Marcus' Model Railway Journey

6th December 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

TfW rail service update​

Transport for Wales will now increase train service frequency on its Liverpool - Chester route (via Liverpool Airport), and on the Ebbw Vale branch, in January 2024.


Transport for Wales will now increase train service frequency on its Liverpool - Chester route (via Liverpool Airport), and on the Ebbw Vale branch, in January 2024.

This represents a slight delay on the original plan to make the changes from next week (10 December 2023).

Following the storms in November, several trains have suffered wheel damage, and a repair programme will take place throughout December.

This will ensure that TfW have enough serviceable trains to increase the timetables on the Liverpool Chester route, and on the Newport to Ebbw Vales route in the new year.

A spokesperson for Transport for Wales said: “We have a comprehensive programme in place for repairing the damaged wheels on the trains affected, which will take most of December to complete. This will cause a few weeks of delay to delivering the frequency enhancements planned as part of the December 2023 new timetable.

“Our engineers are working as fast as they can to get the repairs completed, which will put us in a stronger position to reliably deliver the new services, making sure we have enough rolling stock.”

6th December 2023

Wheels begin to turn on 5164’s long journey back to steam​

An ex-Great Western Railway Large Prairie Tank locomotive has started its return journey to being able to move under its own power.

The 2-6-2T locomotive, number 5164, has been in storage at Barrow Hill, near Chesterfield, for nearly a decade.

It found itself on the move for the first time since 2014 when it was transported to the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham where it was the centrepiece exhibit at the Warley Model Railway Club show, which took place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 November.

Once the show closed, the locomotive was immediately moved a relatively short distance to Tyseley Loco Works for storage until work commences on its restoration.

Hopes are high that it will be operational well before it celebrates its centenary in 2030.

Number 5164 was acquired by Erlestoke Manor Fund (EMF) in late 2021 under an agreement that the locomotive would be returned to steam.

Work is expected to commence on 5164 next year, once EMF's Bradley Manor, number 7802, is returned with new cylinder blocks and a ten-year boiler certificate.

The return to steam of 5164 will depend on funding achieved through EMF's appeal for support which was backed up by a sales and promotional stand at the Warley Model Railway Club show.

Overhaul efforts are expected to be led by younger volunteer engineers.

This next generation will be guided by the stalwart volunteers who worked on 7802 Bradley Manor and its sister 7812 Erlestoke Manor.

The transportation of 5164 to the NEC was partly sponsored by Accurascale Model Railways.

They provided an OO gauge model of Erlestoke Manor as the prize in the raffle run at the show by the EMF, which gratefully acknowledges the company's support.

6th December 2023

Steam locomotive No. 5551 The Unknown Warrior moves to a new assembly base​

The LMS-Patriot Project has moved the chassis of the new-build The Unknown Warrior locomotive to a new assembly base at Tyseley Locomotive Works in Birmingham.

The move came about because the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust wanted the chassis to be moved outside its West Shed workshop as soon as possible so that the wheel drop on number 1 road could be accessed allow repairs to be carried out.

It had also become very clear that the availability of space in its workshop museum capacity and availability of resources were a a major challenge in the medium term, especially since Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust had stopped all work on The Unknown Warrior last July.

Tyseley Locomotive Works is currently unable to accommodate the chassis in its workshop, and will not be in a position to do so until next spring.

However, a meeting was held at Tyseley last month to discuss the possibility of transferring the chassis and the many associated components stored in containers to the Works for storage.

Before the frames could be moved outside the workshop the frames needed to be painted, and a volunteer group was organised to carry that out during the last week of November.

Once that has been completed, there will be no advantage in staying at the West Shed until the The Unknown Warrior's new wheelsets become available next year, which will allow the locomotive to be re-wheeled

Before the chassis could be moved a considerable amount of preparations had to be carried out as the road access to West Shed is substandard.

However, after consultation with the specialist haulier Reid Freight, it was decided to proceed with removal and the help of volunteers the chassis was secured for transport, which took two days.

Loading started at 11:00 am on Tuesday, 5th December, and the chassis was delivered to Tyseley early this morning, Wednesday, 6th December.

