Marcus' Model Railway Journey

10th January 2023

Alstom secures £12 million contract to upgrade ScotRail trains​

A £12 million contract has been awarded by Eversholt Rail to Alstom, the global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, to upgrade ScotRail’s fleet of 40 Class 334 trains that serve the Edinburgh to Glasgow line.

The Class 334 trains were built by Alstom and entered service with ScotRail in 2001.

They are leased to ScotRail by Eversholt Rail, which placed the contract and follows a previous £12.4 million contract that Eversholt Rail placed with Alstom in October 2021 for the overhaul of ScotRail’s fleet of 40 Class 334 trains.

ScotRail Class 334

Within the contract, the work includes overhauling pneumatic and electrical components such as auto couplers, gangways, batteries, underframe air valves, toilets, and heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) in the drivers’ cabs.

Upgrading of the trains is due to start in January 2024 and will be carried out at Alstom’s depot at Polmadie in Glasgow where, as well as day-to-day maintenance of the Class 334 trains, Alstom has 109 staff maintaining and supporting the iconic West Coast Main Line Pendolinos and carriages of the Caledonian Sleeper fleet.

Alstom has been carrying out modernisation of ScotRail’s trains to benefit its passengers 2015.

During this time the work has included retrofitting full air conditioning, providing at-seat charging points and wi-fi throughout the trains, and installing CCTV on driver-only trains to improve passenger security.

As well as train maintenance, Alstom is also working closely with Network Rail on upgrading Scotland’s signalling infrastructure.

Peter Broadley, Managing Director, Services at Alstom UK & Ireland, said:

“Alstom has a proud history of supporting Scotland’s rail network. We’re pleased to once again be able to overhaul the Class 334 fleet, providing ScotRail’s current and future passengers on the Edinburgh to Glasgow line with an improved rail experience.”

10th January 2023

Northern holds flash sale with train tickets from 50p​

Until 4pm next Friday, 13th January, Northern, have five million train tickets available from as little as 50p for journeys across the North of England available.

The tickets are valid for travel on Northern services between Tuesday, 17th January and Friday, 10th March.

Out of the five million train tickets on sale, there are one million tickets for just 50p, three million tickets for £1, and one million tickets for £1.50.

Northern’s 50p offer

Typical journeys where the discounted tickets can be used include the following:

• Leeds to Skipton
• Hull to Bridlington
• Sheffield to Doncaster
• Harrogate to Knaresborough
• Newcastle to Carlisle
• Barrow-in-Furness to Manchester Piccadilly
• Chester to Stockport
• Blackpool South to Preston
• Warrington Central to Liverpool Lime Street
• Bolton to Manchester Victoria

Northern is the UK’s second largest train operator and operates nearly 2,500 services a day to over 500 stations across the North of England.

Last December Northern’s new timetable came into effect, and all customers should use the new ‘Check My Timetable’ feature on Northern’s website at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/check-my-timetable to see changes to train times at their local station.

This especially applies to those who made regular journeys on specific train times in the past.

Mark Powles, commercial and customer director at Northern, said:

“This is our biggest ever Flash Sale – with 50p, £1 and £1.50 fares available across all parts of our network.

“We know our customers travel for a multitude of reasons – so our hope is this sale will make five million of them – be they for days out, weekends away or catch-ups with friends – that bit more affordable.

“Customers should book early to avoid disappointment. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.”

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, said:

“This flash sale is five million chances to see family, friends or just get out and around for prices as low as 50p.

“We need to get people back on our railways and initiatives like this will do just that.”

10th January 2023

Celebrations for 160-years anniversary of first underground railway​

Today, 10th January, marks 160 years since the first Tube journey took place in London, between Paddington and Farringdon stations on what was then the Metropolitan Railway.

To mark the occasion, a celebration took place at Baker Street station, one of the original stations, where the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. met four London Underground staff who between them have completed 160 years of service in a range of roles.

The Mayor also unveiled a special 160th-year roundel, Love the Tube, that will be on display at stations across the network, including at Gloucester Road, Brixton, Oxford Circus, and Covent Garden.

