Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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66039 DB Schenker, Cardiff Central Railway Station, 12.08.2015

Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor for the East Coast Digital Programme said:

“Commencing the installation of ETCS on this freight locomotive marks a significant milestone on the East Coast Digital Programme and brings us closer to creating a more dynamic and reliable railway for all those using the East Coast Main Line.

“A lot of hard work has gone into getting us to this point, so I’d like recognise and thank those involved for their dedication.”

Ian Macleod, Siemens Mobility Project Director, said:

“This first installation is a key milestone marking the first of over 700 locomotives to be fitted. We are proud to be working together with Network Rail and DB Cargo preparing the first vehicle for its testing and operation in 2023.”
 
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08 Nov 2022

GB Railfreight donates Class 56 power unit for use on Ivatt Diesel Locomotive No. 10000​

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Class 56 No. 56104’s power unit and alternator have been delivered to The Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society for use on LMS 10000.

GB Railfreight donated the power unit and valuable spares as the Class 56 is converted into a Class 69 at Progress Rail.

The gift will enable work to speed up on the LMS locomotive.

The society already has an English Electric 16SVT power unit which is intended to be first choice for the locomotive and this power unit from 56104 is seen as a backup.

This power unit was the final development of the 16SVT Mk1 found in 10000 and there are still common parts found in the first and last variant.

This power unit will allow the IDRS to statically test the locomotive’s systems at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway prior to fitting on the locomotive chassis, which came from 58022.
 
A view of pioneering 10000, near the end of it's working life, seen near Rugby on an up express, around 1961. 10000 was withdrawn in 1963, being scrapped in 1968, a sad loss to preservation.

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The power unit is to be retrofitted with VTR200 turbos as well as Class 20 injectors and fuel pumps to de-rate the power from 1800bhp at 750rpm to a maximum of 2100bhp at 900 rpm.

Bob Tiller, Engineering Strategy Director of GB Railfreight Ltd said:

“I am pleased that GBRF have been able to donate the power unit and ex-class 56 104 parts to the Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society and to assist in the building of what were one of the first development diesel locomotives in the UK.

GBRF believe history and the development of railway traction on British Railways is important part of our heritage therefore we very much wish you success with this exciting project.”

The IDRS Secretary, Andrew Hoseason, said

“We are very grateful to GBRF and ProgressRail for donating this alternator and power unit together with many other parts and spares from 56104.

This equipment will save the charity much time and many thousands of pounds against the final completion cost of our loco.

It is difficult to emphasise what a difference GBRF and ProgressRail have made.”
 

Vintage railway film - Mainline diesel - LMS 10000 - 1948​

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This vintage railway film follows the construction and commissioning of Britains first mainline diesel locomotive, the London, Midland & Scottish Railways no. 10000.

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Vintage railway film - Mainline diesel - LMS 10000 - 1948

This vintage railway film follows the construction and commissioning of Britains first mainline diesel locomotive, the London, Midland & Scottish Railways no...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
08 Nov 2022

172-year-old railway sidings and turntable unearthed in Yorkshire​

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A relic of the Victorian era has been uncovered at Huddersfield in West Yorkshire during work on the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

Railway sidings dating back to 1850 near Alder Street at Hillhouse in Huddersfield, which had been long-forgotten, were discovered while teams studied maps during design work on the multi-billion-pound rail upgrade that is set to transform the region.

The sidings consist of train sheds and railway turntables that are thought to have been laid by the Manchester & Huddersfield Railway.

They were originally used to stable and maintain trains, and to transport cattle, coal, and other materials across the UK.
 
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Team member excavating the newly-discovered sidings at Hillhouse​

With support from the West Yorkshire Archaeological Services, a programme of survey work was carried out, which confirmed that the foundations of the old sidings were buried just below the surface.

That confirmation encouraged the specialists to clear the area to its original formation from 172 years ago.

During the last three months, Network Rail has been working to carefully uncover the historic site to prepare the route for twice as many tracks in the future.

The preparation work also includes delicately extracting samples of the brick and mortar that will assist the team of experts in learning as much as they can about the site.

The addition of extra tracks is one of the main aims of the Transpennine Route Upgrade as it will allow faster and more frequent trains to operate along a greener, electrified railway.
 
