed and operated next to a main line railway in the United Kingdom.

They will stay in place for at least six months.
 
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Treeva team installing turbines


The design of the turbines allows them to be easily used on land alongside railway tracks, without requiring a connection to the national grid.

As trains travel past, they disturb the air, which turns the turbines and captures energy.

Engineers will measure and study the turbines’ energy capture, which will help them to develop plans for extending the use of this technology across the country’s railway network.

It is estimated that each turbine will be able to generate enough energy to power a third of a small station’s lighting needs, four CCTV cameras, or two passenger information screens.

Five of the turbines can reduce emissions of more than 12,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide each year, which is the equivalent of planting five hundred trees.
 
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Treeva turbines trackside as LNER Azuma passes


Treeva is a British company which developed through the Future Labs innovation programme, which brings train operators into contact with technology start‑ups in order to share ideas and expertise.

After reaching the programme’s final stage, Treeva and LNER won the People’s Choice Award, and since then have continued working together to further develop the technology.


“This is a really exciting next step in the project. Developing new ideas and solutions in any industry is always a challenge, but thanks to a strong partnership between Treeva, Hitachi, Network Rail, and LNER, we’ve delivered a successful and safe installation at Craigentinny. We’re looking forward to seeing how the turbines perform over the next six months. The data collected will shape the next stages of the project, supporting LNER and the other DFTO train companies to become zero‑carbon operators, making rail an even greener choice for travel.”

Mark Haymer, Innovation Product Owner at LNER
 
3rd May, 2026

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway see the reopening of Haworth landmark​

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The Royal Oak, Haworth


In Haworth, The Royal Oak, a historic favourite among locals and Brontë Country visitors, has reopened, as of 30 April 2026, following the pub’s 2024 closure.

Now under the ownership of the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, it enters a new phase as a community-run pub.

Formerly part of Webster’s Brewery, the building later passed into private hands and survived a significant flood before shutting without notice, leaving concerns over its future.

Railway intervention has secured its role at the village’s centre going into the future.

Since the Keighley and Worth line reopened in 1968, the pub has been a regular social gathering space for staff, volunteers, and passengers.
 
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The Royal Oak, Haworth.


Plans include seeing the former upstairs accommodation converted into railway office space, while the ground-floor bar reopens as a volunteer-led local, restoring a historic hub for staff, passengers, and residents alike.


“Ever since our railway reopened in 1968, The Royal Oak was a favourite watering hole. We were all dismayed when it closed so suddenly.

We see our railway as part of Haworth and the wider Worth Valley community. Reopening The Royal Oak as a community pub is our way of giving something back to the village that has supported us for so long.”

Sam MacDougall, one of the volunteers involved in the reopening.
 
3rd May, 2026

Hampshire station hosts Guide Dog puppy training session​

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Guide Dog puppy training session at Basingstoke station


On Wednesday, 29th April, as part of International Guide Dog Day, Basingstoke station was host to some Guide Dog puppies and their handlers.

The Guide Dog day was a continuation of South Western Railway’s partnership in helping future guide dogs build confidence, and their owners to travel by train independently.

Last year, 315,000 assisted journeys were made on South Western Railway trains.
 
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Guide Dog puppies at Basingstoke station


During their visit, the puppies were introduced to the sights and sounds of a railway environment and learned how to find their way around the station.

The puppies’ time at Basingstoke was part of training them to become life-changing companions for people with sight loss.

Among the tasks completed by the puppies were learning how to move through a ticket gate safely, navigate platforms, find the platform edge, board and alight trains, and use the lifts.

These are some of the different experiences and environments which will help their future owners to travel independently and with confidence.

As well as hosting sessions at Basingstoke, South Western Railway holds regular sessions for puppies and their raisers at Portsmouth Harbour and Portsmouth & Southsea stations.
 
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Assistance dogs can travel free of charge on all South Western Railway services, free-of-charge, but not on the seats.

During the journey, dogs should travel either beside their handlers or underneath the seats.

In 2024, Avanti West Coast entered a partnership with the Guide Dogs charity, and staff at Ely station in Cambridgeshire held a series of events to raise funds for a guide dog puppy in memory of a train driver who had passed away.

Complimentary cards, which alert other customers to a dog’s presence under a seat, are available on South Western Railway’s website.

They are designed to give their owners peace of mind while travelling and can be personalised with the dog’s name and photograph.


“It’s always a joy to welcome Guide Dogs, their puppies and their volunteer raisers to our stations as part of our commitment to helping all customers travel independently and with confidence. These sessions are a small but vital part of the puppies’ preparation to become life-changing companions for people with sight loss. Our colleagues assisted 315,000 journeys in the last year and are on hand to help customers, whether they pre-book or simply turn up and go.”

