Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Andy Armstrong, programme manager for route crime and security for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “This increase in arrests and convictions is a welcome half-way-marker to 2023. Cable theft costs Network Rail millions of pounds each year. The total cost to the economy – taking into account the impact of freight delays to power stations and supermarkets, and on passengers whose journeys are disrupted – is even higher.

“We are working with the BTP and wider industry to crack down on cable theft, as well as other metal theft. Our adoption of new technologies has already seen an increase in arrests and convictions, and we will continue to improve security and ensure that the railway can run safely, securely and reliably.”

British Transport Police National Lead for Metal Crime, Superintendent Mark Cleland, said: “BTP are working closely with the rail industry, the waste industry and partners including the joint unit for waste crime and the national economic crime centre to target those who see an opportunity to make money from stealing metal.

“Metal crime is highly disruptive to the UK economy and the actions of those who steal metal can put their own lives and others lives at risk. BTP continue to run numerous operations targeting organised criminality ensuring we seek convictions and confiscate all assets to ensure no one can profit from this crime.

“In the last two years alone, hundreds of arrests have been made and millions of pounds recovered from offenders with numerous multi-year convictions proving that any targeting of national infrastructure has severe implications to those who decide to test our ability to catch them.”

12th July 2023
UP CLOSE - Information on Model Locomotives
Please note: this particular locomotive is not part of the ETHNON RAIL fleet

Bachmann OO 31-138 Class D11/2 '62682' 'Haystoun of Bucklaw' BR Black E/Emblem

Locomotive Model Details

Operator: British Railways
Livery: Lined Black with Early Emblem
Running Number: 62682
Name: Haystoun of Bucklaw
Length: 240 mm
Era: 4
DCC: Ready (21 pin)
Motor: NR
Curve: 2nd Radius (438mm) +
Detail: Pickup in Tender & Sound Decoder Ready

Class

Name: London, Midland & Scottish Railway D11/2 "Scottish Director"
Traction: Steam
Built: 12/1919
Total Produced: 35

Catalogue

Builder: Bachmann
Catalogue Number: 31-138
Category: Steam Locomotives
Scale: OO
Finish: Pristine
Year: 2013 - 2015

Prototype

Ordered By: London and North Eastern Railway
Built By: Kitson & Co.
Built At: Built at Hunslet, Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Built: 10/1924
Withdrawn: Sat 29/07/1961
Length of Service: 36 yrs, 9 mths , 29 dys
Running Numbers: 6389, 2682 and 62682
Names: HATSTOUN OF BUCKLAW

12th July 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Today I planned to produce a single track circuit, to test the basic Hornby train controller.

At start of work today.

A Land Rover stops in the middle of the grey wilderness of the baseboards.

Out from the vehicle leave Phil and Bob.

With them are Dai 'The Stick' Jones and, carrying a theodolite, John 'Transit' Smith.

Bob erected the Ethnonian flag and pole, he likes doing that.

Dai stands still and John looks through the scope and checks rise and fall over distance.

Bob and Phil watch proceedings, supervising as usual.

John looks through the scope and makes notes as Dai walks further away from John's position, turning every now and then for John to take a reading.

John shouts at Dai "Keep going Dave!"

John tells Phil and Bob that the level of the baseboards are within tolerances.

So I have laid out and connected up a controller to a single circuit of track.
The track links the 60 foot run of baseboards.

So the controller has been connected to the track and power adaptor just needs to be plugged in.
Neonlake and Cleopatra look on to see if it works.

For the test I have chosen the latest locomotive to join the ETHNON RAIL fleet.

Hornby R30181 Class 57/6 57603 "Tintagel Castle" in GWR green.

Cleo and Neo hold their breaths...........

With fingers crossed, I put the reverser into forward and apply the regulator................

Slowly and smoothly the "Tintagel Castle" pulls away and builds up speed to about 50% of regulator/throttle.

She makes two circuits of the layout and I then stop the loco and put the controller into reverse and repeat the manoeuvres,

SUCCESS!

It's good to know that the old Hornby R965 Standard Train Controller is capable of controlling the locomotive over quite a length of track.

13th July 2023

Steam locomotive 563 makes first movements under own power​

T3 No. 563 made its first movements under its own steam yesterday at The Flour Mill workshops.

The movements followed on from a successful steam test at The Flour Mill with Nathan Au, Matt McManus and Nick Lloyd from the 563 Locomotive Group attending the test alongside the Swanage Railway's Locomotive Superintendent, Graham Froud, and Swanage Railway Trust chairman, Gavin Johns.

