Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Status
Not open for further replies.

21st September 2022​

Transport for Wales’ FLIRT tri-mode trains on display at InnoTrans​


Stadler FLIRT at Cardiff, Canton
unknown.png

​
New trains ordered by Transport for Wales are being displayed this week in Berlin at InnoTrans, which is the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology.

Among those on display will be FLIRT tri-mode trains that can operate on electric or battery power, but have a diesel engine for use when appropriate and have strong environmental credentials.

The train’s builder, Stadler, is officially unveiling seven vehicles at InnoTrans, three of which are destined for the UK market.

The FLIRTs are intended for use on the Valley lines north of Cardiff to provide an innovative and cost-effective way of providing a fully electric, environmentally friendly service.

Also on display will be Transport for Wales’ CITYLINK tram-trains and a METRO IPEMU for the Liverpool City Region.

Stadler and Transport for Wales signed a contract in January 2019 for 35 FLIRT vehicles and 36 CITYLINK tram-trains.

Twenty-four of the FLIRTs will be tri-modes, and by using battery power they will provide an all-electric service north of Cardiff without the expense of costly infrastructure upgrades.

Seven three-car and 17 four-car tri-mode and 11 diesel-operated FLIRT trains have been ordered.

All are fitted with power sockets and feature air-conditioning, dedicated areas for wheelchairs, pushchairs, bicycles with space for up to six bikes, and passenger information screens that display up-to-the-minute travel information.

Low flooring at every door will make it easier for passengers to get on and off and reduce station stop times.
 
Different options for FLIRT configurations

unknown.png

Ralf Warwel, sales director for the UK and Ireland at Stadler, said:

“This train boasts compelling environmental credentials and will bring about a step-change in passenger travel. It illustrates Stadler’s pledge to provide ever greener solutions, supporting the decarbonisation of the railway, both in Wales and beyond.”

Alexia Course, Transport for Wales chief commercial officer, said:

“We’re extremely proud to have our new Stadler trains on show at InnoTrans this year and we’re excited to start introducing them to our Wales and Borders network over the coming months and years.

We’re on a transformational journey at Transport for Wales and these new trains are a key part of improving the customer experience, so that we can encourage more people to travel sustainably on public transport.

These are modern trains, with high-quality features that will offer our customers more accessible, reliable and greener transport.”
 

21st September 2022​

Wheelset assembly order placed for steam locomotive 3840 County of Montgomery​


unknown.png

​
The Churchward County Trust has announced that they have signed a contract with Riley & Son (E) Ltd in Heywood, Lancashire, to assemble the coupled wheelsets for GWR ‘County’ No. 3840 County of Montgomery.

The contract will also include re-tyring of the bogie wheelsets for 3840 and is expected to be completed in October 2023.

To finance this project, the Churchward County Trust will be launched a number of appeals for supporters to help sponsor the acquisition of the new couple wheel axles, the couple and bogie tyres, the couple wheel cranks as well as the assembly of the wheelsets.

Meanwhile, all of the material required for 3840’s cab, splashers and running plate is now at Tyseley Locomotive Works and work is expected to start soon to assemble these.
 
Last edited:
The Great Western Railway 3800 Class, also known as the County Class, were a class of 4-4-0 steam locomotives for express passenger train work introduced in 1904 in a batch of ten.

Two more batches followed in 1906 and 1912 with minor differences.

They were designed by George Jackson Churchward, who used standard components to produce a four-coupled version of his Saint Class 4-6-0s.

GWR (Old) County Class 4-4-0 No 3473 'County of Middlesex' - Postcard circa 1905​

Built 1904 Swindon, Renumbered 3800 in 1912, withdrawn in early 1930s.

unknown.png
 
Churchward County Trust

No members of the class were preserved.

However, the Great Western Society took the decision to create the next locomotive in the sequence, 3840 County of Montgomery.

The project has been handed over to the Churchward County Trust and 3840 will be based at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway following its construction at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham.

The locomotive is being built with both new parts, such as the driving wheels which have been cast using the pattern created for GWS Saint Class 2999 "Lady of Legend", and recycled standard parts recovered from former Barry scrapyard locomotives including the Standard No. 4 Boiler, the pony truck wheel set, 2 x pony truck axle boxes, 4 x horn guides and 2 x eccentric sheaves from 5205 Class 2-8-0T 5227, and 4 x driving wheel axle boxes from 2800 Class 2-8-0 2861.

unknown.png
 

22nd September 2022​

Steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas to haul London to Swanage tour today​

45596 Bahamas will be back on the mainline this Thursday (22nd September) as it hauls a tour to Swanage.

Departing London Victoria at 08:45, the tour will pass through Clapham Junction (09:03), Staines (09:32), Woking (10:03), Winchfield (10:26), Basingstoke (10:48), Southampton Central (11:32), Millbrook (11:44), Beaulieu Road (12:12), Bournemouth (12:49), Wareham (13:12) and Swanage at 13:45.

