Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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FLIRT Akku in Berlin

Stadler is also supplying:
  • 55 FLIRT Akku vehicles for the Schleswig-Holstein local transport network (currently undergoing approval tests and due to enter passenger service this year)
  • 44 trains for the Palatinate network
  • 14 trains for Deutsche Bahn's H-Netz.
Stadler is also developing rail vehicles that run on hydrogen, which allow low-emission rail operation, especially on lines without an overhead contact line.

The company designed and built the first multiple unit with hydrogen propulsion for SBCTA in California, USA, which is due to start operating next year.

It is also supplying the world's first narrow-gauge trains with hydrogen propulsion for the Calabria and Sardinia regions in Italy.

Stadler believes that these contracts confirm its leading position in battery and hydrogen green propulsion technology.

Peter Spuhler, Chair of Stadler's Board of Directors, said, “If we are to meet the climate targets, rail transport in turn must become even more sustainable. That is why Stadler has invested heavily in green propulsion solutions to replace diesel fleets and has established its position as a leading provider of sustainable rail transport in recent years – both in Europe and the USA. We are delighted to be working with ÖBB to drive forward the decarbonisation of rail transport in Austria.”
 
21st July 2023

Shakespeare Express steam train to depart Birmingham stations this Sunday​

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A GWR Castle locomotive will be back on the mainline this Sunday as it hauls the Shakespeare Express to Stratford-upon-Avon.

The locomotive will be hauling a rake of vintage carriages from Birmingham Snow Hill to Stratford-upon-Avon twice on Sunday 11th February 2023.

The first departure will depart Birmingham Snow Hill at 10:00, and will pass through Birmingham Moor Street (10:03), Tyseley (10:13) and Henley-in-Arden at 10:45 before arriving into Stratford-upon-Avon at 11:05.

The return journey will depart Stratford-upon-Avon at 12:49, and will pass through Dorridge (13:15), Tyseley (13:26), Birmingham Moor Street (13:35) and Birmingham Snow Hill (13:40).

The second departure will depart Birmingham Snow Hill at 14:07.

It will pass through Birmingham Moor Street (14:10), Tyseley (14:20), Whitlocks End (14:32), and Stratford-upon-Avon at 15:10.

The last departure from Stratford-upon-Avon at 16:13, and it will pass through Dorridge (16:48), Tyseley (16:59), Birmingham Moor Street (17:06) and Birmingham Snow Hill (17:12).
 
22nd July 2023

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NetworkRail:

Passengers reminded to check before they travel as essential track maintenance work due to start in Wrexham from this weekend​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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NR Logo​

Network Rail, alongside contractors, Colas Rail, will be installing new track, over four consecutive weekends, between Wrexham Central and Wrexham General stations to help improve reliability of the line.

The work, which begins on Saturday 22 July and is expected to be completed by the end of August, will see some service alterations.

Buses will also replace trains between Wrexham and Bidston.

Network Rail urges passengers to check before travelling at:

Transport for Wales JourneyCheck - Train times and live real time delay/cancellation/disruption information.

Transport for Wales JourneyCheck provides real time, up-to-date train times and train disruption information keeping you informed about any delays or cancellations on the network and helping you know what to do when your journey is affected. Train Cancellations, Delays, Alterations and...
www.journeycheck.com

Pedestrians and road users will be impacted as the level crossing on Watery Road will have to be closed during the continuous work to replace the track.

There will be a fully signposted road and pedestrian diversions in place throughout the work.

All vehicles including emergency vehicles will need to use the diversionary route. 

To keep disruption to a minimum, this is the first of two phases to complete the track maintenance with the second phase expected in early 2024.

Phase one will see five point-ends installed (moveable sections of track that allow trains to switch from one section of railway to another), 1.1km of track laid, and 600 tonnes of new ballast being used.

This stage will also produce around 240 tonnes of scrap, with everything being fully recycled and reused and not just within the railway - from material for roads and highways to producing new steel products.

