Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Now, my Birthday present..........

R30044 Hornby Railroad Plus Class 37 Diesel number 97 302 "Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways" in Network Rail livery

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Entering service as the English Electric Type 3, the British Rail Class 37 diesel locomotives were built at the Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows in a Co-Co configuration, based on locomotive designs for export markets.

Built to undertake both freight and passenger work across all BR sectors, these engines proved highly reliable and, after overhaul, many survived in service across the network into the 1990s.

British Rail first placed an order for forty-two Class 37 locomotives in January 1959, the first of which was delivered in November 1960, entering service on 2 December with the last of this original batch complete by mid-1962, by which time subsequent orders had been placed.

The last of the 309 locomotives built was delivered to the Western Region on 9 November 1965, originally numbered in the range D6700-D6999 and D6600-D6608.

Many Class 37 Locomotives were refurbished in the 1980s, extending their life.

As a result, the Class 37 remains in service to this day as one of the longest serving classes on British railways.

Second-hand locomotives have been exported to railways in France and Spain whilst in the UK many locomotives no longer required to work have been preserved.

Network Rail possesses 5 Class 37 locomotives.

One of these, No. 37217, is in storage whilst the other four have undergone extensive refurbishment.

The refurbished locomotives have been reclassified Class 97/3, with the Class 97 designation reserved for departmental locomotives under the TOPS system.

These four were used by Network rail as part of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) trial project on the Cambrian Line.

The class was chosen because of its original fitment with both air and vacuum braking, a feature which will allow them to pull both modern freight trains as well as steam specials.

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December 10th, 2022

Steam locomotive 46115 Scots Guardsman to visit Edinburgh today​

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Royal Scot 46115 "Scots Guardsman" heads north at Oxwellmains on 10/12/22 working a York - Edinburgh special. It returned south later in the afternoon working the special back to York. 47804 was assisting on the rear.

46115 Scots Guardsman will be heading up the East Coast Main Line this Saturday (10th November), as it hauls a tour to Edinburgh.

Departing York at 06:00, the tour will pass through Thirsk (06:29), Northallerton (09:39), Darlington (06:53), Durham (07:18), Newcastle (07:51), Morpeth (08:39), Alnmouth (09:19), Berwick-upon-Tweed (09:53), Reston (10:54), Dunbar (11:13) and Edinburgh at 11:55.

After time in Edinburgh, the tour will depart at 16:16 and will pass through Prestonpans (16:31), Reston (17:16), Berwick-upon-Tweed (17:26), Alnmouth (18:27), Newcastle (19:33), Durham (20:02) and York at 21:38.
 
December 10th, 2022

Steam locomotive 6233 Duchess of Sutherland to visit Bristol today​

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LMS Stanier Coronation Class 4-6-2 locomotive 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland hammers through Upton Lovell in the Wylye Valley whilst working 1Z82 the RTC Bath and Bristol Christmas Market railtour from London Victoria - 10/12/22

Steam locomotive 6233 Duchess of Sutherland is on the mainline this Saturday (10th December 2022) and will visit London and Basingstoke with a tour to Bristol.

Departing London Victoria at 08:47, the tour will pass through Clapham Junction (09:03), Brentford (09:15), Staines (09:32), Woking (10:04), Winchfield (10:26), Basingstoke (10:47), Salisbury (11:34), Westbury (12:29), Bath Spa (12:59) and Bristol Temple Meads at 13:21.

After time in Bristol, 6233 will depart at 16:38 and will pass through Bath Spa (16:54), Westbury (17:42), Salibsury (18:49), Basingstoke (20:19), Fleet (20:44), Woking (21:16), Staines (21:49), Clapham Junction (22:24) and London Victoria at 22:37.
 

6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" leads 'The Bath & Bristol Christmas Market' 10/12/2022​

A regular festive highlight in the Railway Touring Company calendar, has come in the shape of a tour from the capital to the major Christmas markets in the south-west at Bath and Bristol.

This years' rendition saw LMS 'Coronation' Class - 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" take up the reigns, with support from West Coast Railways Class 47 - 47813.

6233 started the tour out of London Victoria, travelling via Feltham to Byfleet & New Haw, where it would join the South West Mainline as far as Worting Junction.

The tour then ventured onto the West of Endland Mainline working through to Salisbury, where the tour turned north-west up the Wessex Mainline to Bath and Bristol.

After being serviced, and turned with the aid of 47813, 6233 would work the same route back to London Victoria.

Sticking with just the outbound journey, the tour was picked up south of Egham, as 6233 provided some impressive atmospherics with a lingering exhaust trail.

Moving westward, 6233 was signal-checked on approach to Worting Junction, resulting in the locomotive giving a powerful slog up the gradient.

Lastly, 6233 is seen in its stride at Bapton, carving its way through the winter countryside.

