Marcus' Model Railway Journey

7802 "BRADLEY MANOR" at Bewdley on 18.05.2018

The organisation has also reported that 7802 Bradley Manor has now taken the place of 7812 at Tyseley and is being cleaned down in order for its heavy repair work which will see the replacement of her damaged cylinder blocks.

The locomotive has also seen the trial fitting of a new racking plate which is positioned across the frames beneath the cylinders, the boiler’s non-destructive testing has also been completed with positive results.

With 7802’s new cylinder blocks already on site, the locomotive will be the organisation’s main focus for 2023 with work expected to take a minimum of 12 months ahead of her return to steam.

An update on 5164 has released that the locomotive is currently stored at Barrow Hill with preparations underway with overhaul planning alongside the purchase of parts.

Boiler tubes have already arrived as part of an ongoing programme of advanced purchasing in order to beat any price increases ahead of its planned overhaul.

Work will begin on 5164 once 7802 is completed.

Great Western Railway 5101 class large prairie 2-6-2T 5164 departs from Kiddermister Town on the Severn Valley Railway on April 6, 2008.

November 14th, 2022

Drone footage released as derailed wagons are recovered in Carlisle​

Derailed cement wagons have been removed by engineers in Carlisle which will allow major repairs to take place.

An 800-tonne crane was used over the weekend to lift the wagons over the tracks at Petteril Bridge Junction.

The derailment happened on Wednesday 19th October and caused significant damage to the bridge, track and line side equipment.

The railway has been closed since the incident and is currently impacting services on the Tyne Valley line between Carlisle and Newcastle and the Settle to Carlisle Line between Carlisle and Skipton.

The wagons have been loaded onto the back of low-loaders and have been taken away to be investigated by rail accident investigators.

• Up to 50 engineers will be on site each day
• They will replace 80 metres of damaged track
• Install 400 metres of cabling for signals and points
• Replace two switches – moving sections of track which enables trains to switch lines
• Secure bridge foundations eroded in the river Petteril with 100 tonnes of stone
• Rebuild 41 metres of destroyed bridge parapet

Network Rail hopes to have the work complete in early December to allow train services to resume.

Wagon which was in river Petteril lifted onto back of lorry

Craig Jackson, Network Rail Works Delivery manager, said:

“The weather has hugely been on our side to remove the three stranded cement wagons this weekend and this marks a turning point in our hard work to get the railway repaired and reopen for passengers.

“Now the wagons have been loaded onto lorries to be taken away by accident investigators, work can really get going to fix the track and bridge significantly damaged by the derailment.

The railway must stay closed while we carry out these important repairs, so please check National Rail Enquiries as bus replacement services will still be in operation.”

Kerry Peters, regional director for Northern, said:

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

“Whilst there is some work to do the potential reopening of the line in December will be very welcomed by our passengers on the route.

We will do all we can to support this. We have been providing rail replacement buses where needed and I want to thank any customers who have been impacted by the derailment for their understanding and patience.

We look forward to operating a full train service on the route as soon as possible.”

November 15th, 2022

British rail travel could be transformed with self-charging train innovations​

The clean, green, self-charging trains have received government funding and could bring a rail revolution to Britain's railways.​

The First of a Kind 2022 competition has seen prize money awarded to top innovators and inventors in order to bring their inspiring creations to life.

The competition is part of a collaboration with Innovate UK which is centred on developing new concepts which could transform rail travel whilst cutting the network’s carbon footprint.

Top innovators and inventors have won prize money to bring their innovations to life, as part of the First of a Kind 2022 competition.

This year’s competition is in partnership with Innovate UK, focused on new concepts that will transform rail travel for passengers and decarbonise the network.

Over £5 million in grants of up to £400,000 each have been awarded to 24 innovators at First of a Kind 2022.

The technologies will support the building of a greener railway by reducing emissions from train exhausts and will also see research focused on the use of renewable energies to power the railways.

It is thought that this year’s winning bidders will bring about a revolution in train travel in the future.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

“The UK has a long history of leading the way in railway innovation and the First of a Kind competition is getting the great brains of today to create the trains of tomorrow.