Colin Hall, LMS-Patriot Company Chairman, said “I am delighted with the cooperation we have enjoyed with our new Tyseley partners, the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway, and indeed our own volunteers in organising all this at quite short notice. The transport itself was a challenge because of very poor road access at West Shed, but was professionally handled by Reid Freight. We are now much better placed to go on to rewheeling at Tyseley when the new wheelsets are delivered by Riley and Son of Heywood, Bury in 2024”.

6th December 2023

Swiss leasing group to lease 600 wagons to ÖBB Rail Cargo Group​

Swiss wagon hire company MFD Rail has signed a framework agreement to supply the Austrian Rail logistics specialist ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) with up to 600 additional container carrier wagons.

The container carrier wagons will be specially modified to RCG's requirements and will be designed for use with the MOBILER hydraulic lifting system.

Using the MOBILER configuration will allow the complete transfer of goods between train and truck without the need for a crane or siding.

This innovative logistics solution is especially useful for the environmentally friendly transport of waste by rail, with contracts placed this year to move over 200,000 tons of waste, and a significantly higher higher amount expected next year.

MFD Rail is actively involved in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aims to achieve CO2-free transport.

The new container carrier wagons will be specially branded and first 100 have already been delivered and in use in various types of transport of waste, with the next 100 scheduled to be to RCG in the first half of next year.

The new wagons have state-of-the-art multimodal underframes that aid the upgrading of RCG's logistics services.

MFD Rail is based in Rotkreuz, Switzerland and supplies the European combined transport sector with a modern and homogeneous wagon fleet, including providing its customers a high level of support, technological availability, and service.

The intermodal wagons is supplies on lease come with a flexible and transparent leasing and maintenance concepts.

Providing wagons on lease reduces customer's dependencies on existing service providers and an easy way to modernises their fleets.

That enables companies to move from road to rail in in an environmentally conscious, energy-efficient and climate-neutral way, and supports climate stability with a fully circular and digital green fleet.

Rail Cargo Group is the freight transport division of the Austrian national railway company ÖBB.

It is one of Europe's leading rail logistics providers and has a presence outside Europe into Asia.

It has a presence in 18 countries worldwide and nearly 6,000 staff that operate 448,000 trains transporting over 88 million net tonnes of freight a year.

7th December 2023


RAIB

News story:​

Collision between on-track machines near Strood

Published: 7th December 2023

Investigation into a collision between on-track machines near Strood, Kent, 16 November 2023.

At around 04:38 hrs on 16 November 2023, a railway multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) collided with a stationary tamper near to Strood on High Speed 1.

The collision occurred at around 12 mph (20 km/h).

At the time of the collision, the tamper was being prepared for coupling to a second MPV, which was standing directly next to it. An operator was positioned between the tamper and the second MPV as part of preparation for coupling.

The collision caused the two stationary vehicles to move along the track and to strike the operator, who sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment.

Three of the staff onboard the vehicles were knocked over by the impact but did not sustain injuries.

The MPV which initially collided with the tamper sustained minor damage.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the accident.

It will also consider:

• the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
• the management of the railway staff involved in the accident, including their training and competence
• the method of operation in use when the collision occurred and the policies and procedures in place for managing such operations
• any underlying management factors

Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the light rail industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.

7th December 2023

Steam locomotive 2999 “Lady of Legend” to star at London’s heritage railway​

The Epping Ongar Railway has announced that Great Western Railway (GWR) Saint class locomotive No. 2999 Lady of Legend, will be the star of its ‘Steam Gala' next April, courtesy of the Great Western Society at Didcot.

As well as 2999 Lady of Legend, there will be other visiting locomotives as well as those from the railway's home fleet, including:

• Great Western Railway Hall class 4-6-0; No. 4953 Pitchford Hall;
• Great Western Railway Prairie tank 2-6-2 locomotive No. L150 (5521) in London Transport maroon livery;
• Hawthorn Leslie 0-6-0 saddle tank, No. 3437 Isabel.

Lady of Legend was built using parts from a former Hall class locomotive, which themselves were a development of the Saint class, and entered service in 2019.

With the Epping Ongar Railway's own Hall class locomotive, 4953 Pitchford Hall, in operation, it will be a good chance to examine the contrast between the two classes.

The name Lady of Legend was chosen as it perpetuates the Great Western Railway's practice of naming early members of the class after mythological or historical ladies.