Kevin Felton, Scheme Project Manager said: “This work will help improve reliability on the Chester to Wrexham line and will enable future works between Wrexham and Bidston that will see an improved service for passengers run by our partners at Transport for Wales.

“There’s never an ideal time to close part of the railway and we know that our work will cause some disruption. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and will endeavour to keep the noise to a minimum throughout.”

Date of shifts Time of shifts 
Sunday 9 July and Sunday 16 July  12:20am – 8:25am 
Saturday 22 July – Monday 24 July (continuous work with full road and pedestrian closure)  12:25am - 5:20am 
Saturday 29 July – Monday 31 July (continuous work with full road and pedestrian closure) 12:25am - 5:20am 
Saturday 5 August – Monday 7 August (continuous work with full road and pedestrian closure) 12:25am - 5:20am 
Sunday 12 August – Sunday 27 August (each Sunday with full road and pedestrian closure) 12:20am – 8:25am 
Sunday 3 September – Sunday 17 September (each Sunday)  12:20am – 8:25am 
 
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24th July 2023

Pines Express to run from Leeds to Swanage in September​

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CrossCountry High Speed Train

The Branch Line Society has announced that it will run the Pines Express from Leeds to Swanage in Dorset and back on Tuesday 26 September.

The trip provides enthusiasts with a chance to mark CrossCountry's impending withdrawal of the High Speed Train (HST) after more than forty years.

It will feature a CrossCountry HST with air-conditioned Mark 3 coaches.
 
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Swanage Railway Class 117 Wareham heritage diesel train, Corfe Castle​

Passengers can also take an additional trip on The Bournemouth Belle mini excursion from Swanage to Bournemouth and back.

Those who do will be able to enjoy scenic views across the Isle of Purbeck and of Corfe Castle in the area made famous by Thomas Hardy's novels.

Highlights will include the heritage railway connection from Swanage Railway to Worgret Junction via Creech Bottom and Furzebrook.

There will be a brief photo stop at Bournemouth.
 
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Workers with Leeds station​

People taking this trip will need to buy a separate ticket.

The Branch Line Society hopes that this trip, which it is running on behalf of CrossCountry and Modern Railways, will repeat the success of last year's visit to the Severn Valley Railway.

The 125 Group will run a sales stand, stocked with a wide range of HST souvenirs.

Proceeds from the trips will be donated to The Brain Tumour Charity, in memory of Jo Taylor, who died in 2021.

Jo was popular among her CrossCountry workmates, having worked at both Leeds and Bournemouth over her fourteen years with the company.

Subject to availability, there will be a trolley service of drinks, snacks and light refreshments.

Passengers will be able to buy bottled real ales from breweries along CrossCountry's routes.

Indicative route and timings:

Leeds P16 (PU 06.35) – Wakefield Westgate P1 (PU 06.48) – Sheffield P6 (PU 07.25) – Derby P2 (PU 07.54) – Burton-on-Trent P2 (PU 08.05) – Tamworth P4 (PU 08.20) – Bordesley Jn – Leamington Spa P3 (PU 09.02) – Oxford Through Line – Didcot – Reading P13 (PU 10.16 / RM) – Basingstoke – Southampton Central – Bournemouth – Poole – Wareham – Worgret Jn – Norden – Corfe Castle – Harman's Cross – Swanage (SD 12.42)

Swanage (PU 16.18) – Harman's Cross – Corfe Castle – Norden – Worgret Jn – Wareham – Poole – Bournemouth – Southampton Central – Eastleigh – Romsey – Laverstock Curve – Basingstoke – Reading P12 (SD 19.38 / RM) – Didcot – Oxford Through Line – Leamington Spa P2 (SD 20.48) – Bordesley Jn – Tamworth P3 (SD 21.50) – Burton-on-Trent P1 (SD 22.04) – Derby P1 (SD 22.18) – Sheffield P1 (SD 22.52) – Wakefield Westgate P2 (SD 23.34) – Leeds P9 (SD 23.49)

The Bournemouth Belle mini excursion

Indicative route and timings:

Swanage (PU 13.10) – Harman's Cross – Corfe Castle – Norden – Worgret Jn – Wareham – Poole – Branksome – Bournemouth P3 (SD 14.40)

Bournemouth P3 (PU 14.52) – Branksome – Poole – Wareham – Worgret Jn – Norden – Corfe Castle – Harman's Cross – Swanage (SD 15.45)

For further information and to book, visit the Branch Line Society's website.
 
