Marcus' Model Railway Journey

24th September 2023

Inside The Train Shed

The track team have completed work on the platform 2 loop.

I found a better way of cutting the flexi track more accurately.


Work teams at the SE platform 2 side

At the end of the day, view looking from SE to NW.

25th September 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Coaltrain cafe enjoying fresh start at Barry station​

Sometimes the brightest moments are behind the darkest clouds, and that was certainly true for Barry Railway Station’s café owner.


Al Edge (pictured above) set up Coaltrain’s coffee shop & gallery after his Cardiff based vintage clothing business folded during lockdown.

Al heard about the chance to take up a lease on the vacant café on Transport for Wales’ Barry Station.

“I saw it as a chance to restart and do something new,” said Al, who is originally from the northeast of England.

“We’d moved to Barry just before lockdown anyway and it all just seemed to fall in to place. Everything’s better in Barry.”

Since opening last year, Al has developed the café into a vibrant art gallery displaying his and other artists paintings and ceramics, with regular exhibitions and pop-up events that give the space a unique feel.

The name of the café “Coaltrain’s” is a pun acknowledging the railway link and also the name of legendary jazz musicians John and Alice Coltrane.

He hosts live music sessions, comic book sales and is organising a festival of creativity named ‘Catch the light’ that will feature poetry workshops, local history talks, storey telling, live jazz, blues and country, ADHD seminars and careers Wales and the Prince’s Trust will be there to help people into work or develop business ideas of their own.

“I want it to be a calm, creative space. We’ve all got stuff going on in our lives so it’s nice to come somewhere with a more relaxed feel where you can chat, write or draw or just contemplate in peace.

“I’ve got to know a lot of local people who have led fascinating lives and tell fascinating stories.”

“I want to make it a community space for people in the town and for people from out of town who’d like to visit and soak up the atmosphere. I get people commuting, people on their way to the airport or going about their daily business.

Coaltrain’s are hoping to expand their food provision in the coming months and Al says he is also planning to develop an ordering system so customers can order ahead so their coffee is ready and waiting for them when they get to the station.

They have also recently had the old service hatch opened so they can serve directly onto the platform and as Al says:

“When it comes to coffee, I don’t do instant but I am quick!”

Coaltrain’s Coffee Shop Gallery is open 6.30am to 1pm Monday to Friday and 8am-1pm Saturdays.

For more info on the festival visit COALTRAINS COFFEE SHOP GALLERY BARRY TRAIN STATION on Facebook or instagram.

WATCH: VIDEO
Coaltrain's coffee shop

25th September 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Travel advice – 30 September and 4 October​

Transport for Wales (TfW) services will be operating as normal on Saturday 30 September and Wednesday 4 October.


The train drivers' union ASLEF has announced strike action at 16 train operating companies (TOCs) in England on Saturday 30 September and Wednesday 4 October and a ban on overtime from Monday 2 October to Friday 6 October.

TfW staff are not involved in the industrial action and TfW will be running a full timetable on both days.

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer at TfW, said: “We would like to remind passengers our trains will be running as normal, and will not be affected by the industrial action taking place on 30 September and 4 October.

“Some passengers’ journeys may involve using train companies that are affected, so it is important everyone checks for the latest travel information on the days of the industrial action and during the period of the overtime ban.”

For more information visit Train Strikes | Industrial Action | Transport for Wales (tfw.wales)

25th September 2023

Estonian railway operator renews maintenance link with Finnish company​

An Estonian railway operator has renewed its maintenance contract with a Finnish company.

Elron will continue to have VR FleetCare look after the bogies and traction wheelsets on its 38 FLIRT – Fast Light Intercity and Regional Train – units at its component workshop in Pieksämäki, in Finland.

The Finnish company, which has set up optimised production lines for bogies and wheelset maintenance, won the three-year contract after an international tender.

Elron's FLIRT trains, which are built by Stadler Rail of Switzerland, have been maintained by VR FleetCare for five years.

Their component workshop was opened two years ago, with a major focus on the heavy maintenance of bogies and traction wheelsets, and it also handles bogies from other railway equipment.

The bogies of rail vehicles are crucial to operational safety but can be costly to maintain, accounting for around 20% of the life-cycle cost of railway rolling stock.

