Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Status
Not open for further replies.
train.jpg
 
24th July, 2025

Inside East Midlands Railway’s first refurbished Class 158 + Greatest Gathering News!​

train.jpg

East Midlands Railway Class 158 No. 158847 at Nottingham


The Class 158 fleet is undergoing a £5.2 million project which will see its interiors refreshed.

It was also confirmed by Will Rogers, MD of East Midlands Railway, that 158847 will be appearing at The Greatest Gathering in Derby, set to take place in August 2025.

The fleet operates on the Liverpool to Norwich route via Nottingham, Manchester and Sheffield, and all Class 158s should be refurbished by the end of 2026.
 
1753658121310.png

USB signs on the Class 158 post refurb


Will Rogers says that there are no 3-pin plugs due to them taking more current than USB A, and that WiFi does not feature in the refurbishment programme.

Also among the improvements are better CCTV systems as well as improvements to the Passenger Information Systems (PIS).

The refurbishments did make the train feel a lot brighter and cleaner, as well as comfier seats for passengers.
 
train.jpg

Carriage overview on the Class 158


The refurbishments are taking place at Arriva TrainCare Depot in Bristol, but Will Rogers did say that some of the refurbishments are going to be completed at Nottingham Eastcroft Depot.
 
1753658736983.png



The first refurbished train is Class 158 158847, and the train was joined by members of staff from East Midlands Railway and Angel Trains.

East Midlands Railways operates Class 158 trains that are owned by two leasing companies, Porterbrook and Angel Trains. EMR say that all 158s, regardless of owner, are being refurbished as part of the project.
 
1753658819135.png

Front end of the Class 158


The first 158, 158847, has taken since October 2024 to complete, but it is hoped that as each train passes through the refurbishment process, each train will be quicker than the last.

It is hoped that the refurbishment programme will allow the 158 fleet to operate for the foreseeable future, with no current plans for East Midlands Railway to withdraw the fleet.
 
train.jpg

Inside the cab of Class 158 No. 158847


No changes to the cab are being made, apart from a new seat for the train driver, which should mean they can enter service as soon as they return to their home base.

However, East Midlands Railway staff did confirm that 158847 will NOT be in service before The Greatest Gathering event in August.
 
25th July, 2025

4930 Hagley Hall and 13268 to move to Derby via the mainline TODAY​

train.jpg

4930 Hagley Hall at Kidderminster


After the previous attempt being hampered by paperwork issues, the Stanier Mogul Fund has said that they expect 13268 to be part of a convoy heading to Derby Litchurch Lane today.

The convoy consists of 50007, 40106, 4930 Hagley Hall, 13268 and a Class 108 DMU.

It is 25 years since 13268 has been out on the national network and 40 years for 4930.

Whilst they aren’t mainline registered, the two steam locos will be in light steam for lubrication purposes only.

The locomotives will be passing through Kidderminster (10:29), Rowley Regis (11:24), Walsall (12:44), Tamworth (13:51), Burton-on-Trent (14:08) on their way to Derby.
 
25th July, 2025

Over 1,000 People Visit Inspiration at Margate​

train.jpg

Inspiration at Margate


The Railway 200 train ‘Inspiration’ is now spending some time at the Bluebell Railway.

Prior to its visit to the railway, it spent two days at Margate.

The train attracted over 1,000 people during its stay on the 20th and 21st of July.

Alongside the special coaches, filled with the past, present, and future and interactive exhibits, there was a special event held at the station.
 
WATCH VIDEO:

1753707152813.png

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com


Local representatives joined, with market stalls from numerous organisations, featuring archaeological finds from the 1840s.

The Inspiration train is only a few stops into its tour, but has already won an award from VisitEngland.


“Since 1846 the railway has played an important role in the Thanet community supporting access to employment, education and leisure. We are now the first in a new era of integrated railways, under public ownership, working to support thriving communities through increased access to opportunities.

“Through targeted recruitment to enable social mobility, and the development of our people through a huge apprenticeship programme recently ranked 24 in The Sunday Times Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2025, we are making a difference.

“Looking to the future, we want to attract a whole new generation of talent to consider a career in railway. On board Inspiration, visitors are seeing how young people are already building exciting careers in rail whether you’re interested in cyber security, sustainability or piloting a drone. Not all careers on the railway are what you might expect.”

