Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Class 50 No. 50049 ‘Defiance’


Along with this, students were briefed on the scale of Severn Valley Railway’s operations, which spans 16.5 miles of tracks, a wide selection of locomotives, and around 70 passenger carriages.


“We’re exposing students to the sectors in which technology is used to help them make better choices about the direction they want to go in their careers after they’ve graduated. The transport sector is seen as one of the go-to destinations for our students, with strong interest in both the automotive and rail industries.

“I want them to experience trackside what’s involved in running a train operating company. It’s not just about the rolling stock, it’s also about the infrastructure and the equipment, and probably most importantly, it’s about the people and how they bring those things together.

“This visit is just the first of what we hope will be further collaboration, whether that’s students working on SVR-based projects or even coming here to work in the future.”

Peter Metcalfe, senior serving associate professor at NMITE.


“We are always keen to work in partnership with educational establishments such as NMITE. This is how we connect with the engineers of the future and ensure our heritage line remains relevant to today’s young people. And who knows, in the not-too-distant future, one of these students could end up working here with us at the Severn Valley Railway.”

Mike Hulme, SVR director.

23rd April, 2026

Essex Railway host spectacular steam gala​

6989 Wightwick Hall


Over the weekend (17th-19th April), the Epping Ongar Railway hosted its Western Workhorses Steam Gala.

The railway was generous enough to invite RailAdvent along to experience the spectacular event.

The timetable was packed with services hauled by 6989 Wightwick Hall, GWR Prairie No. 4144, and 4953 Pitchford Hall, with 2409 “King George” hauling brake van rides across the event.

Passengers also enjoyed a range of Ales from the on-board bar.

Both stations and all services were filled with anticipation, with numerous Harry Potter fans waiting to board 6989, which plays the Hogwarts Express in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series.

The Saturday also featured a very exciting double-header consisting of Wightwick Hall and Pitchford Hall.

6989 Wightwick Hall and 4953 Pitchford Hall double heading


Passengers arrived via a range of vintage buses, with a special appearance from Supercar, a bizarre creation made up of a classic London bus (front), a 1973 Tube train (middle), and a Network SouthEast train (rear).

Supercar at the Epping Ongar Railway


The gala was a huge success, welcoming over 2000 visitors, and the appearance of high-profile locomotives meant that the railway smashed its records.


“The success of this year’s Steam Gala is a massive achievement and a testament to the dedication of everyone involved. This event requires months of meticulous planning and exceptional commitment, and the sheer scale of the operation-from coordinating the movement and maintenance of the locomotives to ensuring a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for thousands of visitors-was immense. We are incredibly proud to have delivered such a high-quality event to well over 2000 visitors; it wasn’t just about the trains, it was about the experience, the history, and bringing our railway community together. We extend our sincere thanks to all our visitors, volunteers, and visiting locomotive owners for making the 2026 Steam Gala our best yet.”

Nick Arthurton, General Manager

24th April, 2026

Class 57/3 loco to join Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival​

Class 57/3 locomotive no. 57305


The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has announced more details of its forthcoming Spring Diesel Festival.

The Worcestershire Railway had already announced four visiting locomotives for the Festival, which will take place from Thursday 14 May until Sunday 17 May 2026.

It has now announced that a Class 57/3 locomotive will attend, courtesy of freight operator GBRf.

British Rail Class 57s are diesel locomotives that were rebuilt from Class 47s.

The locos were manufactured by Brush Traction of Loughborough between 1998 and 2004.


Then, in 2002, Virgin Trains West Coast contracted rolling stock company Porterbrook to rebuild Class 47s into Class 57/3s to conduct rescue duties and to haul electric trains along routes without overhead power lines.

SVR sees the addition of this locomotive to its festival line-up as a continuation of its theme of celebrating forty years of Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD).