Mark Pakin, Elron's Teachnical Manager, said: “We are happy to continue our co-operation with VR FleetCare for the Elron trains components service. Earlier experience has shown that we can be confident in VR FleetCare as trustable partner.

Wilhelm Schevelew, Head of Sales at VR FleetCare, added: “We are truly pleased with the continuation of the agreement and the employment impact it has for us. The maintenance agreement for Elron's bogies and traction wheelsets is strategically important for us. Two years ago, we opened a new component workshop specialized in the maintenance of bogies and other components. Elron's decision to continue working with us reflects their strong confidence in our expertise and cost efficiency in component service.

Juha Lintula, Head of Component Services at VR FelletCare, said: “At VR FleetCare, we have extensive expertise in various types of rail vehicle bogies and other components. We provide maintenance for bogies of freight wagons, electric and diesel locomotives, electric trains, and passenger coaches under one roof. Our skilled workforce has taken concrete steps to enhance the efficiency and productivity of our production lines, enabling us to offer internationally competitive component maintenance services to our clients.

“We possess expertise in maintaining components from several manufacturers' rolling stock. Now, the combination of our expertise in the maintenance of Flirt trains and Vectron components in locomotives and the European-wide market potential looks good. Expanding our capabilities to other types of rolling stock with this experience and expertise is also interesting to us”.

25th September 2023

Locomotive Services Group opens new maintenance depot in Carlisle​

37667 08.04.23 Penzance

Locomotive Services Group has added a depot at Carlisle to supplement its depots at Crewe and Southall for servicing its ever-expanding fleet of locomotives.

37667 was used to test the infrastructure at the depot, which has been 2 years in the making.

The company was formed in August 2017 and has a licence to operate mainline trains throughout the United Kingdom.

Its first tour was in March 2018 from Crewe to Kingussie in the Highlands of Scotland.

Since then, it has built up a fleet of Class 08, Class 37, and Class 47, most of them acquired from Direct Rail Services.

It later purchased two Class 55s, with No. D9000 Royal Scots Grey being restored at the company's Crewe depot, whilst the second, No.D9016 Gordon Highlander, has been cosmetically restored and was transferred to the company's One:One Collection facility at Margate in Kent.

The company's fleet of locomotives expanded in August 2018 when it secured preserved Class 40 No. D213 Andania on a three-year lease, followed in 2020 with the purchase of a Class 86, Class 87, two Class 90 electric locomotives and an InterCity 125 set from Porterbrook.

Four Class 08 shunting engines, and two Class 20, six Class 37, one Class 40, eight Class 47 are among the classes that call Crewe their home.

A number of rail tours are now operated by the associated company Locomotive Services (TOC) Ltd including Steam Dreams and Saphos Tours.

25th September 2023

Inside The Train Shed

So, today I was looking at the Goods Shed area and Goods Yard.

I've ordered another short 'Y' point and I've been considering which short points to use in the Goods Yard.

The 3 types available to me are the Hornby, Peco Setrack and the Peco Streamline.

The Streamline is slightly longer compared to the other two.

Peco Setrack (top) and Sreamline (bottom) points

Frog comparison between Peco Setrack (left) and the Peco Streamline (right) points

The Hornby points have a much larger area of plastic (dead/isolated) in the frog area.

So it looks like Peco win on the frog's.

Streamline points have a frog angle of 12°, Setrack is 22.5°.

Most loco's using the goods facilities will be short wheelbase so a shorter point would work but the Streamline is a much more gradual curve.

Frog comparison between Hornby (left) and the Peco Setrack (right) points.

26th September 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

TfW supports 'Boys need bins' campaign​

A campaign to help men suffering incontinence by installing sanitary bins in public locations is being backed by Transport for Wales.


The “Boys need Bins” campaign by Prostate Cancer UK highlights just what a barrier incontinence can be.

According to their research, a survey of men living with incontinence reveals that 95% feel anxiety due to a lack of sanitary bins in men’s toilets for disposing of pads hygienically.

Other key stats include:

• Nearly one third of men surveyed have been forced to carry their own waste in a bag.
• 1 in 3 men over 65 in the UK experience urinary incontinence, and 1 in 20 men aged 60 and over live with bowel incontinence.
• The ‘Boys need Bins’ campaign, led by Prostate Cancer UK, is calling on the government to change existing legislation so that sanitary bins are provided in all men's toilets.