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Aerial shot of the newly-discovered railway sidings at Hillhouse​

Hannah Lomas, Principal Programme Sponsor at Network Rail said:

“This is an amazing insight into what the siding would have looked like over a century ago. Understanding the history and makeup of the railway along the Transpennine route is key to delivering a better, more reliable railway capable of running faster, more frequent trains in the future.

“Working closely with ASWYAS has allowed us to carefully excavate the site at a much faster speed while also providing useful information about the origin of the materials used and how the sidings helped transport goods around the UK.”

Kevin Moon, Project Manager at ASWYAS said:

“As part of the planned development of Hillhouse Sidings, ASWYAS investigated the remains of the mid-19th century railway sidings underlying the modern industrial buildings on the site.

“During the project, the team of archaeologists uncovered two train turn tables and a series of brick-built engine sheds, providing valuable information on the early development of the railway system in Huddersfield.”
 
09 Nov 2022

Free rail travel for students during Menai Bridge closure​

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Britannia Bridge​

Students from Coleg Llandrillo Menai can travel for free on Transport for Wales services during the closure of the Menai Bridge.

An agreement between Coleg Llandrillo Menai and TfW allows students to use their 16+ education bus passes provided by Isle of Anglesey County Council to travel without charge between Holyhead and Bangor.

This will be valid from all stations on Anglesey (Bodorgan, Holyhead, Llanfairpwll, Rhosneigr, Ty Croes and Valley) for journeys made Monday-Friday to/from Bangor.

Students must present their 16+ education bus pass to claim the free travel and the scheme will close when the Menai Bridge reopens early next year.

Lee Robinson, Development Director for Mid, North and Rural Wales, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Coleg Llandrillo Menai to offer their students free travel while emergency maintenance work is being carried out to the Menai Bridge.

“We also have a number of additional services calling at Llanfairpwll to help students and other customers during the bridge closure.”

Eight additional services will stop at Llanfairpwll from Thursday 10 November. Customers can check for the latest travel information via the TfW website, app or social media channels.

The additional services calling at Llanfairpwll are:
  1. 05:11 Cardiff Central to Holyhead (calling at Llanfairpwll at 09:46)
  2. 10:41 Holyhead to Llanelli (11:03)
  3. 09:35 Manchester Airport to Holyhead (12:12)
  4. 13:07 Holyhead to Manchester Airport (13:34)
  5. 14:34 Holyhead to Cardiff Central (14:54)
  6. 15:06 Birmingham International to Holyhead (18:54)
  7. 17:30 Manchester Airport to Holyhead (20:24)
  8. 20:32 Holyhead to Crewe (20:52)
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10 Nov 2022

Stirling station’s lost WWI postcards reveal more information​

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Pte. Reddiford, rear rank, 3rd from left.​

During work last year to refurbish the roof of Stirling station in Scotland, a large cache of postcards dating back to the First World War were discovered in the roof crawl space.

Although the work on the roof is now complete, the postcards continue to provide insights into the lives of men who served in local regiments.

Network Rail is endeavouring to find out more about the men to whom the postcards were addressed.

They have now made the postcards publicly available and asked for the public’s help in identifying the postcards’ senders.

Since work started on researching the postcards, progress has been made to identify some men and unearth the stories behind them.

With the help of regimental museums, information and photos about three of the soldiers have been revealed.

Among the stories uncovered are service and bravery in the Battle of Loos and at the Somme, as well as human interest tales of the men’s lives outside the army in civilian life.

As well as stories of marriage and starting families, one case threw up tales of theft and bigamy.

As it is now a year since the discovery of the postcards was revealed, and with the approach of Armistice Day, Network Rail is providing an update on progress with the research, and reiterating its appeal for anyone who has information about the postcards or their senders to get in touch to help complete the soldiers’ stories.
 
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So far, a search for a soldier serving with the 6th Blackwatch whose name could be George, Rankine, Raukine, Ranking or Rankins has drawn a blank during research by both Network Rail and the Blackwatch regimental museum.

Captain and Quartermaster, Arthur James MacDonald​


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Captain and Quartermaster, Arthur James MacDonald of the 8th Cameron Highlanders re-joined the Army at the outbreak of war in 1914 as a commissioned officer.