Michael Adlington, Accessibility and Inclusion Lead at South Western Railway


“Our puppies are looked after in the homes of our amazing volunteer puppy raisers for 12-16 months until the pups are ready to start their formal training to be guide dogs. A big part of this is socialisation and getting the puppies used to different environments, so visiting Basingstoke station was great experience for them. All the pups did brilliantly, helping them build positive associations that they’ll remember if they visit a railway station as working guide dogs.”

Georgina Wingham, a Puppy Development Advisor for Guide Dogs
 
4th May, 2026

3-day Branch Line Society tour to Scotland in June​

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Class 50 No. 50031


For three days in June, the Branch Line Society is running a Class 50-hauled rail tour to Scotland, “The Lord of the Isles”.

The tour is in partnership with the Class 50 Alliance and The Fifty Fund, and will cover many lines not covered regularly by locomotive-hauled trains, particularly by Class 50s.

The Class 50 Alliance owns six Class 50 locomotives, while the Fifty Fund raises funds towards their upkeep and handles the promotion and operation side of the partnership.

The tour starts with a single Class 50 from the Severn Valley Railway’s station at Kidderminster, before adding a second Class 50 for the journey to the tour’s base, at Polmont in Scotland.

En route, the tour stops to pick up passengers at Kidderminster main line station, Stourbridge Junction, Birmingham New Street, Stafford, Crewe, and Carlisle.

After a 30-minute break in Carlisle, the journey continues via the West Coast Main Line, Mossend, Coatbridge Central, Cumbernauld, and Falkirk Grahamston to Polmont.

Day 1 highlights include: Lockerbie, Beattock Summit, and Law Down Passenger Loops.

After a 7 am start from Polmont, Day 2 sees the tour travel via Cowlairs East and North Junctions, Dumbarton Central, and Crianlarich to Oban for a 3-hour break.

Travel back to Polmont is via Glasgow Central Low and High Levels, Rutherglen West Curve, Paisley Gilmour Street, and Wemyss Bay.

Day 2 highlights include Down Greenhill Branch Loop, Craigendoran West Highland Loop, Dumbarton Goods, Rutherglen West Curve and Dunrod Loop.


Day 3 allows time for a late breakfast with a 9 am start from Polmont, before returning to Kidderminster via Larkfield Curve, Kilmarnock Through Line, New Cumnock up goods loop, Thornhill up passenger loop, Carlisle, Oxenholme Up Goods Loop, the West Coast Main Line to Birmingham New Street, and Stourbridge Junction.

The train will include a buffet serving a selection of hot and cold drinks and snacks, and an on-board charity raffle will be held during the journey.

Tickets for the tour cost £349 for Standard Class, £549 for First Class, Non-Dining, and £649 for First Class, Non-Dining, at a guaranteed table for two.

In March, the Branch Line Society ran another three-day charity rail tour to Scotland to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, and at the end of May, it is running another 3-day tour to Scotland, the “Gosh Ness Monster”, this time hauled by a Hastings diesel unit.
 
4th May, 2026

GB Railfreight and Maritime Transport agree new multi-year deal​

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GBRf Class 66 No. 66727 ‘Maritime One’


Logistics company Maritime Transport and freight operator GB Railfreight have agreed a new contract to transport freight across the UK.

Both companies believe that the agreement will strengthen the long-standing partnership they have developed, and will keep them playing a central role in the UK’s supply chains.

The multi-year agreement will see the two companies cooperate in moving goods from important deep-sea ports – such as DP World London Gateway, the Port of Felixstowe and the Port of Tilbury – to the inland terminals that Maritime Transport operates at strategic locations around the country.

Two months ago, Maritime Transport officially opened its new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton.
 
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Maritime Northampton Gateway RFT


The long-term working relationship between GB Railfreight and Maritime has brought about the introduction of several new services between major UK ports and Maritime’s inland rail terminals.

One of these was a new service to Liverpool, introduced five years ago.


These have created connections which meet the transportation needs of businesses across the United Kingdom, while achieving an important reduction in carbon emissions and therefore benefiting the environment.

As GBRf transports freight from the ports to Maritime Transport’s logistics hubs by rail, this will lead to a significant fall in the number of lorries on the road.

The two companies estimate that their service will replace thousands of lorry journeys, which will help to relieve congestion and reduce wear and tear on roads, while also cutting carbon emissions, improving air quality and improving road safety.

Transporting freight by rail will also support more sustainable, resilient supply chains.
 
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