Marcus' Model Railway Journey

15th February, 2025

Class 40 locomotive to visit North Norfolk Railway​

Andania at Holyhead on January 13, 2025


The North Norfolk Railway has announced provisional plans for its Rails & Ales Mixed Traction Gala to be held from Friday, 13th to Sunday, 15th June.

Rails & Ales will allow visitors to enjoy both steam and diesel power with the chance to see and ride behind steam engines, diesel locomotives, and diesel railcars while sampling some of Norfolk ‘ best local ales and ciders.

An added attraction is that visitors can travel on a wide variety of trains and hop on and off at each station, which will all be serving a different range of Norfolk tipples.

One of the stars of the gala will be Class 40 No. D213 Andania, later renumbered under TOPS to 40013.

It is one of just seven survivors from an original class of 200 built by English Electric at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton Le Willows, Lancashire in 1959.

Rails & Ales Gala

D213 Andania on a charter train


Class 40s were a familiar sight on the West Coast Mainline and across the North of England before being relegated to secondary and freight duties, where they made occasional appearances across much of the national network.

Also returning for the gala will be railbus No. E79960 built by Waggon und Maschinenbau in Germany, which operated off-peak services on the North Norfolk Railway for much of the 1970s and 1980s.

It is currently on loan to the Ribble Steam Railway but is returning for the gala as part of the North Norfolk Railway s 50th Anniversary celebrations.

British Rail Class 20

The British Rail Class 20, otherwise known as an English Electric Type 1, is a class of diesel-electric locomotive.

In total, 228 locomotives in the class were built by English Electric between 1957 and 1968, the large number being in part because of the failure of other early designs in the same power range to provide reliable locomotives.

The locomotives were originally numbered D8000–D8199 and D8300–D8327.

They are known by railway enthusiasts as "Choppers".


Class 1 Bo-Bo No D8000 on June 23, 1958

Crewe Works Open Day on 20th May 2000 found the pioneer class 20 D8000 restored to original condition, complete with oval buffers.

Designed around relatively basic technology, the 73-tonne locomotives produce 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) and can operate at up to 75 mph (121 km/h).

Designed to work light mixed freight traffic, they have no train heating facilities.

Locomotives up to D8127 were fitted with disc indicators in the style of the steam era; when headcodes were introduced in 1960 the locomotive's design was changed to incorporate headcode boxes.

Although older locomotives were not retro-fitted with headcode boxes, a few of the earlier batch acquired headcode boxes as a result of repairs.

Unusually for British designs, the locomotive had a single cab.

This caused serious problems with visibility when travelling nose first, though in these circumstances the driver's view is comparable to that on the steam locomotives that the Class 20s replaced.

It was common, however, to find Class 20s paired together at the nose, with their cabs at opposite ends, ensuring that the driver could quite clearly see the road ahead, and a guard can watch the train from the other locomotive without the need for a brakevan.


20195 and 20006 pass the site of Heanor Junction, Erewash Valley line, on 5th June 1980 with a mixed collection of coal trucks.

The Class 20 saw only limited service on passenger trains.

A small number were fitted with a through pipe for steam heating, primarily for use in conjunction with a Class 27 locomotive on the West Highland Line.

Otherwise their use was limited to summer relief services, particularly to Skegness often under the adopted title of 'The Jolly Fisherman' starting from various places including Burton-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, Derby and Leicester.

Also occasionally other holiday resorts on the east coast of England, occasional duties as a pilot, and short distance diversions of electric-hauled trains over non-electrified lines.


The 06.30 Sheffield to Skegness is between Bennerley Viaduct and Awsworth Road bridge on a brightish 8th June 1991, with 20058 + 20087 in charge.

The shift of light mixed freight to the road network left British Rail with an oversupply of small locomotives.

The Class 20s, however, could work in multiple and so could handle heavier traffic.

Most spent the majority of their working lives coupled nose to nose in pairs to provide a more useful 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) unit and to solve the visibility problems.

As of 2024, most have now been withdrawn, but a small number remain in consistent mainline service with Balfour Beatty in addition to other charter operators including LSL TOC and RailAdventure.

Industrial use of the Class 20 continues at Hope Cement Works with locomotives supplied by HNRC.

Several that are usually operated singly have been fitted with nose-mounted video cameras as a way of solving the visibility problems.


The Bunbury Belle! - an unusual sight on the Crewe to Chester line at Bunbury lane, four restored Pullman cars from the long vanished Brighton belle luxury train being given a test run hauled by top and tailed class 20 diesels on January 29, 2025

16th February, 2025

Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway’s Spring Gala to celebrate 200 years of train travel​

Sentinel 0-4-0 DM Shunter No. 10222 and brakevan on the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway


The Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway’s Spring Gala will help celebrate 200 years of train travel

The heritage line will look back at two centuries of rail travel on Saturday, 22nd March.

