Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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6880 Betton Grange at Cheltenham Racecourse on GWSR Headboard Weekend 11 Jul 26

 

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47105 setting off from Toddington on GWSR Headboard Weekend 11 Jul 26

 

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55003 at Toddington GWSR 11 Jul 26

 

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Heysham railway station at 01:00 a.m. 13 July 2026

 

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13th July, 2026

Amtrak Begins New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study​

New Jersey train


The USA’s rail operator Amtrak is working with partners at both state and federal levels to progress a New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study.

The study is intended to develop strategies to both protect and improve the train service between the cities of New Haven and Providence, a section of the Northeast Corridor (NEC).

The publicly-owned rail operator hopes that this will enable it to increase the frequency, speed, reliability and resiliency of commuter and intercity passenger rail journeys on the route.

The study includes what Amtrak describes as “a robust community engagement effort”.

 

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Amtrak train with Hell Gate Bridge between Long Island, and the Bronx in the background


The work is part of a programme of improvements that received $10 billion in federal funding three years ago under the previous White House administration.

Two years ago, Amtrak received another $200 million for improvements to the Northeast Corridor and the Gulf Coast.


The purpose of the study is to address long-term needs and goals for mobility, economic prosperity, and quality of life in communities served by this route.

It also aims to achieve this while protecting important historical, environmental and cultural resources.

The study will culminate in a final report, which will summarise its results and recommend next steps. In carrying out the study, the partners will reach out to local communities in order to understand their needs.


It will also consider potential rail alignment alternatives, as well as improvements to existing rail lines.

In addition, the study will complete the initial work that is necessary to identify the capital investment that will be needed.

 

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Former President Joe Biden makes his remarks on funding for passenger rail projects in the Northeast Corridor


Amtrak has clarified that this study does not have a preferred alternative alignment or set of improvements that it has decided in advance.

It has also confirmed that the study does not include an environmental permitting process.

After the study has identified possible improvements, these will then be subject to separate processes to establish permissions for planning, design and environmental activities.


The study’s public engagement includes establishing a website and e-mail address for local residents to contact the team, ask questions about the study, submit project feedback, find out about public meetings, and sign up for updates.

The website includes an Outreach and Engagement Plan, one of the first steps of which will be attendance at a variety of community events in the study area during the summer.

 

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Boards Monday 13/07/2026​

Cardiff Airport Scheduled Arrivals

STA	ATA	Flight	Callsign	From	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
00:45	00:54	TOM6757	Tomjet 2MX	Larnaca			G-TAWW
02:55	03:52	TOM6755	Tomjet 35M	Pafos Intl			G-TAWG
09:15	09:16	KL1087	KLM 69Y	Amsterdam			PH-EZP
10:00	09:55	FR5543	Ryanair 331Z	Alicante			EI-EBP
10:15		WS092	Westjet 92	Toronto			C-FEWJ
11:30		EI3620	Emerald City 2CB	Belfast City			G-CMJL
12:20		TOM6199	Tomjet 19H	Mahon			G-TAWD
13:10		FR4950	Ryanair 618X	Malaga			EI-EKJ
13:10		TOM429	Tomjet 429	Enfidha			G-TAWG
14:25		TOM6155	Tomjet 9JW	Bourgas			G-TAWI
15:40		TOM487	Tomjet 487	Dalaman			G-TAWW
16:45		KL1091	KLM 47T	Amsterdam			D-ACJJ
21:45		FR634	Ryanair 82ZE	Dublin			EI-GJT
22:00		TOM6153	Tomjet 2BG	Corfu			G-TAWG
22:45		TOM6161	Tomjet 3LY	Tenerife Sur			G-TAWD

 

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Scheduled Departures

STD	ATD	Flight	Callsign	To	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
06:00	06:14	TOM428	Tomjet 428	Enfidha			G-TAWG
06:00	06:08	TOM486	Tomjet 486	Dalaman			G-TAWW
06:00	06:17	TOM6154	Tomjet 4GX	Bourgas			G-TAWI
06:35	06:40	TOM6198	Tomjet 27Y	Mahon			G-TAWD
09:45	10:03	KL1088	KLM 70Y	Amsterdam			PH-EZP
10:25		FR5544	Ryanair 59CM	Alicante			EI-EBP
11:35		WS093	Westjet 93	Toronto			C-FEWJ
12:00		EI3621	Emerald City 21C	Belfast City			G-CMJL
13:35		FR4951	Ryanair 9RL	Malaga			EI-EKJ
13:45		TOM6160	Tomjet 9BJ	Tenerife Sur			G-TAWD
14:20		TOM6152	Tomjet 6YM	Corfu			G-TAWG
15:45		TOM6106	Tomjet 2PH	Las Palmas			G-TAWI
16:55		TOM618	Tomjet 618	Antalya			G-TAWW
17:15		KL1092	KLM 44K	Amsterdam			D-ACJJ
22:10		FR635	Ryanair 1C	Dublin			EI-GJT

 

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Neos - Boeing 737-8ME/W EI-HIM at Cardiff​

HT4753 to Toulouse 16 February 2026​

 

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13th July, 2026

Steam Locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman set for mainline tours​

60103 - Yacht Club Crossing - 01-03-2025 - BR Eastern Region 60103 'Flying Scotsman' approaches Ferry Meadows/Overton passing Yacht Club Crossing with a service for Wansford


For three days in September, the legendary steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, will be hauling special trains when it makes a welcome return to main line service.