A diesel will take the tour from Swanage, departing at 16:40 and passing through Wareham (17:16) and Bournemouth (17:45) before arriving into Southampton Central at 18:23.

The tour, now hauled by 45596 Bahamas again, will depart at 18:34 and will pass through Basingstoke (19:52), Brookwood (20:25), Woking (20:46), Staines (21:19), Brentford (21:43), Clapham Junction (22:04) and London Victoria at 22:19.

45596 'Bahamas' thunders through Christchurch. (IZ82) Railway Touring Company Steam Charter, London Victoria - Swanage. 22nd September 2022

unknown.png
 

22nd September 2022​

10,000 tonnes of ‘rock armour’ used as Cambrian Line between Welshpool and Newtown is protected from storms​

Network Rail has completed a multi-million-pound project to make the Cambrian Line more resilient after three storms in February this year forced the line between Welshpool and Newtown to close for six weeks.

Working around the clock, engineers from Network Rail and AmcoGiffen repaired over a dozen washouts caused by unprecedented levels of flood water by installing 10,000 tonnes of rock armour sourced from Cefn Mawr quarry in Flintshire along the banks of a half-mile stretch of the line.

During the work, the railway remained fully open.

Transport for Wales class 158's pass the rock armour.

unknown.png
 
Last edited:
Rock armour is a tried and tested method to protect railway lines from extreme weather, and had already proved successful in reducing flooding elsewhere in Wales on the Conwy Valley line and near Abergavenny.

It prevents the ballast from washing away during extreme storms, and allows the railway to reopen following a harsh storm in days rather than weeks or months. It will also minimise future delays and disruption and make passengers’ journeys more reliable in future.

Rock armour at Welshpool on the Cambrian line.

unknown.png

In the next few months, Network Rail will return to plant short hedgerows in gaps along the railway boundary.

They will not only help to stem the flow of flood waters in the future but also add to nature’s corridors in the area.
 
Last edited:
Nick Millington, interim route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:

“It’s hard to remember how devastating those February storms were, after the record-breaking temperatures this summer, but we’re always planning ahead to the next extreme weather event, making sure we are prioritising investments that will make our railway more resilient."

“The Cambrian Line is a hugely important rail link for the communities it serves, and I am delighted it’s now better protected from the impacts of climate change so we can continue to provide a safe and reliable railway for many years to come.”

unknown.png


Chris Howchin, programme manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said:

“I would like to say a huge thank you to our teams at Network Rail and AmcoGiffen who’ve worked tirelessly in recent months not only to repair the line, but to make it more resilient, which will help prevent long delays and disruption for passengers in future."

“I would like to thank passengers and the communities we serve along the line for their patience as this significant investment was delivered.”

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales’ Planning and Performance Director, said:

“We welcome this investment by Network Rail in making the Cambrian Line safer and more resilient. The work to prevent damage and disruption from flooding will help secure the future of this important route, which provides a vital link for communities in North and Mid Wales."

“We would like to thank the teams who have been working around the clock on-site over recent weeks in difficult conditions.”

Andy Crowley, Operations Director, AmcoGiffen, said:

“We’re glad we were able to quickly and safely repair the damage caused by the storms in February and, crucially, take further steps to prevent another washout over the coming winter."

“The work we’ve just completed at Welshpool means customers will experience better journeys, at a time when reliable public transport is needed more than ever.”
 

22nd September 2022​

Steam locomotive 46115 Scots Guardsman to visit Carlisle today​

46115 Scots Guardsman will haul part of this week’s York – Carlisle ‘Dalesman’ railtour on Thursday 22nd September 2022.

Departing York at 08:25, the train will pass through Church Fenton (08:37), Normanton (09:24), Wakefield Kirkgate (09:31) Wakefield Westgate (09:39), Leeds (09:58), Shipley (10:47), Keighley (10:58), Skipton (11:14) and Hellifield (11:31 – steam hauled from here), Ribblehead (12:42), Appleby (13:19) and Carlisle at 14:11.

