Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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1st January 2023

London North Eastern Railway celebrates centenary of East Coast route​

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'Flying Scotsman' and LNER Azuma at Darlington​

New Year’s Day, 1st January 2023, marks 100 years since the London and Northeastern Railway was formed as a result of the grouping following the Railway Act of 1921.

For the last 100 years, the two railway companies have connected London with the far-reaching corners of Scotland, and have become renowned globally for providing passengers with high-speed rail services in style and comfort, and with beautiful destinations.
 
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Period London and Northeastern Railway poster​

To mark the occasion, the London and Northeastern Railway’s successor plans to hold a year full of celebrations to recognise the achievements of the past and the potential for the future, one of which is a special commemorative video to mark the centenary of the East Coast route operators.

The video contains archived and modern footage featuring the last century of the East Coast route and lasts two minutes and eight seconds.

It celebrates the rich history of London Northeastern Railway’s colleagues, fleet, destinations, and locations and includes video from sources that include British Pathe.
 
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A4 Pacific Mallard and its designer, Sir Nigel Gresley​

Among the clips in the video are some of the most iconic moments from British railway history, including the record-breaking run in 1938 of A4 Pacific Mallard, which set a World record for the fastest speed by a steam-hauled train, and the inaugural service in 2019 of London Northeastern Railway’s new Azuma Class 800 fleet in 2019.
 
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London Northeastern Railway will make regular announcements on social media channels throughout 2023 about other events to mark the centenary, some of which will specially interest railway fans.

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LNER |100 years of LNER (Media)

Today we hit the momentous landmark of 100 years of LNER. The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) came into existence on the 1st January 1923 through the...
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Today we hit the momentous landmark of 100 years of LNER.

The London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) came into existence on the 1st January 1923 through the merger of seven constituents and 26 subsidiary railway companies.

Take a journey with us departing from 1923 and follow us through the ages.

Providing services across the East Coast Mainline from the bustling city of London to the depths of Scotland.

Connecting destinations, families and friends to one another for years to come.
 
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London Northeastern Railway’s launch of its new Azuma trains​

The company has also produced an official calendar featuring some memorable moments from the East Coast route.

Each of the 12 months is illustrated with an image from modern London Northeastern Railway photography or by an archived image from the National Railway Museum in York.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said:

“This is a momentous occasion for LNER and we’re proud to be part of the modern LNER story.

“We recognise the importance of the railway in every community we serve, along with the role we have played in connecting these destinations of England and Scotland over the past 100 years.@

“From speed records to sustainable fleets, the evolution of the railway is hugely exciting, and this video captures just a handful of those incredibly exciting moments. We’re looking forward to spending 2023 reflecting on our proud past and looking to our future.”
 
1st January 2023

End of an Era - Talyllyn Railway

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It's the end - but the moment has been prepared for...

As we enter 2023, the Talyllyn Railway prepares to say farewell to something - but first, enjoy an update from Chris & Stuart including a look at Dolgoch's overhaul!

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End of an Era - Talyllyn Railway

It's the end - but the moment has been prepared for... As we enter 2023, the Talyllyn Railway prepares to say farewell to something - but first, enjoy an upd...
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3rd January 2023

Nearly 2 miles of track relaid through York station during Christmas period​

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LNER Azuma arrives into York​

During the Christmas period, Network Rail engineers relaid nearly two miles of track through the platforms at York station.

In a £6 million upgrade, between Christmas Eve, 24th December and Monday, 2nd January, 2.7 km (1.6 miles) of track was replaced along with nine sets of points and some vital signalling equipment.
 
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Network Rail teams upgrading the tracks at York station​

To minimise delays caused by cold weather, specialist heaters on the track that play an important part in melting snow and ice at critical points on the lines were replaced by improved ones that allow trains to run reliably regardless of the weather conditions.

The net effect of these improvements will reduce delays and improve the track’s condition for many years to come.
 
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New tracks at York station​

Because of the strike action during the Christmas period, at first, there was concern that the work would not be able to go ahead.

However, after reviewing the options, sufficient specially trained and fully qualified backup staff were able to step in to do the work and help deliver the improvements which will provide major benefits for passengers.

Further strike action is planned from today, Tuesday, 3rd until Saturday, 7th January, which will result in a much-reduced train service.

Those trains that do run will start later and finish earlier than normal, therefore anyone intending to travel during this period should only travel if it is absolutely necessary and check the times of their first and last trains via National Rail Enquiries or their train operator’s website.
 