‘Hymek’ D7018 will also be visiting SVR for its Spring Diesel Festival


The Railway expects to add further locos to its list of visitors, which so far comprises: Class 35 Hymek D7018, which visits courtesy of The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG); Class 55 Deltic 55009 ‘Alycidon’, courtesy of The Deltic Preservation Society; Class 57/0, courtesy of special trains operator West Coast Railways; Class 57/3, courtesy of GBRf; Class 59, courtesy of Heavy Haul Rail; and Class 67, courtesy of DB Cargo.

Locomotives from the Severn Valley Railway’s home fleet will also operate during the weekend.

Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon


Over the four days of the festival, trains will run on a busy timetable between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth.

On the first evening of the festival (Thursday 14 May), there will be a discussion event with a panel speaking about the future of Britain’s rail industry and the long-term legacy of Railway 200.

Enthusiasts can book tickets for the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival in advance at a discounted price from this web page.

They can also be purchased at the ticket office on the day, with options to buy one-, two-, three- or four-day rover tickets.

Other forthcoming events at the SVR include a visit from the Inspiration exhibition train.

Frontage of Sunderland station.

Tile Shed level crossing at East Boldon

24th April, 2026

Metro tickets issued on eve of 1980 launch uncovered by collector​

10 August 1980 Tyne and Wear Metro ticket discovered by Ian Chapman.


A set of rare Metro tickets purchased on the eve of the network’s public opening has surfaced on eBay, offering a glimpse into the early days of Tyne and Wear’s light rail system.

Nine tickets, issued on Sunday, 10 August 1980, were discovered by local transport enthusiast Ian Chapman, who specialises in Metro memorabilia.

The date places them just hours before the system began passenger services, making them an unusual survival from a significant moment in regional transport history.

10 August 1980 Tyne and Wear Metro tickets discovered by Ian Chapman


The tickets are the familiar yellow paper stock issued by early automatic coin-operated ticket machines when the Metro first launched.


Fares at the time could be as low as 6p for a child ticket, reflecting the pricing structure of the early 1980s.

These durable paper tickets remained in widespread use on the network until 2013, when they were replaced by smart ticketing and updated ticket machines.

They follow the Edmondson format, a traditional railway ticketing system introduced in 1838 by English stationmaster Thomas Edmondson.

The standardised design became a mainstay of railway operations across Britain and beyond for more than a century, before being phased out on National Rail during the late 20th century.

Metro operator Nexus said such items are seldom found, noting that few tickets from that period are likely to remain in circulation.

Chapman, whose collection includes more than 40,000 used Metro tickets, identified the items in a larger batch he purchased from sellers based on the Isle of Wight and in Hertfordshire.

A collection of 10 August 1980 Tyne and Wear Metro launch day tickets, discovered by Ian Chapman


The Tyne and Wear Metro’s first section, between Haymarket and Tynemouth, opened at 5 am on Monday, 11 August 1980.

For enthusiasts, the tickets represent both the network’s launch and the final decades of a heritage ticketing system that outlasted its use on the wider rail network.


“It’s not often that you see Metro tickets that were sold before the network was opened. I’m thrilled to have found some. Back in August 1980, a lot of transport enthusiasts will have gone to the Metro stations the night before the opening to try and get the very first ticket. The ticket machines back then were analogue, so they will have printed the previous day’s date on them up to around 2 am. I saw a batch of them on eBay for £22 and I decided to buy them.”

“For rail enthusiasts, there is a great fondness for these old-style tickets. Not only because they are from the opening of Metro, but because they are the heritage style tickets that were phased out on the national railways in 1990, but were in use on Metro up to 2013.”

“The Holy Grail for all collectors is to find the very first ever Tyne and Wear Metro ticket, number 000001. It will hopefully be out there somewhere. I’ll keep looking. I’ve got a passion for Metro memorabilia.”

Ian Chapman

25th April, 2026

Flying Scotsman Services to return to Mid-Morning Departure times​

LNER Azuma No. 801 211 at Edinburgh Waverley


The London North Eastern Railway has announced that it has retimed future Flying Scotsman train services to reflect the original mid-morning departure times, since the launch of the first service nearly 165 years ago.