The trains have been organised by promoter Fox & Edwards Events, which, although this is their first venture into steam main line charter services, has a successful record with 22 heritage lines.

The tours will be run in conjunction with Northern Steam, which maintains Flying Scotsman, and the National Railway Museum, its custodian, and will be operated by Vintage Trains, which is one of the UK’s leading operators of main line steam rail tours.

 

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Flying Scotsman


The tours include Derby to York and York to Scarborough on 16th September, Birmingham to Bristol and Bristol to Minehead on 19th September, and Chesterfield to York and York to Newcastle on 23rd September.

Although this will be Flying Scotsman’s first tour on the main line since returning to service, it has already visited the East Lancashire Railway, which played a vital role in its restoration and return to steam.

 

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Sir Nigel Gresley’s 150th anniversary.


On Friday, 19th June, Flying Scotsman, along with every surviving and new-build locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, carried a specially commissioned ‘Gresley 150 Anniversary’ headboard to celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth on 19th June 1876.


“Flying Scotsman is one of the world’s most famous steam locomotives, and these journeys mean that hundreds can enjoy the magic of being pulled by it for long distances. We’re proud to be taking the engine to brilliant destinations.”

Oliver Edwards, Director & General Manage, Fox & Edwards Events


“Flying Scotsman remains one of the most recognisable locomotives in the world, and as its custodians. we want as many people as possible to experience the magic of seeing it in steam. Main line tours like these enable the locomotive to reach new audiences, bringing railway heritage directly to communities across the country. There’s something truly special about seeing Flying Scotsman at work on the railway it was built for, and we’re delighted that more people will have the chance to enjoy that experience.”

Sarah Price, Head of Public Programme, National Railway Museum

 

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13th July, 2026

Welsh Railway Announces Timetable Changes Due to ‘Extremely High Fire Risk’​

No.9 'Prince of Wales'


As the hot and dry weather continues across the UK, the Vale of Rheidol Railway in west Wales has made timetable changes that will come into force imminently to protect staff and the public during a time of such high fire risk.

This week, the 15:30 train in the Vale of Rheidol’s yellow timetable will be cancelled from today (Monday, 13th July 2026) up to and including (Sunday, 19th July 2026).

The resumption of this service will be reviewed weekly and determined based on the severity of the fire risk and loco availability.

The railway will be running to its blue timetable between Tuesday, 14th July and Thursday, 16th July 2026.

 

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No.9 Prince of Wales


For the time being, steam can still be enjoyed on the 12-mile line this week from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge, as the recently converted-to-oil-firing 2-6-2T No.9 ‘Prince of Wales’ will be operating the 10:30 and 14:00 departures from Aberystwyth.

The 12:00 departure will be operated by diesel locomotive No.10.

The Vale of Rheidol apologises for the amendments to its services, especially as they come right at the start of the summer holidays.

 

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Moths at Royal Mail

Presentation Pack​

Pack 684

 

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First Day Cover​

 

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The ten Moths Special Stamps are cancelled with the standard Tallents House postmark on the first day of issue, 9 July 2026.

 

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The ten Moths Special Stamps are cancelled with the alternative postmark on the first day of issue, 9 July 2026.

 

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13th July, 2026

Free travel offer for those with same name a World Cup star​

The Stourbridge Shuttle


In honour of World Cup footballer Jude Bellingham, all this week, West Midlands Railway (WMR) is offering free train travel on the Stourbridge shuttle service in Worcestershire to any passenger named Jude.

The offer has been prompted by Jude Bellingham having his roots in the town, where he started his steps to football stardom playing for Stourbridge Juniors, and runs from today, Monday, 13th July, until the day of the World Cup Final next Sunday, 19th July.

 

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The Stourbridge shuttle


Jude, who has played more than 50 times for England, grew up in Hagley, 2 miles from Stourbridge.

He joined his first major team, Birmingham City, at under-8s level and made his senior debut aged 16, becoming the club’s youngest first-team player.

He is now a star at one of the world’s most famous teams, Real Madrid.


The Stourbridge shuttle service between Stourbridge Junction and Stourbridge Town is just 0.8 miles long and is notable as one of Europe’s shortest branch lines.

Stourbridge Junction station also has a station cat, George, who has over 100,000 followers across social media, including on X, Instagram, and Facebook. George is looked after by the team at Stourbridge Junction station.