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New year, new track. Smoother journeys through York station after Christmas relaying​

Paul Rutter, East Coast Route Director for Network Rail said:

“I’m so pleased that we were able to push ahead with this work despite the strike action and do the right thing for passengers. Better equipment and new weather-ready tracks will all help to offer more reliable journeys through York.

“I’d like to thank passengers for their support and patience over the festive period and look forward to welcoming them back to the railway throughout 2023.”
 
3rd January 2023

Railway starts New Year with more walkouts​

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Train operators are warning that their services will be badly disrupted over the next five days.

There will be two 48-hour RMT strikes, the first of which started this morning.

The second will be on Friday and Saturday, while ASLEF drivers will strike on the intervening Thursday.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch has claimed that the government has been on ‘radio silence’ since before Christmas.

He said: ‘The executives who run the industry day on day are in despair at what the government is making them say in these talks.’

The Department for Transport has denied accusations of silence, saying the rail minister had remained ‘in regular contact with all parties and the government had taken significant steps to enable a deal.’

It added: ‘Unions should step back from this strike action so we can start 2023 by ending this damaging dispute.’

The Rail Delivery Group has repeated that reforms to working arrangements are an essential part of any settlement.

These may include the widespread closure of ticket offices and more driver-only trains.

Meanwhile, the West Coast Main Line has been blocked by flood damage at Carstairs, after heavy rain eroded both sides of an embankment on Friday.

Network Rail said its engineers are ‘working around the clock to remove landslip material affecting a 40m long section of the line before beginning to reinforce the area with over 200 tonnes of new stone’.

The track itself will have to relaid and signalling circuits checked before train services can return north of Carlisle, and Network Rail has estimated that repairs will take until Friday this week.
 
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3rd January 2023

It's 100 years since the Grouping - what happened, why and how?

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Original Vintage WWII Railway Poster - In War And Peace We Serve GWR LMS LNER SR​

"Big Four" was a name used to describe the four largest railway companies in the United Kingdom in the period 1923–1947.

The name was coined by The Railway Magazine in its issue of February 1923: "The Big Four of the New Railway Era".

The Big Four were:
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
  • London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS)
  • London and North Eastern Railway (LNER)
  • Southern Railway (SR)
The companies were formed as a result of the Railways Act 1921, in a process known as "The Grouping" (of the railways), which came into effect on 1 January 1923.

On 1 January 1948 the companies were nationalised to form British Railways as a result of the Transport Act 1947.

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The Big Four

It's 100 years since the Grouping - what happened, why and how?Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/jagohazzardPatreon: https://patreon.com/jagohazzard
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4th January 2023

Passengers most concerned about ticket prices​

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The results of a new survey published by passenger watchdog Transport Focus show that passengers are more concerned about the cost of travelling by train than anything else.

Performance came just behind, while the third priority was trains running often enough, followed by accurate and timely information about the timetable, and then getting a seat on the train.

Less important were helpful staff, clean stations and trains, and reliable WiFi, which was the 23rd category in TF’s list of 25 priorities.

Finding sufficient space for luggage was the least important factor.

More than 15,000 people were asked for their opinions.

Transport Focus chief executive Anthony Smith said: "The research found passengers’ top two priorities for the railway – well ahead of others – are the “price of train tickets offers value for money” and “reliability and punctuality”. This reaffirms that what matters most to passengers is a punctual and reliable railway that delivers on the timetable’s promise at an acceptable price.

‘The railway must maintain its focus on this. Passengers other key priorities also reflect an emphasis on the railway getting the basics right. Passengers want sufficiently frequent trains and accurate and timely information about train times and any delays. They want a seat on board a clean train and, of course, they need to feel safe. These are not the only things that matter, but passengers will judge the railway on how effectively it delivers its “core product”.’

The figures have been published as the RMT and ASLEF both stage more strikes this week. Today is the second day of a 48-hour walkout by RMT members at Network Rail and most train operators, and a second 48-hour RMT strike is planned for Friday and Saturday, while ASLEF drivers will strike on Thursday.

Train services are being severely disrupted throughout Britain, with only one in five trains running at best, although reports say that Network Rail is indicating progress in negotiations over pay and conditions.
 
4th January 2023

Steam locomotive 60163 Tornado to visit North Norfolk Railway for late-May Bank Holiday​

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60163 5z60 Crewe Heritage Centre-Southall, at Northampton on June 7, 2013​


In one of its first appearances following a two-year overhaul, celebrity steam locomotive LNER A1 Class Pacific No 60163 will be visiting the North Norfolk Railway during the late-May Bank Holiday.

