Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Train on the Brecon Mountain Railway


To keep the trains running, the railway has ensured that all its steam locomotives have been fitted with spark arrestors to stop hot ashes from being thrown from the chimneys of their engines.

They have also reduced some trains in length to reduce the amount of work put on the locomotives, which reduces sparks being thrown from the chimney.

Lineside vegetation between the railway boundary fences has also been maintained to a very high standard.

This includes keeping the grass and undergrowth short; if a fire should start, the shorter vegetation keeps the flames nearer to the ground, which makes it easier to control and extinguish.

All members of staff are also on constant lookout for lineside fires, which are usually given away by light or dark smoke.

If a fire is detected, trains can be stopped to allow the fire to be extinguished using the railway’s specially designed firefighting train.

Inevitably, if the weather conditions get worse and a dread Black Ban on steam locomotives comes into operation, the Brecon Mountain Railway do have diesel locomotives on standby to continue running train services along the 9.5-mile line.

 

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Brecon Mountain Railway diesels


While steam locomotives remain a key draw to the passenger experience in the Brecon Mountains, it is important to realise the responsibility and the safety of steam and the surrounding areas during times of extreme heat.

Protecting the wonderful scenery that the passengers come to see from the window of a train is just as important, and suitable steps must be taken when needed to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves safely, even if it means running shorter trains or temporarily stopping steam operation for a period of time.

The relationship the railways have with their surrounding neighbours along a line is extremely important.

Though extreme measures are never taken lightly, it does ensure that heritage railways can still operate in times of extreme heat.

 

[Marcus Antonius]

15th July, 2026

Lumo unveils new livery to celebrate Pride​

Lumo's new Pride livery


Train operator Lumo has adorned one of its trains with a new Pride livery to give a platform to LGBTQ+ organisations and to celebrate their championing of inclusion across the country.

The re-liveried Pride train, Class 803 No. 803 003, was unveiled by community volunteers with help from a former Mr Gay GB.

The eco-friendly all-electric train operates on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

 

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Mr Gay GB 2025, Benjamin Lloyd


Logos displayed on the train feature Lumo’s Pride partners: Pride Radio, OUT North East, Edinburgh Pride, and Glasgow’s Pride.

They reflect Lumo’s continuing commitment to supporting inclusion throughout the year, rather than just during Pride season.

Last month, Lumo was declared top operator for value for money, and placed in the top three operators for customer satisfaction, and at the Proud Scotland awards, held in Glasgow earlier this year, Lumo was named as Best Small Employer in Scotland.

Although the train has carried a Pride branding since 2023, the latest livery highlights the organisations that work to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people, and whose work is not confined to Pride events.

This year, Lumo is currently supporting more Pride events and organisations than ever before in recognition of the important role community organisations play in creating places where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to be themselves.

In April, Lumo made its presence felt at New York’s annual Tartan Day parade with a display of Lumo’s iconic tartan pattern.

 

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Mr Gay GB 2025 and Lumo representatives


“We’re proud to welcome everyone onboard at Lumo. Each logo featured on this train represents an organisation that works incredibly hard throughout the year to champion inclusion, support LGBTQ+ communities and create places where people can feel safe to be themselves. We are pleased to help shine a light on that great work. At Lumo, we believe our role is about far more than connecting towns and cities. It’s about connecting people, communities and opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to place our partners’ logos alongside our own. It’s a visible reminder that when organisations work together, we can create something far greater than any of us could achieve alone.”

 

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Log Thursday 16/07/2026​

Cardiff IAP ..runway in use 12

Residents Active	G-BUMP, G-CTST, G-EKIR

Arrived	From	Departed	To	Flt No(s)	Callsign(s)	Type	Identity	Comments
13/07	Helsinki					GLF5	N39FM	Golf
09:42	Gloucester	10:25	Heliport	GLA08	Gladiator 08	A109	G-EDWA	Training
10:16	Lagos				5NPPB	E35L	5N-PPB	Cambrian Apron
10:55	North	11:40	North		Hammer 25	AS65	ZJ78?	Training
12:15	Oxford	12:40	Oxford	OXF81	Oxford 81	DA42	G-OATA	Training
12:36	St Athan	12:36	St Athan	UAW23	UAW 23	G115	G-CGKU	Training
12:46	Heliport	13:16	Gloucester	GLA08	Gladiator 08	A109	G-EDWA	Training
13:28	Kemble	14:10	Kemble		GSNUZ	P28A	G-SNUZ	Training
STA 14:52	Blackbushe	STD 16:00	Jersey	REV927P/928	Endurance 927P/928	BE20	G-REXA
STA 16:04	Gloucester			SFY3DB	Sky Flite 3DB	DA42	G-SADB