“Through millions of pounds worth of Government funding, we are breathing life into ideas that will revolutionise our railways and make them greener than ever before.

“This is just the beginning and, as Transport Secretary, I am determined to support British innovation and create a cutting edge, green rail industry that delivers even more benefits for passengers and freight.”

321334 with SWIFT Express Railfreight branding, Doncaster Down Decoy, 17.5.22.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director for Net Zero at Innovate UK, said:

“The innovations funded through this competition will help to deliver a greener, lower-emissions railway carrying increasingly higher proportions of the U.K.’s freight.

“Delivered by Innovate UK, on behalf of the Department for Transport through the Small Business Research Initiative, it seeks the best and brightest ideas.

“Companies from all over the UK have demonstrated the quality of their innovations in previous rounds of this scheme. Now we will support even more innovations to help deliver a greener railway that benefits passengers, employees and customers for rail freight.”

Winners this year include:

• Varamis who work with both DHL and FedEx in a bid to revolutionise parcel delivery for the UK. The innovative process will see the repurposing of former passenger carriages and will place a focus on railways as part of the online shopping boom by providing high-speed, non-letter delivery services.
• Echion Technologies are developing batteries that are able to charge from overhead wires by utilising the charge to ‘leapfrog’ over unelectrified sections of track. Their impressive work will see what is effectively self-charging trains and marking a genuine ‘first of a kind’ innovation.
• Thales Ground Transportation Systems have developed new sensors which are able to detect people approaching tracks, pin-pointing their location to provide an early warning to staff members. This incredible and potentially lifesaving technology will cut disruption and may work as a suicide intervention or prevent protestors from getting on to tracks.

Other ground-breaking projects which have won grants include:

• Automatic systems that detect and stop track flooding
• Cutting-edge electric drive trains that could replace polluting diesel engines
• A new technology that will instantly relay track information in order to improve and modernise rail safety

Further funding is also available for projects in 2023 for winners with a record of success in order to progress concepts further.

Supporting the launch of more than 100 projects, the First of a Kind competition is supporting transformation across the industry.

Previous winners of the competition include:

• Riding Sunbeams, which power railways using sunlight
• 4Silence’s sound-bending walls which cancel out noise pollution created by the railway.

November 15th, 2022

Railway carriage ‘Queen Mary’ finally gets her nameplates​

After a 95-year wait, a unique carriage based at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway has been given nameplates.

Built-in 1927 on the Nocton Estates Railway which had 23 miles of narrow gauge tracks around Nocton Fen.

The carriage operated from the former Nocton & Dunston station using the Lincoln to Sleaford line and also the west bank of the River Witham opposite Bardney which was the site of a conveyor bridge which would take delivery of sugar beet to be processed at the Bardney sugar factory.

The frames of the carriage were from First World War bogie wagons that would carry soldiers and supplies to the front-line trenches.

It is thought that further components of the carriage were used from ambulance vans which would carry injured soldiers as both types were used on the Nocton railway.

The ‘Queen Mary’ carriage had quite a different life, carrying shooting parties across the estate, growing potatoes and other supporting crops for Smiths Crisps, and was unusually fitted with comfy chairs, drink holders and gun racks.

The carriage gained its regal ‘Queen Mary’ nickname as estate workers saw those enjoying its comforts as being aloof.

When the line stopped operations during the late 1950s, the carriage was sold and was used as a taxi office and a scrap merchants office in the Sleaford and Boston areas.

Once the Nocton system closed its rails and vehicles were sold to the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway which is located at Humberston near Cleethorpes and made it the world’s first-ever heritage railway built by enthusiasts using a greenfield site during the 1960s.

Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway was able to rescue the characterful carriage and move it to its site, in 1985 it was moved to storage at Burgh-le-Marsh when the line closed and was then moved in 1992 to the current location at Skegness Water Leisure Park where the historic railway reopened during 2009.

The carriage has seen substantial restorations completed alongside some modifications in order for it to be used by the public and to accommodate wheelchair access.

The ‘Queen Mary’ carriage saw it carry its first fare-paying passengers this year and has been extremely popular with visitors throughout the summer season.