From Saturday, 27th May to Sunday, 4th June, Tornado, which is the first main line steam locomotive built in the UK since 1960, will haul special trains from Sheringham to Holt and return.
 
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Tornado at Holt, September 2, 2012​

In 2008, Tornado made headlines when it steamed for the first time, and since then, it has hauled Royal Trains, appeared in Paddington 2 on the big screen, and featured in numerous television programmes including BBC Top Gear’s famous “Race to The North”.

Tornado is also the fastest steam engine to run since the 1960s.

In 2017 it achieved 100mph on a test train but while on the North Norfolk Railway, it will be running at a more sedate 25mph through the beautiful North Norfolk countryside.

As Tornado normally hauls premier excursions on the mainline, this will be a rare chance to ride behind one of Britain’s most famous locomotives.
 
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Tornado on the North Norfolk Railway in 2012​

Each day, special trains hauled by Tornado will depart from Sheringham Station at 10.00, 11.40, 13.20, 15.00, and 16.40.

Advance booking is essential, and tickets will include a reserved seat for a trip from Sheringham to Holt and return, and there will be time at Holt station to take photographs of Tornado.
 
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Tornado on the North Norfolk Railway in 2012
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On Saturday, 3rd June, Tornado will haul “The North Norfolkman” luxury dining train, where guests will enjoy a pre-dinner drink and relax in the comfort of a dining carriage built for British Railways in the 1950s or ’60s and with a restored interior of varnished wood and a distinctive upholstery moquette that was characteristic of the period.
 
4th January 2023

Update on progress to recreate an LNER Class G5 steam locomotive​

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Cylinder block being machined​

The Class G5 Locomotive Company has issued its latest update on the progress to recreate a North Eastern Railway Class O, LNER Class G5, 0-4-4 Passenger Tank Locomotive.
 
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LNER 67349 at Malton September 20th 1952

NER class O, built at Darlington entering service numbered 441 December 1901.

LNER class G5 in 1924. Renumbered 7349 December 1946.

Renumbered 67349 March 1949 and withdrawn April 1954.
 
Eccentric Sheaves

Four eccentric sheaves have been ordered from Sutton Casting Ltd (SCL), who have had a pattern made from which the sheaves will be cast before being machined to fit the crank axle.

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Eccentric sheaves positioned on the crank axle​
 
Cylinder Block

This summer the front of the locomotive changed quite dramatically.

Although the cylinder block has been in the frame as a trial fit for several years, over the course of five evenings the front beam, chimney, and smokebox were removed so that the cylinder block could be hoisted out before being temporarily moved to Daniela Works for an assessment before its final machining.

The set of 44 studs that will hold the front cylinder covers in place have been manufactured by Daniela, whilst over the next six months the cylinder block, front cylinder covers, and valve chest covers will be machined.

Whilst the chimney and smokebox have been readily accessible, they have been painted in matt black heat-proof paint.

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Chimney and smokebox painted matt black​
 
Tank Drawings

Work to complete the drawings for the tanks continues, with particular attention being paid to the internal baffles on the two side tanks and the firefighter’s brake mechanism that runs through the tank.

This part of the design is proving rather difficult as none of original drawings are available, so reference is being made to drawings of tanks on J72s, which was another Wilson Worsdell design.

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Left-hand tank with handbrake​
 
Main Line Steam Builders Group Update

On 17th August, a meeting was held at CTL Seal, Sheffield when Giles Turner from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) explained the process for bringing steam into use on the mainline network, and the procedure for submission of Certification and Registration documentation for a new locomotive.

The process is designed to provide confidence that the safety risks are being managed correctly.

The group also agreed to share technical and engineering information, with the first step being to share supplier lists for major components and experience with suppliers.

The group’s 2023 Annual Conference will be held on Saturday, 13th May at the Bannatyne Hotel in Darlington when guests will be able to view the locomotive.

The unit will also re-open for viewing of the locomotive in March.

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5th January 2023

Northampton and Lamport Railway issues urgent fundraising appeal​

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Bridge 13​

The Northampton & Lamport Railway (NLR) has had to suspend services across part of its line due to urgent repairs needed to a key bridge and is appealing for donations to help fund its repair.

The northern part of the line has been closed to public services, meaning that the running distance of the line has been reduced by a third.