All footage filmed on Saturday the 10th of December 2022.

www.youtube.com

6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" leads 'The Bath & Bristol Christmas Market' 10/12/2022

A regular festive highlight in the Railway Touring Company calendar, has come in the shape of a tour from the capital to the major Christmas markets in the s...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
December 10th, 2022

Sam’s Trains Happy Train Birthday Song

The Happy Train Birthday song that is played if there is a viewer’s birthday. (Song belongs to Sam'sTrains of course.)

www.youtube.com

Sam’s Trains Happy Train Birthday Song

The Happy Train Birthday song that is played if there is a viewer’s birthday.(Song belongs to Sam'sTrains of course.)
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

Sam's Trains https://www.youtube.com/@SamsTrains
 
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No.1 Ethnon Rail - An Introduction​


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Welcome to my first video.

This video explains how I started my interest in models railways.

There are certain key points in time between 1963 to the present that are important parts to the story.

I hope you enjoy it.

www.youtube.com

No.1 Ethnon Rail - An Introduction

Welcome to my first video.This video explains how I started my interest in models railways.There are certain key points in time between 1963 to the present t...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
 
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December 12th, 2022

Wagon preservation group launches appeal to save last TTA tank wagons​

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The National Wagon Preservation Group (NWPG) has launched an appeal to save up to ten TTA tank wagons from going for scrap.

For many years, oil-based freight was a massive business for the railways, coming second only to coal. In the early 1960s, monobloc four-wheel tanks were the standard, with production runs of thousands, and used by all the big petroleum companies.

These were developed into the bogie TEA tanks that became the industry standard and started the slow decline of the four-wheel TTA’s.

The last trip by TTA’s was on November 15th, since when they have been located at Gascoigne Wood Yard.

The merchant that has the contract to scrap them has agreed to allow the National Wagon Preservation Group time to raise the necessary funds to save them for preservation.

The Dean Forest Railway at Lydney in Gloucestershire has offered a home for the tanks, which is ideal as it has a mainline connection and Network Rail station, so is a perfect place for visitors and volunteers to view the tanks.

They are all still in mainline ticket and could be transported by rail to Lydney.

The National Wagon Preservation Group has been in discussions with the disposal contractor for the last 21 tanks.

The group has been offered the TTA’s at an acceptable price per tank, and the Dean Forest Railway can accommodate up to around 11 of them.

A fundraising appeal has now been launched in an effort to preserve as many as possible.

The group, in partnership with the Dean Forest Railway, is looking to raise £35,000 to preserve ten of the wagons for many decades to come, just £3,500 per wagon.

They have a home, maintenance and repair plan, and intended plans for their use at the Dean Forest Railway, but just need the funds to turn the plan into reality.
 
December 13th, 2022

Steam locomotive 60163 Tornado’s boiler returns to Darlington​

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Tornado’s boiler upon arrival at Darlington​

Following a nine-month overhaul at the DB’s steam locomotive works at Meiningen in Germany, the boiler of LNER Class A1 Pacific No. 60163 Tornado arrived back at Darlington Locomotive Works yesterday, 12th November, together with an overhauled lubricator and air pump.

Before starting its return journey the boiler passed its hydraulic tests.

During the next few weeks it will go through various procedures, such as dropping the fire grate into position, so that a steam test can be conducted under the supervision of a boiler inspector.
 
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Tornado boiler waiting to be lifted from the lorry​

Once the steam test has been passed successfully, the cladding will be refitted before Tornado’s boiler is moved to Locomotive Maintenance Services at Loughborough, where it will be reunited with its frames.

That will be followed by a busy period of work during which the re-assembly of the locomotive will be completed in time to make it ready for operations in the spring.
 
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Lifting Tornado’s boiler from the lorry​

To avoid damage during the current cold snap, Tornado’s boiler will be kept inside between tests so that any temperature changes, such as occur during the steam test, are gradual.

Next Saturday, 17th December, there is an open day in Darlington, allowing you to see Tornado’s boiler.
 
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Lift successfully completed​

During the time that Tornado has been undergoing an overhaul, it has missed out on many potential earning opportunities.

To make up for the shortfall, the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has been we are more reliant than ever on donations from its supporters.

Anyone who is able to make a donation towards the overhaul will be very welcome, as, every little helps and a lot goes a long way.
 

Tornado 60163 at Leicester North GCR on January 9, 2022​

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Tornado is a 21st century steam locomotive.

The first main line steam locomotive built in the UK since 1960, Tornado made headlines as it steamed for the first time in 2008.

In just over 10 years, the engine has continued to impress, hauling Royal Trains and appearing on the big screen in Paddington2 as well as on numerous television programmes including Top Gear.

Tornado is also the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s, reaching 100mph on a test train in 2017.
 