After time in Carlisle, the train, still hauled by the steam locomotive, will depart at 16:27. The train will pass through Appleby (17:16), Garsdale (17:58), Hellifield (18:34 – diesel hauled from here), Skipton (19:51), Keighley (20:09), Shipley (20:26), Leeds (20:44), Wakefield Westgate (21:12), Normanton (21:22), Church Fenton (21:56) and York at 22:24.

46115 Scots Guardsman - Dalesman - Settle 22/9/2022 With the heavens about to open, 46115 storms north through Settle station with 1Z62, the penultimate York Dalesman of the summer.

unknown.png
 

23rd September 2022​

Transport for Wales’ CITYLINK tram-trains on display at InnoTrans​

unknown.png

​
CITYLINK tram-trains for use in South Wales are being displayed this week in Berlin at InnoTrans, which is the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology.

In 2019, Transport for Wales ordered 36 CITYLINK vehicles and 35 FLIRT trains.

CITYLINKs are light-rail vehicles designed to connect city centres with outlying areas using both conventional railway lines and tram networks and will serve the South Wales Metro lines.

They incorporate traction battery systems so that they can also be used on non-electrified lines.

The vehicle’s builder, Stadler, is officially unveiling seven vehicles at InnoTrans, three of which are destined for the UK market.

As well as CITYLINKs, they are unveiling FLIRTs that are intended for use on the Valley lines north of Cardiff and a METRO IPEMU for the Liverpool City Region.

CITYLINKs have the advantage that they can operate on both railway and tram lines, thereby avoiding the need for passengers to change from train to tram, which will promote seamless travel and significantly increase the attractiveness of public transport in Wales.

As well as running on 25kV AC electrified lines, CITYLINKs can operate on non-electrified lines using traction batteries which are being used on them for the first time.

CITYLINK vehicles have a driver’s cab at each end and a top speed of 100 km/h, are 40 metres long and can carry 252 passengers.

They feature spacious, bright, and air-conditioned Passenger compartments are, and have multifunctional areas for bicycles, seats for people with reduced mobility, and two wheelchair passenger spaces.
 
Stadler already has over 650 CITYLINK and TRAMLINK vehicles in service in eight countries, and they are particularly popular in mainland Europe.

Ralf Warwel, sales director for the UK and Ireland at Stadler, said:

“The CITYLINK boasts enviable environmental credentials and will bring about a step-change in passenger travel. It illustrates Stadler’s pledge to provide ever greener solutions, supporting the decarbonisation of the railway, both in Wales and beyond.”

Alexia Course, Transport for Wales chief commercial officer, said:

“We’re extremely proud to have our new Stadler trains on show at InnoTrans this year and we’re excited to start introducing them to our Wales and Borders network over the coming months and years. We’re on a transformational journey at Transport for Wales and these new trains are a key part of improving the customer experience, so that we can encourage more people to travel sustainably on public transport. These are modern trains, with high-quality features that will offer our customers more accessible, reliable and greener transport.”

unknown.png
 
24th September 2022

Steam locomotive No. 44932 visits Carlisle today.

LMS Black 5 No. 44932 will be back in steam on the mainline and will be in Carlisle and Barrow-in-Furness on Saturday 24th September 2022.

The locomotive is hauling part of the Cumbrian Coast Express on Saturday.

The railtour departs London Euston behind an electric locomotive at approximately 07:08 am.

The railtour will then head for Carlisle, where it will make stops at Milton Keynes Central (07:43), Rugby (08:24), Nuneaton (08:43), Crewe (09:31), Preston (10:14) and Penrith North Lakes (11:23) before arriving into Carlisle at 11:43.

After around an hour in Carlisle, and with the steam locomotive now attached to the train, it will depart Carlisle at 13:33 bound for London Euston. It will pass through Maryport (14:14), Workington (14:22), Parton (14:36), Whitehaven (14:43), St Bees (14:54), Sellafield (15:09), Ravenglass (15:32), Millom (15:50), Askam (16:07), Barrow-in-Furness (16:21), Ulverston (16:38), Arnside (16:56), Carnforth (17:06) and Carnforth South Junction at 17:09, where the steam locomotive is replaced with the electric locomotive.

The electric locomotive will take the same path back to London Euston, calling at Preston (18:31) Crewe (19:33), Nuneaton (20:34), Rugby (20:54), Milton Keynes Central (21:24) and Watford Junction at 22:03.

The railtour will arrive back at its final destination of London Euston at 22:27.