563's successful test, where the boiler was signed off for 175 psi, means the locomotive is now one step closer to returning to working order

​

Following the test run, the locomotive made its first small steps running under its own power (minus its tender).

There is just £8,000 left to raise to complete the overhaul of 563, and you can find out more information on the final piece of fundraising on our previous article.

Additionally, the Trust are looking to raise £500 to purchase a set of fire irons for the loco.

These are essential for running 563 on a daily basis as they allow crews to dig out the old fire from the previous day.

13th July 2023

Boiler test complete for steam locomotive No. 60163 Tornado​

A big step in the return of popular mainline loco, 60163 Tornado, was reached yesterday as the LNER A1 passed its steam test.

The good news follows on from a successful hydraulic test last week.

60163's boiler had been gently warmed since the weekend and on Wednesday 12th July, the boiler inspector arrived in Darlington and passed the boiler with no issues.

What's next for 60163? Well the boiler now needs to have its cladding fitted before it moves to Locomotive Maintenance Services in Loughborough to be reunited with the frames, which are about to be re-wheeled.

An A1SLT spokesperson said “It wont be long now until our fine locomotive is back on the rails! It has been a long journey to get to this point, not only with additional work required around the ETCS project and other components overhauled in Loughborough, but with a protracted course of action required to return the boiler to steam. Since delivery at Christmas, and facing challenges around materials quality, the team from Northern Steam have worked with the staff, contractors and volunteers at Darlington Locomotive Works (old and new!) to remove, replace, secure and weld the tubes. A great team effort has led us to today's milestone.”

13th July 2023

North Yorkshire school opens Pacer train library​

Tuesday the 11th of July saw the opening of two converted Pacer carriages which have been converted into a library and STEAM classroom.​

The Dales School, which works with children who have special educational needs and disabilities across two sites in Blythedale and Ashdale, has officially opened with a ceremony on Tuesday the 11th of July.

The units were donated by train leasing company Porterbrook and their incredible transformation was completed by industrial service provider TEXO.

The project has also been supported by Network Rail, who donated railway track and a buffer for the trains to stand on at the school, creating a realistic railway setting for the pupils.

The innovative project has also seen local organisation support differing areas such as providing materials, funding and labour.

A good deal of the students at the school have not had the experience of travelling on a real train and so the carriages also provide an excellent opportunity to teach the pupils all about train travel and, most importantly, railway safety.

The first of the two carriages to be marvellously repurposed was converted into a library and was featured on the TV show ‘George Clarke's Amazing Spaces' due to its amazing use of both space and design.

The second carriage has been transformed into an incredible STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) classroom and will feature, VR Technology and a fantastic cause-and-effect section which lets children role-play as train drivers with interactive features such as train wipers and lights.

The cause-and-effect section will support children with sensory needs to experience the sights and sounds of a railway whilst inspiring pupils to consider careers in the railway as they grow up.

The STEAM carriage has been possible thanks to funding provided by:

• The Laurel trust
• Hargreaves Foundation
• The Platten Family trust
• The Masons
• Draeger
• The Harrison Foundation

Dr Sue Fisher, Dales School Headteacher, said: “Everyone at The Dales School is delighted that our train is finally ready to share with everyone. The train has carriages devoted to reading and the new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) carriage is now ready for passengers! We want to thank all the businesses, funders, staff and organisations that have helped us get here. We could not have done this without their fantastic generosity, hard work, and support. The children at The Dales School, and beyond, will benefit so much and we hope they will remain Friends of The Dales for many years to come.”

Kevin Eley, Head of Asset Protection and Infrastructure Development at Porterbrook, said: “It's been a pleasure supporting this project and seeing one of our retired trains get a new lease on life. We hope that this Pacer train has many more years of life as a tool to engage, educate and inspire young people.”

The company reports that almost half of its end-of-first-life vehicles have seen re-use over the last five years with exciting projects including – men's mental health charity Platform 1 which repurposed their carriage into a kitchen and learning space.

Porterbrook also donated the popular HST power car, 43102, which was recorded as the fastest diesel locomotive in the world, to the National Railway Museum.

Glen Sanderson, Leader of Northumberland County Council, said: “I so enjoyed visiting The Dales School with all the imagination and creativity of having a real train in a playground. I was very pleased to be asked back. Well done to everyone involved – a great example of thinking “outside the box,” for the benefit of students.”