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December 13th, 2022

Barmouth Viaduct is open once again for rail passengers and pedestrians​

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Barmouth Viaduct​

The stunning Grade II listed Barmouth Viaduct which sees the rail and footbridge cross has now reopened to railway passengers and pedestrians as Network Rail gets set to complete the final metallic upgrade work during 2023.

Network Rail and its contractor Alun Griffiths have already undertaken an array of vital upgrades for the viaduct during 2022 as part of the structure’s largest and most progressive refurbishment ever.

Two four-week closures have taken place both in autumn and winter and have seen teams work around the clock in order to replace and strengthen timber beams, foundation support structures or piles as well as the metallic straps which hold the viaduct together.

Network Rail was able to also complete an upgrade of a kilometre of track at Tywyn station which is close to the viaduct thanks to the rail closure which also provided an opportunity to carry out the refurbishment of Barmouth Stations’ canopy.
 
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Barmouth Viaduct​

Planning for the work was specifically organised so it took place outside of the peak tourist season in summer which also meant less disruption for locals and supporting tourism and the local community further as the viaduct was able to reopen for the October half term.

The viaduct reopened on Saturday the 10th of December in order for both locals and tourists to make the most of the impressive wooden structure in its extremely beautiful surroundings during the festive period.

Nick Millington, interim route director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said:

“We’d like to thank the local community for bearing with us this autumn and winter as we carried out the latest stage of this essential restoration project.

“We’ll be returning in 2023 to replace the metallic elements of the bridge, which will secure the future of this important rail link for many years to come.”
 
December 13th, 2022

Level crossing users given safety reminder as new timetable changes rail services in some parts of Wales and the Borders​

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SLL sign Harlech level crossing​

Network Rail is urging everyone to take extra care at level crossings from Sunday 11 December with many trains running to a new schedule.

With more than 170 level crossings on the Heart of Wales line alone, Network Rail is reminding passengers to check journeys ahead of travelling and level crossing users to take extra care when crossing the railway.

On the Heart of Wales Line, between Swansea and Shrewsbury, services will start much earlier and run much later, on most days.

Trains between south Wales and Manchester and the south Wales valleys will also see changes to the times and frequency of rail services over the next few months*.

Nick Millington, interim route director for Network Rail, Wales & Borders said:

“We’re delighted passengers are set to benefit from more frequent rail services, especially in those rural areas, which will boost tourism and transport links for local communities.

“However, safety remains our number one priority at Network Rail, which is why we’re urging passengers and level crossing users to familiarise themselves with the new timetable in Wales."

Thomas Matthews, project sponsor at Network Rail, Wales & Borders added:

“We know when people use a level crossing frequently they often assume they know when trains pass through, however, the new timetable means there will be more trains running at different times throughout the day.

“On the Heart of Wales Line, trains will run much earlier in the morning and much later into the evening, so level crossing users are reminded to always adhere to safety measures and advice provided to cross the railway line correctly.”

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December 13th, 2022

RAIB to produce safety digest after near miss involving track workers near Nuneaton​

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Area in which the near miss occurred​

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has announced that a safety digest will be produced after a passenger train reported a near miss with track workers near Nuneaton.

At around 01:39 on the 15th November 2022, a driver of a passenger train was travelling at 125mph when it reported a near miss with track workers near to Bulkington, which is around 4 miles south of Nuneaton.

The track workers were clearing ballast for the delivery of new rail.

The line that the workers were on was blocked to trains and the workers were using a separated safe system of work to keep them away from the open line on which trains were running.

Having completed a preliminary examination, the RAIB has decided to publish a safety digest, which will be available in the near future.
 

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Report 06/2022: Near miss between a rail grinding train and an empty passenger train at Sileby Junction​

Near miss between a rail grinding train and an empty passenger train at Sileby Junction, Leicestershire, 5 May 2021

Published 11 July 2022

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At about 05:29 hrs on Wednesday 5 May 2021, a train made up of machines used for reprofiling (grinding) rails passed a signal at danger (red) at Sileby Junction, between Leicester and Loughborough, resulting in a near miss with an empty passenger train travelling in the opposite direction.

The passenger train had cleared the junction less than 10 seconds before the rail grinding train reached it.

There were no injuries or damage as a consequence, but the incident resulted in delays to several trains in the area.
 
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The incident was caused by two factors. Firstly, the driver did not control the train’s speed to be able to stop at the signal at danger, probably due to fatigue.

Secondly, although the train’s systems made an automatic emergency brake intervention, this did not stop the train before it reached a point at which it could collide with another train.

A probable underlying factor was associated with the fatigue risk management processes used by the train operator.
 