Traditional signwriter, Tim Fry has made two nameplates at his workshop in Martin Dales and the carriage restoration team at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway are delighted to see the special carriage finally get her nameplates.

Tim said:

“It’s a pleasure to help these volunteers who are keeping alive an important part of Lincolnshire’s heritage”.

Mick Allen, a long-term volunteer who worked on the ‘Queen Mary’ at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway said:

“I’m thrilled with the nameplates Tim has made for the ‘Queen Mary’. I’ll fit them during further restoration over the winter. They will help bring alive the story of this unique carriage”.

November 15th, 2022

Rail Trolley Trust adds Permaquip Material Handling Tug to its fleet​

Following recent donations of a Permaquip Panex Clip Extractor and a Permaquip Permaclipper track machine, the Rail Trolley Trust has added a Permaquip Material Handling Tug to its fleet of small track machines.

The tug has a Permaquip works number T003 and was supplied to British Rail in 1988 when it was allocated fleet number CEPS No. DX68097.

In recent years it has been operated by Amey with fleet No. 105099.

For several years the Trust has known about the vehicle, then last May the Trust made contact with the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway and was informed that it was surplus to requirements.

By the middle of July, the Trust had agreed a deal with the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway that was acceptable to both sides.

On 10th October, Dawson (Structural) Engineering Co. Ltd moved the tug from Wallingford to the Tanat Valley Light Railway near Oswestry where it joined the Rail Trolley Trust‘s Shropshire Collection.

Unfortunately, the Tug came with no relevant technical or operating documentation or paperwork. Neither the Trust nor the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway has anything relating to it.

November 15th, 2022

Bala Lake Railway makes significant progress towards Bala Town​

The Bala Lake Railway Trust has released some aerial photographs showing the progress being made in extending the Bala Lake Railway to a station in the town of Bala.

Natural Resources Wales is carrying out the civil engineering work on the railway’s behalf whilst they are undertaking work on flood defences, which will soon be finished.

To fund the work, the railway raised £277,000 from its amazing supporters, for which they are very grateful.

The railway currently runs for 4½ miles from Llanuwchllyn to Pen-y-Bont station, which is about ½-mile outside the town of Bala.

A 1,200m extension of the line will diverge from the existing line at Pen-y-Bont station, cross the B4403 and the River Dee, then follow the foreshore of Bala Lake and turn inland to terminate at the new Bala Town station.

The biggest challenge is in crossing the B4403 and the River Dee.

A passing loop and platform will be constructed on part of the current Pen-y-Bont and a new level crossing will be constructed across the B4403.

To avoid constructing a new bridge, it is hoped to share with the road across the River Dee on the existing B4391 bridge.

The proposal to share the B4391 bridge whilst retaining the existing two-lane carriageway was put forward during a meeting between the Trust and Gwynedd County Council Highways Department, and both parties are now working to reach a formal agreement.

Before and track can be laid on the new formation planning permission will be required.

The railway has acquired much of the land needed for the route and has worked with local consultants to prepare and submit a planning application.

The planning application process turned out to be very challenging, demanding, and time-consuming, and cost much more than originally estimated.

However, all requirements have now been fulfilled so the railway hopes the Snowdonia National Park will determine and grant it permission early next year.

Once planning approval has been granted, the railway will launch a general appeal to fund the next stages of the line’s development.

Although supporters’ donations at this crucial stage are helping enormously, the railway expresses its hope that people will continue to support the dream that is now becoming a reality.

November 15th, 2022

ETHNON RAIL

YouTube Channel News


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Gv8b2T-qbLmt2tgAmJp1g/about

The Channel now has 8 subscribers, I'm amazed as I haven't uploaded any videos yet!

Attempted a video but the sound is terrible, Neonlake and I are 'brainstorming' a solution to this issue and we may take video and add audio later.

We have now filmed quite a lot of footage and are in the process of editing and sound recording.

So, hopefully, we may have our first video uploaded as soon as that work has been completed.

November 15th, 2022

No.2 Station Cat, Lulu, appears to be sleeping on duty.......
...........................................................................................................................I was watching the trains, honest!

November 15th, 2022

BREAKING NEWS!

Neonlake has sent me some photos taken at Cardiff Central Station at 2018hrs.