He was sent with his regiment from Dingwall to Stirling. then in September 1915 sent to fight in the Battle of Loos.

During the battle, the regiment suffered heavy losses, and only 58 of the original 776 men survived the day, with Capt. MacDonald among them.

On 28th October 1918, he was wounded, presumably during the final Allied Offensive, and since this was just a few weeks from Armistice, the Regimental Museum believes it likely he survived the war and returned home.
 

Private and Corporal, Walter Reddiford​

It is believed that Private and Corporal, Walter Reddiford, was born on 19th March 1898 in Lancashire.

In May 1916 he signed up to B Company,

11th Gordon Highlanders, as a Private then in June 1916 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and to Corporal in August of that same year.

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Letter addressed to Private Reddiford​

Around that time, he was part of a draft that joined the British Expeditionary Force in France and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders.

During the Battle of the Somme, July – November 1916, the battalion suffered many losses, and it is likely that Corporal Reddiford was posted as part of reinforcements to make up for the losses sustained.

From 1917 until the end of the war the battalion served in Italy.

Corporal Reddiford survived the war and was awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.

After returning home, he married Mary Ann Heywood in 1918, and after being demobbed in 1919 he went to live with her in Royton.

They moved to Wrexham in 1920, but later that year he sent her back home to her parents.

It is thought they had two children.
 
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Corporal Reddiford is next heard of again in a newspaper article where he is charged with theft, forgery, and bigamy.

He was accused of stealing two cheques belonging to Colonel Gregson of Southport and of forging and uttering one of them for £6 5s. 6d.

When he was arrested he was found to have in his possession letters that led to a charge of bigamy against him.

Florence N Stanbrooke testified that in March 1922 she had been through a form of marriage with Reddiford.

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Newspaper cutting of charges against Private Reddiford​
 

2nd Lieutenant John Neil Campbell​

2nd Lieutenant John Neil Campbell was born in Glasgow in October 1896 and educated at Hutcheson’s Grammar School in Glasgow. In November 1915 he enlisted in the 11th Gordon Highlanders.

On 10th September 1916, he joined the British Expedition Force in France and was posted to the 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders with the rank of Temporary Lieutenant.

When the war ended, he was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.

After being demobbed he moved to 20 Queen Mary Avenue, Glasgow.

Research in the archives of Hutcheson’s Grammar school shows that in 1934 he married Ethel May Rodgers.

The England and Wales Register of 1939 lists him as a chartered accountant, living in Cuckfield, Sussex.

He died on April 20th, 1968, and it is believed that he was survived by his three children.

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Letter addressed to 2nd Lt. Campbell​
 
10 Nov 2022

LNER’s InterCity Swallow liveried Class 91 locomotive is latest to be repainted​

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London North Eastern Railway’s Class 91, No. 91119, is the latest locomotive to receive a full repaint as part of its essential maintenance.

The locomotive now has had new paint work applied as well as a new swallow crest as part of its maintenance programme.

The livery is painted, and not vinyl, and features the original livery that the InterCity 225 trains wore when they entered service in 1989.

91119 will re-enter passenger service on the East Coast Main Line in due course and will join 91110 ‘Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’ and 91111 ‘For the Fallen’ in having a unique livery, whilst the rest of the LNER 91s will receive a rebrand into the LNER ‘InterCity Inspired’ livery.

The 91s run LNER services between London and Leeds / York via Peterborough, Grantham, Retford, Doncaster and Wakefield

You can see a video of the repaint below:

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LNER unveils 91119 after maintenance and repaint

91119 has undergone a repaint as part of LNER's maintenance programme.Video from Network Rail and uploaded to the RailAdvent YouTube Channel with permission ...
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London North Eastern Railway make a special gesture to those who have served​

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The LNER Azuma train has been specially decorated with a dedicated poppy design​

Ahead of Remembrance Day, LNER has revealed a special Azuma train which is decorated with a dedicated poppy design

London North Eastern Railway is proud to reveal its Azuma which is now decorated with a poppy design and features text that states ‘To those who have served, Thank You’.