Transport for London also announced that throughout 2023 it will hold a series of activities to mark the 160th anniversary.

These will focus on the Tube’s innovation, its contribution to improving the environment, how it connects people and places, how it supports diversity and inclusion, and its unique and world-renowned architecture and design.

The first activity, on 21st January, will be a self-guided treasure hunt across all the original Metropolitan Railway stations, including Farringdon, Baker Street, and Paddington.

The event will encourage participants to view the historic stations in a new light, and further details can be found at tfl.gov.uk/Tube160

Throughout the year, the London Transport Museum will support the Tube’s celebrations, with activities that will highlight its heritage and innovation.

These activities will run alongside the museum’s permanent exhibitions, which allow visitors to explore how the Tube came to be the world’s first subterranean railway.


The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“I’m delighted to kick-start a year of celebrations as the world’s first underground railway – the Tube – marks its 160th birthday, unveiling a roundel at one of our oldest Tube stations, which celebrates London’s affection for our world-famous underground.

“The Tube is a true London icon, connecting people across the capital and transporting tourists and commuters across the city. On 10 January 1863, the world’s first underground railway opened, and from that day forward the London Underground has been at the heart of the capital’s history, continuing to grow and evolve alongside the city it transports.

“I’m so proud of the history of our Tube and I’m determined that the London Underground will continue to deliver a world-leading service fit for the 21st century, and contribute to a better, safer, and fairer city for all Londoners.”

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:

“A milestone birthday gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of the Tube and how it has expanded and improved to meet the needs of an ever-changing world city.

“During this time the Tube has breathed new life into unconnected parts of London and been the catalyst to many local economies. It also gives us the opportunity to look forward to the next raft of improvements and to continue planning to ensure that the Tube serves our city ably and efficiently for the next 160 years.”

Sam Mullins OBE, Director of the London Transport Museum, said:

“The opening of the Underground in 1863 and its evolution over the past 160 years has continually shaped London. Deploying cutting-edge engineering, design, and service innovation, the Underground has kept the city on the move and given it the strong character we know today.

“The network has both responded to and promoted the growth of the city, spurred regeneration, connected communities, and made it accessible to residents and visitors alike. We look forward to welcoming visitors to the Museum in Covent Garden to share this fascinating lens for London’s history.”

Sharon Ament, Director, the Museum of London, said:

“All of us at the Museum of London wish the London Underground a very happy birthday! The Tube has had a transformative impact on our city for more than a century and a half. It’s a fundamental part of London’s DNA and of course, it keeps evolving; it reaches further, new lines are added, it modernises and as part of our day-to-day lives it keeps us connected. Above all it allows us to explore and enjoy everything London has to offer.”

Richard Burge, Chief Executive of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said:

“Over a remarkable 160 years, the London Underground has become synonymous with London and is a crucial part of our capital city’s infrastructure. The Tube provides businesses with essential transport connectivity on a daily basis and where the tube goes, investment, innovation, and productivity follow.

“The Tube has played a major role in establishing London’s reputation as the best city in the world to start and run a business. Through continued investment and development, it will no doubt continue to boost London’s economy and connect Londoners for the next 160 years and beyond.”

11th January 2023

RMT leader condemns ‘attack on civil liberties’​

Unions and opposition politicians have reacted angrily to the government’s new Bill which gives a minister power to decide on minimum levels of service during rail strikes.

Business secretary Grant Shapps promised that there would be consultation with unions before setting out the levels which would legally apply to workers on the railway and in other public services, such as health, education border security and nuclear decommissioning.

He told MPs:

‘The Government will always defend their ability to withdraw their labour. However, we also recognise the pressures faced by those working in the public sector. Yesterday I invited union leaders in for talks across Government, and I am pleased to say we have seen some progress. We want to resolve disputes where possible, while also delivering what is fair and reasonable to the taxpayer.’

Staff who walked out in defiance of the law could lose their employment protection and be dismissed, while unions could also face claims for damages.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch is among those who have condemned the proposed law.