Steve White, managing director of the South Eastern Railway
 
Friday 25 Jul 2025

1753707326287.png

One week to go: Major rail upgrades underway in South Wales​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

train.jpg

Working on the track drainage


Network Rail (Wales and Borders) has started a comprehensive programme of engineering works across key rail corridors in South Wales as part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining and improving rail infrastructure.

The works, taking place between Saturday 2 August and Monday 11 August, involve track renewals, drainage improvements, and essential maintenance to keep a safe and reliable railway for passengers and freight operators alike.

Areas affected are:
  • Dynevor Junction to Morlais Junction
  • Jersey Marine to Hendy
  • Llangyfelach Tunnel and surrounding track sections
  • Penllergaer Tunnel to Grovesend
Key engineering activities include:
  • Track renewals through Llangyfelach Tunnel, and various sections between Dynevor Junction and Felin Fran Junction.
  • Track and drainage upgrades and renewals between Grovesend and Penllergaer
The works will improve track reliability and see smoother journeys for passengers, while reducing the risk of service delays and the potential for anything going wrong with the infrastructure.

They will also increase resilience against extreme weather.

Network Rail is grateful for the patience and understanding of passengers while we complete this important work.

Please check your travel plans at www.nationalrail.co.uk and allow extra time for your journeys.
 
26th July, 2025

‘Flying Scotsman’ reopens full length Severn Valley Railway​

train.jpg

'Flying Scotsman about to depart from Kidderminster Town station


The iconic steam locomotive No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ hauled the first passenger service across the Severn Valley Railway’s Mor Brook bridge since its repair.

The journey marked the first time that a train has been able to run along the reunited heritage railway line during this operating season
 
1753707680897.png

60103 climbing Eardington Bank with the reopening train


The Flying Scotsman left Kidderminster Town station at 9 am this morning, and carried 350 passengers along 16.5 miles of Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside.

It was welcomed by enthusiastic crowds at Bridgnorth station shortly after 10am.

Severn Valley Railway (SVR) managing director Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster spoke at a short ceremony at Bridgnorth, and paid tribute to the many people who had worked hard to complete the repair of the embankment at Mor Brook bridge.

He also thanked the people who had donated money to help the SVR pay for costs associated with the repair that had not been covered by its insurance.

The SVR’s northern terminus at Bridgnorth has been cut off from the rest of the line since the landslip and embankment collapse happened at the end of January, and volunteers at the station are delighted to be once again connected to the rest of the line.
 
train.jpg

A crowded Bridgnorth Station, with the arrival of ‘Flying Scotsman’


Mor Brook bridge was damaged in a landslip on 29 January as a result of extreme weather and flooding.

The landslip cut the railway in two, and left track hanging in mid-air.

Once SVR’s insurer had given the go-ahead, contractors began repair work in early June.

They finished the main structural works earlier this month, and are still on site completing the final landscaping and cosmetic tasks.

During the hot summer weather, there is a high risk of lineside fires, so a Class 20 diesel locomotive provided assistance to ‘Flying Scotsman’, so that it did not have to work too hard and produce sparks that could ignite dry vegetation alongside the line.

Flying Scotsman hauled three round trips today.

It will also take part in the SVR’s Swinging Sixties event this weekend (26 and 27 July), hauling three return journeys on each day.

On Monday 28 July, it will haul the last three return trips of its stay at the SVR.

Tickets to travel behind ‘Flying Scotsman’ are sold out, but tickets for the Swinging Sixties event are still available at svr.co.uk.

Visitors will have several opportunities to see the locomotive during the event.


“Everyone here has been waiting for this day, and it’s marvellous to welcome our first full-line train this season. During the long months of isolation we’ve worked hard to keep people coming here and carried out a lot of maintenance and improvement work to keep the station looking good. Our pub the Railwayman’s Arms has been open throughout, and at weekends we’ve been putting on footplate and cab rides for visitors and manning the refreshment rooms and shop on a voluntary basis. But of course, nothing beats a fully joined up railway, and that’s what we’re celebrating today.”

Bridgnorth station master, Chris Thomas
 
26th July, 2025

Move Of The Year?! Photos and Videos as rare train movement heads to Derby​

train.jpg

13268 and 4930 on the move yesterday at Old Hill


In possibly what was the mainline move of the year so far, two diesel locomotives, two steam locomotives, 4 coaches and a DMU headed to The Greatest Gathering in Derby!