5Z84: 44932: Greenholme: 24/09/22. Recently outshopped by WCRC at Carnforth, LMS Black Five No. 44932 displayed the early variant of the BR mix traffic lined black livery, On route to Carlisle for Cumbrian Coast express duties

unknown.png
 
Last edited:
24th September 2022

Steam locomotive 34067 Tangmere to pass through Oxenholme Lake District today

34067 Tangmere will be back in steam on the mainline and will be in Tebay, Carlisle and Blackburn on Saturday 24th September 2022.

The locomotive is on a section of a special railtour with 34067 Tangmere hauling The Northern Belle.

The tour starts from Telford Central behind diesel locomotives. Departing Telford Central at 07:37 and will pass through Shrewsbury (07:57), Wrexham General (08:35), Chester (09:09), Warrington Bank Quay (09:54), Preston (10:17), Lancaster (10:39) and Carnforth North Junction at 10:48.

Here, 34067 Tangmere is added to the train. Departing here at 11:26, the steam train will make its way through Oxenholme Lake District (12:41), Penrith North Lakes (12:20) and Carlisle at 12:42.

After around 90 minutes in Carlisle, 34067 will depart at 14:22 and will pass through Lazonby & Kirkoswald (14:47), Appleby (15:07), Garsdale (15:45), Ribblehead (15:57), Hellifield (16:20), Clitheroe (17:33), Whalley (17:42), Blackburn (18:01), and Preston (18:44).

Here, Tangmere is taken off the train and is replaced by diesel locomotives. The tour returns to Telford via Warrington Bank Quay (19:55), Chester (20:24), Wrexham General (20:49), Shrewsbury (21:37) and Telford Central at 22:13

1Z80: 34067: Grayrigg: 24/09/22

unknown.png
 

24th September 2022​

UK’s first Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit displayed at InnoTrans 2022​

Stadler’s innovative Independently Powered Electric Multiple Unit or IPEMU has seen seven ordered by the Liverpool City Region and will be the very first of their kind to operate in the UK.

The battery-powered unit is just one of seven vehicles which will was shown by the Swiss Rail Manufacturer at the transport technology event

Liverpool City Region has also ordered 46 Class 777 Metro EMU’s which will be operated on the Merseyrail network and will completely replace the legacy fleet.

The innovative design of the battery-powered IPEMU marks Stadler’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation and reaching its ambition of net zero as part of its bid to support governments from around the world to decarbonise railways and create sustainable public transport.

The state-of-the-art technology will see clients able to extend operations using non-electrified lines and therefore avoid costly infrastructure work whilst promoting integrated travel and boosting usage.

IPEMU’s have the ability to replace diesel-powered units and in turn, will see clients able to reduce their carbon emissions due to their ability to operate on non-electrified lines.

The units can also operate at speeds of 80 km/h when fully charged and travel for distances of 55km on just one battery load.

Based on the Class 777, IPEMU’s also come with its basic functionality including the same internal specifications which see high levels of passenger comfort and the ability to carry the same number of people.

The vehicles feature smooth ride quality with customers finding no difference in the EMU to IPEMU mode.

Stadler Class 777 777010 - Birkenhead North.

unknown.png
 
unknown.png


The vehicles come with a battery-based storage system with new battery traction equipment mounted on the underframe and a cooling system on the roof.

IPEMU’s running on an electrified network will see the batteries charge via the third rail alongside regenerative braking.

The impressive batteries are able to be recharged in under 15 minutes and can complete over 10,000 charge/discharge cycles.

Ralf Warwel, sales director for the UK and Ireland at Stadler, says:

“This ground-breaking vehicle will be the first of its type to operate in the UK. It exemplifies Stadler’s focus on green technology, highlighting our determination to work with operators and governments all over the world to cut carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis. It will boost the Merseyrail network, providing greater flexibility for our client and helping provide a more compelling transport offering for the residents of the Liverpool City Region.”

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Programme Director, David Powell, says:

“The IPEMU concept has been an integral part of our strategy for the new fleet of trains for the Liverpool City Region. We are delighted to be one step closer to realising our vision of an expanded Merseyrail network without the need for electrification infrastructure. This will bring significantly improved, high-quality service and direct connectivity to a greater proportion of the 1.6 million people in our city region. The IPEMUs will also contribute to our carbon reduction strategy by using only 20% of the energy of the diesel-powered trains that they can replace.”
 

24th September 2022​

Deltic locomotive No. 55009 Alycidon to haul first rail tour since 2019​

For the first time in three years, Class 55 Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon will be running on the main line on Saturday, 3rd December when it hauls a Pathfinder Railtours special excursion from Swindon to York, Durham, and Newcastle.