The design has been added to both sides of the front and rear driver’s cabs on the train.

The commemorative design can be seen throughout November as the train operates on the East Coast route.

The rail operator will also support The Veterans Charity’s Route of Remembrance Campaign once again this year with the aim of moving large numbers of remembrance wreaths across the country by train.

Working with the charity, the rail operator will provide travel for Veterans carrying poppy wreaths on the 11th of November on the 05.48 London North Eastern Railway service from Edinburgh Waverley.

Further volunteers will join the train at Newcastle, Durham, Darlington and York. The journey will culminate with the wreath carriers arriving in London ahead of 11am in order to place their wreaths as part of the remembrance ceremony at London King’s Cross station.
 
10 Nov 2022

Road delays in Oakham due to bridge strike at Ketton​

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Road traffic through Oakham in Rutland is being badly affected by delays caused by damage to Foster’s Bridge on the A621 in nearby Ketton which was struck by a lorry on Saturday, 5th November.

As a result of the damage, train services are only able to use one of the railway lines over the bridge, which means that some trains will be using the wrong line over the bridge.

That will affect seven freight trains each day, whilst another 15 trains a day will travel in the normal direction.

Trains travelling on the wrong line will be safely managed the ‘wrong way’ along the line over the bridge, which means that the level crossing barriers will be down for much longer than normal.

Drivers using the crossings should if at all possible choose an alternative route, particularly on Saturday, 12th and Saturday, 19th November.

Although Network Rail engineers are working 24×7 to repair the bridge, the damage to the bridge was so extensive damage that a significant part requires replacement which could take up to three weeks.
 
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Foster’s Bridge. Pre-Strike.​

The railway line over the bridge is an important freight route that carries container traffic between the port at Felixstowe and the Midlands.

Although most of these services are being diverted via London, essential engineering work on the Crossrail route means that the alternative route via London diversion is not available on Saturdays.

Steve Hopkinson, East Midlands Operations Director for Network Rail said:

“We know how busy these level crossings are and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption. The trains are carrying vital imports to stock shop shelves ahead of Christmas. Moving that traffic to the road would add around 76 lorries per train.

“Wherever possible, we’re asking drivers and pedestrians in Oakham to avoid the level crossings and to allow more time for their journeys. I am sorry for the disruption which this will cause.”
 
10 Nov 2022

The first electrical lines that will power the new South Wales Metro have been installed by Transport for Wales on the Core Valley Lines in South Wales

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This is another major milestone in the delivery of the Metro project that will transform travel for the people of South Wales providing faster, more frequent and greener transport.

With the first electrified lines being installed over the coming weeks, TfW would like to highlight to the public the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

Trespassing on the railway is reckless, illegal and dangerous, and those caught could face a £1000 fine.

With electrification work ongoing over the coming months, TfW is urging the public to obey trespassing rules and to stay clear of any electrical lines.
 
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Our latest electrification project at Radyr Station

Jamie Meredith, Senior Construction and Safety Assurance Manager talks us through our latest electrification project at Radyr Station.
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The Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) will consist of metal posts and wires and will be seen along the railway track within the valleys.

TfW will be installing OLE on 170km of track across the Core Valleys Lines (Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr, Rhymney, Coryton, Bay and City Lines) and the steel posts will be mounted upon foundations spaced between 20 and 65 meters apart along the length of the track.

Leyton Powell, TfW Director of Safety and Sustainability said:

“Installation of the first electrical lines is a major step forward for us at TfW and once completed, this programme of works will provide greener transport for the future.

“However, it’s fundamental that we highlight that electrification work is now underway and therefore the public must understand the risks and dangers. As always, trespassing on the railway is dangerous and it’s important that people obey the rules as they are for their own safety.”

Sgt Tomos Van Praet from British Transport Police said:

“As police officers, we see – all too often – the devastating impact of people trespassing on railway tracks.

“With the new electrified lines being installed, it is especially important that parents talk to their children about the dangers of the railway.

“The railway is not a playground. Every time someone steps onto the track they are putting themselves at risk of serious, life-changing injury.

“Please always report any concerns or incidents to us by texting 61016.”

The South Wales Metro will significantly improve connectivity throughout South Wales and provide access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales, through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes.