And on the railway that anxiety is no exception. Independent customer group Transport Focus is working closely with TfW to help bring the campaign to the Wales and Borders network.

From the end of September the Prostate Cancer memorial on display in Cardiff Central station a remembrance sculpture dedicated to the husbands, dads, uncles and grandads who’ve been lost to prostate cancer.

It’s a celebration of so many unique and remarkable lives.

TfW’s Customer Operations Director Lisa Cleminson said: “We know that using public transport is a great way to be more sustainable, but it comes with its anxieties too. Which platform do I need? Will my train be on time?

“Where do I have to change trains? So the last thing we want to do is add to that anxiety for men who need to dispose of their incontinence pads. It can impact mental health and put people off traveling altogether.

“We as a rail industry have to take the lead in breaking down those barriers.”

“So I’m very proud to say that we are working with Transport Focus on a trial of sanitary bins in the men’s toilets at two of our busiest stations Cardiff Central and Chester. We then expect that to be rolled out at our key hub stations Shrewsbury, Newport and Swansea before expanding further.”

All of TfW’s accessible toilets have sanitary bins in and these can be accessed via the RADAR key scheme even at times where a station may be unstaffed and the main toilets locked.

A changing place toilet scheme is also being developed in partnership with Network Rail which meet a lot of accessibility needs and requirements of people traveling, including sanitary bins.

Some of these toilets have already been installed at Bridgend, Swansea and Port Talbot and the feedback from customers is extremely positive.

An emblem will be displayed on the doors of those toilets with sanitary bins so they are easy to identify and show TfW are working with Prostate Cancer UK.

As part of the South Wales Metro project, new universal toilets are being built at key stations within the Valleys network to ensure customers are always within 15 minutes of a station toilet whilst traveling.

Nick Ridgman, Head of Health Information & Clinical Support at Prostate Cancer UK, said:“A man living with incontinence shouldn’t have to worry that he might have to carry around his own used pads when he’s out of the house, just because he can’t access a sanitary bin to dispose of it hygienically.

“For the hundreds of thousands of men in the UK living with incontinence, this is their reality. Their lives are being limited by the taboo that surrounds male incontinence, and the anxiety caused by a lack of basic facilities in men’s toilets.

"We're delighted that Transport for Wales is backing our Boys Need Bins campaign, and introducing sanitary bins in men's loos across its busiest railway stations.

“While we eventually want laws to change so that every man has access to a bin, in the meantime it's exciting that real change is happening across Wales and the rest of the UK, as the campaign builds momentum."

Michelle Roles, stakeholder manager for Wales at Transport Focus, said:“The ‘boys need bins’ issue was first raised with us by Senedd Member Carolyn Thomas at our public Board meeting on behalf of a passenger using the Transport for Wales network. We raised the issue with Transport for Wales and asked for their help.

“We are delighted that this is being piloted by Transport for Wales to address a barrier to travel, with the support of Prostate Cancer UK. We look forward to seeing how the initiative progresses and will be encouraging other transport operators follow suit – small changes can make a world of difference to passengers.”

26th September 2023



NetworkRail:

Llanharan community invited to drop-in event ahead of work starting on new bridge​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Residents in Llanharan are being invited to a drop-in event to find out more about work to install a new footbridge near Trenos level crossing.

The drop-in session takes place on Thursday 28 September between 5pm and 7pm at Bryncae community centre, Powell Drive, Llanharan, CF72 9UU .

Members of the Network Rail team will be on hand to provide information about the bridge, which will improve safety at the crossing as well as eventually forming part of the bridleway, allowing safe crossing of the South Wales main line.

Contractor Taziker has started to set up the site compound on the south side of the crossing and is carrying out ground investigations before construction gets under way.

Trenos level crossing will be temporarily closed while the new bridge is installed to keep the team and the community safe; users will be diverted to Bryn-y-Gwynnon crossing or to the existing bridge at Llanharan.

The station will remain open to passengers.

The new bridge, which has both steps and a ramp, is expected to be completed by Spring 2024, when the Trenos crossing is due to be permanently diverted across it.

As well as increasing safety, the new structure will allow a temporary speed restriction to be removed from the railway, improving journeys for passengers.

Network Rail programme manager Gordon Keyes said: “We are encouraging members of the community to come along to the event to find out more about the work. Residents can drop in any time between 5pm and 7pm and we’ll be on hand to answer any questions they may have.