The convoy consists of 50007, 40106, 4930 Hagley Hall, 13268 and a Class 108 DMU.

It is 25 years since 13268 has been out on the national network and 40 years for 4930.

Whilst they aren’t mainline registered, the two steam locos were in light steam for lubrication purposes only.
 
27th July, 2025

Deal Signed to Deliver South Yorkshire Supertram modernisation​

train.jpg

Supertram


The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has signed a new 15-year Technology Partner Framework Agreement with Hitachi Rail to modernise the South Yorkshire Supertram network.

Under the agreement, Hitachi Rail is SYMCA’s long-term strategic technology partner for the Supertram network.

SYMCA has welcomed the detail as a milestone in its plans to “future-proof” the light rail infrastructure in the region.

It also aims to enhance passenger services, connect communities and to boost the local economy.
 
1753709404711.png

Sheffield Supertram


The framework agreement will see Hitachi Rail support the renewal of core Supertram systems.

It will provide modern, digitally-enabled systems which it claims will “enhance operational performance and passenger experience”.

The company also believes that the partnership “aligns with SYMCA’s broader strategy to create a world-class public transport network for South Yorkshire and drive growth to create a cleaner, greener, healthier, wealthier and happier South Yorkshire”.

Hitachi Rail had more than 200 employees based in Doncaster, and sees the new agreement as bringing a strong local footprint alongside its global rail expertise.

It expects that the new deal will create more opportunities for local jobs, development of skills, and engaging its supply chain in the North of England.

Supertram began in 1994, and has been a key part of South Yorkshire’s public transport system since then.

Hitachi is also involved in tram services in London and Paris.
 
1753709545075.png

Sheffield Supertram


“Supertram is a key component of the South Yorkshire public transport network, and since operations returned to our control last year, we have set out a programme of investment to ensure the system is fit for the future.

“This strategic partnership with Hitachi will ensure we can work collaboratively to harness the latest technology from an internationally experienced supplier in the Light Rail sector, delivering real benefits for our passengers over the lifetime of the framework. We look forward to starting work together, which over the first couple of years will initially focus on systems to improve the reliability of timetable delivery alongside enhanced real-time information, making journeys smoother and more predictable for passengers.”

Tom Howard, Director of Transport Development and Capital Delivery, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
 
27th July, 2025

Restored Replica to Feature at the Stockton and Darlington Railway 200 festival​

train.jpg

The replica of Locomotion no. 1 being tested on the Weardale Railway, April 2025


The Stockton and Darlington Railway 200 festival, which is a week-long celebration and will centre around the newly restored replica of Locomotion No. 1.

Across the 26th, 27th, and 28th of September, the locomotive will run along sections of the original line, thanks to a partnership with Network Rail.

People can go see the locomotive in action from multiple official viewing points along the 26-mile route.

Tickets will be needed in order to access two of these viewing points, one of which is at Locomotion in Shildon on Friday and the other at Hopetown, Darlington, on Saturday.

While tickets need to be booked, they are free and can be purchased online

Highlights of the event will also include a Ghost Train on the 21st and 28th September, which is a two-part performance, with storytelling and projections to help visitors explore the story behind the birth of the passenger railway.

There will also be an outdoor performance called ‘STEAM’ performed by Southpaw Dance Company on the 27th and 28th September.

At Locomotion will see train rides and the lineup of ‘Next Generation Locos’ highlighting the future of rail from the 26th -28th September.
 
28th July, 2025

New-build diesel-electric LMS 10000 exhibits at the Greatest Gathering

train.jpg

Artwork by Mark Langley


The Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society (IDRS) has released details of the LMS 10000’s appearance at the ‘Greatest Gathering’.

Background​

Two engines, known as the LMS Twins, numbers 10000 and 10001, were pioneer British mainline diesel locomotives.

They were designed and built by H G Ivatt, the last Chief Mechanical Engineer of the London, Midland and Scottish (LMS), working closely with English Electric.

In December 1947, no. 10000 rolled out of Derby works.

The LMS Twins were locomotives of the steam age, and were serviced alongside Stanier’s Pacifics and Black Fives.

They were vacuum-braked, two-person-crewed, and water-scoop fitted.

The two locomotives show that diesel electric power was a viable match for steam power.