As of Monday,18th May, the London North Eastern Railway’s northbound Flying Scotsman service will leave London King’s Cross at 10:30 am, with the southbound service leaving Edinburgh Waverley at 10 am.

Passengers travelling on the retimed services on the first day of operation will be welcomed by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Celtic Rock band, who will play well-known hits as they arrive at stations and board the train.

LNER services at London Kings Cross


Passengers travelling in First Class will be treated to a full Scottish-themed menu, including Haggis, neeps and tatties, alongside placemats featuring a modern, redesigned 21st-century Flying Scotsman logo.


The Flying Scotsman service has been running on the East Coast Mainline since 1862, though the train was not officially given the title, complete with headboard, until 1924.

Originally, both northbound and southbound services left their respective capital cities at 10 am.

The name Flying Scotsman has been used on East Coast Main Line services by many individual Train Operating Companies over the years; it has become part of British railway history and culture.

LNER Azuma train


Under the 21st Century branding of LNER, the named Flying Scotsman service currently runs one-way, leaving Edinburgh Waverley before 6 am.

It is thanks in part to the new Azuma trains that have increased journey times on services along the East Coast Main Line that have allowed timetable planners to restore the Flying Scotsman services to mid-morning departure times befitting a tribute to one of Britain’s well-known trains.


Passengers can once again board a fast mid-morning service and travel a route so many travellers have done before, while enjoying the speed and comfort of an Azuma.

Looking ahead, the retimed services could not have come at a better time as this year marks 150 years since the birth of Sir Nigel Greasley, the builder the A3 Class Pacific No. 60103 ‘Flying Scotsman’ which was named after the train.

Gresley 150 celebrations will be taking place throughout the year with the highlight of events happening around what would have been Sir Nigel’s birthday in June.


“It’s fantastic to see the Flying Scotsman service move much closer to its historic departure timings.

The service became famous for its simultaneous 10:00 departures from London King’s Cross and Edinburgh, and these revised departure times are as close as we can get to that today. We’re really looking forward to The Red-Hot Chilli Pipers giving both the northbound and southbound services a rousing send-off.

2026 is also the year the railway industry is marking Gresley 150, celebrating the life and legacy of Sir Nigel Gresley, whose designs helped define a golden age of rail travel.”

Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER
“The Flying Scotsman service is one of the most powerful names through a century of British railway travel. It is synonymous with speed, punctuality, regularity and quality. In its early years, it became famous for its simultaneous 10am departures from both London and Edinburgh, so bringing today’s timetable much closer to that is a wonderful nod to its truly iconic heritage.

Named express train services were once more common than now, but the Flying Scotsman name isn’t just a niche detail for rail enthusiasts: it’s a name that should resonate with passengers who value history, tradition and service. 21st Century travellers know that it’s often better to fly by electric train than to fly by oil-guzzling plane: with the Flying Scotsman, I hope even more will realise that they too can make the switch.”

Tim Dunn, Railway historian and broadcaster

25th April, 2026

Rail Europe announces Rail Group Easy expansion​

Rail Europe


As group travel continues to be a popular method of rail travel and a complex logistical matter, Rail Europe has announced an expansion of Rail Group Easy, its dedicated means of offering group rail bookings across Europe.

The platform caters for groups ranging from 10 to more than 4,500 passengers, with an average booking size of around 20 travellers, and is used across markets including the US, Europe, India and Australia.

Rail Group Easy enables partners to manage multi-passenger bookings more efficiently, build domestic and cross-border itineraries, and secure group fares and availability in advance.

It also offers options such as private carriages, onboard services and the ability to hold seats before final passenger names are confirmed.

The solution is widely used for educational trips, corporate events and leisure groups.

Rail Europe supports journeys across domestic and international networks, including routes in Italy, Paris to London services, and cross-border links between Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands.