During the weekend, bars on the trains will be open serving a selection of draught beers, wines, lagers and soft drinks.

The LNER Cafe at North Weald and the Buffet Stop at Ongar will be open all day.

The LNER Cafe will be serving hot snacks, and light refreshments, and hot and cold drinks as well as breakfast rolls until 11.30.

The Buffet Stop at Ongar will be offering hot and cold drinks and other light refreshments.

At Ongar station the Penny Salon gallery will be staging photographic display with free admission by renowned railway photographers Geoff Silcock and Malcolm Batten.

The railway's own fleet of vintage London buses will provide connections with Epping Underground and Shenfield National Rail stations.

George Saville, General Manager, said: “We are honoured to be hosting a visit of this important recreation of our railway history. We are looking forward to comparing Lady of Legend to our own Pitchford Hall”.

7th December 2023

Contract signed for Pre-Series Revolution Very Light Rail trains​

Eversholt Rail has signed contracts for Transport Design International (TDI) to build three new Revolution Very Light Rail (RVLR) to be used in passenger trials in the UK.

These new innovative lightweight passenger trains will help to Britain's railways to achieve zero carbon and will run entirely on battery power.

They could be carrying passengers within three years, with the whole operation having zero emissions through a new system of lineside fast charging.

Interior of a new Revolution Very Light Rail train

Eversholt Rail is one of the country's leading rolling stock owning companies, and it will be working with Transport Design International (TDI) to build the three new Pre-Series vehicles for the passenger trials.

They will be built by TDI in the Midlands, with assembly starting next year.

The RVLRs have a modular design which should allow the first vehicle to be ready for passenger operation in 2026.

The future is Very Light Rail

Demonstrator trials and testing of the RVLR concept have been carried out at Ironbridge in Shropshire during the past two years, and the Pre-Series vehicles represent both the next major step towards series production and the provision of further valuable data ahead of wider deployment of RVLRs.

Some of the UK's major rail operators have expressed interest in the RVLR vehicles as a step towards making rail ‘cleaner'.

Eversholt Rail and TDI are in discussions with with key stakeholders across the UK rail industry as to which routes and services these new vehicles can operate passenger-carrying trials.

These will provide data on the actual passenger demand for these vehicles to support business cases for their long-term deployment, as well as providing feedback from passengers and operators on their design and capabilities.

Mary Kenny, CEO Eversholt Rail said, “This substantial further investment by Eversholt Rail demonstrates our commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable and attractive new rail products for the UK market. We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Transport Design International.”

Sam Wauchope, Chairman of Transport Design International said, “This joint investment is fantastic news for RVLR, and we are looking forward to working with Eversholt Rail to deliver this ground-breaking product that will modernise lower-density parts of the UK rail network with an environmentally sustainable and economic solution. TDI is investing in a new manufacturing facility for these vehicles, and as part of this programme we are developing our in-service charging technology, an essential for battery-only operations.

“To ensure we remain at the cutting edge of this emerging technology, TDI is supported by Innovate UK for its ongoing technological developments in this sector. The innovation and light-weighting technology behind RVLR is superb and we are immensely proud of our UK-based engineering team”.

7th December 2023

GTR tests new in-cab signalling technology on Great Northern Class 717 fleet​

Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) has begun to test in-cab signalling technology on its Great Northern Class 717 fleet, as part of the government-funded East Coast Digital Programme.

The technology is the latest specification of European Train Control System (ETCS) software.

The test involved a train transitioning into ETCS BL3 R2, also known as 3.6.0, just before Finsbury Park, on the Northern City Line in north London.

Unit 717001 made the transition successfully, and continued its journey to Moorgate.

It is the first train to use the most recent version of the digital signalling system.

When Great Northern's twenty-five Class 717 trains were built, they were equipped with an older version of the system, ETCS B3MR1 (also known as version 3.4.0).

On 27 November, the first passenger services began to run in ETCS Level 2 using this version of the software, on the Northern City Line.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has approved the transition to the updated software, so Great Northern is now upgrading its Class 717 fleet.

This will ensure that its trains are compatible with the digital infrastructure being installed on the East Coast Main Line.

The operator will upgrade the entire fleet early next year, which will mean that the trains are ready to operate in ETCS on the East Coast Main Line from 2025.

