Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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So after some very expensive drinks in 'The Head of Steam' we carried on to 'The Gatekeeper'.

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10th December, 2024

Photos show Storm Darragh damage to Welsh steam railway


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Fallen tree blocking the line


Because of damage caused by Storm Darragh last weekend, in line with many other heritage railways, the Corris Railway in Mid-Wales was reluctantly forced to abandon its planned Santa Specials last Saturday 7th and Sunday, 8th .

Many volunteers had travelled from far and wide, including as far south as the Isle of Wight and as far north as Scotland.

On Friday, 6th December, they had completed their preparations ready to welcome excited children on their trip to Santa’s grotto during the weekend.
 
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Water flooding the inspection pit


By Saturday morning, plans were in disarray.

Landslips had blocked the road north and south of Corris, at Corris and Maespoeth Junction the electricity supply had been lost, and overflowing on the A487 had caused rainwater to flood off the road and cascade into the machine shop, engine shed and loco inspection pit.

An inspection of the line also found three trees blocking the line in various places.

By Saturday afternoon, volunteers from the local community had cleared the road drains and stopped any more water flooding into the loco shed at Maespoeth.

Corris Railway volunteers then started cleaning-up the damage caused by the water to the railway’s infrastructure, and this will continue in the run up to Christmas.

Cancellation of the Santa Specials was particularly disappointing, as No.10 Falcon was scheduled to be the main locomotive operating Christmas trains, although it had been a regular performer earlier in the year.
 
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Water flooding onto the railway


Whilst larger heritage railways run Santa specials over several weekends leading up to Christmas, the small number of volunteers means that it is currently not practicable for the Corris Railway.

The busy pre-Christmas weekend has historically been a reliable source of income that helps to provide a financial cushion for the months during the winter when trains are not running.

As well as losing the income from the Santa Specials, there was an additional from the expenditure spent on setting up as well as children’s presents and the food and drink that form part of the visitor experience.

Following the dedicated efforts of one of the railway’s volunteers, all passengers who had pre-booked for the Santa Specials had received a complete refund by midnight on Sunday, 7th December.

However, some people who had booked very kindly and generously people asked the railway not to be refunded but to donate the money to General Funds.
 
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A good crowd prepare to board one of last year’s Santa Specials


It was not only the Corris Railway that suffered over the weekend, as the non-running of the Santa Specials affected the number of visitors to the Corris Café and the Slater’s Arms.

Assuming there is no repeat of this year’s storms, next year’s Corris Railway Santa Specials are scheduled for Saturday, 13th and Sunday, 14th December 2025.
 
10th December, 2024

Severn Valley Railway to join in nationwide ‘whistle off’

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Driver Mick Matthews whistles up with fireman Alex Robinson prepare for Santa services


The Severn Valley Railway is joining other UK heritage railways on New Year’s Day in a nationwide ‘whistle off’ to herald the beginning of Railway 200, a year of events to mark the 200th anniversary of the birth of modern railways.

Throughout the country, at 12 noon on Wednesday, 1st January 2025 heritage steam locomotives will sound their whistles in a coordinated cacophony of sound.

Sounding locomotives whistles at midnight on New Year’s Eve was a regular occurrence in steam days, and this evocative rekindling of tradition has been coordinated by the Heritage Railway Association.
 
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Driver Mick Matthews and fireman Alex Robinson who will perform the ‘whistle up’


Railway 200 will run throughout 2025, and as well as commemorating the birth of modern railways, it is designed to inspire a new generation of young, pioneering talent to choose a career in rail.

In addition to running a number of events during 2025 to mark Railway 200, the Severn Valley Railway will also be celebrating its own 60th anniversary.

Preceding the ‘whistle off’ will be the Severn Valley Railway’s Festive Services that run daily from Thursday, 26th December until Wednesday, 1st January, and those are followed by a two-day Winter Steam Gala on Saturday, 4th and Sunday, 5th January.
 
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2857 at Bridgnorth


Sounding the ‘whistle off’ at the Severn Valley will be volunteer driver Mick Matthews who lives in Norton Canes, Staffordshire and has been a volunteer at the railways since 1992.