24th July 2023

Boiler certificate for steam locomotive 7822 Foxcote Manor is ‘stopped’​

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7822 Foxcote Manor
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The Foxcote Manor Society has announced that 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor' is to now undergo a full overhaul after a failure of the Ex-BR welds in the copper firebox.

7822 Foxcote Manor has had 7 years of total running, with steaming days at the West Somerset Railway, the Llangollen Railway, the Battlefield Line, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Kent and East Sussex Railway, the Mid Hants Railway and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Foxcote Manor's next boiler repair is set to be the most extensive that the society has completed, and is likely to include a new back end to the boiler, copper and steel.

Thankfully, the bottom end should all be in good condition thanks to the work put in during winter months of her boiler ticket.

The locomotive has only done around 12,000 miles since the wheels were removed at Tyseley in 2019 – so some work can be deferred to a year or two into the next ticket, such as new valve liners.

A Society spokesperson said “We are sorry to announce that Foxcote's boiler ticket has been stopped, due to complications with the failure of ex-BR welds in the copper firebox.

The next boiler repair will be the most extensive the Foxcote Manor Society has ever undertaken

We are always looking for new members, and donations, please see:

7822 Donations and Memberships

Please visit us to discover the many ways you can assist the Foxcote Manor Society in keeping 7822 on the rails.
www.foxcotemanorsociety.co.uk www.foxcotemanorsociety.co.uk

Our thanks to the West Somerset Railway, Tyseley Locomotive Works, our volunteers, trustees and members for everything they have done for the locomotive this ticket, without which, the repair of the locomotive would very likely be beyond our means.”
 
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24th July 2023

Steam locomotive 70000 Britannia to depart London this Tuesday​

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BR Britannia No. 70000 Britannia is set to depart London Victoria this Tuesday (25th July 2023), is hauls two Steam Dreams tours.

The Britannia class of locomotive is hauling The Garden Of England tour as well as The Sunset Steam Express.

With passengers on board The Garden of England tour, 70000 Britannia will depart London Victoria, and will pass through Clapham High Street (10:07), Denmark Hill (10:12), Catford (10:20), Shortlands (10:29), St Mary Cray (10:37), Rochester (11:07), Gillingham (Kent) (11:15), Canterbury East (12:02) and Dover Priory at 12:54.

From Dover Priory, 70000 Britannia will pass through Folkestone West (13:18), Ashford International (13:35), Paddock Wood (14:01), Tonbridge (14:21), Petts Wood (14:46), Bickley (14:50), Brixton (15:10), Wandsworth Road (15:12) and London Victoria at 15:17.
 
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70000 Britannia Swanage station June 2012​

After servicing, 70000 Britannia will depart with The Sunset Steam Express.

Departing London Victoria at 18:15 and will pass through Imperial Wharf (18:30), Kensington Olympia (18:37), Imperial Wharf (18:50), Brentford (19:14), Ashford (Surrey) (19:29), Chertsey (19:45), Woking (20:14), Dorking West (20:49), Purley (21:19), East Croydon (21:28), Balham (21:45), Clapham Junction (21:48), and London Victoria at 22:01.
 
WATCH:

70000 Britannia visits Burnley with ‘The Pennine Moors Explorer'

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BR 7MT No.70000 'Britannia' visited Burnley Manchester Road whilst hauling Saphos Trains' last railtour, this being 'The Pennine Moors Explorer'.

The tour headed via Warrington Bank Quay, Wigan North Western, Blackburn and Accrington before arriving into Burnley Manchester Road, this being a rare terminus for a railtour.

The Britannia locomotive is seen arriving into Burnley Manchester Road, and is seen taking on water at the station.