The reason is that passenger services across Bridge 13 have had to be suspended, because some of the track support timbers have unexpectedly deteriorating rapidly.
 
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Bridge 13 on the Northampton & Lamport Railway​

Bridge 13 is a six-span metal girder bridge on brick piers, which was restored to operational use by the line’s volunteers in 2000.

However, some of the large timbers have started to deteriorate so much that they have reached the point where safety could become comprised if the bridge remained in use.

Although the bridge is a predominantly metal structure, the timbers run lengthways along the bridge beneath the rails to secure them to the main structure.
 
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Track view of bridge 13 on the Northampton & Lamport Railway​

Although all ten of the bridge’s timbers are starting to approach the end of their useful life, two of them have been identified as considerably weakened.

It was therefore decided that no passenger trains could pass over bridge after the Mince Pie Specials had completed their runs on New Year’s Day.

Closing the bridge will hugely affect the railway, as its train services will only be able to run over a fraction of the existing line.

Due to the size of timbers required (40ft long, 10 inches deep, and 16 inches wide), they are expensive and can only be purchased from specialist suppliers.

Transport is also expensive and an additional cost to factor in.
 
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Approaching bridge 13 on the Northampton & Lamport Railway​

It is estimated that £8,500 is required to purchase and transport four timbers, two for immediate replacements and two for spares, so that they can be replaced to get the bridge re-opened before the railway’s main 2023 Season gets underway, and before timber prices increase.
 
5th January 2023

ASLEF drivers walk out, and union warns of more to come​

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Drivers belonging to ASLEF are striking at 14 English train operators today, and ASLEF leader Mick Whelan is warning that more walkouts are possible unless there is a settlement in the meantime.

Train services are also being disrupted this week by two 48-hour RMT strikes, the first of which was on Tuesday and Wednesday and the second will be tomorrow and Saturday.

RMT walkouts include Network Rail staff, and many lines are closed because no signallers are available. About one in five services run, but only on some key routes.

Speaking to the BBC this morning, Mick Whelan said:

‘What we see at the moment is just a blanket “we want not to pay you, and we don’t want to pay you for what you do”. That isn’t working together or making offers to change working practices.’

It has been reported that drivers are being offered an annual pay rise of £2000, but Mr Whelan responded:

‘If that turns out to be an offer and they’ve leaked it to the press … I think that’s self defeating. It breaches the trust and the honourability of the negotations that we’re in. I keep being asked, quite naturally, “would you accept this?”. I don’t know what the strings are.’

He added:

‘I would much rather be here arguing against future cuts to our timetables … I would rather be talking to you about the green agenda and investment. I would rather talk about growth. I want to get back to my day job.’

The operators affected today are Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Govia Thameslink Railway (including Gatwick Express), Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia (including Stansted Express), Heathrow Express, LNER, West Midlands Trains (London Northwestern and West Midlands Railway), Northern, South Western Railway (including Island Line), Southeastern and TransPennine Express.
 
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Severn Valley Railway - Farewell 2857 & 1501 - Monday 2nd January 2023​

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The first railway visit of the year was also a day of lasts for the Severn Valley Railway.

While being the last day of their running season for the line, it was also the last days in service for two locos, those being GWR 2800 Class No 2857, and BR(W) Hawksworth Pannier No 1501.

GWR 28xx No. 2857 & GWR Pannier Tank No. 1501 of course as expected were due to finish their current boiler tickets and be withdrawn from traffic on the 2nd of January 2023, after many years of hard work in revenue earning services.

They are now due a well earned rest while they await their next overhaul.

The day saw near wall to wall sun, with only brief interruptions from cloud.

It was also a very busy day with passenger numbers high on all trains.

The full lineup for the day was:- | GWR 2800 Class No 2857 | BR(W) 1500 Class No 1501 | BR Class 40 No 40106 'Atlantic Conveyor'

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Severn Valley Railway - Farewell 2857 & 1501 - Monday 2nd January 2023

The first railway visit of the year was also a day of lasts for the Severn Valley Railway. While being the last day of their running season for the line, it ...
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South Devon Railway Winter Steam Gala 2022​

Dec 30, 2022 - SDR Winter gala over the new year weekend of 2022/23

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Visiting locos 7820 Dinmore Manor

41312 LMS IVATT CLASS 2MT

Home loco 6430 Pannier Tank

Station pilot 09 D3721

D4426 out on test after overhaul

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South Devon Railway Winter Steam Gala 2022

SDR Winter gala over the new year weekend of 2022/23.visiting locos 7820 Dinmore Manor41312 LMS IVATT CLASS 2MThome loco 6430 Pannier Tank station pilot 09 D...
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6th January 2023

South Wales rail passengers warned to check before travelling due to engineering work​

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Rail passengers in South Wales are being warned to check before they travel as Transport for Wales (TfW) undertakes engineering work between Cardiff and the valleys.

