Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Duchess of Hamilton​

1st
Attended the New York Worlds Fair, 1939
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25th September, 2025

Class 99 Test Run completes trip to Doncaster​

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99001 hauled the 6E86 sand train from Peterborough to Doncaster


GB Railfreight (GBRf) has successfully completed a trial run for 99001.

They operated it from Peterborough to Doncaster, hauling the 6E86 sand train.

They ran the trial to test not only the load on this specific route but also the timings, both of which yielded positive outcomes.

Additional test runs will continue later this week across the Eastern region.

They will be continuing the Network compatibility testing with Network Rail alongside their own loaded tests.

The Class 99s will be tested for compatibility compliance in October along the Great Western, Midland and Southern mainlines.
 
25th September, 2025

Network Rail Reminds Locomotion No. 1 Spectators To Stay Safe Around The Tracks​

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Locomotion over Skerne Bridge Development


The Stockton and Darlington Railway is holding its Anniversary Journey this weekend, and Network Rail is urging those attending to remain safe and off the tracks.

The event runs from the 26th until the 28th and will feature a replica of Locomotion No. 1 and the passenger carriage Experiment.

With all the celebrations that will be going on over the weekend, and spectators planning to cheer on Locomotion No. 1, there are some safety concerns about trespassing.

Spectators should remain off the tracks to avoid putting themselves in danger and delaying the celebrations.


The event is free and open to all ages, with designated viewing locations along the route to keep people safe.

Further information on the event can be found here.


“We want the viewing public to have a fantastic time during this celebratory weekend, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to keep safe. The railway is full of both obvious and hidden dangers, and it’s never acceptable for the public to trespass onto the track for any reason. Our message is simple: enjoy the spectacle of the anniversary journey, but please do so from one of the designated viewing locations.”

Karen Duffy, Operations Director, Network Rail, North & East route
 
25th September, 2025

Autumn Steam Gala at the Severn Valley Railway a Resounding Success​

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Merchant Navy Class 35006 P&O SN Co crosses Oldbury viaduct


Between the 18th and 21st September, the Severn Valley Railway held its Autumn Steam Gala, which once again proved to be a roaring success.

The event, which is the first major gala since the full stretch of the railway reopened in July, saw 5,700 visitors attend across four days.

The action-packed days celebrated the railway’s 60th anniversary and even saw the return of overnight running for the first time in many years, with a 60-hour continuous running schedule.

The gala saw GWR Port Talbot Tank No 813, renumbered for the event as NCB No 11, paired with NCB No 49, for a rare double header.

Merchant Navy 35006 ‘Peninsular and Oriental S. N. Co’ also made its SVR debut, drawing in quite the crowd.
 
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3F Jinty 47383 crossing over Wibbenhall Viaduct


BR Standard Class 5 73082 ‘Camelot’ and Jinty, 47383, also dazzled visitors as they made their trips along the line for the first time.

The visiting locomotives joined an impressive home fleet, including 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 75069, 7714, 13268, and 1450 operating as an Autotrain.

The railway is already gearing up for its next event, taking place between the 2nd and 5th October, which will be celebrating 65 years of Class 37s.


Further information on the upcoming SVR event and timetables can be found here.


“We delivered another showpiece event,”

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It was heartening to see the level of support and enthusiasm, particularly given the challenges of some adverse weather and a few late-running services. We’ll certainly look at the learning points for the future, but overall, this was a standout Gala.”

“The return of 813 in its Backworth guise at No 11, alongside the visiting No 49, was a very special moment for our Autumn Gala,”

“It was a rare opportunity to see two NCB locomotives from the same depot working together again.”

“This was a strongly supported and very well-received event,”.

“Well done to everyone across the whole railway – your efforts are very greatly appreciated. Events like this don’t come together without a huge team effort from staff, volunteers, and our many supporters.”

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director
 
25th September, 2025

Steam locomotive Locomotion No. 1 completes test run ahead of celebration weekend​

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Locomotion No. 1 on test at Locomotion


The Stockton and Darlington 200 team oversaw the replica of Locomotion No. 1 complete a series of test runs, this afternoon, ahead of its special celebration weekend.

The locomotive completed test runs up and down the running line at Locomotion Museum in Shildon.

Locomotion No. 1 is now in steam, ready for the celebrations, which will see it traverse the mainline between Shildon and Darlington.

Tomorrow, 26th September, Locomotion will depart Locomotion Museum at 11:45 and make its way to Hopetown Museum in Darlington, where it will spend the night with 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and 60163 Tornado.
 
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Locomotion No. 1 on test at Locomotion


Then, on Saturday, 27th September, Locomotion No. 1 will depart Hopetown Museum at around 11:30 and will pass over Skerne Bridge in Darlington, which is the world’s oldest railway bridge still in continuous use.

This will help recreate a number of well-known pieces of art that were created at the time.

Finally, on Sunday, 28th September. Locomotion No. 1 will head to Stockton Station at 10:55 and also visit Rochester Road at 11:31.

A mural will be unveiled at Stockton Station, and Rochester Road will be the final public viewing point of the weekend.
 
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On the footplate on Locomotion No. 1


Locomotion No 1 does not have the required signalling systems for the mainline, so the mainline between Darlington and Bishop Auckland is closed whilst the movements take place.