The locomotive is then seen tackling the steep gradient towards Copy Pit, where it would continue on to Todmorden, Manchester Victoria and Warrington Bank Quay and finally Crewe.

We were glad to see this rare stop at Burnley Manchester Road, its rare for a railtour to come through this station, let alone stop here.
 
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26th July 2023

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NetworkRail:

Network Rail and Natural Resource Wales’ partnership ‘on track’ to securing a greener future, combating climate change and improving rail links for passengers​


Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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NR Logo​

The two organisations have solidified their commitment to working more closely together following the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement, which is typically renewed every five years, reinforces an exciting partnership towards a common goal: driving environmental sustainability for the benefit of communities, creating a more resilient railway by being better prepared to combat nature and climate emergencies, and promoting responsible practices across the route’s rail infrastructure.
 
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Claire looking out to the estuary​

Both organisations have already helped each other on a number of coastal and river schemes to reduce flood risk, protect habitats, manage land, and better plan projects.

An example where this partnership has been extremely effective, and crucially time saving, was the extensive remedial work following the derailment of a freight train at Llangennech, in Carmarthenshire, in August 2020.

More than 30,000 tonnes of fuel-soaked soil was excavated from beneath 150 metres of railway track - preventing lasting environmental impact and protecting the local landscape.

The collaborative way of working, on such a high impact incident, was invaluable and ensured that public funds were used in the most effectual way possible.
 
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Signed documents​

Some other significant schemes include:

  • Barmouth Viaduct renewal (current) – Network Rail is undertaking a significant renewal to the listed structure over the Mawddach estuary. The two organisations have worked collaboratively to ensure the required works to the viaduct are completed without adversely impacting the delicate ecology of the SSSI Mawddach Estuary.
  • Dovey junction Structures renewal (current) – Network Rail is delivering a bridge renewal which spans the Dovey estuary and, working with Natural Resources Wales, has allowed us to find a satisfactory methodology to minimise the impact on what is an ecologically sensitive area.
  • Stephenson street (current) - in Newport where Natural Resources Wales is doing work on four culverts under the railway - tying their flood defence bund into the railway embankment.
  • Ammanford flood alleviation scheme (current) - where Natural Resources Wales is tying in their flood defence bund with a Network Rail structure.
  • Black bridge track raising scheme (2021) – Network Rail raised the structure higher in the floodplain which now means the Cambrian line has to close less frequently allowing passengers to complete their journeys in times of heavy rainfall.
  • Conwy valley resilience scheme (2019) – Network Rail worked closely with Natural Resources Wales who were able to reactively assist in the permitting and applications to build the railway back in a more resilient manner to prevent similar washouts in adverse weather events.
 
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Signing documents​

Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales, said: “We are very pleased to be building on the collaborative partnership that already exists with Network Rail by signing this memorandum.

“When organisations work together, we can do more. So this agreement means the environment and rail users all benefit.

“The State of Natural Resources Report 2020 emphasised that different organisations need to collaborate to improve the resilience of our environment, particularly as we reimagine the transport system, and this partnership puts this principle into practice.”
 
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NR and NRW site tour​

Nick Millington, Wales and Border route director at Network Rail said: “By combining the expertise, knowledge, and resources of our two organisations in this way, we’re able to work in a more time efficient, cost-effective, safe and sustainable way - creating a positive and lasting impact on the environment, whilst improving rail links for passengers.

“The importance of this collaboration has been demonstrated time and time again over the years, and we’re very pleased to be renewing our joint commitment to achieving a more sustainable and ecologically responsible approach to the way we work.”

The aspirations of the memorandum will be supported by an annual intentions plan to drive the collaboration forward. 
 
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26th July 2023

Where to see steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley as it visits Shrewsbury this Thursday​

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LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is to visit Shrewsbury this Thursday (27th July 2023) as it hauls The Welsh Marches Express.

The train originates in High Wycombe where it will depart at 05:47 with diesel locomotives hauling the first part of the journey.