To take advantage of the offer, passengers must have the forename Jude and present a valid ID when purchasing a ticket.

 

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Stourbridge Shuttle train


“Along with the rest of the country, we’re backing England all the way. Jude’s performances have been outstanding, and we’re delighted to celebrate his hometown of Stourbridge with this limited-time offer. We look forward to inviting Judes from across the region for a free ride on the Stourbridge Shuttle as the tournament reaches its final stages. We’re sure all our customers – Judes and non-Judes alike – will join us in cheering on the Three Lions in the semi-final on Wednesday and hopefully the final too.”

Jonny Wiseman, Customer Experience Director, West Midlands Railway

 

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Nottingham Express Transit

 

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Tram at Nottingham station

 

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13th July, 2026

East Midlands Railway makes temporary timetable cuts​

EMR branding on a Class 158


East Midlands Railway (EMR) has made temporary timetable changes from today (Monday 13 July) as a result of the hot weather.

This summer’s heatwaves have reduced the availability of trains, with some needing extra checks and maintenance.

EMR, which is operated by Transport UK, is reducing its services on some routes. It also reduced services last week and over the weekend.

 

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EMR train


EMR plans to run a full Connect service, but has reduced its Intercity timetable, removing some services throughout the day.


In addition, Robin Hood Line services between Nottingham and Worksop, and Nottingham to Leicester stopping services, will not run after 12:00.

Services between Liverpool Lime Street, Nottingham and Norwich will run between Norwich and Sheffield only.

The operator believes that by making reductions to a small number of services, it can manage the availability of its fleet and make trains available if further disruption occurs.


EMR is monitoring conditions, working closely with Network Rail and its fleet contractors.

By doing so, it hopes to return to its usual timetable as soon as possible.

The operator is advising its passengers to check their journey in advance, and to travel during the morning if possible, as temperatures will be lower before noon.

It is also urging people to carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and use shaded areas or station waiting rooms while waiting for their train.

 

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EMR Intercity train


“The high temperatures we have experienced over recent days have continued to put pressure on the railway and the availability of some of our trains.

“Our priority is to keep as much of the network running as possible while continuing to operate safely.

By making temporary changes to a small number of services, we can better protect the wider timetable and provide greater resilience across the network.

“We apologise for the disruption these changes may cause and thank customers for their patience and understanding.

If you do need to travel, please check your journey before setting off and, where possible, travel before midday.

We’d also encourage customers to carry plenty of water, stay hydrated and allow extra time for their journey.”

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway

 

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13th July, 2026

Man versus machine strongman challenge at Yorkshire railway​

It will be man versus machine at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway next Sunday when renowned British strongman Stuart Lambert attempts a feat of strength by pulling a locomotive and wagons.

At 12.45 next Sunday, 19th July, Stuart will attempt his heaviest and most ambitious challenge to date, when he attempts to pull a locomotive and wagons at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway at Fimber in East Yorkshire.

Stuart will attempt to haul the diesel-hydraulic 0-4-0 locomotive Sir Tatton Sykes and freight wagons, and their combined weight is expected to shatter his personal previous best.

 

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The Yorkshire Wolds Railway


Known for his staggering feats of strength, Stuart has spent months training specifically to overcome the frictional resistance of steel-on-steel between the locomotive and track.

Whilst an immense initial burst of explosive energy is needed to get the train moving, the wagons coupled to the locomotive will add a great deal of mechanical difficulty in maintaining momentum.


Stuart commented that he has pulled trucks and other machinery before, but it is entirely different pulling a locomotive and two wagons.

The sheer inertia to overcome is immense, and this is undeniably the heaviest challenge of his career.


The following weekend, Saturday, 25th, and Sunday, 26th July, members of the Lincolnshire Independent Model Engineers (LIME) will be visiting the Yorkshire Wolds Railway with a variety of miniature traction engines, a miniature railway, and a street organ.

 

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3-inch scale Iron Maiden


In May 2025, the railway celebrated the 10th anniversary of its opening.


“We are absolutely thrilled to host Stuart for this incredible demonstration of strength. Our locomotives and wagons are built to be moved by powerful diesel engines, so seeing a single individual attempt to pull them by hand is going to be unforgettable. It’s a fantastic way to welcome visitors to the railway for a truly unique day out. Similarly, for the LIME visit, we are really grateful that their members have chosen the YWR as its base for this exciting weekend and being open on the Saturday as well as the Sunday will give people the opportunity to visit that normally they are not given. The miniatures on display are a real testament to their builders, and we know that the public will really enjoy being given the opportunity to see them up close.”

Yorkshire Wolds Railway spokesperson

 

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Goods Train passing through Preston Station 13th July 2026​

 

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Class 93 in Preston Station 13th July 2026​

 

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Track Machine passing through Preston Station 13th July 2026​

 

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Class 93 in Preston Station 13th July 2026​

 

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Goods Train passing through Preston Station 13th July 2026​