“We appreciate we will be working close to people’s homes and we’ll do everything we can to minimise noise and disruption.

“The new bridge at this popular and busy section of the network has been designed for the whole community, It will provide a safer method of crossing the railway for users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.”

26th September 2023

US government gives Amtrak nearly $200m for Northeast Corridor and Gulf Coast improvements​

The USA's government has awarded rail operator Amtrak and its partners nearly $200 million to support four projects in the Northeast Corridor.

The money has been awarded by the Federal Railroad Administration's Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI), and will support four projects in the Northeast Corridor – which travels through eight states and the District of Columbia – and the Gulf Coast states.

The Gulf Coast Corridor Improvement Project will receive up to $178,435,333, with funds from Amtrak, the states of Mississippi and Louisiana, the Alabama Port Authority, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway providing a 20 percent non-federal match.

This project entails development, final design and construction activities for track and signal-related improvements, upgrades to grade crossings (the US term for level crossings), and station improvements, while maintaining freight service reliability along the Corridor.

This will allow Amtrak, working with the Southern Rail Commission, to operate twice-daily services next year between Mobile and New Orleans.

The Northeast Corridor (NEC) Fencing Program will receive up to $8,800,000, with Amtrak providing a 20 percent non-federal match.

This will fund a programmatic study and survey to guide decision on installing fences at sites where there is a high risk of unauthorised access.

This will increase safety for the communities that Amtrak operates in and through.

The Workforce Development Apprenticeship Training Program will receive up to $8,800,000, with Amtrak providing a 20 percent non-federal match.

This is a programme of comprehensive training and apprenticeship new track foremen/inspector employees, which will ensure effective mentoring and skills transfer, providing opportunities for career advancement for current employees as well as new recruits.

The Mississippi-Louisiana Grade Crossing Improvement Project will receive up to $1,826,000, with Amtrak providing a 20 percent non-federal match.

Amtrak will work with the Canadian National Railway and the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, to conduct a study and prioritise improving grade crossings along The City of New Orleans, among other related tasks.

Piedmont Trains

In addition, Amtrak supported grants submitted by other bodies which received funding, including:

• Boston & Albany Line Improvement Project (Springfield-Worcester), Massachusetts Department of Transportation
• Franconia-Springfield Bypass Project (Washington DC-Richmond), Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
  MARC Penn-Camden Line Connector, Maryland Department of Transportation
• REDESIGN Alabama, City of Birmingham Department of Transportation
• Sacramento to Roseville Third Track Project, Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority

Amtrak believes that these new CRISI grant awards are a major step in delivering on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act's (IIJA) vision for expanded and improved passenger rail, and has applied for further grants to improve its National Network and advance NEC upgrades through the FRA's Corridor ID and Fed-State Partnership Programs.

The awarding of these grants is expected to be announced later this year.

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said, “The CRISI grants announced today will help launch new and expanded service, advance critical safety and reliability improvements, and provide opportunities for the workforce, marking another big milestone as we continue to advance a new era of passenger rail. I want to thank the Biden Administration, USDOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and FRA Administrator Amit Bose for their commitment towards improving passenger rail across America. I am grateful for the partnership Amtrak has with our state, host and commuter partners and our labor representatives that helped support these grants.”

Trade unions have also welcomed the funding announcement.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO trade union federation, said, “As the nation's largest transportation labour federation, we know that new worker training and apprenticeship opportunities will help fortify Amtrak's hiring and retention pipeline. We applaud the Biden Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration for investing in Amtrak's workforce and creating good-paying jobs in the passenger rail industry.”

Anthony Sessa, General Chairperson, UPRF BMWED-IBT, added, “Securing the CRISI grant is a significant step forward not just for Amtrak but for every union worker dedicated to passenger rail safety. This collaboration between the United Passenger Rail Federation BMWED-IBT and Amtrak symbolizes our shared commitment to enhancing workforce development and promoting safety. We eagerly await the positive impacts of this grant and remain committed to deepening our collaboration in the pursuit of railway safety.”

Political office-holders – Senators and Representatives – joined the praise for the financial boost to the USA's railway system, many pointing out the benefits to the area they represent.