Harrison Foundation trustee, Daniel Harrison, said: “As soon as we heard about the train in the playground project at the Dales School, I saw the potential for a partnership with our Harrison Centres for Social Mobility initiative. We have six Harrison Centres now and they come in all shapes and sizes. It's a great idea and one that we're delighted to support, after all, which school children would not be excited to have a real train in their playground, where they can read and learn?”

“The Harrison Centres are all about creating new opportunities to learn and therefore helping people to unlock their own potential. I could see straight away that the team at the Dales share that vision.”

“I'd like to also thank local MP Ian Levy, who played a vital role in connecting us with the Dales school and paving the way for the support we're able to offer this amazing project.”

Dame Patricia Collarbone from the Laurel Trust said: “The Laurel Trust is delighted to be one of the partners supporting The Dales Train project alongside their local sponsors from business and the railways.”

“The Dales have created an exciting and imaginative project which will bring long-lasting benefits, not only to their children and their families but to the wider community in Blyth.”

“We have watched the project grow and develop. We have seen the growing confidence and progress of the children and the joy it has given them.”

“The Laurel Trust is privileged to be part of this wonderful partnership.”

13th July 2023

Train manufacturer Alstom among winners of top Ministry of Defence award​

Alstom was among the recent winners of the Gold Award as part of the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme was launched in 2013 and is a badge of honour to those who employ and support military personnel, service leavers and their families.

Alongside Alstom, the winners included Northamptonshire Police, West Northamptonshire Council and Rail Operations Group.

The Gold Award will be presented to Alstom / ROG at a ceremony in October.

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director for rolling stock manufacturer Alstom UK & Ireland, said: “Achieving the Gold Award for the Armed Forces Covenant is a remarkable achievement, and we are dedicated to using this recognition as a catalyst to further enhance our support for the military community and create meaningful opportunities for their transition and growth.”

13th July 2023
UP CLOSE - Information on Model Locomotives
Please note: this particular locomotive is not part of the ETHNON RAIL fleet

BACHMANN OO 35-079 CLASS E4 '32494' BR LINED BLACK E/EMBLEM

Locomotive Model Details

Operator: British Railways
Livery: Lined Black with Early Emblem
Running Number: 32494
Name: NR
Length: 150 mm
Era: 4
DCC: Ready (6 pin)
Motor: NR
Curve: Curve1st Radius (371mm) +
Detail: NR

Class

Name: Southern Railway E4
Traction: Steam
Built: 1897 - 1903
Total Produced: 70

Catalogue

Builder: Bachmann
Catalogue Number: 35-079
Category: Steam Locomotives
Scale: OO
Finish: Pristine
Year: 2016 - 2019

Prototype

Ordered By: Southern Railway
Built By: Brighton Works
Built At: Brighton
Built: 11/1899
Withdrawn: w/e Sat 19/09/1959
Length of Service: 59 yrs, 10 mths , 19 dys
Running Numbers: 2494 and 32494
Names: N/A

13th July 2023

Inside The Train Shed

My goal today was to capture some video of the GWR Class 57, hauling a 4 coach rake of some GWR MK3's.

Here's a picture of the Hornby R965 Standard Train Controller, which proved itself admirably yesterday.

Hornby R30181 Class 57/6 57603 "Tintagel Castle" in GWR green.

Here's a little bit of history about Class 57's

The British Rail Class 57 is a type of diesel locomotive that was remanufactured from Class 47s by Brush Traction of Loughborough between 1998 and 2004.

The Class 57 was produced in response to an order placed in November 1997 by the recently privatised freight operator, Freightliner.

The company sought to have its ageing Class 47s, some of which had become increasingly unreliable and uncompetitive in comparison to new-build counterparts.

Accordingly, redundant locomotives were handed over to Brush, where they were fitted with re-conditioned Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) engines and the same model of traction alternator as that fitted to the Class 56 heavy freight locomotive.

As a result of this scheme, improved reliability and performance was recorded; Freightliner placed multiple follow-on orders for more to be rebuilt, as would other operators.

However, Freightliner abandoned its long term plans to acquire 25 Class 57 locomotives in favour of new-built Class 66 locomotives instead.

There are three variants of the Class 57, one designed for freight traffic (57/0) and two to perform passenger operations.