Also on the footplate of one of the railway’s steam locomotive will be fireman Alex Robinson, aged 25 from Bridgnorth in Shropshire.
 
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75069 being prepared for service at Bridgnorth


Sounding the ‘whistle off’ at the Severn Valley will be volunteer driver Mick Matthews who lives in Norton Canes, Staffordshire and has been a volunteer at the railways since 1992.

Also on the footplate of one of the railway’s steam locomotive will be fireman Alex Robinson, aged 25 from Bridgnorth in Shropshire.

“We’ll be at Bridgnorth station, waiting to depart with the southbound service to Kidderminster. When we sound the whistle at noon, we’ll definitely be giving it some extra welly for this very important occasion! I feel really honoured to be representing the SVR for this celebration, as the railway means so much to me. When I was going through treatment for cancer a few years ago, it was the hope of getting back to volunteering duties and the support of my friends and colleagues here that kept me going.”
Volunteer driver Mick Matthews
“Knowing that heritage loco crews across the UK will be all sounding their whistles at exactly the same time is a wonderful way of bringing us all together. What a privilege to be launching the start of Railway 200!”
Fireman Alex Robinson
 
10th December, 2024

Steam locomotive 4144 set for Nene Valley visit


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The Nene Valley Railway has announced that GWR Large Prairie No. 4144 will visit them for the 2025 season.

The locomotive, which is on loan from the Didcot Railway Centre, will run on the Nene Valley Railway between April and September.

4144 is the first visiting locomotive to be announced for running in 2025.

Whilst based at the NVR, 4144 will be available for the railway’s popular driving courses and follows on from the departure of 34081 92 Squadron this week, which is bound for its new home of the East Lancashire Railway.
 
11th December, 2024

Revised Welsh steam railway services after Storm Darragh


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A flooded Talyllyn Railway


As happened to many other heritage railways and the national railway network, Storm Darragh last weekend caused extensive damage to the Talyllyn Railway and forced the cancellation of many services.

With Christmas just around the corner, the Talyllyn Railway was getting ready for its services during the Festive Steam, including Tinsel and Turkey trains, The Carol Train and the Santa Specials.
 
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Water streaming across the Talyllyn Railway


Unfortunately, the 90 mph winds wrought by Storm Darragh battered the Welsh coast, and the Talyllyn Railway was right in the middle of a Red Weather Warning Zone.

As it would have been impossible for visitors and volunteers to travel to the railway, it decided to cancel all planned services for the weekend of the storm.

Customers understood the situation, and most rebooked for a different weekend.

A gang of staff and volunteers went out on Sunday, 8th December to assess the damage and and began to start the task of clearing it up.

They found a large number of trees had fallen across the line, and damage had been caused to several block posts and station buildings.
 
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A fallen tree


Other damage was caused by blocked culverts that caused flooding, and there was debris everywhere.

The worst damage was to the section of line between Abergynolwyn and Nant Gwernol, where there was also many blockages that also affected surrounding footpaths and bridges.

The railway has extended grateful thanks to the gang who assessed the damage and started the clear-up, which is still underway.

Fortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any substantial infrastructure damage, the main problem being removing trees and other debris from the running line.

It is still planned to run Christmas services, but to ensure their safe running trains will only run as far as Abergynolwyn as the line to Nant Gwernol is yet to be cleared and repaired.

However, the Café at Abergynolwyn will be open so that passengers can still enjoy a festive fill of hot and cold drinks and food.
 
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Clearing a fallen tree blocking the Talyllyn Railway


The Santa Specials are not affected and will run as originally planned to Dolgoch station which will take on the appearance of Plas Nadolig, or in English, “Christmas Place”.
 
12th December, 2024

Severn Valley Railway announces new plans in ‘essential move’

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Giving the right away at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway


New restructuring plans from the Severn Valley Railway have been announced in what it describes is a ‘bold and essential move’.

The railway is looking for approval from its shareholders and members for the plans, which will being together all three companies into one new ‘Our Railway’ structure.

The first step would see Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) PLC converted into a Charitable Community Benefit Society.

