Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Track diagram showing the two single slips in the station approach.

The two single slips highlighted in red and green.
The slip highlighted in red, lead onto either the goods yard from the 'up' or onto the 'down' mainlines.
The slip highlighted in green leads onto the goods yard and also used for the goods shunting operations.

Wednesday 11 Sep 2024



Saved from the scrapheap: Old track from Severn Tunnel gets new life at Global Centre of Rail Excellence


Old track panels from the Severn Tunnel have found a new home at the GCRE in Wales

Track that was removed from the Severn Tunnel during the recent renewal of the line will have a second life after moving to the Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) to be used as sidings.

Rather than sending the track from this year’s renewal to the scrapheap, Network Rail has been able to recycle all four miles – with half going to the GCRE rail innovation facility being developed in Wales and the other half being broken down to be used by Network Rail’s maintenance team.

This is the second consignment of track from the Severn Tunnel being sent to GCRE’s site near Onllwyn. The latest delivery arrived on site during the summer and follows on from the two miles of track delivered to GCRE last year, which is already being utilised at the site.

The Severn Tunnel was closed for 16 days in July while engineers renewed the entire track in the Wales-bound direction in a £10m project that was delivered on time and on budget.

In previous years, those panels of track that were replaced would be scrapped, but they will now get a new lease of life elsewhere on the railway.

Old track panels from the Severn Tunnel have found a new home at the GCRE in Wales


Brian Paynter, Network Rail project director, said: “We’re delighted we’ve been able to recycle and find a new home for six miles of track from the Severn Tunnel over the past two summers.

“This is an innovative way for us to reduce our carbon footprint, improve sustainability and help the rail industry in the form of the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in South Wales.

“While this track can no longer be used for operation at high speed within the Severn Tunnel, it is perfect for use as sidings at GCRE, where it could potentially last forever with trains in effect sitting on the track rather than running on it.

“Our own maintenance team have also taken two miles of this track, and they will be recycling the sleepers by using them to replace life-expired or redundant sleepers on our less frequently used lines.

“There are many benefits to taking this approach – and it’s fantastic that this track from one of our most iconic pieces of railway infrastructure will continue to be used.”

Simon Jones, GCRE Ltd chief executive, said: “It’s great news that we have been able to extend our partnership with Network Rail to secure additional recycled materials from the Severn Tunnel upgrade for reuse at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence.

“At our site, the two miles of panels will be given new life as part of the construction of the depot sidings area of our facility.

“Critically, this collaboration shows what can be achieved as part of an imaginative approach to the circular economy and to reducing carbon emissions. We see this collaboration with Network Rail as just the start of our work together as we look to construct the GCRE facility from as much recycled material as possible.

“The Global Centre of Rail Excellence will help to rebuild local prosperity, make transport better, pioneer a net-zero railway and renew an amazing place – and it’s creative steps like these that help us show the positive impact GCRE can have.”

GCRE is a major new facility for rail and mobility research, testing and innovation, currently being developed in South Wales. GCRE will be the UK’s first net-zero in-operation facility.

Mainline return for steam locomotive 60163 Tornado delayed​

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced a delay to the mainline return of A1 No. 60163 Tornado.

Tornado is coming to the end of a complex overhaul and has been running in at the Great Central Railway, including passenger running days.

60mph test runs were completed but it was found that the locomotive had a warped fire grate component.

The trust says this is a relatively simple repair, but requires the fire to be dropped so the firebox can cool down to allow fitters to make the repair.

The repairs, which are also taking place on other minor defects, mean the locomotive has lost valuable running in miles.

Additionally, Tornado is being fitted with digital signalling and part of that work has included a change to the braking system.

A black box data recorder has also been installed but during testing, some problems became apparent and fixing this would be too close for comfort to the 21st September.

Rather than postpone to a future date, the trust has decided to cancel the tour and issue refunds.

One of the main reasons is that as we enter autumn and winter, the days draw shorter and the trust would not want passengers to miss the incredible scenery with a large amount of the day being in dark.

Focus is now on more mileage accumulation runs ahead of a mainline test run.

The plan is for Tornado to move to Tyseley next week and a plan has been agreed with Network Rail for test runs to take place in late September / early October and these should be completed before moving to the Nene Valley Railway in October.