He said:

‘This is an attack on human rights and civil liberties which we will oppose in the courts, Parliament and the workplace. One of the most important things in any democratic society is to have free trade unions.

‘This law could make effective strike action illegal, and workers may be sacked for exercising their right to withdraw their labour. The only reason this draconian legislation is being introduced is because the government have lost the argument and want to punish workers for having the temerity to demand decent pay and working conditions.

‘The government’s own impact assessment of minimum service levels shows it wouldn’t work. They would be better off coming to a negotiated settlement with unions through dialogue.’

Unite leader Sharon Graham described the Bill as ’another dangerous gimmick from a government that should be negotiating to resolve the current crisis they have caused’, while Labour’s deputy leader Angela Rayner added:

‘The secretary of state claims that he made progress yesterday, but the read-out from trade union representatives was dismal. Is there any chance of a deal this year? Where is the consultation he mentioned for a meaningful way forward, or was that all for show?’

11th January 2023


Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

New year landslip highlights need for Network Rail’s ongoing resilience upgrades on Newport to Gloucester railway line


The line was forced to close in early January following a 100-tonne landslip, highlighting the need for Network Rail’s continued investment to protect the Wales and Borders railway from the impacts of climate change

Network Rail was alerted to the movement of earth by its state-of-the-art slope monitoring system, on Wednesday 4 January, following a bout of prolonged and heavy rain.

Over the next four days, rope access teams worked around the clock to descale the 100ft cliff face, near Purton, by hand and remove the large amount of soil and rock from the tracks.

The extreme rain caused a culvert to collapse and washed away four-tonnes of ballast - the stones beneath the tracks - with engineers carrying out repairs to both in the coming days.

Concrete ‘legado blocks’ were also installed at the bottom of the slopes to prevent further debris from reaching the track.

The Severn Estuary Railway Line is particularly vulnerable to landslips due to its exposed location. In 2021, Network Rail announced a £25m project to enhance resilience of this vital passenger and freight route with its Severn Estuary Resilience Programme.

An ongoing project, Network Rail is undertaking the mammoth task of installing 27,000 square metres of a new rock-mesh-system along a three-mile section of the line, including at the location of this most recent landslip.

This project began in Summer 2022 and will continue from Summer 2023.

The investment will ensure this vital railway link is protected from the effects of climate change for generations to come.

Christopher Howchin, senior network delivery manager for Network Rail Wales & Borders, said:

“I’d like to thank the team for their efforts to recover the line as quickly and safely as possible, especially during the latest period of industrial action, when our resources were limited.

“Landslips at this location are only going to become more frequent due to the increasing bad weather brought on by climate change, which is why we are investing millions of pounds to protect our railway from the impact. Our work on this line will reduce delays and disruption for passengers and our freight customers, ensuring this vital transport route can continue to serve communities for many years to come.”

11th January 2023

Work begins on new Butetown railway station​

Works will soon start on the construction of a new Butetown railway station and the redevelopment of Cardiff Bay station as part of the biggest upgrade to public transport in the area for a generation.

In the summer of 2022, Transport for Wales (TfW) confirmed plans to build a new two-platform station in the north of Butetown.

The existing Cardiff Bay station will also be enhanced, as well as getting new signage, customer information screens and other improvements.

Cardiff Bay station will remain open for passengers while the work is taking place.

Installation of a new track will allow faster and more frequent services using brand new tram-trains, enabling a new timetable to be introduced from 2024.

James Price, Transport for Wales Chief Executive Officer, said:

“The Bay Line transformation project is an important part of the South Wales Metro and we’re delighted to be able to begin construction work on the brand-new station in Butetown, as well as important upgrades to Cardiff Bay station.

“From 2024 we’ll be providing a smoother, greener, modern public transport service which will open up a range of opportunities for people living in Butetown and the wider Cardiff Bay area.

“We’re keen to continue working collaboratively with local residents through workshops and drop-in sessions, where people will be able to get more information and ask questions about the Bay Line transformation.”