Here's his report.....

"Please stay away from the train on platform 8, this train is under test."

The speaker says to me, as the only man on the platform.

A bit blurry Neo!

Looks like a new Bois in town. Thought you'd like some pics

Imma have my greggs slice when I get in

Well thanks Neo, nice one!

I've identified the unit as a Class 231 FLIRT which are a class of eleven diesel-electric multiple units which have been built for Transport for Wales by Swiss rolling stock manufacturer Stadler Rail.

They are expected to enter service in January 2023.

November 15th, 2022

Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 45231 The Sherwood Forester to pass through Milton Keynes today​

Steam Combo in the Gloom
British Railways Class 5MT 45231 "Sherwood Forester" + LNER Class A4 4498 "Sir Nigel Gresley" passes a very dull and wet Stafford Station on 5z60 0921 Crewe Holding Sidings - Southall Depot, photographed in lowlight on 15/11/2022

LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and LMS Black 5 No. 45231 The Sherwood Forester will be heading to West London today.

Departing Crewe HS at 09:21, the pair will pass through Crewe (09:57), Stafford (10:56), Atherstone (11:35), Northampton (12:45), Milton Keynes Central (13:05), Tring (13:54), Watford Junction (14:26), Wembley Central (14:40), Acton Main Line (15:05), West Ealing (15:17), Southall (16:02) and Southall LSL at 16:33.

45231 'The Sherwood Forester' & 4498 'Sir Nigel Gresley' double heading ECS working 5Z60, the 09.21 Crewe H.S. to Southall Loco Services Ltd at Northampton. Tue 15.11.2022.

45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’, 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ working the 5Z60 Crew Heritage Centre to Southall Loco Services passing Cathiron near Rugby on 15.11.2022.

45231 ‘The Sherwood Forester’, 4498 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ working the 5Z60 Crew Heritage Centre to Southall Loco Services passing Cathiron near Rugby on 15.11.2022.

45231 'The Sherwood Forester' & 4498 'Sir Nigel Gresley' double heading ECS working 5Z60, the 09.21 Crewe H.S. to Southall Loco Services Ltd at Northampton. Tue 15.11.2022.

Two Steam Locomotives from two different regions passing through Rugeley Trent Valley on a empty stock working, LMS Black 5, 45231 The Sherwood Forester and LNER A4 4498 Sir Nigel Gresley with a Class 47 diesel locomotive on the end, 47593 Galloway Princess.

Passed through Rugeley Trent Valley at 1113 heading down the West Coast Main Line while working 5Z60 0921 Crewe H.S. to Southall Loco Services Ltd. Filmed 15th November 2022

Carlisle Derailment Update: More Views and Clearing the Wagons 6 - 14 Nov 2022.

A record of what was happening at Petteril Bridge Junction before and during the clear up.

Some new images of the wagons in the river, building the massive crane and, care of Network Rail's Media Centre, their record of lifting the wagons.

Added views of loading the crushed tanker onto Messrs Allelys trailer to compliment Network Rail's drone view.

November 16th, 2022

DB partners with Siemens Mobility to develop new high-speed train​

Deutsche Bahn AG (DB) and Siemens Mobility have agreed a partnership to develop their vision of a new-generation high-speed train.

During the first half of 2023 they will work together on a concept for the new train.

Once that has been completed, another tender will be put in place in the second half of 2023 for the development, construction, and certification of the new fleet.

By working in partnership, the companies can address the specific needs of the operator and passengers with implementing state-of-the-art technologies. Joint working will nurture new ideas to make rail travel even more attractive, comfortable and convenient.

Deutsche Bahn aims to double the number of passengers using long-distance rail transport by 2030.

This goal will be a major consideration in developing the new generation of trains.

Among the criteria are single-deck trains with a maximum length of 400 meters, seating capacity for around 950 passengers, and a maximum speed of at least 300 km/h.

As well as providing enhanced passenger comfort, the new trains are expected to set new standards in energy efficiency and technical availability.

Siemens Mobility is an industry leader in single-deck high-speed trains, and there are currently over 1,000 Siemens trains based on its high-speed Velaro platform in service around the world.