Following this, the new CCBS would come together with the Severn Valley Railway Company Limited, which is the organisation that looks after memberships and provides volunteers.

The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust is supportive of the plan but cannot commit to it at present as it is undergoing a period of transition but will see this become part of the CCBS as soon as possible.

‘For the past two years, a working party of people who care deeply about the future of the SVR has been carrying out a strategic review of how the railway might be better organised and positioned. Its conclusion is that the SVR urgently needs a new type of company structure, to ensure it’s in the best possible position to survive and thrive in the years to come.’
‘There’s no doubt that what we’re planning is bold,’ added Chris Walton, chair of SVR(H). ‘But it’s something that we consider to be absolutely essential, to ensure our railway survives and prospers.
Chris Walton, the chair of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc
 
12th December, 2024

Steam locomotive 35028 Clan Line to pass through Hampshire

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35028 "Clan Line" at Sheffield Park


35028 Clan Line will be passing through Hampshire this Saturday (14th December) as it hauls a tour to Bristol.

Departing Three Bridges at 07:35, the train can pass through Haywards Heath (07:46), Preston Park (08:00), Hove (08:31), Worthing (09:18), Chichester (09:57), Fareham (10:29), Hedge End (10:44), Eastleigh (11:07) and Salisbury at 11:59.

At Salisbury, diesels will replace Clan Line and will head to Bristol via Westbury (12:58), Bath Spa (13:54) and Bristol Temple Meads at 14:13.

After time in Bristol, the diesels will depart at 17:07 and will head back to Salisbury via Bath Spa (17:49) and Salisbury, arriving at 18:50.

Here, Clan Line will be added back onto the train and will pass through Dean (19:24), Botley (20:00), Barnham (20:57), Worthing (21:18), Hove (21:39), Preston Park (21:46), Haywards Heath (22:36) and Three Bridges.
 
12th December, 2024

Luxury Midland Pullman HST to visit Scotland this Saturday

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The Midland Pullman HST will pass through Hemel Hempstead as it makes its way to Edinburgh on Saturday, 14th December.

Departing Watford Junction at 06:18, the train will pass through Hemel Hempstead (06:27), Leighton Buzzard (06:46), Milton Keynes Central (06:57), Northampton (07:17), Long Buckby (07:37), Rugby (07:50), Nuneaton (08:06), Tamworth (08:22), Crewe (09:16), Preston (10:06), Carlisle (11:24), Slateford (13:04) and Edinburgh at 13:13.

After time in Edinburgh, the train will depart at 16:20 and will pass through Haymarket (16:23), Lockerbie (17:20), Carlisle (17:47), Preston (19:26), Warrington Bank Quay (19:49), Crewe (20:13), Tamworth (20:59), Nuneaton (21:15), Rugby (21:34), Long Buckby (21:49), Northampton (22:02), Milton Keynes Central (22:29), Leighton Buzzard (22:42), Hemel Hempstead (23:04) and Watford Junction at 23:17.
 
12th December, 2024

New technology will display lineside speed restrictions digitally


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Example of digital speed restriction


Network Rail has teamed up with its industry partners to launch a trial of a smart new technology that will digitally display speed restrictions along railway lines.

Using digital technology will allow quicker imposition and removal of speed restrictions, and contribute to a faster, more efficient, and safer way of restoring full line speed, thereby minimising lengthy train delays.
 
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Digital speed restriction in use of motorway



The purpose of introducing the digital displays is to improve the way that speed restrictions are displayed.

This will be especially useful in cutting delays caused by engineering work involving track renewal projects and maintenance.

The trial is being overseen by the Central Rail Systems Alliance, which is an alliance between Network Rail, infrastructure group Balfour Beatty, engineering company AtkinsRealis and railway specialist TSO.

Metal boards alongside railway lines is the current method of displaying speed restrictions.

Each one must be physically placed alongside the lines by track staff, and on occasions the lines need to be closed for the staff to carry out their work safely.

Similarly, to remove the boards, the track may need to be closed so they can be removed safely.
 