Between now and then, the operator will run steadily more trains with digital signalling, as it trains more drivers to use the technology.

It will keep traditional signals at the side of the track until all drivers are trained, at which point it will switch off the old system.

GTR has recently adopted a strategy for communicating with the public about how the East Coast Digital Programme works.

Aaron Meakin, ERTMS Fleet Project Manager at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “After last week's success in running the very first passenger trains in Level 2 ETCS, we've now passed a second significant milestone for our Class 717 fleet and their journey towards a digitally signalled railway.

“We are pleased with how the train performed during dynamic testing and are proud to be in a position where we can share our knowledge and experience of operating our trains in the very latest version of ETCS with the wider industry.”

Sarah Hewlett, Network Rail Programme Manager, ECDP, said: “Getting all aspects of track and train ready for digital signalling has many strands, and testing the latest version on a key train fleet provides another piece in the jigsaw. We are pleased to have worked closely with GTR to get to this stage, and would like to thank all involved with this achievement.”

Matt Colclough, Customer Service Operations Director at Siemens Mobility UKI, said: “We are really pleased to have delivered this software upgrade on the 717s so GTR can get the full potential out of the ETCS technology and benefit from state-of-the-art in-cab signalling on the Northern City Line and beyond. This will mean the digitally connected trains are enabled to talk to the smart infrastructure, so we can really make the digital railway a reality and transform passengers journeys in and out of London.”

7th December 2023

Progress report on restoring steam locomotive No. 92240​

The Bluebell Railway in Sussex has issued an update on its work to bring locomotive 92240 back to steam, a project it began four years ago.

The team works on the loco throughout the year, and has hosted a stall at several events and galas at the heritage railway.

Its plan for 2024 is to make further progress in restoring 92240 and to run the ‘Awake the Giant' stand at all the Railway's special events.

To achieve, this, it is inviting supporters to volunteer to work on the stall alongside the stand manager, promoting the project and selling merchandise.

Potential volunteers can offer their services by emailing awakethegiant@outlook.com.

Several societies and model railway clubs have invited the team to give talks about the restoration project on 92240.

Any readers who would like to host a talk about 92240 and its overhaul can make a request by emailing awakethegiant@outlook.com.

Earlier this year, 92240 went into disguise, using Doncaster shed plates that identified it as 92200.

Later in the year, at the most recent working party, the tender belonging to 73082 Camelot was split and placed behind 92240, which gave the impression of a double tendered 9F!

Bluebell reports that 92240 “has made amazing progress” since previous updates.

The ‘Awake the Giant' team has focused mainly on the tender, including ordered piping which it will put inside the tender in the new year to allow low level filling from the yard.

Work will then move on to the front end once the loco enters the workshop.

The team has loosened the running plates and handrails, and will remove, label and store a number of parts, in preparation for the move .

The motion and cladding currently remain on 92240.

92240's tender was built new in the 1980s.

The water space under the coal space was painted with bitumen, which helped to waterproof the tank and protect the steelwork.

Forty years later, the bitumen has mostly come off, exposing the steel.

The restoration team will need to thoroughly clean and repaint the tank, so is considering how to do this.

The original plan was to use bitumen again, but there are other options.

The team is consulting Specialist Coatings GB Ltd come in, a family-owned firm based nearby in Battel, Kent.

The firm had lined Clan Line water space, and has convinced 92240's team to used the same method.

The coating it will use is specially formulated from chemical compounds that react with each other, and which are weighed precisely to the gram before mixing.

The first step is to apply the primer, ensuring a firm grip on the steelwork; the second is to apply the top coat within twenty-four hours of the primer to ensure a chemical bound.

Unlike bitumen, the product is not based on solvents so does not give off an odour.

Once it is dry, the coating forms a flexible waterproof bound.

The completed tank will be a light grey colour, and should not need further work for many years.

Bluebell Railway has thanked Peter and the team from Specialist Coating GB Ltd for visiting the railway and conducting a full mixing and product demonstration.

Volunteers from the Maunsell Society and project 27 also attended the demonstration as they are considering the product for their projects.

The Railway has also thanked Andy Sabin for helping to set up a storage location for the product and helping to move it.

During 2023, the team removed the water scoop, seeing it as unnecessary.