The project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government.

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10 Nov 2022

GB Railfreight takes delivery of first new JNA-X box wagons​

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GB Railfreight (GBRf) has recently taken delivery of the first 25 new JNA-X box wagons that were assembled in Romania.

The wagons are on lease to GB Railfreight, and arrived at Wembley in London last weekend where they are undergoing an acceptance and inspection process before their handover to GB Railfreight.

Last March, Porterbrook, GBRf, and Greenbrier announced they had reached an agreement for 50 new box wagons.

These 25 are the first part of that order, with the rest expected to arrive in the UK later this year.

An order for 100 Greenbrier ’60 intermodal twin wagons has also been placed by the three companies, and the first of these are due to arrive in the UK within the next few weeks.

Each tonne of freight transported by rail produces 76% less carbon than by road haulage, which means the new box wagons will contribute towards the Green Recovery and help to deliver a more sustainable railway.

The wagons are fitted with track-friendly bogies.

These have been designed so that the wagon’s tare weight, volume capacity, and payload are optimised to the shortest wagon length over buffers for the bulk material they will transport.

High-strength steel is used for the wagons’ box structure, as it provides structural reliability and longevity throughout the wagons’ life.

David Golding, Asset Director at GB Railfreight said:

”It’s great that we now are ready to roll out these high-strength and reliable JNA-X Box Wagons. These will be vital to us in delivering more sustainable freight, as we are able to transport heavier freight using fewer emissions than road haulage. This demonstrates our clear commitment to decarbonise the industry, in supporting the government’s net zero strategy.”
 
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Mark Wyborn, Head of Freight at Porterbrook said:

“It is a very proud moment for all of us at Porterbrook to be able to hand the brand-new box-wagons over to GB Railfreight, ready-to-go out on the railway and support rail freight growth.

“This partnership demonstrates Porterbrook’s long-term commitment to investing in rail freight. Together with Greenbrier, we have all had to overcome significant local and global challenges to keep the production and delivery of these wagons on schedule. Seeing them now arrive in the UK is a true testament to the dedication and teamwork shown by everyone involved.”

John Brown, Head of Sales at Greenbrier said:

”We are delighted to see the first box wagons delivered to the UK, demonstrating this excellent partnership with Porterbrook and Greenbrier which goes back over fifteen years.

“Our cooperation and teamwork to overcome many challenges together during this project is evidence of our long-term commitment to supply these box wagons to our customers on time.”GB Railfreight (GBRf) has taken delivery of the first 25 new JNA-X box wagons that have been assembled in Romania.”
 
10 Nov 2022

Restoration appeal for GWR railcar W20 passes halfway mark​

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W20 interior​

The Kent & East Sussex Railway has released an update on the restoration and ongoing conservation of GWR Railcar W20.

The work is being funded through the railway’s ’20 for 20’ Appeal, which has already passed the halfway mark less than a month after its launch.

In early September, W20 arrived at the railway’s Carriage & Wagon shed at Tenterden.

The first task was to make W20 weatherproof and watertight by permanently fitting the roof sheets, installing the saloon glazing and window surrounds, and working on the cab end.
 

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The roof sheets​

The original roof sheets were removed in 1994, since when replacement sheets have been loosely laid over the vehicle’s roof.

The roof sheets are once again in place for the first time in 28 years.

Glazing​

Installing W20’s glazing with the necessary surrounds has proved to be a complex task.

The railway’s own carpenter has replicated the wooden frames in-house, and in classic GWR fashion have been fitted using a large number of separate components.

During installation, the team found the task was even more of a challenge than first though, as the railcar’s side framework was bowed due to the many years that it had been stored without its protective external skin.

Before the glazing could be fitted, suitable measures had to be taken to hold the frames in alignment.

Cab end panelling​

Until now, the cab panels have only been temporarily attached. Before they can be fixed to the frame permanently, joint strengthening brackets need to fitted.

An external contractor is currently fabricating these, after which he will fit them and oversee cab re-panelling of the cab.
 