These plans are to fit with a wider collaborative vision, working alongside Cardiff Council and the Welsh Government.

The work will explore potential options for future transport routes between Cardiff Central and Newport Road, via the Cardiff Bay line and Porth Teigr subject to funding being secured.

A seven-week consultation was launched on 12 December to collect feedback from the public, the findings of which will inform the project’s outline business case.

Cardiff Bay residents living close to the railway line have been contacted with details of the construction and engineering work taking place in the area which is needed to deliver the Core Valleys Lines (CVL) programme, at the heart of the development of South Wales Metro.

The build of a construction compound on Lloyd George Avenue will begin this month, with the works on the track starting from early 2023.

TfW will soon be preparing for the installation of a construction compound on the trackside of Lloyd George Avenue to manage its work and provide welfare facilities for workers.

Vegetation management work will also be carried out to safely provide the electrical clearances for the public, staff and the infrastructure for the overhead line equipment which will be installed.

TfW will be using overhead line equipment to run the electrically powered tram-trains.

With electrified lines being installed on the Core Valley Lines in South Wales in the coming weeks, including on the Bay line, TfW would like to highlight to the public the dangers of trespassing on the railway.

Trespassing on the railway is reckless, illegal and dangerous, and those caught could face a £1000 fine.

With electrification work ongoing over the coming months, TfW is urging the public to obey trespassing rules and to stay clear of any electrical lines.

The Welsh Government and TfW are committed to an ambitious programme of Metro improvements known as the Core Valleys Lines (CVL) Transformation.

This transformation project has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

11th January 2023

East Midlands Railway work to create a depot simulation tool with the University of Sheffield​

The innovative project which aims to create more efficient and effective depots sees East Midlands Railway work with engineers from the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

Network Rail’s Performance Investment Fund is supporting the project and allows engineers to work hand in hand with the rail operator’s operations staff to build a representational model of the Nottingham Eastcroft depot which involves the recording of rules, processes and the timings of train movements.

The Nottingham Eastcroft Depot which recently saw a £2.56 million upgrade, provides East Midlands Railway’s Regional fleet with daily maintenance which is a very complex process due to the nature of the fleet which is made up of three differing train types – Class 156, 158 and 170s.

The creation of a virtual simulation tool will detail activities underway on the shop floor of the depot providing the user with the ability to identify capacity constraints as well as modelling scenarios in order to quickly recognise any impact on performance.

This invaluable tool will give the rail operator the ability to plan, stress test and simulate operational scenarios in much less time than using a regular approach which is hoped will bring improvements in rail services for passengers.

Richard Gardiner, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre senior innovation fellow and sector lead for rail, reported that they have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to work with East Midlands Railway on the project, he also said:

“We are collaborating to assess the application of state-of-the-art process flow simulation tools to assist the efficiency and effectiveness of rail depot operations.

“The AMRC is drawing on its manufacturing intelligence team’s significant expertise in modelling and optimising manufacturing production facilities using a range of tools. These tools create a virtual simulation of activities taking place on the shop floor and give the user the power to identify capacity constraints, model scenarios and rapidly visualise the impact on performance.

“The model incorporates the depot and local Nottingham station roads and accommodates a range of units. It provides a virtual representation of activities in a 24-hour period and assists the current ‘beat-rate’ exercise. This model will add a dimension of scenario planning that was previously difficult and time-consuming to accomplish.”

Richard also said:

“Since usability is a key feature of the project, a user-friendly interface is being developed that allows users to adjust variables and model scenarios without detailed process modelling software knowledge. As a net result of all the features and components of the model, depot operations can be made more efficient with an improved unit availability and better service to the public.”

Neil Bamford, Fleet Director at East Midlands Railway, said:

“We are always looking at ways we can embrace technology to help us run our services more effectively and are delighted to be working with the AMRC on this project.

“We hope this collaboration will result in a more detailed understanding of all the barriers that impact on running depot operations as efficiently as possible.”

11th January 2023

Return of steam locomotive 60163 Tornado delayed​

The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced that the return of A1 60163 Tornado has been delayed.