92240 is now taking a winter rest in the Maintenance Shed.

In the new year, the loco will be split.

The tender will stay under cover, allowing the team to finish the paintwork, aiming to have finished the first top coat by the summer.

Bluebell Railway acknowledges that 92240's restoration would not be possible with the ongoing efforts of its supporters, financial contributors and the team.

The railway wishes them all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The team's working parties, led by Andy and Martin, will take place on the second Saturday of each month, and new volunteers are welcome.

To help raise funds at this year's beer festival, Harvey's Brewery Lewes has again agreed to support Awake the Giant, following the success of 2022's event.

The King George the 5th Buffet at Horsted Keynes was used to sell the Ale, which was co-branded as Awake the Giant Ale, and new for 2023, the event had a small bar and fundraising stall in the main shed at Sheffield Park.

An excellent response over the three days of the event generated a large sum of money for the Trust account for 92240's restoration.

The Railway has particularly thanked Miles Jenner and the team at Harvey's, and also Jim Taylor, Lisa Boyle, Megan Laughlin from the Bluebell, and Paul Free from CAMRA.

Mark has been working hard to produce the next issue of the Giant Gazette, which will be available very soon.

If you would like to subscribe, please email giantgazette92240@yahoo.co.uk

Ken has been working on increasing the range of merchandise available from the stall and the Bluebell shop, which includes new designed t-shirts, badges, stationery, rulers and coasters.

Winners of the photography competition will be contacted in the new year and announced in the January Bluebell Times.

Tom N has been building an archive of 92240, from its working days, time at Barry's before it came to the Bluebell, and its first restoration.

If you have any material to add, please contact Tom at awakethegiant@outlook.com.

The archive will be available to see at the Awake The Giant stand in the new year.

8th December 2023



NetworkRail:

Network Rail launches Cardiff master planning for key city centre regeneration opportunity​

Region & Route: Wales & Western


Network Rail is launching its master planning process around Cardiff Central Station, which will see the comprehensive design and redevelopment of over 10 acres of railway land and the delivery of new homes.

Network Rail is launching its master planning process around Cardiff Central Station, which will see the comprehensive design and redevelopment of over 10 acres of railway land and the delivery of new homes.

Cardiff Central currently attracts 13 million passengers a year and the station is a vital gateway to the city centre.

The master planning process, led by Network Rail, working alongside Cardiff Council, Transport for Wales and Rightacres, aims to regenerate and open up the site, improve connectivity and deliver homes within a new mixed-use neighbourhood creating a new entrance gateway for the Welsh capital.

One of the last parcels of land to be regenerated in the city centre, the Network Rail land has been a barrier to investment for other parts of the city for many years.

The regeneration and integration of this strategic parcel with the wider Cardiff Central Quay creates a catalyst to unlock future development opportunities to the south of the City and to Cardiff Bay.

The scheme will improve the area for pedestrians, enhance transport connectivity and the customer experience, whilst making the most of its riverside location.

Network Rail has recently appointed Cardiff-based developer Rightacres to deliver a new 695-space car park on the adjacent Central Quay development.

Consolidating the car parking to its new site, unlocks the former surface car park land and other areas around the station to become part of the masterplan area and deliver a comprehensive vision for the station neighbourhood.

Network Rail has selected a master planning team led by Hawkins Brown. The full master planning team has extensive experience working on both rail and regional projects. These include Tottenham Court Road, the Elizabeth Line and Over Station Development in London, alongside regional successes such as the sbarc/spark campus, Cardiff Central Square and many of its new buildings including BBC Wales.

A period of stakeholder and community consultation, followed by an initial design phase will take place over the coming months with the ambition to submit an outline planning application during 2024.

Alongside the masterplan creation, major improvements to the station are also underway.

Transport for Wales is leading a £139m investment programme, funded by the Department for Transport, the Welsh Government and Cardiff Capital Region, which will improve the passenger experience at the station.

To the south-side of the station, Rightacres has commenced initial phases of the 1.5m sq ft Central Quay development, a regeneration of the former Brain’s Brewery site which will see hotel, commercial and leisure space and up to 2,000 waterfront homes.

