Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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ROG (Rail Operations Group) Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teesside Steelmaster’ passes through Stocksfield station on the Tyne valley line whilst on route learning duties 17 February 2026.

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Railway 200 Inspiration train at Corfe Castle​

On a cold and damp day at Corfe Castle station, the Inspiration train brightens things up on its half term visit to Swanage Railway.

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Class 37 521+37 401 (Mary Queen Of Scots) from Crewe HS to Eastleigh Arlington

Class 20 007+20 205 carrying 2 Rail Adventure Wagons from Kings Norton Ot Plant Depot to Dollands Moor Sidings

Class 800 021+800 001 from North Pole IEP Depot to London Euston

Class 222 005 from London Euston to Crewe

Class 37 401 (Mary Queen of Scots) carrying 4 carriages

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23rd February, 2026

Welsh heritage railway hosting an open day for new volunteers​

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Llangollen and Corwen Railway staff


Llangollen and Corwen Railway is inviting the community behind the scenes this spring as it hosts a special Volunteer Open Day.

Taking place on Saturday, 14 March 2026, from 10 am at Llangollen Railway Station, the event offers a rare glimpse into the day-to-day operation of one of Wales’ most popular heritage attractions, which runs along the picturesque route between Llangollen and Corwen.

Visitors will discover the wide range of roles that keep the railway on track, from safety-critical operations and signal box duties to customer service, retail, engineering and even the pathway to becoming a steam locomotive driver.

The day will showcase how teams work both independently and together to deliver safe, professional and memorable experiences.

The railway already boasts the largest volunteer base of any similar organisation in Denbighshire, with hundreds of dedicated individuals contributing their time and skills.
 
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DMU leaving Berwyn for Llangollen


Organisers say there is always room for more volunteers to join, highlighting the variety, camaraderie and unique experiences that come with being part of the railway family.

The Open Day forms part of the railway’s continued growth, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Denbighshire County Council, helping to strengthen its volunteer programme and widen access to new opportunities.

The 2026 season officially begins on Saturday, 28 March, kicking off a packed programme of events including St David’s Day celebrations and the much-anticipated Branch Line Gala from 10 to 12 April.


“Through the Shared Prosperity Fund and Denbighshire County Council, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway is truly thriving. We already have the largest volunteer base of any comparable organisation in Denbighshire, but our ambitions continue to grow as we head into our 51st year of operation.

“Interest in the railway is going through the roof following our recent rise in profile, and it is our volunteers who make that possible. No two days are ever the same here. One day you could be working on the footplate, the next in the signal box, in the workshop, or welcoming passengers from around the world.

This Open Day is a chance to find out more about what we do, how we operate, and the incredible contribution our volunteers make. If you are considering becoming a volunteer or even just curious, we would love you to come along.”

Robin Crowley, Volunteer Coordinator at Llangollen Railway.
 
23rd February, 2026

Steam locomotive Southwick sees change of owner​

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Southwick undergoing overhaul


The Bahamas Locomotive Society has announced that 0-4-0 crane tank, Southwick, has been donated to them.

The 1942-built loco was originally owned by the Society but was sold to two members in 1989 to fund the move from Dinting to Ingrow West.

Southwick has been a long-term overhaul project, with work starting back in 2012.

With work being interrupted by 45596 Bahamas and Coal Tank 1054, it hasn't been until recently that progress has been more evident with components being reassembled.

The boiler has been problematic, with a new firebox being needed, which is difficult as it is an unconventional boiler that also incorporates the operating cylinder for the jib.

A solution has been found with a third-party company, which leaves the required funding to complete the locomotive in the region of £90,000.

With the costs increasing, including a new jib (the original is life expired), the owners have now offered Southwick back to the Society to source additional funds and also recognise the volunteers who have worked on the locomotive.

You can donate towards the overhaul via the Society website


“We are delighted to welcome back Southwick as part of our collection and thank our two members for their generous gift. Work on Southwick has been ongoing for a number of years and the slow but steady progress is now seeing some great results. Once we can get the boiler repaired it will provide the Society with the spectacle of having Bahamas, the ‘Coal Tank’ and Southwick operational at the same time – each representing a particular role in the story of the steam locomotive.”

Society Chairman, Keith Whitmore
 
23rd February, 2026

Kent and East Sussex Railway launches Fright Night Tickets​

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Fright Night


It may be early, but Fright Night fans will be glad to hear that it will return to the Kent and East Sussex Railway.

Last year’s event sold out and is expected to do so this year, so early booking is essential.

Visitors can enjoy a spooky steam-hauled journey fit for both children and adults on the 30th and 31st of October.
 
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Fright Night Fireworks


Everyone is invited to come in their best creepy costume and enjoy the entertainment, including a fire eater.

There will also be a weather dependent firework display at Northiam.

Further information and tickets can be found on their website.
 
23rd February, 2026

Historic Great Eastern Railway coach arrives at the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway​

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GER Saloon No14 with the other three GER coaches at the Middy.


The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway has announced the arrival of the historic former Great Eastern Railway Coach No. 14, secured thanks to the support and dedication of its members.

As the only known surviving carriage to have operated on the original Mid-Suffolk Light Railway, the acquisition marks a milestone in the preservation of the line’s heritage.

With the arrival of No. 14, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway now boasts four 19th-century coaches, including two break coaches, with a project to create a carriage shed underway.

This expanding fleet will enable the railway to introduce a rotation system, allowing essential restoration work to be carried out with less disruption to public opening days.

Coach No. 14 was built as Order G24 at the Stratford works and completed in December 1889 for the Great Eastern Railway.

As constructed, the carriage was the first to serve Great Eastern with electric lighting installed from new.

At construction, it measured 27 feet 6 inches in length and was mounted on a long-wheelbase four-wheel underframe.

It was later extended by 4 feet and 6 inches and mounted on the six-wheel underframe; it remains on that underframe to this day.

Following the 1923 creation of the London and North Eastern Railway, No. 14 continued in service within the Engineers’ Department, first from Ipswich, then later at Norwich.

The carriage subsequently passed into service with British Railways, where its final operation was in Yorkshire before being sold in 1973.
 
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