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Example of digital speed restriction


The time taken to position the boards and the resulting line closures often cause several minutes of delay and disruptions to passenger journeys.

Digital display boards are already in use by Balfour Beatty on highways and motorways when there’s heavy traffic, but the technology has been improved for a better performance on the railway network.

The technology uses a remote-controlled magnet placed on the track a few miles before speed restrictions apply.

When activated, this magnet helps to warn train drivers of specific speed restrictions ahead.

A two-week trial involving over 250 trains has been completed successfully on some lesser-used lines in central England where digital signals were in place.

Using the digital technology, speed restrictions could be changed in seconds and could be lifted faster.

This resulted in a potential saving of countless minutes of delays to passenger journeys and helped keep staff safe by avoiding the need for them to work on the track.

Train controllers also benefitted, as the digital speed boards also removed the need for them to warn drivers of speed restrictions ahead.

During the trial, the speed boards and their magnet markers worked well to warn train drivers of upcoming speed restrictions.

By minimising the time to implement and remove speed restrictions, it will theoretically allow line capacity to be improved, providing the potential to run more trains on existing tracks.

The alliance is now preparing to undertake further trials of the technology to ensure it works across the railway network.

Digital signalling using the European Train Control System (ETCS) is already being installed on the East Coast Main Line, and is being used by all Great Northern trains to Moorgate in the City of London.


“Working in an alliance allowed us to transfer a tried and test method from highways into the rail industry.”
Ameet Masania, head of innovation at Network Rail and Central Rail Systems Alliance,
 
12th December, 2024

Class 37 locomotive to visit Norwich this Saturday

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Class 37 No. 37608 Andromeda


A Class 37 locomotive will be visiting Norwich this Saturday (14th December).

Hauling a UK Railtours tour, the locomotive from Europhoenix will depart London Kings Cross at 07:22 and will pass through Potters Bar (07:53), Stevenage (08:18), Peterborough (09:13), March (09:51), Thetford (11:23) and Norwich at 11:59.

From Norwich, the tour will continue onto Lowestoft via Brundall (12:21), Great Yarmouth (12:43), Reedham (Norfolk) (13:20) and Lowestoft at 14:35.

After an hour in Lowestoft, the train will depart at 15:26 and will pass through Reedham (15:44), Cantley (15:48) and Norwich (16:04), Wymondham (16:26), Manea (17:32), Peterborough (17:59), Sleaford (18:49), Grantham (19:19), Peterborough (20:10), Stevenage (21:20), Welwyn Garden City (21:33), Potters Bar (21:47) and London Kings Cross at 22:17.
 
13 December 2024
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Train times across Wales and the Borders are set to change this Sunday

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June 2024 timetable change


Rail passengers are being urged to check their journeys carefully as the most significant timetable change in decades takes place this Sunday (15 December).

The timing of nearly every service across the South Wales Mainline, the Marches Line between Newport and Shrewsbury, and on other routes across the Wales and Borders network will bring more consistency for passengers, with trains departing at the same time past the hour and from the same platforms.

The timetable changes have taken four years to develop and will see increases in the number of services on some routes and later evening services from Swansea and Cardiff.

Transport for Wales’ Planning and Performance Director Colin Lea said: “This is the most significant timetable change in a generation for mainline services.

“We’ve invested £800 million in new trains and now is the time to really make the most of them. We’ve been working towards this timetable for four years and the consistency it will deliver will be a massive improvement for many customers.

“While this is a major change, there are also big improvements planned for the North Wales Coast and Cambrian lines in the next 18 months with newer trains and capacity improvements.”

Nick Millington, Network Rail Route Director for Wales & Borders, said: “This timetable change is going to be significant with faster journeys, more frequent train services and more seats across our network.

“Our passengers depend on services to get them to where they need to go and these changes are all part of building a better, more reliable, and sustainable railway as we work in partnership with Transport for Wales to deliver the best for Wales & Borders.”

To see how your journey will change, visit: https://tfw.wales/plan-a-journey and enter journey details for a date after 15 December.