 

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Jaz Aviation Legacy 650 5N-PPB at Cardiff just after arriving from Lagos 16th July 2026

 

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Boards Thursday 16/07/2026​

Cardiff Airport Scheduled Arrivals

STA	ATA	Flight	Callsign	From	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
00:20	01:15	TOM6313	Tomjet 3AG	Pafos Intl			G-TAWD
01:25	03:30	TOM6397	Tomjet 9DM	Larnaca			G-TAWM
02:10	02:57	TOM561	Tomjet 561	Dalaman			G-TAWW
08:35	08:22	FR4950	Ryanair 618X	Malaga			9H-QAN
09:15	09:14	KL1087	KLM 69Y	Amsterdam			PH-EXS
10:15	10:09	WS092	Westjet 92	Toronto			C-GEWJ
11:30	11:36	EI3620	Emerald City 2CB	Belfast City			G-CMJJ
12:40	12:27	TOM6429	Tomjet 1YH	Faro			G-TAWW
12:55	13:41	TOM6493	Tomjet 8VE	Palma Mallorca			G-TAWD
14:20	14:03	TOM6412	Tomjet 8BG	Bourgas			G-TAWG
15:25	15:55	TOM6423	Tomjet 4DY	Lanzarote			G-TAWM
16:30	16:21	FR5543	Ryanair 331Z	Alicante			EI-IJE
16:45	16:40	KL1091	KLM 47T	Amsterdam			D-ACJJ
21:05	20:58	TOM6421	Tomjet 7VY	Dubrovnik			G-TAWW
22:25		FR634	Ryanair 82ZE	Dublin			EI-GSH
23:00		TOM6489	Tomjet 5PH	Las Palmas			G-TAWD

 

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Scheduled Departures

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STD	ATD	Flight	Callsign	To	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
06:00	05:59	TOM6412	Tomjet 79W	Bourgas			G-TAWG
06:40	06:39	TOM6428	Tomjet 4DE	Faro			G-TAWW
06:55	07:14	TOM6422	Tomjet 80L	Lanzarote			G-TAWM
07:15	07:31	TOM6492	Tomjet 11V	Palma Mallorca			G-TAWD
09:00	09:16	FR4951	Ryanair 9RL	Malaga			9H-QAN
09:45	10:06	KL1088	KLM 70Y	Amsterdam			PH-EXS
11:35	12:04	WS093	Westjet 93	Toronto			C-GEWJ
12:00	12:48	EI3621	Emerald City 21C	Belfast City			G-CMJJ
14:05	15:24	TOM6488	Tomjet 7XM	Las Palmas			G-TAWD
14:10	14:25	TOM6420	Tomjet 2CV	Dubrovnik			G-TAWW
16:00	16:53	TOM694	Tomjet 694	Antalya			G-TAWG
16:55	18:07	FR5544	Ryanair 59CM	Alicante			EI-IJE
17:15	17:27	KL1092	KLM 44K	Amsterdam			D-ACJJ
17:20	17:57	TOM6484	Tomjet 4BC	Heraklion			G-TAWM
22:50		FR635	Ryanair 1C	Dublin			EI-GSH

 

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LMS black 5 44806 and BR class 27 D7628 “Sybilla” at Grosmont MPD at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on the 13th of June

 

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Scarborough Spa Express​

Class 37, 37706 with Class 47, 47804 trailing, approach Kirkham Abbey signal box with 1Z65, Scarborough Spa Express Lancaster to Scarborough service on 15th July 2026

 

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4VEP Conquers the Mid Hants​

Class 423 4VEP departs Alton Station bound for Alresford on the Mid Hants.

 

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A diesel convoy on it’s way to the East Lancashire Railway, consisting of Tractor
37 610, Bone 58 023 “Leicester Depot” and Swietelsky Chopper 20 303 at Nuneaton, 24/6/26

 

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5K54 Carlisle to Crewe – Mary Queen of Scots 37401 heading south at Carnforth.