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) commented, “This critical funding for Amtrak will help revitalize rail for Connecticut riders. These grants—made possible by the transformative Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—will bolster safety along the Northeast Corridor and beyond, and help train future generations of rail workers. I was proud to fight for this funding, and I am thrilled to see it put into action.”

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said, “As a frequent commuter on Amtrak from Wilmington, Delaware to Washington, D.C., I recognize the importance of investing in safe, reliable passenger rail. In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we provided unprecedented funding to improve our nation's rail network and to support the hardworking men and women who keep our trains running on time. Now, I'm pleased to see Amtrak secure federal grants to make much-needed upgrades, including safety enhancements along the busy Northeast Corridor.”

Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) added, “The Mississippi Gulf Coast is ready for passenger rail service, along with the boost in tourism and economic activity that will come along with it. We look forward to it. These CRISI grant funds, combined with the nonfederal contributions, will do so much to make this long-held, post-Katrina goal a reality.”

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) commented, “As we work to upgrade our aging rail infrastructure, improving safety along the existing lines must also be a top priority. This targeted federal investment made possible by the infrastructure modernization law will help keep Marylanders safe, tracks clear, and trains running on time.”

Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03), House Committee on Appropriations Ranking Member, made the point that, “The funding headed to the Northeast Corridor (NEC) will improve track safety and help the NEC plan for the future. I am proud to have helped secure funds that will improve rail safety and make the NEC more efficient.”

Representative Donald M. Payne, Jr. (D-NJ-10), House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Ranking Member, said that he was “thrilled that Amtrak has secured $8.8 million in funding to study the dangers of people trespassing along the rail lines and in rail yards throughout the Northeast Corridor. We need to understand how to make our nation's rail service safer and whether fences would improve the security and reliability of service along the corridor.”

Representative Brendan Boyle (D-PA-02), House Budget Committee Ranking Member, added, “I am proud to have voted for this funding, which will begin to make the Northeast rail corridor safer in the communities where Amtrak operates. The Philadelphia segment of the Northeast rail corridor is no stranger to trespassing incidents, where injury and death have resulted. Railroad tracks in crowded neighborhoods must be equipped with adequate safety measures to ensure the well-being of nearby residents and prevent potential hazards. This funding will ultimately lead to greater public safety.”

Representative Troy Carter (D-LA-02) said, “I'm excited to announce this funding which brings us closer to making Gulf Coast passenger rail service a reality. This comprehensive grant not only ensures the development and construction of vital track and signal improvements but also emphasizes the importance of maintaining freight service reliability. This effort demonstrates a collective commitment to fostering sustainable transportation options and boosting regional development. This is the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at its best.”

Representative Mike Ezell (R-MS-04) welcomed the news, saying, “As a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I have made it a priority to strengthen Mississippi's rail infrastructure. I am excited to welcome Amtrak back to the Gulf Coast, and I look forward to the new jobs and new tourism this project will bring to our coastal communities.”

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) added, “The services provided by Amtrak are so critical in our region and their operation has a direct impact on transportation, our economy, and beyond. As the Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Building Trades Caucus and as a leading champion of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA), I am thrilled to see robust technical career training opportunities like this coming to Bucks County. These federal dollars will help Amtrak better serve the people across Bucks and Montgomery counties and provide good paying jobs focused on maintaining and strengthening the Northeast Corridor's rail infrastructure. I look forward to continuing to see IIJA projects and programs roll out and provide new opportunities for our community.”

Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) commented, “The brushfires along the CSX line in my district earlier this year sparked widespread concern among my constituents about rail safety. This is one of the reasons I introduced H.R. 3705, the Helping Oversee and Ward off Infrastructure Emergencies (HOWIE) Act earlier this year, which would require the reporting of railroad incidents to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). It's also why I joined colleagues from both parties in the House and Senate to introduce the bipartisan, bicameral Railway Safety Act. I am pleased to see the award of up to $8.8 million in grant funds to fencing along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor, as well as Amtrak's commitment to a 20% non-federal match. These investments will go a long way toward ensuring Hudson Valley residents along the Northeast Corridor are safe, and that is my highest priority as their Representative. I appreciate the impact that this project will have in protecting residents of railroad communities here in the 17th District and across the Northeast Corridor.”

Representative John Sarbanes (D-MD-03) said, “I was proud to join my colleagues in passing the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act – a law that is making all of our communities safer and better connected to economic opportunity and growth. I am pleased to see this funding for the Northeast Corridor Fencing Program, which will decrease trespassing along train tracks to increase safety for communities where Amtrak runs across Maryland.”

Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Massachusetts Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO commented, “We are grateful to our congressional delegation for helping us secure this CRISI funding and thank U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and the Federal Railroad Administration for approving our application. Working with our elected leaders, municipal officials, Amtrak, CSX, and other partners we will be launching capital projects on this corridor which will have long-term positive economic impacts on the region, which will allow for additional corridor capacity, and which will decrease travel times between station destinations.”

Meredith Slesinger, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Rail and Transit Administrator, was also pleased to have received this funding from the CRISI program, and said that it “will result in new Amtrak service connecting Boston, Springfield, and New Haven. In addition to the new service, the funded improvements will benefit operation of the existing Amtrak Lake Shore Limited service connecting Boston, Springfield, Pittsfield and Albany and set the foundation for future east-west passenger and freight service growth. Growing rail in the Commonwealth is an essential element of our strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide more transportation options to better connect communities across the state.”

Knox Ross, Southern Rail Commission Chair said that the Commission is “excited to see the years of work by Amtrak and our other partners culminate in the CRISI grant award. There are so many federal, state, and local leaders that have played indispensable roles in this announcement. We look forward to starting this Amtrak service very soon and doing our part to keep the Gulf Coast as a premiere vacation and business destination.”

DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, said that, “Expanding passenger rail as an alternative to interstate travel is critical as traffic congestion in Northern Virginia continues to grow at an unsustainable rate. Building the Franconia-Springfield Bypass will allow us to expand our state-supported rail service by alleviating train interference at the most congested point in Virginia – between Fredericksburg and Washington, DC. The bypass is key to providing Virginians with reliable, consistent, and convenient passenger rail service.”

26th September 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Well, I popped out to my local model train shop and picked up a couple of items

Dapol C005 OO Gauge Water Tower Kit

Humbrol No 103 Cream - Matt - Tinlet No 1 (14ml)

I plan to use this paint in lieu of GWR Stone No. 1

Humbrol No 93 Desert Yellow - Matt - Tinlet No 1 (14ml)

I plan to use this paint in lieu of GWR Stone No. 3

The list of official GWR paints for buildings was:​

• Stone color No.1
• Stone color No.2
• Stone color No.3
• Chocolate brown
• Bridge green
• Steel grey
• Signal red

The GWR building livery remained largely unchanged from deep in Victorian times when the first written references are to be found, to the end of the grouping period except that a colour officially called ‘chocolate’ was widely used in the 19th century but fell out of use after 1900 and at around the same time Stone no.2 ceased to be used following the introduction of ready-mixed paints (see below).

The three basic colours were ‘Stone No. 1’, or light stone, Stone number 2 and ‘Stone No. 3’, or dark stone.

Stone No. 1 was a warm buff colour said to have been a copy of Cotswold stone.

The stone no. 2 was a darker, browner buff while the dark stone was a mid-brown with a reddish tint, again a warm colour.

Stone 1 or stone 2 could be used for large areas like planking and canopies, with the darker Stone No. 3 for doors, metalwork and the like.

According to ‘Great Western Way’, if Stone 1 was used for the topcoat, Stone 2 was used as the undercoat and vice versa, so that the other colour showed through when the paint was worn as an indication that repainting was due.

All three shades were made by mixing iron oxide (ochre) with white lead mixed with linseed oil; the greater the amount of iron oxide, the darker the shade.

Great Western Way suggests that Stone no. 2 was the most widely used until the 1900s but gives no evidence for that statement, and it should be noted that the official specification for signal boxes dated 1907 and reproduced below makes no mention whatsoever of Stone no. 2.

The other official shade was ‘chocolate’, a warm rich maroon/brown with a reddish tint and this was used more than Stone no. 3 on signal boxes up to around 1907 and the same may have applied to stations before that time.

By 1907 and possibly before the GWR was buying ready-mixed paints in tins; one supplier was Williamson’s Ltd and their records make no mention of Stone no. 2 which suggests that from that time on only Stone no. 1 and Stone no.3 were used certainly all the colour pictures I have seen from the 1930s, 40’s and 50’s show a light shade for planking, etc. which indicates Stone no. 1.