12 September 2024
Marcus & Son Hit Cardiff!
Well, today Neonlake and myself decided to make a day of it in Cardiff.
Naturally we travelled into Cardiff Central in style....well....er.....a single class 153 unit.

Class 153. 153921 Super Sprinter. Formally numbered 153321. Diesel Multiple Unit. In Transport for Wales livery at Cardiff Central.

Our first port of call was The Great Western.

I popped into my second-hand model railway supplier, sadly there was nothing there I needed.

So we went on to our first food stop for a spot of lunch...........

Pho Cardiff

Then it was onwards for some more liquid refreshment at The Head of Steam.

With an extensive beer, wine and spirits range, great food offer, and quality live music and events, The Head of Steam Cardiff is a destination for beer lovers and those looking to spend their downtime with friends and family.

Had some great beers in there.

Then Neo fancied a cocktail, so we went to The Alchemist, the best cocktail bar in Cardiff........

Neo had a Screwball and I had a hip flask Margherita, the cool thing was you kept the hip flash which had the Alchemist logo.

Then we went on an adventure.

About Lab 22
Sensational in design, infused with contemporary vigour and touched with elegance, Lab 22 will delight and inspire.
Representing the ultimate in prestige and refinement.
Lab 22 is a unique venue offering a truly scientific approach to your sense of enjoyment.
Sleek and chic yet abundant in character.
Lab 22 is the place the real magic happens.
A place where elements collide and senses come alive.
Lab 22 encourages the extraordinary and encourages the unusual.
Seamlessly combining the classic traditions and modern techniques of mixology Creative cocktail lounge & bar where guests experience an array of liquid delights, uniquely created by some of the cities finest mixologists.

Trying to find LAB 22..........

After asking for some help in a local shop.

We were shown where it was..............

It was above Greggs!

So after climbing some stairs, we reach the bar.............

And we have a........


Convergence -

Bombay Bramble, Vanilla, Sour Cherry Tea

This is served with a meringue on top.

I love the artwork that comes with each cocktail.

Convergence | The Multiverse​

Multiverse Theory​

It is hypothesised that there are multiple alternate realities running alongside our current reality; that there exists a separate version of yourself for every decision you (or anyone else) has ever made. Many physicists have disregarded the theory of a ‘multiverse’, saying that is isn’t a legitimate topic of scientific inquiry, and rather belongs in the realms of philosophy.

The more you think about it, the more ridiculous it seems. Is there a version of you that became a billionaire? Is there a version of you who never grew out of your Emo phase, and still wears black drainpipe jeans and listens to My Chemical Romance because it’s “not just a phase”? Is there a version of you who actually had the guts to ask out your high school crush? These idea that these ‘alternate selves’ may exist in a physical form somewhere sounds like pure fantasy, but the fact is we simply don’t know. We can’t prove that it doesn’t exist, we can’t prove that it does. Maybe we should try to understand our own universe before trying to understand other ones. Either way, I’m sure this will idea will fuel lazy science-fiction writers for years to come.

So, after leaving LAB 22, we head off for some more food.

We chose to try Eat the Bird, a chicken led burger restaurant.

They do cocktails too.....................

So we had a couple of cocktails and a Double Dip Burger which is a gravy dipped fried chicken, smoked cheddar, barbecue streaky bacon, crispy onion and a bowl of gravy for dipping.......And some fries!

This artwork was on the wall there.......

So after that great meal with cocktails, we thought we'd call it a day.

We'd been in Cardiff for nearly 9 hours!

So it was back to the station to catch the train home.
Poor Neo fell asleep on the train, it was a long day of drinking for him, bless.

Class 153. 153333 Super Sprinter at Cardiff Central.

15 Sep 2024
Metro

Plans revealed for a new tramway between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay​

Plans have been revealed for a brand-new tramway from Cardiff Central railway station to Cardiff Bay, connecting the two directly by rail for the first time.



The first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, which is being delivered by Cardiff Council and Transport for Wales (TfW), will significantly improve the railway network between the city centre and Cardiff Bay, benefiting the wider city and region.