Robin Dobson, Group Property Director at Network Rail, said: “Unlocking our strategic land holdings in Cardiff has been a long-time in the making and by working with our partners at Transport for Wales, Welsh Government and the City Region we are now in position to regenerate this important brownfield site, with much needed housing, a wide mix of uses and public space. The introduction of Hawkins Brown and the wider team means we are perfectly placed to deliver a vision for a world-class welcome to Wales’ capital and new neighbourhoods, enabled by integrated transport infrastructure.”

Iain Cochran, Partner at Hawkins\Brown, said: “We're excited to be working once again with Network Rail, to set the development framework for this mixed-use scheme around Cardiff Central Station. Working closely with our multi-disciplinary team and stakeholders, we will deliver a new place at the centre of the city, connecting the surrounding sites to create a capital welcome.”

Paul McCarthy Chief Executive Officer, Rightacres Property Co. Ltd., added: “We are looking forward to working with the Network Rail team to regenerate this prime piece of the Cardiff jigsaw. The Southern Gateway to the City is becoming increasingly important as Cardiff Indoor Arena, the Sports Village and Cardiff Bay move forward.”

Alexia Course, Chief Commerical Officer, Transport for Wales, said: “TfW is delighted to be supporting Network Rail in developing the south side of Cardiff Central alongside TfW’s £140M Cardiff Central Enhancement Scheme, ensuring a holistic regeneration of this prime commercial site alongside Wales’ largest transport Interchange and bringing long-term benefits to the city region.”

8th December 2023



NetworkRail:

Celebration as Network Rail completes four-year £30m restoration of iconic Barmouth Viaduct​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


The completion of the £30m restoration of the iconic Barmouth Viaduct in north Wales was celebrated today (Friday 8 December) after a painstaking four-year programme of work to carefully restore the 156-year-old, grade II* listed structure, back to its former glory and protect it for generations to come.

Network Rail, representatives of the community, rail industry partners and the local council joined Wales Office minister Fay Jones for the unveiling of a plaque to mark the milestone.

The Cambrian line fully reopened to train services on Saturday 2 December after teams from Network Rail and Griffiths worked seven days a week during a 13-week closure to allow the final stages of the restoration to be safely completed.

Originally constructed by the Aberystwyth and Welsh Coast Railway in 1867, the Grade II* listed 770m structure is the longest viaduct in Wales and the longest wooden railway bridge in Britain.

When restoration began in 2020, Network Rail engineers found the 156-year-old bridge to be in a much worse condition than originally anticipated.

Many of the timber elements had decayed significantly and a large portion of the metallic elements had corroded.

The programme was planned to make sure it wouldn’t threaten the structure’s industrial heritage, with components replaced on a ‘like for like’ basis to retain its majestic appearance.

Realising the impact that a long-term closure of the line would have on the community, the work was purposely spread over several years with four shorter closures.

This autumn, after strengthening the north abutments and upgrading additional timber elements, the team focused on the metallic structure, successfully completing the intricate task of moving two 160-tonne spans.

With one newly fabricated span weighing the same as a blue whale, teams used a total of 44 jacks – ranging from 20 to 100 tonnes capacity – as well as six rail trailers to carry out the technical move.

Once the restoration work was close to completion, work began to renew 297m of track near the toll house on the northern side and replace 1,100m3 of ballast (track stone) to ensure the safety of services crossing the viaduct over the Afon Mawddach.

The viaduct is now fully operational and members of the public can once again walk across it to enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

WATCH:VIDEO

To watch video click link: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/9a2uuw0cxa

Network Rail’s route director for Wales and Borders Nick Millington said: “I’m delighted that we could be joined today by the Wales Office minister to celebrate the restoration of this iconic piece of Welsh railway heritage .

“It’s a fantastic achievement for the teams who have worked tirelessly in all weathers to complete the job, which will enable the viaduct to safely carry rail services for many years to come. We hope it will encourage more people to travel by train to see this beautiful part of Wales, supporting the local economy and our aim of decarbonisation.

“We’d like to thank our passengers and the local community for their patience and support while this essential work has been carried out.”

Wales Office minister Fay Jones said: “The Barmouth Viaduct is an iconic part of Wales’ railway heritage and I am delighted that the UK Government has made this £30m investment in its restoration.