Presumably, the GWR decided when they moved to ready-mixed paints that there was no point using three or four shades when two would do the same job perfectly well so the chance was taken to simplify things.

A second supplier was the Torbay Paint co. who supplied paint under the ‘Ripolin’ trade name which is referred to specifically in the 1907 specification.

This company advertised in the GWR Magazine in the pre-1914 period.

To put it simply, in the 19th century three shades of stone were in use together with chocolate brown, and in the 20th century only Stone no. 1 and Stone no. 3 were widely used which simplifies matters considerably for modelers.

In both periods window frames and glazing bars were always white.

The Lead Paint Act was introduced in 1926 after which lead-free paints began to be manufactured which again might have had slightly different tones and would certainly have weathered differently from the lead-based paints.

In 1931 the next change was made to the livery when a maroon was introduced for guttering, downpipes and hardwearing areas like steps on footbridges.

Everything else remained as it had always been; I do wonder if they had a lot of ‘Coach Lake’ left at Swindon works, and had to find some use for it!

Window frames & glazing bars were still painted white.

Some wooden buildings were painted with the lower walls in chocolate brown in later years, which should be obvious from a B&W photograph this seems to have been the only use made of the chocolate colour during this period.

GWR poster boards were black with the beading painted in white, as was the lettering; station signs were the same, and cast iron notices were also black & white. Enamelled notices were dark blue with white lettering.

Platform barrows were a ‘milk chocolate’ brown with black wheels & lettering in straw/cream the restored examples on the SVR are a good reference.

The brown seems to have been a shade used only for barrows; it was lighter than coach brown and totally unlike Stone No. 3. see the photo below.

Fencing was painted in either Stone No. 1 or No. 2 to match the station building, but gates could be white to make them stand out, something which should be clear from photographs.

In a few places such as Hungerford, early enamelled signs survived over doors or as running in boards; these had dark blue lettering on a white background or could be white on blue.

Some wooden goods sheds were not painted but the wood was finished with a preservative such as creosote which gave a black shade when newly applied which weathered to a mid-grey over time.

Doors & windows etc. were still painted in the usual way – B&W photo’s make it easy to identify sheds finished like this.

Signal box name boards were black & white after 1898, Stone no. 3 with chocolate lettering before then though in the early days this was done with separate cast iron letters screwed to the planking.

The cast-iron name boards came into use in January 1891 though initially, their use was not widespread.

By the mid-1890s pretty much every signal box had been fitted with the new name boards and it must quickly have become clear that the old colour scheme was not satisfactory for the smaller lettering on the new name boards resulting in the new regulations issued in 1898.

Interior walls of brick or stone buildings were plastered and painted with distemper, which was supplied in white, cream, brown, Ivy Green, Dark Green and Cambridge blue.

One of the darker shades was used up to nano level, with a lighter shade above.

Wooden buildings were painted internally in the same colours as were used on the outside. Interior walls of loco sheds, goods sheds, and sometimes wooden train sheds were also painted white which should be clear from photographs.

Kingswear train shed was an example of this, another station that was never repainted into BR colours.

"Water towers had all the metalwork, girders and tank supports in mid-stone but the tanks had a border of dark, usually with reversed corners.

Valve fittings, footways and platforms and the lower four feet of support columns were also dark stone.

Ladders were black.

Conical towers exhibited two variations; either they could be all mid-stone or divided into four panels by dark stone painted borders with reversed corners similar to the rectangular tanks.

Doors and windows in brick-based towers followed the conventional rules for those fittings in station buildings.

Water trough storage tanks were finished in the same style as other water tanks and, from 1915, the bottom four feet of ladders were white."

Note:

Humbrol paint use No.62 leather and add white to get light and dark stone, a touch of red in the dark stone helps too

27th September 2023

Railway 200 will mark bicentenary of world’s first passenger train

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of the world's first passenger train, which ran on 27 September 1825, the rail industry has announced that it will mark the bicentenary with a year-long programme called Railway 200.

The world's first passenger train ran on 27 September 1825 when George Stephenson's Locomotion No.1 carried over 400 people along the Stockton and Darlington Railway, drawing crowds of up to 40,000 people and marking the birth of passenger train travel.

For the last 200 years, rail has been the foundation of our history and links lives, communities, and cultures, whilst leading the way towards the future.