In fact, this line is even older and can trace its roots back 219 years as the Llanelli Tram road.


The Spring Gala will kick off at 9.30 and offer rides, talks and walks based around the former coal mining railway.

Three different trains will be providing regular rides on the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway’s (LMMR) short demonstration line between 10.00 and 3.00.

Class 143 Pacer on the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway


Traction should include the LMMR’s Sentinel 0-4-0 DM Shunter, Class 143 Pacer Railcar and Ex. MOD 4-wheel Railcar.

Visitors will have the opportunity to take single or multiple rides, with rover tickets available.

There will also be demonstrations of ‘Winnie’, the special Wickham Track Inspection car.

Wickham Track Inspection car ‘Winnie’


An historic ‘Walk and Talk’ event will allow visitors to learn about the history of the railway, from its early days of horse-drawn coal wagons to its rebirth as a heritage line today.


Much of the old mining site is now covered by trees and extensive conservation work is turning this area into a resource for leisure and learning.

Intrepid Gala-goers will be able to explore this natural feature of the former industrial setting with Woodland Walks also an attraction.

The pond-side picnic area also offers a calming spot for lunch.

Refreshments will be available all day in the newly-opened Super Sprinter Cafe, housed in a converted single-carriage Class-153.

Full details of the Gala Day, as well as timetables, will be published shortly on the LMMR’s website.

You can also keep an eye on preparations, and see the Super Sprinter Cafe, on their Facebook page.

16th February, 2025

Steam locomotive 35028 Clan Line set for Derby open day visit​

35028 Clan Line at Stewarts Lane Depot on February 1, 2025


Its time for another announcement from the team at The Greatest Gathering.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The latest announcement is that 35028 Clan Line is to make the trip north for the event.


The locos, subject to operational requirements, Clan Line will visit all three days thanks to the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.
The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam

• LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society

Diesel

• BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
• Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
• Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society

Electric

• Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
• Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
• 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia

16th February, 2025

Class 40 locomotive set for Greatest Gathering visit​

40106 Atlantic Conveyor at Severn Valley Spring Diesel Festival


The second announcement within a couple of hours from the Greatest Gathering team sees the announcement of BR Class 40 No. 40106.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The loco, subject to operational requirements, will visit all three days thanks to the Class 40 Preservation Society.


The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

NOTE: Friday and Saturday tickets have now fully SOLD OUT – only Sunday tickets remain available.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam

• LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society

Diesel

• BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
• Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
• Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 40 No. 40106 – courtesy of the Class 40 Preservation Society / Severn Valley Railway

Electric

• Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
• Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
• 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia

17th February, 2025

Tickets for The Greatest Gathering fully sell out!​

60007 and 390200 at Derby Litchurch Lane Works


Alstom has confirmed that all tickets available to the general public have now been sold for The Greatest Gathering.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.


The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam

• LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society

Diesel

• BR Class 37 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 No. 66301 and gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 60 and JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
• Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
• Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 40 No. 40106 – courtesy of the Class 40 Preservation Society / Severn Valley Railway

Electric

• Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
• Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
• 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia

17 Feb 2025​

Over 150,000 customers choose new Pay As You Go rail ticketing in Wales​

TfW PAYG gates Bridgend


Over 150,000 rail customers have used the new Pay As You Go ticketing system in South Wales, three months since it launched – making it Transport for Wales’ (TfW) fastest growing ticketing product.

TfW became the first train operator outside of London and the south-east of England to introduce this paying system last year.

In November 2024, the tap in, tap out technology was made available at 95 railway stations throughout South Wales with fares starting at just £2.60.

The new technology provides customers with automatic daily and weekly capping, offering a significant saving against standard anytime singles and 7-day season tickets.

Similar technology, offering tap on, tap off ticketing is also being used for bus services in North Wales and recent figures indicate that over 40% of transactions are now through this new paying method.

Three years ago, Transport for Wales launched a single integrated ticket, which could use both bus and rail services, enabling faster and cheaper travel between South Wales and Aberystwyth.

Recent figures reveal that between April and December last year, approximately 7000 people used the integrated ticket for journeys between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth.

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates added:

“I am delighted that more and more passengers are opting for Pay as You Go, making the most of a simpler and fairer way of paying for their rail and bus tickets."

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at Transport for Wales said:

“We want to offer customers the fastest, easiest and cheapest ticket offer and tap on, tap off ticketing allows us to do this.