Rail replacement buses are in operation during the closure.

Network Rail has already reminded spectactors to stay safe around the tracks.

Timings will also not appear on our Railtours page as the line is closed and operations are completed under an engineering possession.
 
26th September, 2025

730 Fleet Rollout Wins Award at the National Rail Awards​

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West Midlands Railway Class 730


Since rolling out its 730 fleet on the Cross City Line a year ago, West Midlands has carried over 12 million passengers.

The line connects Lichfield to Bromsgrove and Redditch via Birmingham, and saw the first new Class 730/0 electric fleet run services along the line in March 2024, with a full rollout by September 2024.

The trains have been popular with users, having over 1 million journeys each month.

There was also a reported 19% higher customer satisfaction on the route.

The trains are spacious and feature air conditioning and other modern features aimed at improving customer experience.

The fleet’s rollout was also recently recognised at the National Rail Awards in London on the 17th September, winning ‘Fleet Achievement of the Year’.
 
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“This new fleet is the flagship for our £1billion investment into new trains and infrastructure. We want to provide the best possible passenger experience, and we are so pleased that the Class 730/0s are making such a positive impact on customer satisfaction already.

“The Cross City Line is the busiest commuter route outside of London, so boosting capacity was hugely important to us. The new 3-carriage trains run in pairs, comfortably offering space for over 1,000 people on every Cross City Line service.”

Jonny Wiseman, WMR customer experience director
 
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On 27 September 1825, George Stephenson’s steam-powered Locomotion No. 1 transported hundreds of passengers in England for 26 miles between Shildon, Darlington and Stockton, marking the start of a journey that would shape the modern world.

The seminal journey was made possible through innovative thinking that took place at the beginning of the century.

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"The Opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, 1825," a painting by Terence Tenison Cuneo.


In 1804, a 500-guinea (worth around £21,000 in today’s money) bet between two industrialists prompted Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick to create the Penydarren locomotive in South Wales, proving that steam could be used to haul coal.

Four years later, Trevithick ran a steam engine on a circular track but the groundbreaking proposition failed to attract money from investors.

Trevithick’s ingenuity paved the way for the journey of Locomotion No. 1, which ran on the world’s first public steam railway, heralding the beginning of the world’s public railway system.

Since then, rail travel has undergone vast technological and engineering advancements – influencing tourism, cuisine, trade, law and order, post, art and even football – and continues to evolve for a simpler, better and greener future.
 
27th September, 2025

New CrossCountry driver Chloe encourages other women to try a railway career​

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Plymouth driver Chloe Chapman


Train operator CrossCountry is encouraging women to consider applying for its apprenticeships, reminding them that this could be a career change.

A recent survey showed that 85% of women in the UK believe that many jobs are still regarded as being more suited to men.

As a result, one in ten women has avoided applying for a job because of concerns about not being as successful as male counterparts.

Long-distance train operator CrossCountry has declared its intention to change this, and sees its apprenticeship programme as a key element of this.

It has published the experience of Plymouth train driver, Chloe Chapman, who changed her career and applied to CrossCountry at the age of 33.

Chloe’s grandfather worked as a fitter at Laira rail maintenance depot, and her grandmother took her on numerous visits to Cornwall on the train.

However, she did not immediately consider a railway career, seeing it as a male-dominated profession, and instead worked as a postie for Royal Mail for many years.

But in November 2023, she saw an advert for CrossCountry’s train driver apprenticeship and decided to apply.


Chloe did not need any prior railway experience to apply for CrossCountry’s apprenticeship programme.

When she applied for the apprenticeship, Chloe had to pass the RAAT comprehension test, followed by a recruitment process that involved psychometric testing and competency-based interviews.

Once she had passed the application stage, Chloe embarked on a six-month training course, which took place in Derby.
 
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Train driver Chloe Chapman


By March 2025, Chloe was ready to drive her first train solo, and is now a fully-fledged train driver.

Other operators have also encouraged women to apply to become train drivers, including East Midlands Railway and South Western Railway.


“I used to think that driving trains wasn’t for someone like me, but once I realised it was possible, I knew I had to go for it. It’s the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made.

“The role perfectly aligned with my aspirations, and I decided it was the right time for me to take the leap toward a new career.

“I was determined to prove myself and knew that preparation was key. The process was challenging as it was something new for me, but I was more than determined to try as hard as I could.

“The supportive environment gave me the tools and encouragement I needed to progress.

”I felt an incredible mix of nerves and excitement as I took control of the train for the first time. It was a moment I had dreamed of for so long, and achieving it reminded me of how far I had come since the start of my training.

“Joining CrossCountry has been a pivotal experience for me. It’s empowering to see the growing opportunities for women in the rail industry, and I feel proud to be part of this shift. The support and training I’ve received have been instrumental in my journey.

“It’s a memory that I cherish, as it not only makes me feel proud of myself but also serves as a reminder of how this achievement proves to my daughter that there is nothing that’s solely a “man’s job” and she can pursue any one of her dreams, too.

“I take pride in being a role model for my daughter and hope to aspire others who want to break the gender barrier.”

Chloe Chapman
 
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