“Together with the planned £1bn electrification of the North Wales Main Line, £50m for Cardiff cross rail and other investments from the South Wales Valleys to Aberystwyth, the UK Government is delivering improvements in rail infrastructure and improving journeys for passengers in every part of Wales.”

Transport for Wales Customer Experience Director Jo Foxall said: “We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to the Cambrian coast line and look forward to seeing people back on our trains in the build up to Christmas.

“The huge investment by our partners in Network Rail on Barmouth Viaduct will help secure the safe operation of the rail network for years to come.

“And with brand new trains set to enter service in around 18 months’ time, it really is an exciting time for the line.

“We would like to thank our customers and the communities affected for their patience while this vital work took place. The investment really is worth it for the long-term future of the line.”

Griffiths Rail Director Tim James said: “Griffiths is proud to have completed the reconstruction of the new bridge in a safe, sustainable and timely manner. We used innovative construction techniques to slide the new bridge into place and at the same time demolish the old structure. We worked tirelessly with our supply chain partners to design and build a new bridge that is fit for the future.”

Mayor of Barmouth Councillor Owain Pritchard said: “To many people, Barmouth Viaduct is an iconic landmark in a stunning setting. To the people of Barmouth and Meirionnydd it is also a vital link between communities, taking children to school, people to work, shop and the doctors. We are grateful to all the people who have worked on this huge project - a great early Christmas present for Barmouth.”

left to right: Gwyn Rees, Performance and Transformation director at Network Rail Wales & Borders. Director of the Cambrian Local Railway, Joyce Watson, Regional Senedd Member for Mid and West Wales, Simon Roberts, Programme Manager Capital Delivery Wales and Western Region,Fay Jones, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales, Steve Richardson, Engineering Manager at Griffiths, Colin Lea, Transport for Wales Rail Planning and Performance Director, Owain Pritchard, Mayor of Barmouth
Stats:

• 3-month closure
• 4 named storms
• 40,000 worked hours during blockade
• 0 accidents
• Over 70m of rock anchors
• Over 40t of cast insitu concrete
• Over 400t of new steel and 150t of temporary steelwork
• Over 1300m2 of suspended and supported scaffolding
• Over 650m2 grit blast and paint
• 130m of new track with a further 300m installed by SRSA
• 120m of new walkway with stainless steel handrail

8th December 2023

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland transport projects get funding boost​

Transport Secretary Mark Harper has announced a number of projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for exploring options to improve transport links that will strengthen connections across communities throughout the UK and help to drive tourism and grow the economy.

The announcement was made yesterday, Thursday, 7 December, in response to Lord Hendy's Union Connectivity Review on road improvements and rail upgrades for boosting business and improving connectivity across the country.

The measures will lay the foundations for stronger connectivity and economic growth by increasing access to skilled labour and opportunities, and will be supported by significant long-term work through other Government investments including Network North and upgrading the A75 in Scotland; the Government has already made a £1 billion commitment to electrify the North Wales Main Line.

Actions will also be taken to protect vital domestic air routes, as well as a number of studies for options to improve rail travel in Northern Ireland and Wales, road travel in Scotland, and improvements for overall connectivity between the four countries of the UK.

Included in the announcement were initiatives to:

• provide £8m to the Scottish Government to improve the A75;
• provide £3.3m to Translink to report on the cost, feasibility, and value for money for electrifying the railway in Northern Ireland from Belfast to the Irish border;
• improve domestic aviation route support policy by updating the Public Service Obligation (PSO) policy to include routes operating between different regions of the UK instead of just London.

These measures will complement existing recent investments from Network North including:

• Funding a £1 billion investment to electrify the North Wales Main Line;
• Delivering the Midlands Rail Hub in full, and investing £1.75bn to improve journey times and increase capacity and the frequency of services, including between Cardiff and Birmingham.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “We are committed to delivering growth opportunities across the United Kingdom.

“Today we are announcing support for projects that will boost connectivity and enhance transport connections across the UK. These projects will identify schemes that can bring economic benefits to people across the UK.

“I'd like to thank the Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive for working collaboratively with us on these projects and I look forward to continuing to work closely with them on improving UK transport connectivity.”

“A better-connected UK brings communities closer to opportunities that support levelling-up and unlock economic growth. Our response to the Union Connectivity Review marks an important step in increasing UK connectivity and delivering the strong, reliable transport connections people depend on every day.”