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Robin Coombes, K&ESR General Manager, said:

“We are delighted to report that donations and pledges to the ’20 for 20′ Appeal have so far raised a little over £12,000 which means we are more than halfway to our target already,”

“Many thanks to all those who have so generously contributed so far. Please keep donating and spreading the word about the Appeal to enable the completion of this project in time for the railway’s 50th anniversary.”
 
10 Nov 2022

800 Tonne Crane to Lift Derailed Cement Wagons in Carlisle​

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Night time shot of crane over Petteril Bridge junction​

Excellent progress is underway by rail engineers in the recovery of a derailed freight train in Carlisle.

The ongoing operation will see the recovery of the freight train alongside minor repairs to the railway in order to get passengers back on the move as quickly as possible.

The incident happened shortly after 8pm on Wednesday the 19th of October at Petteril Bridge Junction and saw five wagons all of which were carrying 80 tonnes of powdered cement leave the tracks as they made their journey between Clitheroe and Carlisle.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch released an initial report which found the possible fault causing the derailment may be due to a train wheel.

Two of the wagons came to rest on the rail embankment however, one ended up in the river Petteril.

Network Rail released up-to-date drone footage on the 10th of November and sees an 800-tonne crane waiting to carry out the recovery of the stranded wagons.

The recovery is set to take place over the weekend unless strong winds hamper the effort. Following the recovery, the wagons will be taken by rail accident investigators
 
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100-tonne service crane building 800-tonne main crane during Carlisle recovery​

The crane has been installed on unstable ground in an old railway siding and has seen a huge feat in engineering in the process which saw:
  • 300 tonnes of powdered cement extracted from the wagons
  • 3,800 tonnes of stone to build a site compound
  • 22 lorries to transport the crane sections
  • 16 foundation piles 13 metres deep for the crane pad
  • A 100-tonne crane to build the main 800-tonne crane
Network Rail will take over the site once the wagons are removed and carry out a full repair of the rail infrastructure at Petteril Bridge Junction and will see:
  • 40 engineers on site each day
  • The replacement of 80 metres of damaged track
  • Installation of 400 metres of cabling for signals and points
  • The replacement of two switches which move sections of the track allowing trains to swap lines
  • The securing of the bridge foundations eroded by the River Petteril with 100 tonnes of stone
  • The rebuild of 41 metres of the destroyed bridge parapet
The work aims to complete during the early part of December in order for train services to get back on track for the Tyne Valley and Settle to Carlisle lines.

Rail replacement buses will remain in operation whilst the project is underway and passengers are advised to plan their travel ahead via: www.nationalrail.co.uk.
 
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Aerial shot of the damaged bridge​

Mark Evans, Network Rail senior programme manager, said:

“I’d like to thank rail passengers and local people for their continued patience while we’ve been working hard to recover the stricken freight train in Carlisle. A great deal of preparation work has gone into the complex lifting of the wagons, with the main crane now towering above the city ready to lift – so long as the autumn weather doesn’t get in the way.

“Once this is done our Network Rail teams are poised and ready to crack on fixing the railway so we can get the line reopened for passengers as soon as possible. With the route expected to stay closed until the start of next month our advice is to still please check National Rail Enquiries as journeys will take longer and will involve replacement buses.”

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said:

“This is a really complex operation and we are thankful for the expertise that Network Rail are providing in recovering the freight train and reinstating the track.

“Whilst there is some work to do the potential reopening of the line in December will be very welcomed by our passengers on the route. We will do all we can to support this. We have been providing rail replacement buses where needed and I want to thank any customers who have been impacted by the derailment for their understanding and patience. We look forward to operating a full train service on the route as soon as possible.”

Locals who live close to the incident site are being asked to keep a safe distance away as the wagons are removed.
 
11 Nov 2022

Remembrance train revealed by Transport for Wales​

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Transport for Wales is marking Remembrance Day by unveiling its first Remembrance train.

The Driving Van Trailer of one of TfW’s intercity trains has been wrapped in an artwork created by PTM Design, featuring the silhouettes of soldiers on the front line.

While poppies have featured on the side of some its trains in previous years, this is TfW’s first dedicated Remembrance train, and will permanently commemorate those who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and conflicts since.
 
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TfW Remembrance day livery​

This is the fourth special livery on TfW’s intercity trains, which are used on services between Cardiff and Holyhead, and, from December, South Wales and Manchester.

