Marcus' Model Railway Journey

After starring in the successful ‘Hunslet 125' gala in 2018, the Railway withdrew Linda from service in 2019 for a ten-year overhaul, and in 2020 launched a sixty-thousand-pound appeal to fund the work.

The first part of the work was on the boiler, which was completed quickly, but the next stage – work on the chassis – was held up by pandemic restrictions.

The staff at Boston Lodge, the Railway's engineering workshop, worked hard on Linda, while at the same time also overhauling ‘David Lloyd George' and constructing new-build Double Fairlie ‘James Spooner'.

The Railway had intended to return Linda to steam in 2022, to coincide with celebrations of the loco's sixty years there.

However, delays meant that the return was not possible until now.

The comprehensive overhaul saw a lot of attention focused on the heavy rebuild of Linda's tender and work on the smokebox after ten years of high mileage use.

Recently, Linda took part in running-in turns on shuttle trains between Porthmadog and Minffordd.

The loco is now in the paint shop, where the tender has already been painted and the rest of the locomotive is now receiving similar treatment.

Linda will begin hauling trains again in March 2024, and will regularly pull the Quarryman service starting in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Ffestiniog Railway is considering offering a limited number of opportunities to drive and fire Linda during the year.

The eventual cost of the overhaul was over £80,000, funded by donations and fundraising efforts by members of the Ffestiniog Railway Society.

General Manager Paul Lewin ,said “Here at the railway we all love our Hunslets, and Linda is the favourite of many people. Linda's overhaul was made possible by the generosity of our members, and of course we are eternally grateful to them for their support. Despite the recent years being financially challenging for everyone, the members have continued to dig deep. I can't emphasise enough how grateful we all are. I hope everyone gains as much pleasure from travelling behind this loco as I do.

“Getting the ball rolling with the new cylinders for Linda allows us to get ahead of the game and ensure that replacements are available in good time. Once again, our members have stepped up to the plate and made this possible which is wonderful.”

22nd December 2023

West Coast Railways exemption court decision announced​

West Coast Railway's claim for a review of the ORR’s refusal to grant it further exemption from the Railway Safety Regulations 1999 has been dismissed.

Without such an exemption, the company cannot operate hinged door carriages on the main line unless central door locking is in place.

The hearing took place at the High Court of Justice in December, and the judgement concludes that the ORR’s decision not to grant an exemption was lawful.

The Court’s judgment does not mean a suspension of services nor does it prevent them operating charters on the mainline.

WCRC says it remains committed to working with the ORR to find a long term solution to secure its heritage services on the main line.

Options are now being looked at, such as an appeal, and a new exemption application

WCRC has been using an exemption since 2005, with CDL systems likely to cost in the region of £7m.

James Shuttleworth, Commercial Manager, WCR, said: “We are disappointed by the High Court’s judgment. We have decades of experience of operating on the main line and safety has always been, and remains, our top priority.

“We will now reflect and consider options to enable us to continue running safe services enjoyed by so many visitors from the UK and around the world, upon which local businesses along our routes rely.

“We are committed to working with the ORR to find a long-term solution which safeguards the future of heritage services on the main line.

“Our operational experience tells us that our safety measures: a steward for every four doors, with secondary locks and monitoring, a train manager and a guard, guarantee the safety of our passengers and colleagues.

“The ORR’s decision to revoke our exemption would require us to install a modern safety system on carriages from a different era. The estimated cost of £7m would be an extraordinary investment and would present a significant financial challenge for WCR.”

“Fulfilling our commitments to customers and the businesses that depend on our operations is paramount for us. Our Jacobite service alone boosts the local economies of Mallaig and Fort William, bringing an estimated £20 million into the UK’s tourism sector. If WCR’s exemption to operate on the main line is revoked permanently, this would lead to £50 million in lost value to both local and national communities.

“That is why it is essential that we explore all options to protect our operations on the main line, whether through an appeal or other measures.”

Just testing/experimenting.......