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, said:

“We are especially pleased that Siemens Mobility is one of two competing suppliers to be commissioned to develop a new concept for high-speed trains. This will give us the opportunity to continue our long-standing partnership with Deutsche Bahn. Even the form of cooperation is forward-looking: Rather than delivering a specific catalogue of requirements, the most important features of the new generation of ICE trains will be developed in close cooperation with the customer."

November 16th, 2022

Britains most bashed bridges revealed by Network Rail​

Harlaxton Road

With more large vehicles on Britain's roads than ever, Network Rail has released a list of the most-struck rail bridges across the country

‘Wise Up, Size Up’ Is Network Rail’s ongoing campaign which aims to remind lorry drivers and haulage operators to know the height of vehicles and select suitable routes before making journeys at this especially busy time of year with both Black Friday and Christmas on the horizon.

The most bashed bridge in the country is the Stonea Road bridge on the B1098 in Cambridgeshire which was closed for 12 months in 2019 after a number of strikes before reopening in late 2020.

Since reopening and for the period of April 2021 to March 2022, the bridge has been struck a shocking 33 times and has led to £10,526 of unnecessary train delays and cancellation costs.

Below is the list of the most struck railway bridge in Britain for 2021/22:

1. Stonea Road, Stonea, Cambridgeshire 33 strikes
2. Lower Down’s Road, Wimbledon, London 18 strikes
3. Harlaxton Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire 17 strikes
4. Abbey Farm, Thetford, Norfolk 15 strikes
5. Stuntney Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire 12 strikes
6. Harefield Road, Brakespeare Road South, West Ruislip, London 12 strikes
7. Station Road B4105, Berkswell, Solihull 12 strikes
8. Station Road, Langley, Berkshire12 strikes
9. St John’s Street, Lichfield, Staffordshire 11 strikes
10. Coddenham Road, Needham Market, Suffolk 10 strikes

We're urging lorry drivers to ‘wise up, size up’ ahead of the Black Friday and Christmas delivery rushes. Know the height of your vehicle and choose suitable routes before your journey:


The ‘Wise Up, Size Up’ campaign sees a light hearted and humerous stylised animation which shows three high-sided vehicles navigating a low bridge in the oddest of ways including pole-vaulting and tunnelling beneath it.

The animation aims to get a message across to drivers to take a moment to consider if it is worth taking the risk when approaching low bridges.

Network Rail works with various rail industry partners in order to deal with bridge strikes such as Highways England, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency or DVSA as well as hauliers.

Incidents have seen a drop in recent years but a steady increasing trend has emerged which coincides with estimates of increased traffic volume.

Provisional estimates by the Department for Transport from April 2021 to March 2022 have revealed that lorry traffic has increased in Great Britain by 10.1% which is equivalent to 17.8 billion vehicle miles.

Sir Peter Hendy CBE, chair of Network Rail said:

“Bridge bashers cause serious safety issues on the transport network for both road and rail users.

Every incident can delay tens of thousands of passengers while we inspect the bridge and repair any damage – creating a huge cost from public funds.

“During this very busy time of year for deliveries, we urge operators and drivers to properly plan their routes, know the height of their vehicles and be vigilant for road signs showing the height of bridges. We will report those who don’t to the Traffic Commissioners, and they risk losing their licenses and livelihoods.

Network Rail always looks to recover the entire repair and delay costs from the driver and the operator.”

Network Rail’s ongoing 4E’s initiative focuses on education, engineering, enablement and enforcement and is part of its bid to ensure that haulage companies and their drivers have the information and tools required in order to avoid bridge strikes.

The initiative sees a team of bridge strike ‘champions’ who cover each route throughout Britain and aim to raise awareness by visiting haulage companies and overseeing the management of bridge strike risk for their area.

November 16th, 2022

Freight operators can now haul more goods wagons per train!​

The Rail Safety and Standards Board has carried out a research project which has revealed approaches to improve rail freight haulage

The research project carried out by the Rail Safety and Standards Board has led to freight operators being able to haul a greater number of goods wagons on trains which will see a knock-on effect in environmental impact and overall financial efficiency.