The diesel locomotives will pass through Princes Risborough (06:01), Haddenham and Thame Parkway (06:10), Bicester Village (06:29), Oxford Parkway (06:43), Oxford (06:52), Swindon (Wilts) (08:03) and Bristol Temple Meads at 08:54.

Here, 60007 will take over the train and will depart at 09:15. Once underway, the locomotive will pass through Filton Abbey Wood (09:25), Severn Tunnel Junction (09:42), Hereford (11:13), Craven Arms (12:38) and Shrewsbury at 13:32.
 
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60007 Sir Nigel Gresley runs around its train on the Nene Valley Railway​

After time in Shrewsbury, Sir Nigel Gresley will depart at 15:48 and will pass through Hereford (16:56), Abergavenny (18:01), Pilning (18:55) and Bristol Temple Meads at 19:23.

The diesel locomotives then take over the train, returning to High Wycombe via the same outbound route, passing through Bath Spa (20:17), Swindon (Wilts) (20:54), Oxford (21:56), Oxford Parkway (22:05), Bicester Village (22:18), Haddenham and Thame Parkway (22:36), Princes Risborough (22:47) and High Wycombe at 23:00.
 
26th July 2023

Staffordshire heritage railway launches appeal to modernise points system​

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Tim Dunn at Cheddleton
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The Churnet Valley Railway has launched an appeal for funds to replace Victorian signalling technology at Cheddleton with modern computer-based systems.

As part of the project, the mechanical operation of the points will be replaced by an electronic system that uses relays to control the points' movement.

One of the relays is very specific, that being the Motor Relay which powers the point motors.

These are very difficult to source, and despite searching for industrial alternatives none have been found at a cost-effective price, and a search for second-hand relays to the specific specification has currently proved fruitless.
 
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Cheddleton Signal Box 2012​

Two relays are needed for each point machine and there are five point machines at Cheddleton that are being upgraded.

There is also the need to have spares in stock in the event of failure, so the railway is looking to purchase 12 such relays at a cost of £300 each.

This means that £3,600 needs to be raised to enable the scheme to go ahead, with the plan for the first phase to be commissioned by this autumn and the second phase operational by February next year.
 
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Existing point mechanism​

In order to raise funds to purchase the relays, the railway is looking for people to sponsor a relay, either as an individual or as a group.

Sponsors will be invited to the railway at a time convenient to themselves to have a look behind the to find out what is happening at Cheddleton.
 
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Motorised point mechanism​

By taking advantage of Gift Aid, a donation of £240 will pay for the full cost of a relay this offer is open to any individual or group who donates £240 or more in a single payment.

If anyone wishes to donate then please visit TotalGiving™ – Motorise Cheddleton – North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Ltd – Fundraising Page

Further information about the Cheddleton resignalling project, or anyone wishing to become involved should email enquiries@churnetvalleyrailway.co.uk.
 
26th July 2023

RAILPOOL orders fifty Traxx Universal locomotives from Alstom​

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Traxx Railpool ​

European rail leasing company RAILPOOL has ordered fifty Traxx Universal multi-purpose locomotives from Alstom.

This follows an order from RAILPOOL for fifteen of the locos last year, and an order from Akiem for one hundred Traxx Universal locos just last week.

The locomotives can operate both freight and passenger services.

Alstom boasts that their key characteristics are high reliability, flexibility in combination and optimal power consumption, enabling them to operate efficiently across borders.

They can run for long periods between maintenance, which makes operational planning easier, cuts costs and improves their availability.
 
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Traxx Universal multi-system locomotive at Alstom's Kassel site in Germany​

RAILPOOL plans to use the locomotives in eight countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium, Luxemburg and Poland.

All the locomotives will be equipped with Atlas, Alstom's onboard signalling system that works with both the European Train Control System (ETCS) and with legacy systems.

ETCS is an in-cab signalling technology that removes the need for trackside signalling, enabling improved performance, reduced delays, better safety and lower costs.

Alstom will carry out the engineering of the locomotives at its site in Mannheim, Germany.