The work is the latest phase of the transformation of the Core Valley Lines (CVL) for the South Wales Metro.

The railway between Radyr and Pontypridd will be closed between Sunday 8 January and Friday 27 January, with the exception of Thursday 12 and Friday 13 January.

Additionally, services will also be suspended between Cardiff Central and Radyr between Sunday 8 January and Wednesday 11 January.

Between Saturday 14 January and Sunday 22 January, there will also be no services north of Pontypridd to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil.

TfW is encouraging passengers to check for the latest travel information before making their journeys.

This can be found on the TfW website and app.

During the closure, replacement bus services will be in operation.

In addition to these, ticket acceptance will be in place on selected local bus services.

The South Wales Metro will significantly improve connectivity throughout South Wales and provide access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales, through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes.

The project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Work taking place will include the installation of overhead line equipment and foundations for new signals.

The railway embankment will be widened at Pentre-bach station, and upgrades will be made to Devil’s Footbridge and Quakers Yard Footbridge.

TfW will also be carrying out major gas diversion works along the Treherbert Line.
During the closure, replacement bus services will be in operation.

In addition to these, ticket acceptance will be in place on selected local bus services – the following bus routes are available:

Cardiff Central to Radyr (via the City Line) – Cardiff Bus services 21, 23, 24, 25, 61 and 63
  • Cardiff Central - 25 service from Wood Street, 21 23 and 24 Service from Westgate Street
  • Waun-gron Park - 61 Service on Waungron Road
  • Fairwater - 61 Service from the Health Centre (Plas Mawr Road)
  • Danescourt – 63 Service on Danescourt Way.
  • Radyr - 63 From Heol Isaf
Cardiff Central to Pontypridd – TrawsCymru T4 (operated by Stagecoach)
  • Cardiff Central - T4 from Greyfriars Road (Customers can train to Queen Street and walk to Greyfriars Road instead of walking the whole route)
  • Cardiff Queen Street - T4 from Greyfriars Road
  • Cathays - T4 from Greyfriars Road
  • Llandaf - 24 and 25 Services from Station Road
  • Radyr - 63 from Heol Isaf
  • Pontypridd - T4 from Pontypridd Bus Station

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6th January 2023

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Mayor faces tough decision over TfL fares​

Fares ++ The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has yet to announce how much fares on Transport for London will rise this year, after the government said regulated rail fares in England will rise by 5.9 per cent on 5 March.

The Mayor faces a reduction in government funding for TfL if he tries to cap fares revenue, but he is also reported to be reluctant to increase bus fares, because buses are often the choice of poorer Londoners.

He has already take steps to increase TfL’s earnings from passengers by no longer allowing Travelcards bought at National Rail stations in the south east to be used on TfL services.

The Mayor told the London Assembly yesterday:

‘The basic principle is we try and make sure that public transport is as affordable as possible for those who need it the most and are least likely to afford it. My instinct is always to try and keep bus fares as low as we possibly can.’

City Hall said TfL is now starting discussions with the government about the implications of the forthcoming increases on National Rail.

Strike ++ Some 40,000 RMT members are walking out today and tomorrow on National Rail as they stage the second 48-hour stoppage called by their union this week.

There has already been a two-day RMT strike on Tuesday and Wednesday, and ASLEF drivers staged their own strike yesterday.

As with previous RMT strikes, train services will be very restricted, with no trains running on many lines today and tomorrow.

Timetables on Sunday are also set to be disrupted, and problems could spill over into Monday in some areas.

ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan said he ‘wants to get back to the day job’, while RMT leader Mick Lynch is accusing the government of getting in the way.

‘The government is blocking the union's attempts to reach a negotiated settlement with the rail employers. We have worked with the rail industry to reach successful negotiated settlements ever since privatisation in 1993. And we have achieved deals across the network in 2021 and 2022 where the DfT has no involvement. Yet in this dispute, there is an unprecedented level of ministerial interference, which is hamstringing rail employers from being able to negotiate a package of measures with us,’ he said.

The DfT has denied this, saying that ministers have held ‘polite, constructive meetings’ with union chiefs.
 
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