Some key changes within the new timetable include:
  • Significantly more stops at Pontyclun, Llanharan and Pencoed – increase in total daily services from 38 per day to 59. A 55% increase.
  • Increase in Swanline services during peak hours to 1 train per hour (Baglan, Briton Ferry, Skewen and Llansamlet).
  • Two extra Milford Haven services and a more evenly spaced service to Fishguard Harbour which removes a six-hour gap without trains during the middle of the day.
  • The last train from Cardiff to Maesteg via Bridgend is now later - at 11:24pm.
  • Later last train from Swansea to Cardiff leaving at 11:30pm Monday to Friday.
  • More consistent departures with more trains leaving at the same time past each hour.
  • Maesteg services towards Cardiff will now run through to Ebbw Vale, rather than Cheltenham Spa.
  • Cheltenham Spa services will start and end at Cardiff Central.
  • Instigation of the changes brought about by the Strategic Timetable Review on the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines.
  • Introduction of brand new Class 756 trains on the Core Valley Lines (starting November) and dedicated active travel trains with extra bike spaces, a full refit and a dedicated livery for the Heart of Wales line.
  • Some changes to the calling pattern on certain services between Cardiff and Manchester Piccadilly, to speed up some trains and deliver a standard pattern in the timetable.
  • Some local services between West Wales and Cardiff will now use Platform 0 at Cardiff Central.
  • The North Wales Branches will continue to have 100% of journeys on new fleet and the North Wales Mainline with over 80% of journeys on new fleet. Overall, over 87% of journeys will be on new fleet for North Wales services from December 2024 timetable.
Additional information
Across the UK rail industry there are two major timetable changes each year – in May/June and in December.
£800 million has been invested in brand new trains with just over half now in service.
We have completed the introduction of 56 brand-new Class 197 trains on the mainline (these trains will be introduced on the Cambrian line in 2025/26).
In addition, from November 2024 we are starting to introduce brand new Class 756 trains on the Core Valley Lines.
The Heart of Wales line is seeing the introduction of refurbished active travel trains during this timetable period, and these can transport up to 12 bikes, which we hope will help develop the line for leisure journeys in particular.
TfW runs more than 1,000 passenger services per day Monday-Saturday.
The reduction in a small number of services from the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines was part of a Strategic Timetable Review carried out earlier this year. More details can be found HERE
Mainline services are defined as all services Transport for Wales runs, excluding the Core Valley Lines around Cardiff.
Across the UK rail industry there are two major timetable changes each year – in May/June and in December.
£800 million has been invested in brand new trains with just over half now in service.
We have completed the introduction of 56 brand-new Class 197 trains on the mainline (these trains will be introduced on the Cambrian line in 2025/26).
In addition, from November 2024 we are starting to introduce brand new Class 756 trains on the Core Valley Lines.
The Heart of Wales line is seeing the introduction of refurbished active travel trains during this timetable period, and these can transport up to 12 bikes, which we hope will help develop the line for leisure journeys in particular.
TfW runs more than 1,000 passenger services per day Monday-Saturday.
The reduction in a small number of services from the Cambrian and Heart of Wales lines was part of a Strategic Timetable Review carried out earlier this year. More details can be found HERE
Mainline services are defined as all services Transport for Wales runs, excluding the Core Valley Lines around Cardiff.

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13 December 2024

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Level crossing users given safety reminder ahead of timetable change on South Wales Main Line

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

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Bryn Y Gwynon Footpath Crossing


Network Rail is urging level crossing users to be aware of the risk when crossing ahead of a timetable change that will see more trains running on the South Wales Main Line, as well as changes to the timings of services throughout the day.

From this Sunday (15 December), there will be an increase in the number of services on the line, with up to 21 additional trains passing through Llanharan every day, to use one example of a station and nearby level crossings that will see a significant uplift.

Transport for Wales is increasing the number of trains stopping at the Main Line stations between Bridgend and Cardiff (Pencoed, Llanharan and Pontyclun) by 55 per cent, while the last services from Swansea and to Maesteg will now run later in the day.

With the increased services and altered timetable, Network Rail is reminding people who use any of the level crossings on the route – no matter how regularly they do so – to be aware when crossing.

Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We’re supportive of our colleagues at Transport for Wales as they increase the number of trains running on the South Wales Main Line, and we’re delighted passengers will benefit from more frequent rail services.

“However, safety remains our number one priority, which is why we’re urging level crossing users to remain cautious and vigilant, to always obey warning signals, and to stop, look and listen.”

Dean Jenkins, level crossing manager for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We know when people use a level crossing regularly, they often assume they know when trains will pass through.

“However, the new timetable means there will be more trains running at different times throughout the day, so I urge everyone to take time to be aware of the risk when using level crossings, no matter how familiar they are with them.”
 
13 December 2024

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Christmas 2024: Essential upgrades across Wales & Borders to take place while the railway is closed

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

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Network Rail Worker On Track


Network Rail engineers will be busy carrying out a range of projects across the Wales & Borders route over Christmas – but the good news for passengers is that the work is scheduled to take place when the railway is closed.

The railway will remain open for passengers until Christmas Eve (Tuesday 24 December) before closing on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Rail services are then scheduled to resume on the morning of Friday 27 December.

But while many people across Wales and the Borders are enjoying the festive season, Network Rail teams will be carrying out essential work at several sites across the route to improve the railway.

The work includes but is not limited to:
  • Track renewal and vegetation management east of Newport on the South Wales Main Line
  • Maintenance work on the track at Shrewsbury station
  • Resignalling work between Swansea and Carmarthen, and at Cardiff to facilitate the South Wales Metro
  • Under-track crossing work between Morlais Junction and Llandeilo Junction in Carmarthenshire
  • Footbridge structure installation at Llanharan
 
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WATCH: VIDEO
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Click link to watch video: "https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/wfo17guejx"


Nick Millington, route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said:
“The railway is open right the way through until the close of business on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the railway will be closed as planned.

“This Christmas, fortunately we can carry out the essential work we need to do at a time when there is no disruption to passengers.

“Our dedicated teams will be working over the Christmas period to make a number of improvements to the railway in Wales and the Borders, but passenger services will resume on Friday 27 December.

“Anyone planning to travel over the festive period is encouraged to check before they travel at nationalrail.co.uk.”

Passengers are also reminded that there will be a new timetable for passenger services in place from Sunday 15 December.

Among the benefits to the new timetable include more frequent trains on the South Wales Main Line, more consistent departures with more trains leaving at the same time past each hour, and later trains at night from Swansea and to Maesteg.

There will also be a new direct train service from Cardiff Central to Edinburgh.

Further information is available via National Rail Enquiries.
 
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13 December 2024

Classic diesel locomotives to visit North Wales this Saturday

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D213, BR no.40013 Andania (Class 40)


A Class 40 and a Class 45 will visit North Wales this Saturday (14th December) as part of a tour from Wolverhampton.

The classic diesel locomotives will operate in Top n Tail mode on the tour.

Departing Wolverhampton at 09:07, the train will pass through Stafford (09:22), Crewe (09:52), Chester (10:16), Flint (10:30), Rhyl (10:50), Llandudno Junction (11:11), Tal-y-Cafn (11:49), North Llanwrst (12:00), Betws-y-Coed (12:23) and Blaenau Ffestiniog at 12:52.

Following reversal at Blaenau Ffestiniog, the train will depart at 13:12 and will pass through Betws-y-Coed (13:38), North Llanwrst (13:46), Tal-y-Cafn (14:06), Llandudno Junction (14:17), Deganwy (14:21) and Llandudno at 14:26.

After almost 90 minutes in Llandudno, the train will depart at 15:54 and will pass through Llandudno Junction (16:03), Prestatyn (16:22), Flint (16:37), Chester (16:55), Wrexham General (17:26), Shrewsbury (18:11), Telford Central (18:31), Wolverhampton (19:01), Stafford (19:52) and Crewe at 20:38.
 
We catch the train into Cardiff Central and have some food in Jollibee's then a swift pint in 'The Central Bar' and then walk to Cathays.

We stopped off at a new place for us, 'Sticky Fingers' a great place for cheap beer and cocktails.

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