A logo for the celebrations has been unveiled that symbolises rail as being a continuous line connecting the country, and a website is available at www.Railway200.co.uk that explains how anyone can support Railway 200.

Railway 200 has been developed by a cross-industry partnership, and is due to start in January 2025.

It aims to inspire the next generation with a national public engagement programme offering a wide range of activities, initiatives, as well as commemorative products.

Railway 200 will be a celebration of rail's remarkable past, its importance today, and look forward to its future.

Planning is underway for an exhibition train developed in partnership with the National Railway Museum and Porterbrook which will travel around the country to take Railway 200 to people throughout Great Britain.

The train will include exhibitions and interactive elements aimed at young people and their families, and will help to raise awareness about the bicentenary and the opportunities available through careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The number of organisations taking part in Railway 200 reflect the diverse nature of the programme, including: Network Rail, Stockton & Darlington Bicentenary Festival, Great British Railway Transition Team, National Skills Academy for Rail, the Rail Delivery Group, Rail Forum, HS2 Ltd, the Railway Industry Association, the Heritage Railway Association, the National Railway Museum, and the Community Rail Network.

Railway 200 is also involving partners from outside the rail industry to highlight the influence that the railway has had on culture, art, and society.

A partnership has also been established with Stockton & Darlington Bicentenary Festival (S&DR200) which is a 9-month international festival, and further information about the festival can be found at www.sdr200.co.uk.

Peter, Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, Chair of Railway 200 and Network Rail said: “The world changed forever in 1825 and the 200th anniversary of this first passenger train journey is an historic opportunity to reset the public's relationship with rail. It is our chance to present the railway as a forward thinking, digital, industry and as an attractive career option for young people and for people from many different backgrounds.

For Railway 200 to reach its full potential, we must harness the knowledge and efforts of the whole industry, so I hope you will join us in creating a programme of celebrations which will recognise this great British achievement, the first public passenger train in the world, while inspiring a new generation to take our innovative railway far into the future.”

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive, Railway Industry Association said: “It is hard to overstate the benefits that the railway has brought, and continues to bring, not just to the UK, but also globally, since 1825. Rail networks don't just keep people connected, they also play a crucial role in spurring economic growth, creating jobs, boosting sustainability, and bringing together local communities.”

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The world's first passenger train changed transport forever, and the anniversary of that journey is a chance for the rail industry to celebrate our history and look to the future. Railway 200 is a chance to show the world that the innovative spirit of 1825 is still very much alive today, with a programme of activities that draws upon the creativity and talent that exists across the railway.”

Jools Townsend CEO, Community Rail Network said: “As we move into the next 200 years, our railways need to play a growing role in tackling the climate crisis and enabling sustainable and inclusive economic development. Working in partnership with local communities is fundamental to this. We're looking forward to celebrating the inspiring work taking place across Britain's thriving community rail movement as part of Railway 200.”

Neil Robertson, National Skills Academy (Rail) said: “Not only will Railway 200 showcase how the railway has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's history and development over the last two centuries, it will leave a lasting legacy, helping to inspire a new generation of young people to choose the railway as their career choice. NSAR is proud to be associated with Railway 200.”

Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum said: “The bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway is a key railway anniversary of real international importance. It is doubly significant for the National Railway Museum, as the date also marks our 50th birthday. Through a calendar of events, programming and displays, we will help visitors to Locomotion in Shildon and the National Railway Museum in York to share in the exciting centenary celebrations.”

Elaine Clark, Chief Executive Officer, Rail Forum said: “Railway 200 provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase all that the railway has done over the last 200 years, from supporting industrial development and economic growth to encouraging social mobility and connecting communities. But even more importantly, it presents a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of rail for our future; providing sustainable movement of people and goods and acting as a catalyst for inspiring the next generation of rail professionals.”

27th September 2023

Progress update on new boiler for P2 steam locomotive No. 2007 Prince of Wales​

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced that the first of the new boilers for London and Northeastern Railway P2 Class No. 2007 Prince of Wales is due to be delivered this autumn.

The Trust's team, led by its Chairman Steve Davies, was in Germany earlier this month to meet with the boiler manufacturer, DB Meiningen, to discuss progress.

Construction of the boilers is now at an advanced stage, and because of recent issues with Tornado's boiler both The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and DB Meiningen are taking care to ensure that all works are to the correct standard.

To that end, the involvement of the German certification body Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) is important.