Lord Hendy responded: “I welcome the Government's response to my review and the announcements in it. My recommendations outlined the next steps that the government should take to identify investments that will improve connectivity and support economic growth, job creation, house building, social cohesion and sustainability. The government's response shows that they are taking the necessary actions to move this work forward and demonstrates their commitment to improving UK connectivity.

“I am also pleased to see that partnerships between the UK government, and each of the Scottish government, Welsh government, and Northern Ireland Executive have underpinned this work and I look forward to seeing them continue in the future.”

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris said: “Improving connectivity across Northern Ireland and the UK is a priority of the UK government, and I am pleased that these feasibility studies will support that aim in Northern Ireland, for the benefit of businesses and people living and working here.”

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The UK Government is spreading opportunity and prosperity to all corners of our country and I'm pleased to see plans for delivering improved transport connectivity taking huge strides forwards.

“Hauliers, commuters, leisure travellers and communities will be delighted to see UK Government funding to kick-start work by Transport Scotland to identify improvements on the A75, the main artery linking Northern Ireland to the north of England through south-west Scotland.

“The UK Government is also committing funding to explore ways to boost rail connectivity between Scotland and England. And we're investing in upgrades to the A1 and protecting vital air routes throughout the UK.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Scottish Government on this ambitious package of proposals to link up the UK much more effectively – boosting our economy, creating jobs and levelling up opportunities around the country.”

Secretary of State for Wales David TC Davies said: “The UK Government has invested millions directly in Wales' transport infrastructure, speeding up journeys for travellers. Following the Hendy review we are committed to making further significant improvements, leading to better-connected communities and greater opportunity for people across the country.

“The planned £1bn electrification of the North Wales Main Line, £50m for Cardiff cross rail, £141m for the Valley Lines and £11m for the A4119 road upgrade are just some of the improvements the UK Government is delivering in infrastructure in every part of Wales.”

8th December 2023

Appeal launched to take Bluebell Railway’s 4VEP mainline​

On Friday 1 December, Bluebell Railway in Sussex launched an appeal to raise fifty thousand pounds to help bring locomotive 3417 back into mainline operation.

The loco has been under restoration since 2015, with the work sponsored by the Southern Electrical Traction Group (SETG).

The work had to pause during the Covid-19 pandemic, but since then, the SETG team has been working towards bringing 3417 back into traffic on preserved lines.

It has nearly reached that goal, and is now preparing for an event in the New Year which will formally launch 3417 back into traffic.

The team now needs to raise a large amount of money to underwrite works including:

• fitting GSMR radio equipment and OTMR ‘Black Box' systems to both driving trailers;
• fitting anti-override components to the buckeye couplers;
• fitting Controlled Emission Toilet equipment to the unit; and
• preparing for the installation of Central Door Locking equipment to the unit.

This will mean that more than four decades after being built, 3417 will carry all the equipment needed for its return to the mainline, carrying passengers on the Southern Electric again.

8th December 2023

London station to have limited service as investigations into overhead line damage continue​

Network Rail is advising passengers of a limited service today (8th December) at London Paddington after an overhead wire cable came down yesterday evening (Thursday 7th December).

The overhead wire cable came down in the Ladbroke Grove area and left a number of trains without power and passengers had to be evacuated.

Engineers have worked to get two out of the four tracks into London Paddington open for electric trains this morning.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are so sorry for the difficult journeys passengers endured on our railway last night and we will be investigating how and why it happened. The knock-on effects from last night mean operators will not be able to run a full service from Paddington today and passengers should check before they travel. Repairs are ongoing and we hope to have the railway fully open by the weekend.”

10th December 2023

My Birthday Presents

My Birthday present from Cleopatra VII was the Hornby R30192 Class 40 D210 "Empress of Britain" in BR green with small yellow panels.

My Birthday present from Neonlake was a Bachmann 32-755 Class 57/3 57315 in Arriva Trains Wales/Trenau Arriva Cymru Livery

While I was in Cardiff I saw this second-hand loco in a shop.

I always said if I saw a Class 59 in EWS livery at the right price I would buy it - so I did.

Lima OO Gauge L204664 Class 59 201 EWS Livery Diesel Loco​