 

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16/7/26 – Rail Operations Group Class 93 loco 93009 working the 4Q27 Daventry to Coatbridge, here approaching Carnforth.

 

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GWR 9351 at Minehead, WSR​

On the steam service today, running around on the first of two round trips.

 

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Hunslet 15.7.26​

20025, 40077, 31466 & 20007

 

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16th July, 2026

First GBR Anglia branded trains unveiled​

Unveiling at London Liverpool Street


At an event today, held at London Liverpool Street station, the first trains to carry the Great British Railways branding were unveiled.

c2c Class 357 No. 357008 and 357020 were unveiled along with Greater Anglia Class 720s No. 720144 and 720501 at the event in their new livery with its distinctive red, white and blue colours.

GBR Anglia brings together Network Rail, c2c and Greater Anglia under one leadership team.

Work that has been completed by GBR Anglia includes approval for the Class 720 trains to operate on the c2c network to allow for better flexibility across the two train fleets.

More Class 357 trains will get the new livery as part of the existing fleet repaint programme.

c2c and Greater Anglia branding will be moved to GBR Anglia branding, whilst Stansted Express will become GBR Stansted Express.

GBR says that the change will be gradual, with a mix of Greater Anglia, c2c and GBR Anglia all being visible across the network for some time.


“Seeing the first GBR Anglia trains together at London Liverpool Street is a proud moment and a clear sign of the railway we are building. More importantly, the new identity reflects c2c, Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia increasingly planning and delivering as one railway.

“We are already creating greater flexibility across our train fleets, planning major events more effectively and using closer track-and-train working to trial new services for customers.

“There is much more to do, but we have made a strong start. Our focus is on turning that progress into better journeys and a more reliable, responsive and efficient railway for everyone who depends on us.”

Jamie Burles, Managing Director of GBR Anglia

 

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17th July, 2026

Locomotive named after Lancashire maintenance depot​

Wigan Springs Branch nameplate


Class 66 diesel locomotive No. 66745 has been named Wigan Springs Branch by GB Railfreight (GBRf) in recognition of the depot’s role as one of GBRf’s key seasonal maintenance hubs.

A ceremony to unveil the name took place on Wednesday, 15th July, attended by colleagues and guests from Network Rail and GB Railfreight, including GBRf Chief Executive Officer John Smith OBE and Chief Operating Officer Ian Langton.

 

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Unveiling the Wigan Springs Branch nameplate


GBRf took over the site at Springs Branch in Wigan, Greater Manchester, last year, where it quickly became established as a key hub for the operation of the company’s Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTT) and ten Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).

The company has a five-year contract with Network Rail and operates six daily MPV circuits covering North West England and North Wales, including Merseyrail routes, Manchester, and Blackpool.

Four locomotives based at Mossend in Scotland supplement these to further help in keeping the railways running safely and reliably.

One of the main uses of MPVs is tackling challenges across the rail network through the four seasons.

During autumn, they are used to remove leaf mulch and improve rail adhesion; in winter, they apply anti-icing treatment to the lines on the Merseyrail network; and during spring and summer, they carry out weed-spraying operations.

GBRF’s contract with Network Rail extends to 2030 and covers leaf-fall treatment, snow and ice management, and control of vegetation throughout much of the UK.

 

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Class 66 No. 66749 Christopher Hopwood MBE


Other named Class 66 locomotives in GBRF’s fleet include No. 66747, named City of Sheffield, No. 66749, named Christopher Hopcroft MBE, a long-serving employee who has served on the railways for 60 years,


“Keeping the railway moving throughout the year relies on the professionalism, commitment and expertise of our people to ensure people and goods arrive at their destination on time. The team at Wigan Springs Branch plays a critical role in maintaining a safe, reliable railway, helping passengers travel with confidence and ensuring freight reaches its destination, whatever the conditions. Naming locomotive 66745‘Wigan Springs Branch is a fitting recognition of the hard work, dedication and pride shown by the team every day. Their contribution is essential in keeping the railway in the North West and Scotland moving safely and efficiently”

Ian Langton, Chief Operating Officer, GB Railfreight

 

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17th July, 2026

Photos as Norfolk based steam locomotive returns after £800,000 overhaul​

1744 at Holt on the North Norfolk Railway


The North Norfolk Railway and The Gresley Society invited RailAdvent down to Sheringham today (17th July 2026) to see the formal launch of Gresley N2 No. 1744.