As well as having some of Britain’s best Christmas markets, these three cities have a wealth of history and fascinating sights to be explored. The train will depart from Swindon at 06.30, then call at Oxford at 07.15, Banbury 07.45, Leamington Spa 08.10, Dorridge 08.30, Tamworth 09.15, and Derby at 10.00.

First stop will be at 12.00 at York for a 6-hour visit. A Christmas market with many local traders selling artisan products has been held here since 1992.

Next stop is Durham with its epic skyline of castle and cathedral. Arrival here is at 13.15 and those travellers who decide to make the city their destination for the day will have 3½ hours to explore the historic city centre with its over 200 independent traders.

55009 Alycidon + 37714 Cardiff Canton​

Deltic 55009 (D9009) "Alycidon" and 37714 "Cardiff Canton" (as insurance) work the 15:15 Loughborugh Central - Leicester North at Woodthorpe. The Deltic was failed for the second time in a day and was withdrawn from service during the GCR's diesel gala. Friday April 29th 2022.

unknown.png
 
The final destination is Newcastle-upon-Tyne reached via the King Edward Bridge, which is one of seven bridges across the River Tyne.

Arrival here is at 13.30, and there will be three hours to explore the stalls around Grey’s Monument, in Grainger Market, and on the Quayside.

Deltic 55009 at Loughborough GCR, 16th July 2022

unknown.png
 

24th September 2022​

45596 Bahamas: Jubilee steam locomotive renamed at Swanage for anniversary of South Atlantic conflict​

To mark the 40th anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict, the Bahamas Locomotive Society agreed to have flagship locomotive, LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas, renamed and renumbered to 45606 Falkland Islands.

The original 45606 was built in 1935 but was scrapped in 1965.

The naming ceremony took place on Thursday 22nd September 2022 at Swanage station on the Swanage heritage railway.

The locomotive had earlier that day arrived at the Swanage Railway with a Railway Touring Company tour from London Victoria.

unknown.png
 
Once the locomotive has hauled the Railway Touring Company tour on the 11th November, 45596 will return to its usual identity and the nameplates will be donated for auction for a Charity fundraiser.

unknown.png

Keith Whitmore, Chairman of Bahamas Locomotive Society said:

“We are delighted to be able to facilitate a commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands conflict and to remember the fallen on both sides of the conflict. We have never before allowed 45596 Bahamas to change identity, but we consider it really important to remember the fallen along with the veterans from this conflict, as a one-off our loco will carry the identity of long scrapped sister LMS Jubilee Class locomotive 45606 Falkland Islands”.
 
45596 Bahamas with the Kentish Belle over Culmers crossing, Nagden marsh on August 4, 2022

unknown.png

LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas renamed to mark the 40th Anniversary of the South Atlantic conflict in the Falkland Islands.

At a ceremony on the 23rd July 2022 at the West Somerset Railway, 45596 Bahamas was be renamed to 45606 Falkland Islands.

The original locomotive was built in 1935 but was withdrawn from Carnforth (10A) in 1964 and was later scrapped in February 1965.

The new Falkland Islands nameplates have been cast from the original and will be unveiled by Richard Overall and Jim Fairfield who were both involved in the conflict.

After the unveiling, the locomotive will wear its new identity until it returns North in September.

The locomotives nameplates will then be removed and one donated to The Royal Marines Association – The Royal Marines Charity, for auction.

Unfortunately, seen here, still wearing the old nameplate today!
 
Latest News

September 24th, 2022

The Train Shed

Well today I sat in my shed and looked around envisaging what the railway layout would look like.

I tried some 4th radius track to see if my plan could work, and it would.

So I knocked up this plan, it's only showing the main lines.

What I like about it is that it creates a space for me to gain access to the layout without crawling under it or manufacturing a removable piece.

We'll see how it goes. :)

unknown.png
 

25th September 2022​

Talyllyn Railway steam locomotive ‘Talyllyn’ to return in new livery after overhaul​


Talyllyn mock-up
unknown.png

The Talyllyn Railway has announced that their locomotive, No. 1 ‘Talyllyn’, is to return with a new look once its overhaul is completed.

Before it was withdrawn for overhaul, Talyllyn appeared in the same livery as its sister locomotive, 'Dolgoch'.

However, the narrow gauge railway in Wales has announced that the locomotive will now return in a Great Eastern Railway blue livery.

The decision was announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society – and I am sure you will agree, this looks fantastic!

Please Note: The Talyllyn Railway has already stated that the finished locomotive may look different to the mock-up above.
 
Last edited:
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top