Expecting these links to expire shortly. [Posted @1500 hrs approx 29/03/24]

https://media.discordapp.net/attach...t=webp&quality=lossless&width=1440&height=468

Do Discord file links expire?

The changes won't affect content shared within the Discord client, as links within the app will refresh automatically. However, those who use Discord to host files externally will need to seek alternative services, as file links will expire after 24 hours under the new policy.

Still here: @1500 hrs 30/03/24
Still here: @1500 hrs 31/03/24
Still here: @1215 hrs 1/4/24
Still here: @2210 hrs 1/4/24
Still here: @2157 hrs 2/4/24
Still here: @2204 hrs 3/4/24
Still here: @1357 hrs 4/4/24
Still here: @1632 hrs 5/4/24
Still here: @1213 hrs 6/4/24
Still here: @1108 hrs 7/4/24

Neptunian Military Administration, Laforeia, Old Temecula and Ethnon are all in it!
This is for Vieinia’s new Scratch game!


Credit: https://www.nationstates.net/nation=singaporen_empire

OK, after a bit of a hiatus caused by a few issues.
A long recovery from a virus.
A couple of knockbacks from the loss of my main Model railway supplier.

And then the loss of most, if not all, of my images from my forum threads due to discord no longer supporting image links.

APRIL CATCHUP



05 Apr 2024

Recruiting more female train drivers has helped reduce the gender pay gap at TfW​

Employing 22 more female train drivers during 2022/23 has helped to further reduce the gender pay gap at Transport for Wales (Rail).


Jamilla Fletcher

The median gender pay gaps for TfW Rail and TfW Group stand at 16.2% and 14.1% respectively, a reduction of 1.2 percentage points (TfW Rail) and 18.7 percentage points (TfW Group).

Recruitment has been key to equalise the proportion of colleagues at all salary levels. More women have been recruited into higher-salaried roles.

In April 2023 there were 76 female drivers (9.3% of all drivers), up from 54 (7.4%) in April 2022. In 2023 women made up 42.9% of TfW’s new apprentices, up from 14.3% the year before.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at Transport for Wales, said: “I am delighted to report that our gender pay gaps have narrowed once again.

“Women are now better represented in higher-paid positions and both organisations have increased the proportion of women working for them.

“There is now greater representation of women among senior leaders and train drivers and we’ve seen an increase in women gaining promotion at TfW Rail.

“This change has been hard won. We’ve made progress by investing in the leadership training of women at TfW. We’re working with trade unions to ensure that more women become train drivers and engineers. We’re focused on improving women’s well-being through menopause workshops and better supporting carers and we’re building wider networks across the industry through initiatives such as Women in Transport.

“Becoming one TfW is an opportunity to improve gender equality still further and new operating model allows us to work even closer and smarter than before. Reducing the gender pay gap is a key part of becoming truly one.”

Over the next year, TfW will prioritise improving its culture and the opportunities for women. Some of these improvements include:

• Publishing key performance indicators to measure the recruitment of women.
• Offering greater opportunities for secondment to Welsh Government, Network Rail and other train operating companies.
• Developing our engagement with the communities it serves to learn how to reduce barriers to employment for and improve the retention of women from underrepresented backgrounds.
• Reducing unconscious bias by training our managers.

To read TfW’s Gender Pay Gap report visit https://tfw.wales/about-us/transparency/publications/gender-pay-gap/2023

​

08 Apr 2024

Service improvements on the Wrexham - Bidston line​

Targeted improvements on a north Wales railway line have been reaping huge benefits for rail customers.


Class 230s Wrexham Bidston

Since the introduction of a new timetable in December, the Wrexham to Bidston line has seen more daily trains than ever before running every single day.

And over the first 12 weeks of 2024, more than 80% of trains have arrived either on time or within three minutes of their expected arrival time, a massive rise from 2023 where most months saw less than 50% arrive within three minutes of the expected time.