This delay has been caused by a number of factors, including late arrival of the boiler back into the UK and the continued fitment of digital signalling technology.

The delay means however that a number of tours have been cancelled / postponed.

Spring’s Aberdonian trains will not run, whilst The South Devon Express, The Cornishman and The Yorkshire Pullman have been postponed until the summer.

A spokesperson for The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust said

"Due to a combination of factors, including the late arrival of the boiler and continued digital signaling fitment, Tornado’s return to service is delayed. With utmost regret, the spring Aberdonian trains will no longer run, while ‘The South Devon Express’, ‘The Cornishman’ and ‘The Yorkshire Pullman’ will be rescheduled to new dates this summer. We are sorry to cause disappointment and look forward to being back on the rails very soon.”

11th January 2023

RMT urges Holyrood to take Caledonian Sleeper into public ownership​

The rail union, RMT, has today, Tuesday, 11th January, urged the Scottish government to take the Caledonian Sleeper into public ownership.

The service is currently being run by private contractor Serco, but it is due to have its contract to run the service terminated in June this year.

However, so far, there has been no announcement from the Scottish government as to who will take over the service from Serco, or whether they will take it into public ownership as it did with Scotrail.

The latest accounts for Serco’s Caledonian Sleeper service that were published this week show that in the 2021-22 financial year, the company reported a post-tax profit of £7.5m.

Those accounts also include a statement that new contractual arrangements beyond June 2023 include a ‘potential direct award to the Company’.

The implication of that statement is that it could mean the Scottish Government is preparing to award Serco a new contract, despite having a public sector operator structure in place running ScotRail services.

It is understood that under any future contract, the Scottish Government would take on all cost and revenue risk whilst paying Serco a fee for the running services which would be funded from public money.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

“The Caledonian Sleeper is a vital part of the travel infrastructure between England and Scotland.

“It must be taken into public ownership so a first-class service can be provided which will encourage the travelling public to use rail for overnight journeys.

“The system of contracting out is corrupt, with public money used as a means to ensure profits and shareholder dividends.

“The Scottish government must do the right thing and bring the Caledonian Sleeper into public ownership as soon as possible.”

11th January 2023

Mid Norfolk Railway announces 2023 programme of events​

The Mid Norfolk Railway has announced a full programme of events for 2023, including a Steam and Diesel Gala and other special event weekends.

The operating season will open on 4th March with a model railway exhibition at Dereham.

The first steam day will be on the weekend of 18th and 19th March, which coincides with Mothers Day.

Class 47 47580 “County of Essex”

On 14th May a Vintage Bus Day and a new Vintage Fair will be held, including a ‘rail replacement’ service to County School which is the site of the North Norfolk Model Engineering Club’s miniature railway.

Further new services this year are a Champagne Afternoon Tea, service, ‘The Brecklander Ploughman’s Luncheon’ on selected weekends, and a Murder Mystery train on the evenings of 10th and 11th June and 9th September.

Returning this year are The Gin Train will on the evenings of 27th May and 16th September, the popular ‘Breckland Fryer’ fish and chip trains on selected Saturday evenings, and a ‘Heart of Norfolk’ Afternoon Tea service on selected Sunday afternoons.

The railway will be holding its first steam weekend for several years on the weekend of 23rd to 25th June, when it is planned that it will be combined with the National Armed Forces Day on 24th June.

During the weekend, Service personnel, their families, and the UK military veterans community will be able to travel on the railway at a discount by showing appropriate identification.

A 1940s Weekend will be held on the weekend of 5th and 6th August, when re-enactors will set up displays all along the line and visitors will be encouraged to dress accordingly and enter into the spirit of the event.

A Diesel Gala will conclude summer services from 22nd to 24th September, featuring visiting mainline and heritage diesels and locomotives from the railway’s home fleet.

During the Norfolk schools’ autumn half-term break in October, the railway will run a number of services, and it will end the year with the Polar Express during November and December.

