Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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First shunt of GER No. 14


After restoration, the coach spent many years in service at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

The recent purchase and relocation to Suffolk is intended to mark a new chapter in the carriage’s long history.

Now back to the railway it once served, GER Coach No. 14 will take pride of place in the Middy’s collection, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a rare and authentic piece of Victorian railway history.

The 2026 season begins over the Easter weekend in April, where two steam locomotives (Illingworth and May) are set to be in operation alongside the new addition.
 
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Part of the interior of GER Saloon No. 14


“This is a great day for the railway and fills an important gap in our collection. We have been in discussion with the previous owner of the coach for some time, he is also a supporter of the railway, and we are all so pleased we have managed to come to an arrangement that secures the coach for the future.”

Ian Meigh, Chairman of the Railway.
 
23rd February, 2026

Farewell tour for mark III trains raises £20,000 for charity​

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From L to R - Paul Clewlow (Chiltern Railways), Andrew Cripps (Branch Line Society), drivers Matthew Shipp and Duncan Battersby (Chiltern Railways)


A farewell rail tour celebrating the iconic Chiltern Railways’ Mark 3 fleet has raised £20,000 for charity, marking the end of an era for trains that have been in service since the 1970s.

The special journey was organised by Chiltern Railways in partnership with the Branch Line Society to honour the much-loved coaches, which are due to leave the operator’s fleet at the end of March after 50 years of service.

The sold-out tour took place on Sunday, 22 February, running between London Marylebone and the West Midlands.

All 250 tickets were snapped up within 24 hours, with rail enthusiasts travelling from across the country to take part.

Crowds also gathered at stations along the route, and some passengers were given the rare opportunity to visit the driver’s cab before departure from Banbury.

Proceeds from the event were donated to Railway Children, supporting vulnerable young people in the UK, Tanzania and India.
 
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Chiltern Mk3 Farewell – Birmingham Snow Hill 22/02/26


“We are overwhelmed once again by the generosity of the railway family.

“Chiltern Railways are such dedicated supporters of our cause and these funds, from such a special occasion, will ensure some of the world’s most vulnerable children will wake up to brighter futures.”

Jack Miller, Group Director of Fundraising and Marketing, at Railway Children.


“I am delighted that £20,000 was raised for Railway Children, which is a charity close to my heart. It is the perfect way to celebrate these iconic coaches which have served our customers well for many years.

“I am looking forward to the future, as we are replacing these coaches with the modern, Chiltern Explorer trains, which will significantly improve journeys for our customers.”

Richard Allan, Managing Director of Chiltern Railways.
 
16 Feb 2026

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New fflecsi service to connect Llanarmon-yn-Iâl​

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Rhuthin


A brand new fflecsi zone serving Llanarmon, Denbighshire has been introduced today, providing Transport for Wales (TfW) passengers with flexible, on demand transport journeys.

Introduced in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, the service is designed around the needs of local communities and offers residents improved access to essential services, shops, education and employment by connecting Llanarmon directly to Ruthin and Mold*.

The Llanarmon zone will provide direct connections to the wider North Wales public transport network.

Passengers will be able to connect to the TrawsCymru T8 service offering convenient travel between Corwen and Chester.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW, said: “We’re committed to helping rural communities feel better connected. The new Llanarmon fflecsi zone gives people more choice, more flexibility and a more reliable way to travel.

“We’re pleased to be working with Denbighshire County Council to bring this new option to local residents.”

Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport at Denbighshire County Council, said: “This new fflecsi service strengthens public transport for our harder to reach communities.

“By offering a more responsive model, we’re helping residents access key destinations more easily.”

To book a trip on the new service download the fflecsi app or call the team on 0300 234 0300 .

Journeys can be reserved in advance or on the day, subject to availability.

The service operates 6 days a week, with hours tailored to local demand.

* Travel between Ruthin and Mold is not available, as these stops are connection points only.

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1. The new Llanarmon-yn-Iâl fflecsi zone will allow passengers to travel within the zone or to a dedicated stop in Ruthin or Mold. Return trips from those dedicated stops back to the zone are also possible.
2. For passengers wishing to travel further afield, or directly between Ruthin and Mold, the TrawsCymru T8 offers travel between Chester and Corwen.

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