Car body shell production will take place in sites involved are Wroclaw, Poland; production of bogies in Siegen, Germany; and project management in Zurich, Switzerland.

The locos will be assembled in the German city of Kassel.

The contract is valued at up to 260 million euro.
 
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Traxx Universal multi-system locomotive equipped with Alstom's ATLAS ERTMS system​

Kevin Cogo, Vice-President, Rolling Stock, Locomotives & Components, Alstom DACH, said: “We are delighted that RAILPOOL has chosen Alstom to expand their operations in several parts of Europe. This contract marks the continuation of a long-standing and successful partnership. With our proven Traxx locomotives and our state-of-the-art Atlas signalling solution, we are proud to contribute to a more efficient and sustainable freight and passenger transport.”

Torsten Lehnert, CEO of RAILPOOL, added: “With this purchase we solidify our commitment to develop our one-of-a-kind full-service offering in the French market on top of the recent office opening in France under the leadership of Frédérique Erlichman. All 50 locomotives ordered from our partner Alstom will cover operations in France and along the most important European corridors, contributing to the further advancement of sustainable high-performance rail transportation out of France.”
 
26th July 2023

Škoda to deliver new trams to Germany
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Škoda Group - tram Kassel​
Kasseler Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (KVG), which runs transport in the German city of Kassel, has ordered twenty-two new trams from the Škoda Group with an option to buy a further eighteen.

Public transport in Kassel is based on trams, which carry around forty-eight million passengers per year.

This amounts to four-fifths of the total number of passenger journeys, with the remaining fifth being taken by bus or train.

Production of the new two-way trams for Kassel will begin at the end of next year, with the first trams due to be delivered in 2026.

The new trams will then go through technical tests and trials on the city's streets.

Once they obtain approval from the Technical Supervisory Authority (TAB) of Darmstadt Regional Council, the trams will enter regular operation in 2027, within the urban network operated by KVG.

As well as Kassel itself, this includes Vellmar, Baunatal, Lossetal and other neighbouring areas.

At thirty metres long, the new trams will be the same length as the city's existing trams.

They will have an Albert coupling, which allows an extra motor car or trailer to be attached.

Each vehicle will have four passenger doors on each side and a low-floor design to facilitate boarding and alighting for people with impaired mobility.
 
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Visualization of an anti-collision system​

The tram also features kid's new, advanced anti-collision system for improved passenger and pedestrian safety.

Škoda exhibited this new safety feature at the InnoTrans 2022 trade fair.

The system creates a virtual tunnel ahead of the tram, detects any obstacle within the tunnel, alerts the driver and activates the emergency brake. Sensors monitor the surrounding area, and include:
  • LiDAR, which is responsible for three-dimensional mapping of the area around the trams over a range of 100-150 metres both horizontally and vertically
  • an IMU unit, which provides information about the vehicle's tilt and helps the sensor output from the anti-collision system to reflect the track profile
  • a camera, which provides high-resolution two-dimensional images which capture more detail.
Škoda Group's trams are already operating in the German cities of Chemnitz and Schöneich, and the group is currently producing new vehicles for seven other cities.

The contract (not including the option to purchase more trams) is worth 88 million euros, making it the largest investment in vehicles in KVG's history.
 
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Škoda anti-collision system press conference​

Jan Christoph Harder, President Region West Škoda Group, said, “Another German city will soon be using our new Škoda trams. I am glad that KVG has chosen our solution and we can start working on the new trams which will be equipped, among other things, with our anti-collision system which we presented at the InnoTrans 2022 trade fair,”
 
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Skoda tram on show at Innotrans ​

Dr. Olaf Hornfeck, a member of the board of directors of KVG, commented that, “Efficient and attractive local rail transport ensures a sustainable quality of life in cities. For this we need a strong vehicle fleet. Škoda produces well-designed and reliable trams and submitted the most cost-effective bid. This contract paves the way for the gradual modernisation of our public transport system, as this is a prerequisite for revamping mobility in Kassel and the surrounding area.”
 
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