The others promote three popular charities in the Wales and Borders region: the RNLI, Alzheimer’s Cymru, and Ty Gobaith Hope House Hospice.

Cardiff Central station will see Transport for Wales will run its annual Remembrance Day service for the first time in two years as the pandemic meant that it could not take place.
 
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TfW is also reinstating the annual Remembrance Day service at Cardiff Central station, after two years of being unable to host the event due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event will take place at the station’s war memorial in the main concourse just before 11:00 on Friday 11 November.

This is in addition to the Poppies to Paddington ceremony that will take place on the morning of 11 November, where political and rail industry leaders will present poppies to be taken to London by train for a Remembrance Day service.

Ryan Williams, Transport for Wales’ Engineering Director, said:

“The Remembrance period every November is a profound reminder of the importance of peace, unity and respect. Our Remembrance train honours all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in wars and conflicts, past and present, throughout the world.

“We’re proud to support our Armed Forces community. In 2020 we signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to treat those who have served in the Armed Forces and their families with fairness and respect in the communities, economy and society when they serve with their lives. The Remembrance train is an important next step as part of that commitment.”

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11 Nov 2022

Barmouth Viaduct and the Cambrian Coast line track upgrades to get underway​

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Network Rail is continuing refurbishment work to the iconic Barmouth Viaduct on the vital north Wales rail link.

The project will see a closure for four weeks taking place from Monday the 14th of November with passengers advised to plan their journey ahead via www.tfw.wales before travelling.

Engineers will carry out track replacement across the Grade II viaduct as part of the refurbishment project’s latter stage.

The project will also see track renewed at Tywyn.

The restoration of the viaduct’s metallic features was initially planned to be completed in one go during autumn this year, however, the project has now been divided into two parts and will take completed over a two-year period in order to lessen the impact on rail services for the local community.

Dates for work taking place in 2023 are still being agreed upon.

The refurbishment marks one of the most ambitious and large-scale projects in the viaduct’s history as it will also include the laying of new tracks alongside further repairs such as strengthening of the north abutments and upgrades to some timber elements following major timber renewals which took place during 2020 and 2021.
 
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From Monday the 14th and Friday the 18th of November, rail replacement buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Pwllheli.

From Saturday the 19th of November to Friday the 9th of December, buses will remain in operation between Machynlleth and Harlech, however, the railway will open between Harlech and Pwllheli allowing Transport for Wales to run a shuttle rail service.

Saturday the 10th of December will see the railway fully reopen in time for the festive period.

The footpath which crosses Barmouth viaduct will also be closed from 8pm on the 13th of November, reopening from 5am on Saturday the 10th of December.

Nick Millington, interim route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said:

“We would like to thank the local community for bearing with us throughout this period as we carry out these essential upgrades.

“We know how important this rail link is to local communities, so we’ve carefully planned our work around the school holiday and the festive period to minimise disruption as much as possible.”
 
11 Nov 2022

Hull Trains offers veterans free trips to London for Remembrance Day​

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Help4Heroes​

Continuing its support for local charities, Hull Trains is supporting the charity, Hull 4 Heroes, by offering free Standard Class travel to London for serving military personnel and veterans attending Remembrance services on Sunday, 13th, November.

The offer is for anyone in uniform or with a Ministry of Defence-issued ID card for travel to any London Terminal station on Saturday, 12th or Sunday, 13th of November and returning on 13th November.
 
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Veteran Paul Matson founded the charity in November 2016 after he returned home from service with the Armed Forces.

He found himself homeless and struggling on Civvy Street, but with the support of others, he got back on his feet and found a job in the building trade.

That led him to volunteer on BBC’s ‘DIY SOS’ programme, working on the Veteran Street project in Manchester.

Paul’s hometown is Hull, and after spotting some derelict houses and being inspired by his experiences in Manchester, he started his own renovation project which led to him establishing Hull 4 Heroes.

With support from local people, businesses, and Hull and East Riding Council, the charity has secured funding from the government.

Paul regularly uses Hull Trains to attend meetings at the House of Commons and recently met with the Minister of State for the Armed Forces and Veterans.
 
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