“We are proud to be one of the first train operators outside of London to be using this technology at 95 of our stations across South Wales. This was one of our huge promises around the South Wales Metro and it’s now been delivered and has become our fastest selling product.

“We’re using similar technology for bus services in North Wales and our integrated ticketing model, joining both bus and rail with one ticket, is continuing to be successful.

“These are all fundamental steps as we move forward in developing our vision of a public transport network that offers ‘one network, one timetable, one ticket’.”

17th February, 2025

New livery for Norfolk based steam locomotive​

53809 at Sheringham


North Norfolk-based 7F No. 53809 is to gain a new livery during her 100th anniversary year.

As well as 2025 being 53809’s centenary year, it also marks 50 years since the locomotive was saved for preservation from the scrapyard at Barry in South Wales.

The centenary was celebrated with owner, John Moorhouse, accompanied by North Norfolk Railway General Manager, Graham Hukins and Chief Mechanical Engineer, Keith Ashford, ceremonially breaking a bottle of ale on the engine’s running plate.

The locomotive has been based at the North Norfolk Railway since 2018 and will undergo a partial repaint in to London, Midland and Scottish Railway unlined black livery, and will regain the LMS number, 13809.

53809 at Holt


“We are delighted that we can celebrate the engine’s centenary by depicting an important period from early in her history when the S&D was under the control of the LMS and she was numbered 13809. The livery isn’t well represented on preserved locomotives so will provide additional interest in our 50th Anniversary year.”

NNR, General Manager, Graham Hukins

17th February, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

This trip into Cardiff was just a small drinking session with a view to meet up with Neo and have a meal.

The weather was cold, but at least it was dry.

After arriving in Cardiff Centre we started off in 'The Great Western' and I had a couple of pints of my beloved 'Ruddles', Cleo was being good and had a cup of tea.

We took a later bus into Cardiff, but we still found that we were hanging around waiting for Neo.

This wasn't a real problem, we had a table near windows so we could watch the world go by.

So after finishing our drinks we ordered some more (we had lunch before we left home).

I switched to Abbott's and Cleo had a Gin and Tonic.

Neo arrived and we ordered food and some more drinks.

Cleo had a pizza and Neo and I had Triple Cheese Burgers, chips and onion rings.

Washed down with a couple of pints of Asahi.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 258, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZO

The bus back home was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 259, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZP
[photo from 2024]

18th February, 2025

Steam locomotive 35028 Clan Line set to pass through Kent this Thursday​

35028 Clan Line


35028 Clan Line is set to pass through Kent this Thursday (20th February 2025) as it hauls a Belmond British Pullman train.

Departing London Victoria at 10:59, the train will pass through Denmark Hill (11:10), Bellingham (11:23), Swanley (11:42), Rochester (12:09), Rainham (Kent) (12:19), Canterbury East (12:56) and Dover Priory at 13:20.

After half an hour in Dover, the train will depart back to London at 13:51 and will pass through Headcorn (14:32), Tonbridge (14:56), Orpington (15:18), Kent House (15:47), and London Victoria at 16:11.

18th February, 2025

Update released on steam locomotive No. 2874​

The boiler of 28xx No.2874 being turned over


The Trust behind the restoration of GWR 28xx No.2874 has presented a winter update covering the work that has been undertaken since last summer.

At Toddington Works on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway, the locomotive’s boiler has received a non-destructive test highlighting areas needing attention or replacement before the pressure vessel reaches a safe operating standard.

In terms of the firebox, a number of stays near the bottom have been removed to allow for new plate work to be welded in.

Staff assess the firebox prior to repairs


The smokebox door ring has been removed while a new one is being made and is nearing completion, ready for installation.

Workers removed the front tube plate from the boiler; a contractor then turned the boiler to allow access to the throat plate and firebox sides for repairs.

2874 boiler upside down on accommodation bogie


The boiler is currently sitting upside down on accommodation bogies, which enables the trust to move the boiler outside when the weather is good.

This affords more space to work around the boiler and firebox, especially when cutting or welding takes place.

This work would not have started without the handsome sum of money which came from The National Heritage Lottery fund.

The work undertaken has allowed heritage engineering skills to be preserved while new volunteers have been given a chance to work on the loco and observe first-hand what assessments, tests, and repairs need to be carried out on a steam locomotive before it can return to steam.

The Trust is also currently working out the provisional final costs of all these repairs, and as such are still raising money to complete the restoration, if anyone wishes to donate to the project they can do so via visiting the 2784 Trust website or their sale stand.