25th April, 2026

TransPennine Express to celebrate its Mental Health Awareness Week​

TransPennine Express (TPE) is inviting members of the public and staff to take part in free dance sessions during Mental Health Awareness Week, running from Monday, 27 April to Sunday, 3 May 2026.

The programme sits under the theme ‘Move for your Mind’, highlighting how movement, exercise and social connection can help reduce stress, lift mood and support overall wellbeing.

The initiative forms part of the operator’s wider commitment to a supportive and inclusive workplace and to strengthening community engagement across its network.

It also reflects efforts to encourage colleagues to adopt healthy habits that support long-term mental and physical wellbeing through regular movement.


A dance session will be held at Manchester Airport station on Tuesday, 28 April at 12 pm, followed by a Zumba class at Huddersfield station on Thursday, 30 April at 12 pm.

Both sessions are open to the public, with TransPennine Express encouraging participation from passengers, colleagues and local communities.

Huddersfield station


TransPennine also provide a range of internal wellbeing resources, including a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, financial and practical issues for employees and their families, and a dedicated Mental Health Guide that offers signposting and advice.

While trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business provide immediate support and access to professional help where needed.

Additional initiatives include therapy dog Nya, introduced through the Pets as Therapy programme, who visits stations to help reduce stress and encourage positive interaction.

The organisation has also launched Move Ambassadors to promote the benefits of physical activity for mental wellbeing.

TransPennine Express’ workforce has grown from around 1,200 employees in 2018/19 to more than 1,900 in 2024/25, with the operator continuing to expand its wellbeing to support the scale of its workforce.


“Looking after our mental health doesn’t have to start with big steps; it can begin with something as simple as getting up and moving.

“Through these events, we want to bring people together, break down stigma and make it easier for colleagues and the public to talk openly and access support whenever they need it.”

Nicola Buckley, People Director at TransPennine Express.

91114 “Durham Cathedral” at York on 12/4/26

Seven valley railway gala 16/04/2026​

Duke of Gloucester after its round trip to Bridgnorth

66719 at Hellifield heading empties to Arcow quarry

26th April, 2026

North Yorkshire Moors Railway to host special events and servies this spring and summer​

825 passes Moorgates with The Moorlander


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced a spring and summer programme of speciality dining services and immersive experiences on its heritage line through the North York Moors, featuring themed journeys, tastings and seasonal events.

Fish & Chips Service runs on 25 and 29 April, operating from Pickering to Goathland and return.

Passengers are served award-winning fish and chips from Capplemans of Pickering, with tea, coffee and an optional cream scone on the return journey.

Mini Beer Festival takes place between 2 and 4 May at Goathland Station Tearoom over the May Bank Holiday.

Across three days, or until barrels run dry, visitors can sample seven ales, a guest cider, wines and prosecco, with hop-on hop-off travel along the line.

North Yorkshire Pullman Afternoon Tea runs on 9 and 10 June through the North York Moors.

Guests receive a welcome drink before savoury items, scones, cakes and sweet treats served on the return journey with tea, coffee and chocolates

Pullman dining


On 23 June, Gin Tasting in collaboration with Whitby Distillery takes place aboard the Great Western Saloon, pairing curated gins with light bites on a moorland journey.

27 June will see the Pullman Cream Tea, which features pork pie or vegetarian quiche, followed by traditional cream tea with scones, jam and cream.

Wine Tasting is set to take place on 30 June, in the Great Western Saloon, offering a selection of wines with a charcuterie board on a heritage rail journey.

Finally, Yorkshire Day Ploughman’s runs on 1 and 2 August over an 18-mile return journey.

Guests receive a welcome drink and a hearty Ploughman’s selection with traditional and vegetarian options in restored heritage carriages.

The programme highlights North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s focus on heritage and hospitality, providing passengers with a mix of scenic rail travel and locally sourced food and drink throughout the season.