1744 is returning to service on the railway following a full overhaul, which has cost around £800,000 and has taken since late 2018 to complete.

The locomotive has undergone extensive testing since being completed, including its first steaming on the 12th May 2026 and its Part 2 Steam Exam on the 20th May 2026.


The livery that has been chosen for the locomotive is the distinctive Great Northern Railway’s green livery.

 

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1744 at Sheringham on the North Norfolk Railway


Built in 1921, 1744 is the oldest surviving Gresley locomotive, and the overhaul included work on the boiler, driving wheels, pony truck, firebox, and new superheater tubes.

As part of the day, we were able to be on board the locomotive’s first passenger train to Holt and back, and John Cameron was at Sheringham to smash a bottle of bubbly against the loco to welcome it back into service.


1744 hauled the NNR’s LNER Quad Art set of coaches and looked right at home on the line.

 

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1744 at Weybourne MPD on the North Norfolk Railway


The public gets their chance to ride behind the loco for the first time this weekend as it operates during the North Norfolk Railway’s Golden Years weekend, with classic cars, caravans, music and buses making it a great weekend for the whole family.

 

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17th July, 2026

Avanti West Coast and charity support disadvantaged family to holiday this summer​

Avanti West Coast train in the Cumbrian Fells


Train operating company Avanti West Coast is working with a charity to help some disadvantaged families take holidays this summer.

Avanti West Coast believes that this is the first such initiative in the UK railway industry.

To deliver the initiative, it is linking with the Family Holiday Charity, an organisation which was founded in 1975 and provides holidays for families who need a break from their day-to-day struggles.

The initiative will run for a trial period, during which it will help six families to travel by rail to one of the numerous holiday destinations that Avanti serves along the West Coast Main Line.

The breaks will take place over the school summer holidays.

 

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Class 805 train at Crewe


The charity takes referrals from family support specialists, social workers and organisations such as the NHS who identify families that will benefit most.

These include families experiencing financial hardship, domestic abuse, mental health problems and insecure housing.

It also includes families with disabled members and with caring responsibilities.

Without help from this initiative, those families may not be able to take a holiday.


Avanti West Coast will support the families’ journey and help to build their confidence if they are not familiar with travelling by rail.

 

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Avanti train at Birmingham New Street station


Avanti West Coast also works with other charities, in particular the Railway Children, for which it has raised money and run publicity campaigns.

“While many of the families we support have not been on a holiday before, it will also be the case that some have never travelled together by rail. Providing new experiences and opportunities to make enduring memories is central to what we do as a charity, and so we’re very excited to be working with Avanti West Coast on this summer pilot project.

“We’re really grateful for the collaboration which will provide travel for several groups this summer. We are also really looking forward to hearing how the families enjoy exploring and discovering some of the holiday hotspots on the Avanti rail network.”

Rob Parkinson, Chief Executive of the Family Holiday Charity

 

[Marcus Antonius]

Log Friday 17/07/2026​

Cardiff IAP ..runway in use 12 ..to 30 11:00

Residents Active	G-BNZB, G-BTDV, G-BUMP, G-CTST, G-DJET, G-EKIR, G-USAA

Arrived	From	Departed	To	Flt No(s)	Callsign(s)	Type	Identity	Comments
16/07	Lagos	21:50	?		5NPPB	E35L	5N-PPB
09:16	Amsterdam sched			KLM1087	KLM 69Y	E175	PH-EXL	St.11. Tech
09:19	Exeter	10:34	Jersey	REV927P/928	Endurance 927P/928	BE20	G-REXA
09:29	Kemble	09:50	Kemble		GSNUZ	P28A	G-SNUZ	Training
10:12	Guernsey	10:47	Guernsey	SSZ9A/B	Specsavers 9A/B	B350	M-SPEK
10:22	Gloucester	10:59	Heliport	GLA08	Gladiator 08	A109	G-EDWA	Training
11:11	Oxford	11:33	Oxford	OXF81	Oxford 81	DA42	G-OATB	Training
12:06	Dafen	12:06	Heliport	HLE57	Helimed 57E	EC45	G-WYDN	Training
12:12	?	13:45	?		GAWES	C150	G-AWES
12:22	Gloucester	12:22	Gloucester	AOS56	Aeros 56	DA42	G-SUEI	Training
13:15	Biggin Hill	14:54	Biggin Hill		GSCPL	P28A	G-SCPL
13:18	Heliport	13:53	Gloucester	GLA08	Gladiator 08	A109	G-EDWA	Training
14:08	Gloucester	14:08	Gloucester	SFY4PC	Sky Flite 4PC	DA42	G-SAPC	Training
15:47	Gloucester	15:47	Gloucester	SFY2JM	Sky Flite 2JM	DA42	G-SAJM	Training
15:49	Gloucester	16:42	Gloucester		GCMYL	SIRA	G-CMYL
16:15	Oxford	16:32	Oxford	LDG50	Edge 50	DA42	G-LHXD	Training
16:17	Denham	17:06	Sleap		N95VB	BE9L	N95VB
19:28	Rotterdam				YRMAY	TOBA	YR-MAY	GA Apron