They worked together on Euston-Glasgow ‘Royal Scot’ expresses, and worked individually on Class 5 mixed traffic.

Their English electric prime mover was the 16SVT 16-cylinder ‘V’ four-stroke diesel.

It proved so successful that its derivatives powered later diesel electric classes, including 08, 20, 31, 37, 40 and 50.

The LMS Twins operated before the first of the BR Standard steam locos, and were still running in 1961, which was after the final build of 999 new steam locomotives.

The Twins were withdrawn and scrapped in the 1960s.

By then, they had served for almost forty years.

The Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society is building the third locomotive of this design.

It has obtained an English Electric 16SVT power unit.

Now being kept in warm storage, the power unit was part of the 1947 batch.

It is in great condition with low running hours.

The bogies are ex-EM2 (class 77).

This is the same design, but will need stronger suspension to allow for the new diesel’s greater weight.

The chassis is from a class 58.

It has been stripped and is ready to be plasma-cut to shape and then fitted to the bogies.

An adapter plate will be used to carry out this work.

It has been designed and a wooden mockup created, which will be on display at the Greatest Gathering.
 
train.jpg

English Electric 16SVT mk2 cylinder head


Exhibits​

The exhibits at the Greatest Gathering are:
  • Artwork by Mark Langley, Artist. A 10*10 foot life-size sketch and painting of 10000’s cab seen at Derby Works [main photo].
  • Traction motor 1, stripped for evaluation by IDRS volunteers, then repainted.
  • Traction motor 7, in working order, which has been tested and repainted for exhibition.
  • Wooden mockup of the adapter plate, matching the ex-EM2 bogies to the class 58 chassis.
  • English Electric 16SVT mk2 cylinder head, refurbished with thanks to Nemesis Rail [photo above].
  • A refurbished ex-EM2 axle box [photo below].
  • A rebuilt motor contactor may be included in the exhibition. This is an electrical switch used for control, connecting or disconnecting electric motors and other load devices to the power supply.
  • Original artwork: Works photo of 10000 signed by Mr H G Ivatt; painting of 10000 by Ian Walmsley; painting of 10000/1 on Shap by Mark Langley; 10000’s “LMS” body-side letters.
  • Original parts from locomotive 10000: works plate, LMS body-side letters, and horns
 
train.jpg

Refurbished ex-EM2 axle box


Current developments​

The IDRS is currently completing drawings. It has signed a CAD contract, which forms part of the accreditation process to allow the locomotive to be hauled on Network Rail.

It is also refurbishing the electrical cubicle, using parts from classes 56 and 58.

The Society is also evaluating six traction motors before refurbishing them.

Seeking volunteers​

The IDRS is seeking more trustees and skilled volunteers before its AGM in November.

There are openings for new team members with skills in:
  • article writing and advertising
  • bookkeeping
  • fundraising
  • technical drawing
  • CAD
  • project planning
  • procurement and subcontract management.
 
28th July, 2025

Mainline and Greatest Gathering update on steam locomotive 60163 Tornado​

train.jpg


The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has released news surrounding the mainline operation of 60163 Tornado.

Tornado has been operating on the mainline since the spring, covering more than 2000 miles to assist Railway Touring Company and West Coast Railways.

The trust says that they have been content with the current operational arrangements so far.

However, the trust says that West Coast Railways management has advised that they aren’t content with the relationship that has evolved and have informed the Trust that they do not want to continue as an operating partner.

The trust has therefore confirmed that 60163 Tornado will NOT be operating with West Coast Railways until further notice, and this affects tours on the 3rd, 16th and 31st August 2025.

Other operating companies have not been ruled out, and the trust wants to develop partnerships where possible.

Thankfully, Tornado’s appearance at The Greatest Gathering is unaffected, and DB Cargo will be facilitating the movement from Orton Mere on the Nene Valley Railway later this week.

The locomotive will then be in and around Darlington for September and October before its planned visit to the Bluebell Railway.

Sadly, support coach 21249 was damaged in Scotland on the 10th July with a wheel suffering a significant wheel flat.

The trust says that this was caused by an unsolicited brake application via the distributor on the coach, caused by vegetation on the little-used Longannet branch near Alloa.

The coach is now at Bo’ness where it is being repaired to be returned to use with Tornado in the coming weeks.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top