“It’s excellent news to see how these targeted changes are making a real difference to customers’ journeys,” said Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales.

“Our customers and stakeholders have been clear in what they want: a regular and reliable service that works for them.

“Quite simply, what we were delivering last year was not good enough. So, we appointed a dedicated route officer for the line to look at the issues we were facing.”

The Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates said: “This is great news. We appreciate this has been frustrating for passengers, but I am pleased that after all the hard work we are clearly beginning to see a significant improvement to this important service.”

Also known as the Borderlands line, the Wrexham to Bidston line is 27 miles long with 15 stations between Wrexham Central and Bidston on the Wirral. Customers using the line can connect to other services at Wrexham General, Shotton and Bidston, as well as local bus services.

The new timetable saw the line move from one train per hour to one every 45 minutes, meaning an additional 8 trains per day – 4 in each direction.

This allowed for more recovery time during the journey, and longer turnaround times at each end, meaning more resilience and less cancellations.

Some of the problems last year centred around the reliability of new Class 230s which operate on the line. Engineers have been working hard in the background to address those reliability issues, with a funded plan in place to make changes which are expected to improve reliability further later this year. We have also been able to introduce the new Class 197 trains to the line, working in tandem with the Class 230 to ease the pressure.

“It’s been a very encouraging first three months,” added Mr Lea.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners to keep a close eye on performance, so we can make things better for customers as the investments in new trains come on stream.”

08 Apr 2024

First 756 electric train runs on the Core Valley Lines​

History was made this month as the very first electric train ran north of Cardiff to Pontypridd during daylight hours.


Class 756 on test

The moment marked the next vital step in our vision to build a world class metro for south east Wales.

On 3 April, a small crew successfully completed a test run from Canton Depot via the City line up to Radyr and Pontypridd using the brand new Overhead Line Electrification.

Project Manager Alex Cochrane said: “It was a fantastic moment to see a train run on the Valleys under electric power for the very first time and today was really special.

“It is a testimony to the hard work that has gone into the project from so many teams across TfW and our infrastructure and supplier partners.

“There is still plenty of work to do before they can enter passenger service but we know customers will really appreciate the huge benefits they will bring.”

Watch Video:

ENG 756s on test​

Following the test run, further routes on the Core Valleys Network will see testing take place in the coming weeks before the start of an intensive train crew training programme. The trains will then be entering public service later this year.

Boasting either three or four modern, spacious carriages, the Stadler 756 fleet are almost identical to the brand new trains we introduced on the Rhymney line in 2023, but with the ability to run on overhead or battery power, or as a diesel/battery hybrid.

They can travel up to 75mph and are also able to switch to run on battery or diesel hybrid power for sections of the network that are difficult or costly to electrify.

Work began to electrify the Merthyr, Treherbert and Aberdare lines in 2020 and at various points the lines have been closed for extended periods to ensure the work is able to progress. The Merthyr and Aberdare lines were successfully electrified in 2023, with the Overhead Line Equipment now live.

Alongside electrifying the network, significant transformation work has been undertaken to upgrade our railway infrastructure including upgrading our stations to ensure they’re ready for the introduction of the new longer trains and brand-new signalling. Major track work has also been undertaken to install new passing loops and track doubling in many areas, allowing us to begin increasing the frequency of trains on the South-East Wales network from Summer 2024.

With 24 of the new class 756 fleet in total, it is important to keep the fleet in top condition.

With meticulous attention to detail and skilled craftsmanship, the paint team at Pullman Rail have been working hard to ensure the trains are looking their very best for when they do enter service ensuring a seamless finish and impeccable appearance.

09 Apr 2024

65% passenger growth for new electric bus route​

New electric TrawsCymru buses running between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth have seen a 65% increase in passengers this year.

New TrawsCymru T1 service

Launched at the end of March 2023, the new state-of-the-art buses carried more than 100,000 passengers in their first six months in service and more recently have shown an overall increase of passengers by 65% compared to 2022/23.

