Marcus' Model Railway Journey

4th April, 2026

Branch Line Society to run The North-South Connection this May​

43159


The Branch Line Society are inviting passengers to join its stock move, The North-South Connection, on Friday, 1 May 2026, ahead of the Welsh Dragon fixture the following day.

The HST rolling stock (2+7 formation) is expected to be running as a Class 1 train, in place of the more usual Class 5.

The movement is set to be a one-way journey, picking up from Manchester Victoria.

Following this, the ECS movement is set to follow the mainline towards Watford Junction (1:30 pm), and onto the Great Western Mainline, where the stock will be left at Reading (3:00 pm) to be prepared for the following day’s main event.

Timings are all approximate, with confirmation with Network Rail due closer to May.

Onboard passengers can enjoy refreshments and snacks from the buffet counter, which can be located in Coach F.

125 Group will be providing a selection of merchandise from Coach C.

4th April, 2026

Porterbrook’s Converted Box Wagons enter service​

MWA-C box wagons


Porterbrook’s new converted MWA-C box wagons have entered frontline service following a 14-month programme which was undertaken in Mansfield at the WH Davis Factory.

The MWA-C box wagons have been converted from seventy-six HHA hopper wagons. The MWA-C use much of the same equipment as on the former HHA hoppers, including the bogies, brake gear and system, along with other reusable components.

The new difference is the robust, stronger, durable box body design, which sits on the frames and has a greater capacity compared to the hopper wagons.

Porterbrook HQ


The project, which began in December 2024 in partnership with Heavy Haul Rail Limited, was aimed at prolonging asset life. It is expected that the box wagons will have a 30-year service life.


In their new state, the box wagons are more flexible in the duties they can perform, as they can now carry a greater variety of goods than they would have done if they were still hopper wagons.


“We are pleased to have partnered with Heavy Haul Rail Limited on this sustainable initiative, transforming these assets into market leading boxes with an important role to play delivering volume across the network for many years to come.

“This highlights our ongoing focus to drive growth in the freight industry, and support the increased movement of heavy goods and materials by rail.”

Max Ordish, Head of Freight and Commercial Projects at Porterbrook


“It is great to see these 76 converted coal wagons now delivering for customers across the UK, as part of our long-term plan to meet growing customer demand for bulk freight.  Delivering materials by rail offers significant carbon reduction and fuel savings compared to road freight because it would take 140 lorries to replace one of our jumbo heavy haul trains.

“Giving the wagons a new lease of life was not only the more sustainable option, but it also supported the local economy because they were converted at UK based firm WH Davis.”

Dave Penney, CEO of Heavy Haul Rail Limited