Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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The beer has the characteristics of a strong Porter, whilst retaining the typical Exmoor taste - a superb blend of malt and hops with a complex long aftertaste.

26th March, 2026

Llangollen Railway to host special celebrity ride ahead of Wales Comic Con​

Wales Comic Con 2026


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced a new partnership with Wales Comic Con, adding a twist to this year’s event at Llangollen Pavilion between 4 and 5 April 2026.

Mixing heritage travel and pop culture, the collaboration promises fans an experience that begins long before they reach the venue.

At the heart of the launch is a special ‘Red Dwarf Steam Train’ running on Saturday, 4 April.

Passengers will be joined by actor and comedian Chris Barrie, best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer.

Chris Barrie, actor for Red Dwarf’s Arnold Rimmer


During the journey through the scenic Dee Valley, Barrie will meet fans in an onboard experience designed to be as entertaining as the destination itself.

His wider career spans satire, sitcom, and film, while his personal enthusiasm for railways makes the partnership a natural fit.

Departing Corwen at 9:00 am and arriving in Llangollen 40 minutes later, the service is limited to 200 passengers.

The celebration continues on Sunday, 5 April, with a ‘Cosplay on the Trains’ theme, offering another 200 passengers a combined travel-and-entry package.

Organisers have also hinted at surprise appearances and themed moments across the day.


With celebrity encounters, immersive travel, and a festival atmosphere, the partnership aims to boost the Comic Con experience while showcasing one of North Wales’ picturesque heritage railways.


“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the team behind Wales Comic Con to bring these exciting plans to life. Having worked with them previously, we know just how passionate and creative they are in delivering memorable events, and it is fantastic to be collaborating once again. The opportunity to welcome fans aboard a special steam service, particularly with such a well-known guest, is something truly unique for our railway and the local area.

It makes it even more special that Chris Barrie himself has a genuine love of steam trains, which adds an extra layer of excitement for both railway enthusiasts and Red Dwarf fans alike. This partnership marks the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and lasting relationship, and we are very much looking forward to working together on this and other future events that will help attract new audiences and showcase everything our railway and Llangollen has to offer.”

Dave Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

26th March, 2026

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway prepare for the new season​

Heitage carriage on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway


Lynton & Barnstaple Railway have released a new episode in their series ‘Steam on the Moor’.

The new episode covers the work they did over one of their work weekends on 20th – 22nd March 2026.

They carried out numerous projects to prepare the railway for the busy season ahead, including installing a new signal.

You can view the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00utaSbjhLo


Other episodes can be watched on their YouTube channel via a playlist.

Their timetable for the upcoming season has also been released and can be viewed on their website.

26th March, 2026

World first as quantum navigation technology arrives on Britain’s railway​

GTR test train


Network Rail has announced a significant step toward a GPS-free future for Britain’s railways, with the first mainline trial of cutting-edge quantum navigation technology.

The system, known as Rail Quantum Inertial Navigation (RQINS), uses ultra-sensitive sensors to track a train’s position by detecting minute changes in motion, offering pinpoint accuracy without relying on satellite signals.

That independence from GPS could prove transformative, particularly in tunnels, dense urban areas, or locations prone to signal disruption.

It also opens the door to replacing costly trackside positioning equipment with a more resilient, lower-maintenance alternative.

RQINS Testing Equipment


The landmark trial took place on a Govia Thameslink Railway service between London and Welwyn Garden City, delivering valuable real-world data on performance in live conditions.

The project builds on earlier defence and metro-based research, pushing quantum sensing closer to widespread rail use.

Led by MoniRail in partnership with Imperial College London and QinetiQ, the initiative is backed by Innovate UK and driven by GBRX, part of a broader effort to modernise Britain’s rail network.


“Quantum sensing is one of the UK Government’s frontier technological priorities. Railways, as one of the country’s most complex operational systems, provide a powerful platform for developing and scaling these capabilities for rail and beyond.

“This programme begins the process of understanding how quantum positioning could fundamentally reshape how railways work. In the future, it could reduce reliance on costly trackside positioning systems while enabling new capabilities for signalling, improved operational performance, network planning, enhanced condition monitoring and more intelligent railway operations.

“This test represents an early but important step in that development journey and demonstrates how collaboration between government, academia and industry can accelerate the development of frontier technologies.”

Toufic Machnouk, managing director of GBRX.

26th March, 2026

Welsh Railway to host Polar Express trains for first time​

The Brecon Mountain Railway plans to host the well-loved magical experience of The Polar Express for the first time.

The Christmas experience comes with souvenir golden tickets, hot chocolate and a sweet treat.

Passengers can experience a wonderful atmosphere with performances throughout, a chance to meet the characters and receive a Christmas gift.

The memory making services begin on the 13th December, with tickets going on sale on the 16th April.

Newsletter subscribers also have the opportunity to gain early access on the 15th.

Further information can be found online.