During April 2002, Virgin Trains West Coast signed a deal with the rolling stock lessor Porterbrook for the rebuilding of 12 Class 47s into Class 57/3s to conduct rescue duties as well as to drag electric trains along routes that lacked overhead wires to power them directly; further examples would be later ordered to expand Virgin's fleet.

The company named its Class 57 locomotives after characters and vehicles from Thunderbirds.

Other passenger train operators that used the type included Arriva Trains Wales and Great Western Railway.

Various freight haulage firms, and mixed traffic operators, opted to procure Class 57 locomotives as well; these include Direct Rail Services, Rail Operations Group, Advenza Freight, and Colas Rail; many of these obtained units as a result of Freightliner having made its own fleet redundant after procuring new-build locomotives.

The Class 57 is a re-engineered diesel locomotive that was rebuilt from redundant Class 47 locomotives by Brush Traction at their Loughborough facility.

The locomotives are fitted with a refurbished Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) engine and a re-conditioned alternator, improving reliability and performance.

There are three variants of the Class 57, one designed for freight traffic (57/0) and two to perform passenger operations.

Each locomotive reportedly cost £300,000, about one-third that of a new-build locomotive.

The origins of the Class 57 can be traced back to an order placed in November 1997 by the recently privatised freight operator Freightliner for an initial batch of six locomotives.

In 1999, the rebuilding of a further six locomotives were ordered for a total of 12 Class 57/0 freight locomotives.

Additionally, five locomotives of the Class 57/6 variant were produced between 2000 and 2003, while 12 Class 57/3 locomotives were ordered during 2002, and extended to cover four more units in 2003, making a total of 21 passenger units.

During 2001, a single prototype Class 57/0 was converted with electric train heating for the purpose of garnering orders from passenger train operating companies.

During 2000, the rail leasing company Porterbrook placed an order for a prototype passenger locomotive fitted with electric train heating.

During June 2001, this locomotive, 57601, was leased to the passenger train operator First Great Western,

At the time, First Great Western were reporting searching for a suitable replacement for its elderly Class 47 locomotives.

57601 hauled Mark 2 stock on day services from London Paddington to Plymouth and Penzance—until these services ceased in September 2002—and on the Night Riviera sleeper service.

After an evaluation period, First Great Western agreed to lease three production Class 57/6s from Porterbrook in May 2002, the first of which being delivered during November 2003.

As the prototype locomotive was non-standard, it was decided to order a fourth Class 57/6 in 2003 and return 57601 to Porterbrook; this occurred in December 2003 after the first production Class 57/6 was delivered, after which 57601 sold by Porterbrook to the spot-hire company West Coast Railways.

In mid-2015, First Great Western stated it had plans to obtain one more Class 57, but the sub-class and number of which had not yet been confirmed.

The First Great Western fleet were originally painted green with a gold bodyside band to match the Night Riviera stock, with cast name and number plates.

All four locomotives were named after castles in Devon and Cornwall, and operate mainly on the Night Riviera sleeper service, with the occasional stock move.

From March 2008, the fleet started to receive First Great Western blue livery, with 57605 the first repainted.

During June 2010, 57604 received a repaint into lined Brunswick green livery, to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the Great Western Railway.

Between December 2009 and July 2010, the rail freight operator First GBRf hired several Class 57/3s from Virgin Trains to operate in top-and-tail formation with Mark 2 stock on a First Great Western Taunton - Cardiff diagram; primarily due to unreliability, the Class 57/3s were replaced by Class 67 locomotives.

First Great Western class 57 diesel locomotive 57604 "Pendennis Castle" at Railfest 2012

57603 "Tintagel Castle"

47349

2 May 2016 - An open day at St Phillip's Marsh depot in Bristol included a rare visit of a Great Western Railway class 57 diesel.

57603 Tintagel Castle and its classmates are usually only found working the Night Riviera between London and Penzance.

A history of 57603 "Tintagel Castle"

SUMMARY

GWR Class 57 No.57603 Tintagel Castle at Long Rock on the 6th of may 2023.

A quick look at the MK3 coaches in the train formation.

Hornby R4915A GWR Mk3 Sliding Door TS Trailer Standard Coach No.48112​

Hornby R4895A. Mk3 ‘Sliding Door’ TSD Standard Open Disabled Coach 48111 in GWR Green Livery​

Great Western Railway withdrew its Mark 3 sets in 2019, with GWR reforming many Mark 3 sets as 4 car refurbished "Castle" sets.