When no special events are in progress, standard running days will see a mix of steam or diesel haulage or diesel multiple unit services.

‘Kids Go Free’ group tickets will be available on all standard running days, but not for special events or special trains.

Charlie Robinson the Chairman of the Mid Norfolk Railway said:

“We are all excited by the programme, it will finally mean that we have overcome the issues that Covid caused the railway. The 2022 season has been disappointing and it could be argued that we at the railway underestimated how the effects of Covid had impacted the railway. This programme will I am sure show the railway is back and in many ways better than before.

“I am also pleased to say that in many of the departments, we have new faces that are working to make this a success, in 2023 we are planning to add new services, new catering opportunities and new events, plus bringing back some popular events we have just not been able to run over the last few years.”

James Oakley, the Railways Commercial manager said:

“In addition to the programme of events for next year’s running season, it is important for the railway that we seek to develop the services for passengers once they come to the railway. Next year, therefore, we are expanding our on-train catering services. This, therefore, means that in addition to what we have previously offered, we are introducing our new ‘Brecklander Ploughman’s Luncheon’ service.

“This will complement the return of our themed event running days, which will also see the launch of several new themed running days”.

11th January 2023

ETHNON RAIL

YouTube Channel News


https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Gv8b2T-qbLmt2tgAmJp1g/about

The Channel now has 139 subscribers! , I thank all those that have subscribed so far.

The first video, No.1 Ethnon Rail - An Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe0ynb53OOk

Has received 133 likes and has had 4K views.

Neonlake is currently editing and working his 'magic' on the second video release at this very moment in time.

Cleo, a.k.a. Cleopatra, now has her own 'Countryball' that will be in future videos.

12th January 2023

Gap still exists between sides in rail disputes​

A wide gap still appears to exist between rail unions and management, which was revealed when both sides gave evidence to the House of Commons Transport Committee.

Tim Shoveller, who has been leading the negotiations for Network Rail, said fewer RMT members have been supporting the most recent strikes.

‘The strikes have been underway now for a very long period of time, but we have absolutely seen in the last sets of strikes, just before and then especially after Christmas, that there has been a return to work by a number of employees, both in maintenance and operations. It’s very localised; it tends to be groups of people which will come back in, rather than individuals on their own, but there is clearly a pattern we can see emerging,’ he said.

He told the Committee that the chances of a settlement with the RMT were ‘seven out of ten’, but earlier in the session ASLEF general secretary Mick Whelan had said that there was currently a ‘zero chance’ of coming to an agreement with the train operators over drivers.

The unions accused the government of ‘sabotaging’ negotiations, and warned that their members would not agree to a settlement which combined changes to their conditions of employment with effective cuts in pay when inflation was taken into account.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

‘I want a green railway which is at the centre of a green revolution, that we decarbonise and deliver Kyoto, Oaris and whatever. What we are currently seeing, unfortunately, isn’t modernisation – it’s a pure productivity grab of a wish list of all the things that various companies could not achieve in the last two and a half decades.’

Rail Delivery Group chair Steve Montgomery said:

‘We have to put proposals forward to government using our expertise in areas of reform, that we can then put forward as a sensible proposal which government ultimately does sign off, to give us the mandate.’

The Rail Delivery Group is holding further discussions with the RMT and TSSA today, and the RMT will also be talking to Network Rail next week.

12th January 2023​

Bakerloo and London Overground upgrades between Euston and Watford Junction​

For seven days in the run-up to Christmas, improvements were made to the Bakerloo line and London Overground between London Euston and Watford Junction to minimise the risk of flooding and reduce the number of power and signal failures which often lead to train cancellations on these lines.

During a seven-day closure, Network Rail engineers overhaul track and equipment on a 20-mile stretch of the lines and upgraded North Wembley, South Kenton, Kenton, Headstone Lane, and Carpenders Park stations in north London.

Upgrades to the stations included a combination of repairing roofs, renovating canopies, clearing gutters, resurfacing platforms, and installing tactile paving to improve safety for blind and partially sighted people.