The project has allowed existing couplers which connect freight wagons to safely connect a greater load with evidence revealing that a 34.5-tonne rated coupler could carry 40 tonnes which is a 16% increase.

56 Tonne-rated couplers can also see an increase to 63 tonnes which is an increase of 13%.

The increased ratings are able to be applied to wagons which are operating today with no need for upgrades or engineering assessments.

The research will see over 12,000 rail freight wagons which is more than half of Britain’s fleet, get an upgrade in traction rating or the amount of weight it can safely haul.

The Rail Safety and Standards Board used real-world case studies in order to carry out the research project which led to the discovery that upgrading coupler strength ratings could offer huge benefits both environmentally and financially.

A typical journey from England into Scotland would see more than two tonnes of CO2 emission saved using the new findings alongside a substantial amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate emissions alongside the numerous financial efficiencies provided by the increase in train length.

DB Cargo Class 66 Diesel No 66089 working 6H36 East Usk Branch Birdport to Margam T.C. at St Georges, Cardiff on 3 October 2022

Case studies:

• A 50-mile journey in both directions hauling 24 wagons – increased to 27 wagons saw environmental savings of 0.25 tonnes of CO2 with projected annual financial savings of £291k.
• A 235-mile journey in both directions hauling 14 wagons – increased to 16 wagons provided environmental savings of 1.4 tonnes of CO2 with projected annual financial savings of £245k.
• A 235-mile journey in both directions hauling 19 wagons – increased to 23 wagons provided environmental savings of 2.1 tonnes of CO2 with projected annual financial savings of £364k.

The implementation of the improved freight couple load rating is now underway within the rail industry alongside the identification of routes which are suitable for longer freight trains.

RSSB’s Lead Research Analyst, Aaron Barrett said:

“It’s good to see the results of our research directly helping freight train operators. By enabling longer trains, more goods and materials can be hauled per journey. This will have a hugely positive impact on emissions and financial efficiency.

“This research project is the first in a series, funded by the Department of Transport, designed to help the rail freight sector in Great Britain. Our freight research programme is currently focusing on the safe operation of rail freight, raising the average speed of services, enabling the operation of longer trains and reducing emissions.”

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said:

“This research is hugely promising. It’s great to see how we’re continuing to improve our freight network, so even more goods and materials can be moved with every journey, strengthening the UK supply chain.

“Government investment into new ideas and innovations is vital as we continue to strengthen the UK supply chain and strive towards greener freight and net zero by 2050.”

Director General of the Rail Freight Group, Maggie Simpson said:

“Rail Freight Group members have been working hard to improve the efficiency and performance of their rail freight services and look forward to moving more goods and materials on the new capacity this research has identified.

“RSSB’s research projects are bringing modern thinking and analysis to age-old issues, and will enable more goods to be hauled by train without needing investment in new infrastructure or rolling stock.”

November 16th, 2022

Flash mob Welsh choir singing on TfW train for World Cup​

Tonna Male Voice Choir​

Tonna Male Voice Choir surprised those travelling by rail today by singing the Welsh national anthem on a few routes in Wales in support of the Welsh football team.

Over 20 members of the choir, many of them old enough to remember and recall the last World Cup that Wales qualified for (some even claimed they played!), jumped on the train at their local station in Neath.

They then travelled by train and treated passengers in ‘flash mob' style to a rendition of the national anthem.

Armed with a football and a patriotic passion they cheered up passengers and helped spread the World Cup fever that’s starting to engulf the country.

Following belting out Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau on a couple of rail routes, they ended with a memorable performance at Swansea Railway Station with all those there joining in the celebration.

John Humphreys, Chairman of Tonna Male Voice Choir said:

“We love singing and we’ve sung all over the world. We’re going to head out on the trains, do some singing, surprise people and make them smile.

“I remember the last World Cup, I was fourteen and I watched it with my father on the television. John Charles played and scored, but then got injured and didn’t play in the quarters.

“We had a wonderful time then, but this time we’re going to go all the way.”

James Williams, Head of Media for TfW added:

“We’ve had a great morning with Tonna Male Voice Choir on our network, they’ve put smiles on people’s faces and celebrated the start of Wales’ first World Cup in 64 years with unique Welsh humour and song.