Each vehicle saves 3kg of CO2 per round trip, equating to nearly 13,000 cups of tea.

Promotional offers have helped encourage more people to use the sustainable transport service including a £10 travel all-day for two adults and two children summer group ticket, an integrated rail and bus ticket for cheaper travel from Cardiff to Aberystwyth and 50% off journeys during September’s 'Catch the Bus' month.

The Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport, Ken Skates said: “This is great news for bus users and the environment. The introduction of these greener, modern, more comfortable buses has clearly encouraged more people to use the Traws Cymru T1 service and I'm grateful to everyone involved in making this happen.”

Mark Jacobs, Contracts and Performance Manager for TrawsCymru said: “Launching the all-electric TrawsCymru T1 service last year was a significant moment in the story of TfW and our development into a truly multi-modal organisation.

“Feedback on the new service has been overwhelmingly positive and the increase in passenger numbers demonstrates how an improved public transport offering can positively influence people’s travel behaviours.

“The success of the new T1 fleet is the result of an effective partnership with the teams at Carmarthenshire County Council and First Cymru, who have provided invaluable support to making this vital Carmarthen to Aberystwyth bus service the high-end public transport offering that it is today.”

12 Apr 2024

TfW announce future plan for changing rail demands​

Transport for Wales (TfW) has completed its future timetable review following a change in rail travel demands post-covid. 

197 Carmarthen

Following a comprehensive review of current rail demand and predicted future growth, TfW has developed a new long-term strategy to better align with the new travel habits and requirements of customers, whilst becoming a truly multimodal operator.

As a result of the review some rail routes will see more services and longer trains with more seats, particularly during seasonal peaks.  Other routes will see slightly different calling patterns better targeted to current needs.

However, TfW has had to make some tough decisions to ensure it provides capacity where most needed, grows revenue and ultimately reduces public subsidy.

Some of the key changes include:

• Running 87 more services on mainline routes than when TfW took over in 2018 and more carriages added to some busiest services to help meet growing demand.
• Removing a small number of services that have very low passenger demand.                                                                                                                                       
• Providing extra capacity on popular summer routes.
• Deferring some earlier-made commitments for more services on certain routes.

TfW remains committed and is continuing to deliver its £800 million investment into new trains for the whole of its network. 

Stakeholder feedback on current timetables, passenger numbers and close consideration of alternative travel options have all fed into the TfW review.

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director said: “We’ve completed our future timetable review. The proposed new timetables will provide us with more resilience in the winter period and meet changed travel demands post Covid.

“Nearly every service that TfW operates requires public subsidy, and as a responsible operator it’s imperative for TfW to balance the needs for a regular, robust and reliable service with available budgets to deliver value for taxpayers and more sustainable transport."

TfW intend to deliver these timetables over the next few years.

TfW announced a review into future timetable commitments (outside of the South Wales Metro) last summer, following a change in travel patterns and rail demands post-covid.

As part of this review process differing levels of subsidy saving options were considered and it was agreed to proceed with a modest set of changes to the Wales and Borders rail timetables.

The new timetable includes:

• Additional calls to/from Milford Haven and Haverfordwest giving the towns 13 services per day in each direction
• Hourly service between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury to run from May to September from May 2026
• Additional peak time services on the Vale of Glamorgan line by 2026, but the increase to 2tph throughout the day deferred
• Cardiff <> Cheltenham services are going to be enhanced by June 2024 to hourly services throughout the day time.
• Extra services between Swansea and Tenby between May and September from 2025, subject to agreement with Network Rail
• Liverpool to Chester service extended to Llandudno from 2026, subject to agreement with Network Rail and work completed to level crossings
• Heart of Wales services planned to cross at Llandrindod Wells to give much better customer experience in event of disruption (services currently cross at Llanwrtyd Wells).