Members of the public are being invited to share their views as part of a 6-week consultation which runs from today (16 September) to 27 October 2024. The consultation is available on: haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail

The scheme will deliver a new two-platform station located in the southern car park of Cardiff Central railway station, with easy interchange at the station. The proposed new tramway will run from the current southern car park at Cardiff Central station, crossing through Callaghan Square to join the existing Cardiff Bay line and onto Cardiff Bay.

A third platform will be built at Cardiff Bay railway station as part of the scheme, which is in addition to the second platform already being built as part of the ongoing transformation of the Cardiff Bay line, through the South Wales Metro.

Cardiff Council and TfW are looking for feedback on the proposed designs of the new tramway proposals. Views and ideas are also welcome on improvements to public spaces on the route to connect neighbouring communities, places and attractions.

Cllr De’Ath, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport at Cardiff Council said: “The Cardiff Crossrail project has been a long-held ambition for a long time and when fully complete will connect some of the most deprived communities in Cardiff to the railway network for the first time.

“Subject to funding, the Cardiff Crossrail will eventually run from the northwest of the city, all the way to the east of the city connecting with the proposed Parkway railway station.

“To start this process, the first phase of the scheme must be built between Cardiff Central and Cardiff Bay. This will finally ensure that Butetown is properly connected to the city centre, through the new tramway, providing further capacity for residents and visitors to access the wide range of attractions that Cardiff has to offer. We want the public to engage in the consultation process, so they can give their feedback on the very first phase of this exciting project.”

Dan Tipper, TfW’s Chief Infrastructure Officer, said: “Today, in partnership with Cardiff Council, we’ve shared exciting plans for the delivery of a brand-new tramway between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff Bay station. These plans align with work already underway to build a new track on the Cardiff Bay line, which will allow faster and more frequent services using brand-new tram-trains.

“Our ambition is that the new tramway will contribute towards a more sustainable transport network for Cardiff, encouraging more people to leave their cars at home and instead choose more sustainable ways to travel.

“We want to hear as many thoughts, opinions and questions on the proposals as possible, which will help to inform key decisions on the scheme. Contributions from our communities will help to shape this project so we can deliver a public tramway that people are proud of.”

A series of drop-in events will give members of the public opportunities to talk to the teams involved and learn more and ask questions about the proposals.

Cardiff Council and TfW will be hosting a media call on Monday 16 September between 10-11am at Cardiff Bay rail station as an opportunity for interviews. Please note, the station’s platform is currently only accessible from the Bute Street side of the station. Please contact james.williams@tfw.wales if you have any questions.

Please note, images shared are for illustrative purposes only and may change as designs progress. The delivery of Cardiff Crossrail Phase 1A (Cardiff Central station to Cardiff Bay station) is subject to business case approval, a future Transport and Works Act Order, Traffic Regulation Orders and funding availability.

The consultation is available on: haveyoursay.tfw.wales/cardiff-crossrail. The online platform contains further information on the proposed tramway, including visuals and a virtual fly-through which show what the scheme could look like. The public can also find details of the public drop-ins which will take place throughout the consultation period, which will be an opportunity to find out more and ask questions about the scheme. The online survey will be open until 11:59pm on 27 October. 

Cardiff Crossrail phase 1 is part of the wider Cardiff Crossrail vision presented in the Transport White Paper, published by Cardiff Council in July 2019. The paper outlines an ambitious 10-year vision for transport in the capital city.

The scheme is fully aligned with the South Wales Metro aspirations. It’ll align with work already underway to build a new track on the Cardiff Bay line to allow faster and more frequent services using brand new tram-trains.

To enable the implementation of the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, there’ll be changes to the road layout on Callaghan Square and traffic routing in the area. There’ll also be improvements to active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling) links with new sections of segregated cycleway and improved footways for pedestrians.

Cardiff Council is working with TfW to explore the possibility of delivering a new connection from Cardiff Bay station to a brand-new station on Pierhead Street (Cardiff Crossrail phase 1b), which is subject to additional funding being secured.

Cardiff Council, in partnership with TfW, secured £100 million of funding for Cardiff Crossrail phase 1a, the delivery of a tramway from Cardiff Central station to Cardiff Bay station. £50 million was secured from the UK Government, with the Welsh Government match funding a further £50 million for the project.