“Many of the choir recalled tales from the tournament in 1958 and today they spread that ‘spirit of 58’ onto the ‘generation of 22’. Good luck to the Wales team, we’re all behind you.”

November 16th, 2022

Planning permission granted for restoration of Portishead line​

The project to rebuild the 18.5km railway to Portishead near Bristol has been given the green light by transport secretary Mark Harper, who has signed a Development Consent Order.

In a letter published by National Infrastructure Planning, Mr Harper says he is ‘satisfied that the costs of the scheme have been appropriately assessed’. It has been calculated that the reopened line will serve a catchment area of 50,000 people, forming part of MetroWest Phase 1.

There has been a long campaign to reverse the withdrawal of passenger services between Parson Street station in Bristol and Portishead by British Railways in September 1964.

North Somerset Council leader Steve Bridger said the announcement was ’the result of over three years’ hard work from our officers and delivery partners, including Womble Bond Dickinson, Ardent, Jacobs and Network Rail. I would like to thank everyone who has put in a tremendous effort to secure the DCO.

‘The local population has quadrupled since the original Portishead rail line closed almost 60 years ago. In reopening this route and stations at Portishead and Pill, we can better connect our communities and businesses to the opportunities offered by continued growth across our region, both now and in the future.

‘With expected journeys of just 23 minutes, the reopened line would also provide a reliable alternative to the A369/M5 Junction 19, unlocking new ways for people to get around more sustainably as we all do our bit to reach Net Zero.

‘As a scheme of vital importance, North Somerset Council and West of England Combined Authority are committed to continuing the work needed to finally make Portishead rail a reality, rising to tackle national challenges where necessary, with an aim of starting construction in 2024.’

Network Rail Wales & Western investment director Francis McGarry said: ‘We warmly welcome the approval of a Development Consent Order which is an important milestone in the reopening of the Portishead line.

‘This line has been long awaited, and we look forward to working with our partners to deliver this major scheme which will play a significant role in supporting sustainable travel in and around Bristol.’

In July North Somerset Council had said that the projected capital cost of the scheme had risen to £152 million, and the granting of the DCO has followed an agreement between local authorities and the Department for Transport to collectively pledge £35.58 million in additional funding to meet the shortfall.

This funding and the start of construction will depend on a decision about the project’s Full Business Case in 2024.

Eat your heart out Dr. Beeching!

November 17th, 2022

Tarka Valley Railway takes delivery of ex-GWR Pacer unit​

The Tarka Valley Railway at Torrington in North Devon has taken delivery of a British Rail class 143 “Pacer” DMU No. 143617.

The Pacer was donated by Great Western Railway and was transported from St Philip’s Marsh T&RSMD in Bristol to Great Torrington by Allelys Heavy Haulage.

At one time, the unit was based at Great Western Railway’s Exeter TMD and regularly used to work locally to Barnstaple.

Many hours of work by Tarka Valley Railway volunteers went into preparing the site for the arrival of the unit.

Many months of behind-the-scenes planning also went into preparations to enable the railway to take delivery of the unit.

Torrington station is on the former Barnstaple to Halwill Junction railway line, but passenger services to Torrington ended in 1965 and the line closed completely in 1982.

Since then the trackbed has been converted into The Tarka Trail walking and cycling route.

The railway is located on part of the Tarka Trail, but has been fenced off from it to ensure the safety of all involved.

As well as 143617, the railway has an 0-6-0 diesel shunter that is used for construction work along the line. It was built in 1945 by John Fowler and is fitted with a 60 h.p. 6-cylinder Leyland diesel engine that was installed in 1977.

At one time, it performed shunting duties at Cheltenham gas works.

Other rolling stock includes a BR Mk.1 TSO carriage painted in BR green which is used as a static buffet car, a 4-wheel oil tanker that has been restored in Bideford Gas and Coke Co. livery, a china clay wagon, a BR Toadfit brake van which is being restored and will be used for brake van rides, a former London Transport 402 Steel Hoppper which came from the Swanage Railway, and the body from a BR 4 wheel ventilated goods van that is being used as a workshop.