Some of the more difficult decisions we’ve taken include:

• Reducing Heart of Wales Line services from five through services to four per day from December 2024 and removal of the two late evening services to Llandovery and Llandrindod. Bus options are currently being explored.
• Removal of four services between Machynlleth and Pwllheli (two in each direction). Two further services will be retimed and will run between March and December.
• Amending four journeys to end at Carmarthen (instead of Cardiff Central as of today), though these will connect into GWR services Carmarthen <> London Paddington. (Connection times can be found in our timetables).
• To defer the introduction of some additional evening services between Cardiff and Cheltenham Spa.
• To defer a previous commitment to increase trains between Cardiff Central and Bridgend, via the Vale of Glamorgan line, to two trains per hour. However, we will introduce an additional peak service in each direction.
• To defer a previous commitment to introduce a new Cardiff Central <> Shrewsbury <> Liverpool Lime Street service, owing to the levels of Network Rail infrastructure enhancement required.
• To defer a previous commitment of increasing our services between Cardiff and Swansea to one train per hour at off peak times. However, this service remains hourly during the peak.

APRIL CATCHUP

Wednesday 3 Apr 2024​

Engineering works to affect weekend journeys on North Wales Coast Line in April and May​

Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Passengers are being asked to check before they travel between Bangor and Holyhead on four weekends in April and May when Network Rail will be carrying out essential track renewals.


Stock picture of track renewal

Buses will replace all trains between Bangor and Holyhead on the North Wales Coast Line all day on the following Saturdays and Sundays: 13-14 April, 20-21 April, 27-28 April, and 18-19 May.

Buses will also replace Avanti West Coast trains between Llandudno Junction, Bangor and Holyhead all day on Sunday 19 May, and Transport for Wales trains between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead after 5pm on the same day.

Buses will also replace all trains between Rhyl and Holyhead on the same line, and between Llandudno and Blaenau Ffestiniog on the Conwy Valley Line, on Saturday and Sunday 11-12 May.

Network Rail will be replacing the rails, sleepers, and ballast (track stones) to help maintain a safe and reliable railway.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “We are working really hard to improve train service punctuality and this essential work is a part of our commitment to do that.

“We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway, but we have planned the renewals to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“We appreciate the patience of passengers and our lineside neighbours and thank them for their understanding.”

Wednesday 10 Apr 2024​

Conwy Valley Line in North Wales expected to reopen on Saturday after flood damage​

Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

The railway between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog on the Conwy Valley Line is expected to reopen on Saturday 13 April after emergency repairs to flood damage.

Picture from near Dolgarrog station on the Conwy Valley Line after river flooding washed away ballast on 9 April 2024

The line was closed on Tuesday afternoon (9 April) after river flooding washed away ballast (the stones that support the track) near Dolgarrog station.

Engineers from Network Rail will now work around the clock to ensure the railway can reopen safely.

They will install more than 200 tonnes of new ballast using road-rail vehicles, with the work expected to be completed in time for the start of train services on Saturday morning.

While the railway is closed, there will be changes to journeys for Transport for Wales passengers, with rail replacement buses operating between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, stopping at all stations: Glan Conwy, Tal-y-cafn, Dolgarrog, North Llanrwst, Llanrwst, Betws-y-coed, Pont-y-pant, Dolwyddelan, Roman Bridge and Blaenau Ffestiniog. The only exception is the 5.30am service each day, which will stop only at Tal-y-cafn, North Llanrwst, Llanrwst and Betws-y-coed.

Picture from near Dolgarrog station on the Conwy Valley Line after river flooding washed away ballast on 9 April 2024

Rachel Heath, Network Rail Wales and Borders operations director, said: “We’re sorry to passengers affected by the closure of the Conwy Valley Line.

“Our teams are on site and working to get the line opened as soon as possible. We advise passengers to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk.”

Picture from near Dolgarrog station on the Conwy Valley Line after river flooding washed away ballast on 9 April 2024

Picture from near Dolgarrog station on the Conwy Valley Line after river flooding washed away ballast on 9 April 2024

Saturday 13 Apr 2024

Conwy Valley Line in North Wales reopens after emergency repairs​

Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Train services on the Conwy Valley Line in North Wales have resumed this morning (Saturday 13 April) following emergency repairs to flood damage.