 

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Boards Friday 17/07/2026​

Cardiff Airport Scheduled Arrivals

STA	ATA	Flight	Callsign	From	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
01:55	03:09	TOM695	Tomjet 695	Antalya			G-TAWG
02:35	03:06	TOM6485	Tomjet 2PJ	Heraklion			G-TAWM
09:15	09:16	KL1087	KLM 69Y	Amsterdam			PH-EXL
10:00	09:34	FR5538	Ryanair 5538	Tenerife Sur			EI-IKR
11:30	11:39	EI3620	Emerald City 2CB	Belfast City			G-CMFL
11:35	11:46	TOM6539	Tomjet 2MN	Mahon			G-TAWD
12:05	13:12	TOM6549	Tomjet 9YW	Palma Mallorca			G-TAWG
13:05	12:34	VY1241	Vueling 5RE	Alicante			EC-LZN
13:55	14:03	TOM839	Tomjet 41H	Enfidha			G-TAWM
15:10	15:25	FR4950	Ryanair 618X	Malaga			EI-IKV
15:55	15:56	TOM659	Tomjet 659	Antalya			G-TAWW
16:45	16:38	KL1091	KLM 47T	Amsterdam			D-AGMP
17:20	17:11	FR9223	Ryanair 14KL	Faro			EI-IHC
20:40	21:02	TOM6507	Tomjet 2LV	Corfu			G-TAWD
21:40	23:42	TOM6593	Tomjet 3NL	Zakynthos			G-TAWG
22:20	22:18	FR634	Ryanair 82ZE	Dublin			EI-EVV

 

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Scheduled Departures

STD	ATD	Flight	Callsign	To	Type	Operator	Identity	Comments
06:00	06:09	TOM658	Tomjet 658	Antalya			G-TAWW
06:00	06:18	TOM6538	Tomjet 7YA	Mahon			G-TAWD
06:25	06:40	TOM6548	Tomjet 57M	Palma Mallorca			G-TAWG
06:45	06:56	TOM838	Tomjet 88D	Enfidha			G-TAWM
09:45	-	KL1088	KLM 70Y	Amsterdam			PH-EXL	Cancelled
10:25	10:38	FR5537	Ryanair 5537	Tenerife Sur			EI-IKR
12:00	12:29	EI3621	Emerald City 21C	Belfast City			G-CMFL
13:00	13:23	TOM6506	Tomjet 63J	Corfu			G-TAWD
13:30	15:53	TOM6592	Tomjet 9AE	Zakynthos			G-TAWG
13:45	13:41	VY1240	Vueling 20NG	Alicante			EC-LZN
15:20	15:29	TOM6554	Tomjet 8JN	Tenerife Sur			G-TAWM
15:35	16:28	FR4951	Ryanair 9RL	Malaga			EI-IKV
17:15	17:31	KL1092	KLM 44K	Amsterdam			D-AGMP
17:15	17:24	TOM674	Tomjet 674	Dalaman			G-TAWW
17:45	18:11	FR9224	Ryanair 40ZA	Faro			EI-IHC
22:45	23:05	FR635	Ryanair 1C	Dublin			EI-EVV

 

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Ivatt 2MT 41312 at Ropley 17/7/26​

 

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Due for release at the end of July, this Royal Mail commemorative stamp set features the RAF's military jets through the ages.

 

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Hunslet 0-4-2PT "CDC No1" at Oak Tree Halt during the Statfold Barn Railway's "Fire & Rescue" event, 27/6/26