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Still image from the rearward facing closed-circuit television (CCTV) of train 5P01 having just crossed over from the up fast line to the up slow line, across the path of train 6Z08; image shows the leading end of rail grinding train 6Z08 (left) shortly before it came to a stop on the down slow line (East Midlands Railway)
 
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Track layout at Sileby Junction

RAIB has also made four observations which, although not linked to the cause of the incident, nevertheless had safety implications.

The first observation identified that there was no system-wide risk assessment to control the risk of overruns arising from the operation of non-standard vehicles on the national rail network.

The second observation noted that the train operator did not obtain safety-critical information about the driver when he joined the company.

The remaining observations relate to industry processes for managing the operational and technical response to such incidents.
 
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Stopping point of the train after the incident, showing the crossover used by train 5P01 from the down slow to the up slow line (Network Rail)​

There are two recommendations arising from this investigation.

These cover fatigue risk management and managing the risks of trains with lower braking rates passing signals at danger.

RAIB has also identified three learning points, addressing the use of napping as a fatigue mitigation, the importance of organisations sharing safety-critical information when employees move between companies, and railway procedures for post-incident management.

You can read the full 37 page report here.......

https://assets.publishing.service.g...7480fd3cd5/R062022_220711_Sileby_Junction.pdf
 

December 15th, 2022​

SPOTLIGHT

British Rail Class 01​

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The British Rail Class 01 diesel locomotive is a short wheelbase 0-4-0 diesel-mechanical design intended for use in areas with tight curves and limited clearance.

Four examples were built by Andrew Barclay Sons & Co. of Kilmarnock (Scotland) in 1956.

They were numbered 11503-11506, then D2953-2956, and two survived long enough to become 01001 (D2954) and 01002 (D2955) on the TOPS system.

is a computer system for managing railway locomotives and rolling stock, known for many years of use in the United Kingdom.

Their original depot allocation was to Stratford (Depot Code: 30A).

A fifth locomotive with detail differences was built in 1958 for departmental use at Peterborough Permanent Way Depot.

It was originally No. 81 but was renumbered D2956 in July 1967 after the original D2956 had been withdrawn.
 
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The locomotives were very versatile, despite having only 153 horsepower (114 kW) available, and were small enough to operate on any railway on the BR standard gauge network — except for the small problem that they were limited to 14+1⁄4 miles per hour (22.9 km/h).

For a fleet of just five locomotives, they were also very reliable, although Stratford Docks, where they originally worked, was not noted for creating very hard labour.

Two examples, D2953 and D2956 were sold in 1966 and a third locomotive (the second D2956) followed in 1968.

So what of D2956 seen here ?

Well an amazing story really - it moved to Newton Heath in 1965 and then Doncaster in February 1966 before being withdrawn there on May 29th 1966.

It was sold to King's scrapyard at Norwich in July 1966 - presumably enroute there in this picture - where it became resident shunter.

When Kings closed in the Autumn of 1981 it moved to Mayer Newman at Snailwell near Newmarket before being presented to Bury Transport Museum in July 1985.

It is still at the East Lancs Railway, so a happy if unexpected ending !!
 
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D2954 and D2955 survived in BR service because they were required to service the Holyhead Breakwater, being the only locomotives light enough for that track, the pair were used by William Wild & Sons Ltd.

They were renumbered 01001 and 01002 under TOPS.

01001 was not used after 1973 but was cannibalised for spare parts to keep its sister loco in service.

01001 was withdrawn in 1979, and 01002 followed in 1981.

01002 had last run when the Breakwater Railway closed in July 1980.

Both locomotives were cut up on site still carrying their original livery of British Railways black with black-and-yellow "wasp stripe" warning ends and the original British Railways "unicycling lion" emblem; they were the last locomotives in BR service to do so.
 
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D2953 on August 14, 2022

The Heritage Shunters Trust also welcomed visitors during Peak Rail's Mixed Traffic Gala.

About to take over brake van duties, class 01 D2953 looks smart in the Summer sunshine.

The 01 was one of 5 153hp machines built by Andrew Barclay, Sons & Co. Ltd.

All, except the final example, were built in 1956, and D2953 was originally numbered 11503.

It never received a TOPS number.
 
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December 15th, 2022​

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Report 12/2022: Collision between a train and agricultural equipment at Kisby user worked crossing​

Collision between a train and agricultural equipment at Kisby user worked crossing, Cambridgeshire, 19 August 2021.

Published 17 October 2022

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At around 09:00 hrs on Thursday 19 August 2021, the 04:10 hrs freight train service from Hams Hall (Birmingham) to Felixstowe collided with agricultural machinery being towed over the railway by a tractor at Kisby user worked crossing, between Whittlesey and March in Cambridgeshire.

The train was travelling at about 66 mph (106 km/h) when it struck the machinery.

The train driver suffered minor injuries in the accident and the tractor driver was uninjured.

The locomotive and one wagon derailed, with both suffering some damage.

There was also extensive damage to the infrastructure of the railway.
 
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