Picture of the completed repairs at Dolgarrog following flooding which closed the Conwy Valley Line

The line was closed on Tuesday afternoon (9 April) when river flooding washed away ballast (the stones that support the track) near Dolgarrog station.

Network Rail engineers have since worked around the clock so the railway could reopen safely, installing more than 200 tonnes of new ballast.

The work was completed last night, with the line successfully tested this morning to allow Transport for Wales to resume services between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Picture of the completed repairs at Dolgarrog following flooding which closed the Conwy Valley Line

Rachel Heath, Network Rail Wales and Borders operations director, said: “I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out repairs to the Conwy Valley Line. I’d also like to thank our teams who worked tirelessly to plan and carry out the work, allowing the railway to reopen safely.

“While it is always disappointing to have to shut any line for these reasons, we are heartened by the fact the resilience work we completed in 2019 and 2020 allowed us to recover quickly from this week’s incident and reopen the line within four days.”

Picture from near Dolgarrog station on the Conwy Valley Line after river flooding washed away ballast on 9 April 2024

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer at TfW, said: “We’d like to thank our customers for their patience while our colleagues at Network Rail worked to repair the damage caused by the recent flooding.

“Customers can check for the latest travel information using the TfW website, our award-winning mobile app or via our social media channels.”

Aerial shot of flood damage at Dolgarrog on the Conwy Valley Line in North Wales, April 2024

Aerial shot of flood damage at Dolgarrog on the Conwy Valley Line in North Wales, April 2024

Aerial shot of flood damage at Dolgarrog on the Conwy Valley Line in North Wales, April 2024

• Following storm damage in 2019, the line was closed for four months while Network Rail carried out work to repair six miles of track, two stations and eight level crossings.
• Further work in 2020 saw the line closed for seven months (largely during the COVID pandemic when trains were not running on the route) so Network Rail could install 16,000 tonnes of rock armour.
• The latest incident was 0.5 miles from the resilience work carried out in 2020. These works held firm and, had they not taken place, this latest flooding incident is likely to have closed the line for a period of up to four months.

12 April 2024​

Welsh heritage railway receives £60,000 grants​

Class 153 for conversion

The Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway has been awarded grants totalling £60,000 towards further development of the railway and enhancing the facilities at its site at Cynheidre near Llanelli in West Wales.

Two separate grants have been awarded to the railway, which is a 100% volunteer-run charity:

• £40,000 from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.
• £20,000 from Carmarthenshire County Council's Targeted Finance fund.

Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway site at Cynheidre.

The £40,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant will go towards converting the body shell of a former Transport for Wales single-car Class 153 unit already at Cynheidre into a Community Hub with refreshment facilities.

Using the 153 will give the Community Hub a unique railway feel. This part of the project will also include the installation of a much-needed mains electricity supply at the site.

The £20,000 grant from the Carmarthenshire County Council's Targeted Finance Fund will also go towards bringing an electricity supply to the site, and developing the cafe so that it is suitable for use by both visitors to the railway and the local community; it will also provide two job opportunities at the railway for local people.

Rolling stock on the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway

Work has already started on the project, with trenches having been dug and ducting for the electricity supply laid.

It is hoped that National Grid will be able to connect the mains supply by early summer this year, although further work will be needed to distribute the electricity supply around the site.

Plans for the café have been submitted to the local council for approval, and having gone through the pre-planning stages, the railway is now awaiting final consent.

Once that is received, construction of the café facilities can begin, with completion and opening anticipated by the end of this year or early next year.

Guard's van ride on the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway

"We are very pleased to have received these grants which will enable us to further develop the site at Cynheidre as a first-class visitor attraction and community space, whilst also providing two much needed job opportunities. We would like to thank the funding bodies for their support."

Mark Thomas, Chairman of the Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway

1 April 2024​

Welsh Steel Works to introduce replacement for Class 08 locomotives ​

Zephir 'LOK 16.300' depot shunter

Leasing company Porterbrook has purchased three Zephir ‘LOK 16.300' depot shunters to replace Class 08 diesel shunters currently used for shunting at Celsa Steel Works in Cardiff.

Porterbrook will lease the new Zephir ‘LOK 16.300' to GB Railfreight for its shunting operations at Celsa, with the first shunter expected to immediately go into service when it is delivered in October 2024.

Class 08 shunter at Celsa steel works

The new shunters are more sustainable than traditional depot shunters as they are more fuel efficient and, by being fitted with road wheels, they can operate outside the confines of railway lines.

Because of the duty cycle that the shunters operate at the Celsa works, the Class 08 shunters could not be replaced by battery or electric locomotives.

The Zephir ‘LOK 16.300' shunters are fitted with EU Stage V engines, which are the latest low emission engine standards for reduced pollution and lower CO2 emissions.

The Class 08 shunters that they will replace were built before the introduction of all EU low emissions standards. They are expected to show a fuel efficiency saving of up to 60%, and the advantage that they can run on HVO bio-diesel.

GB Railfreight Class 08 shunter

The new shunters are being built at Zephir's factories at Modena in Italy, and were procured by Porterbrook through Zephir's UK distributor Depot Rail. Maintenance of the unit while in operation at Celsa will be the responsibility of Depot Rail.

The ‘LOK 16.300' shunters are based on Zephir's LOK range of 11 models, equivalent to locomotives weighing from ten to 100 tonnes capable of hauling trains from 600 to 6,000 tonnes.

Much of the output from Celsa steel works has recently gone towards the construction of HS2.

We're pleased to be adding these new industry-leading Zephir shunt locotractors to our fleet. The LOK 16.300 locotractors alongside other recent significant investments made by GB Railfreight, including 50 modern JNA-X wagons from Porterbrook will help us deliver our target to be net zero by 2050 and help to decarbonise the UK's supply chains.
Dave Golding, Asset Director of GB Railfreight

Click to expand...

Porterbrook is committed to investing in rail freight for the long-term. With over 300 depot shunters currently operating in the UK and most due for renewal over the next five years, bringing these lower-emission Zephirs under our ownership for GB Railfreight marks a further diversification of our freight fleet, and underlines our dedication to support the sector with affordable, innovative and sustainable rolling stock.
We look forward to working with Zephir and our industry partners to continue the roll out of more sustainable assets for depot operations.
Mark Wyborn, Porterbrook'Head of Freight and Route Services

Click to expand...

We are really pleased to have the opportunity to work with Porterbrook and GB Railfreight to provide a more sustainable shunting solution for Celsa's Cardiff operations.
Owen Snell, Director at Depot Rail

Click to expand...

So to catch up on what's being going on with ETHNON RAIL.............

Here's my Christmas present from Cleopatra VIII

Hornby R30185 RailRoad Plus BR, Class 37, Co-Co, 37116 'Comet'

The IRL 37116 'Comet'

And here's my Christmas present from Neonlake

Hornby R30181 RailRoad Plus GWR, Class 57, Co-Co, 57603 'Tintagel Castle'

The IRL 57603 'Tintagel Castle'

GWR Green Livery 57603 "Tintagel Castle" at St Phillips Marsh Open Day - 02 May 2016

And I even got a Christmas present from the Cat's.

Hornby R1230M GWR High Speed Train Set

Inside the box............



What's in the Box!?

Rolling Stock: GWR Class 43 HST Power Car; GWR Class 43 HST Dummy Power Car; GWR Mk3 TSO Coach

Track & Accessories: 3rd Radius Starter Oval, with Track Pack A (includes point and buffer); Train Controller (R7229); Wall Plug Transformer (P9000W); Power Connecting Track (R8206); Hornby MidiMat (1600 x 1180mm) Re-Railer.