Track upgrades included:

• Replacing 6,000 wooden sleepers dating back to the 1950s with concrete ones;
• Ugrading drainage along 1.6km of the line between Harlesden and Kenton to prevent future flooding;
• Installing 10km of new signal cables;
• Upgrading the power supply for Underground and Overground trains;
• Demolishing a derelict, railway-locked electricity substation that was in danger of collapse.

The upgraded track work will improve journey reliability, while the renovated stations will provide passengers with a more pleasurable and safer journey.

Overnight work to renew track ballast on the Bakerloo Line

During the work, the lines were closed completely, so that engineering teams could carry out multiple complex projects simultaneously, instead of years of weekend or overnight work.

For example, replacing the sleepers working just overnight shifts midweek would have taken nearly eight years.

To install the 10km of new signal cables, the seven-day closure replaced ten years of overnight work, saving both time and taxpayers’ money.

James Dean, Network Rail’s West Coast South route director, said:

“We’re really grateful to passengers for their patience while we closed the railway just before Christmas so we could carry out these essential projects.

“It enabled us to bring sections of track right into the 21st century with new equipment which is much more reliable and robust. We were also able to transform five stations making them cleaner and brighter – I hope people enjoy using them much more as a result. Next month we’ll be returning to carry out even more work to improve the Bakerloo line and London Overground for the future.”

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s general manager for London Overground, said:

“We would like to thank customers for their patience while Network Rail made these vital infrastructure improvements designed to increase train reliability and customer comfort. Our goal is always to provide our customers with the safest and most reliable service possible, and these Network Rail improvements will help to ensure we can do just that.”

Between Saturday 11 and Sunday 19 February, the same stretch of railway will be closed for similar essential improvements to remaining stations, track and line side equipment, including 5,000 more sleepers being replaced.

The scale of the work means the Bakerloo line between Queen’s Park and Harrow & Wealdstone and the London Overground between Euston and Watford Junction will once again be closed.

Over the nine-day closure, Transport for London passengers affected by the upgrades can complete their journeys by using alternative rail lines, existing or temporary bus routes.

12th January 2023​

Polystyrene platforms help repairs to Manchester Piccadilly roof​

Next Sunday, 15th January, there will be no trains in or out of Manchester Piccadilly because the 25kV overhead electric lines need to be switched off so that engineers can carry out essential repairs to the station roof.

Work began over Christmas to strengthen the gable end of the Victorian-built train shed, and the closure is for a continuation of that work.

To allow mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs) to reach the roof structure, a temporary route was created along the width of the station using polystyrene blocks to bridge the gaps between platforms.

View from footbridge of polystyrene platform used for Piccadilly roof repairs.

Work on the roof involves replacing 12 ‘splice plates’ that join the bottom chords of the steel trusses, and these have been specially designed in keeping with the heritage features of the building.

During the station’s closure, rail-replacement buses will be provided although the station concourse and retail units will remain open.

To complete their journeys, passengers will be directed to the buses on Station Approach.

Platform bridge made of polystyrene for Piccadilly roof repairs

Service in Manchester Piccadilly will also be disrupted on Sunday, 22nd January when platforms 13 and 14 are closed to complete resurfacing work that started over the Christmas break and to install tactile studs that make it safer for blind and partially sighted people.

Elsewhere in Greater Manchester, work on the Manchester Airport line that started last weekend will continue on Sundays in January and February whilst three stations, Mauldeth Road, East Didsbury, and Gatley, have their platforms extended so that longer trains can call there in the future.

The work will take require closure of the line on Sundays, 15th and 22nd January, and 12th, 19th and 26th February, but rail-replacement buses will be provided.

Changes to services on Sunday, 15th January:​

Avanti West Coast:

• Two trains per hour will operate between London Euston and Stockport, one via Crewe and one via Stoke-on-Trent.
• A rail-replacement bus service will operate between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.

CrossCountry:

• A rail-replacement bus service will operate between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.

Northern:

• Trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Crewe, Buxton, and Chester will start and terminate at Stockport.
• A rail-replacement bus service will operate between Stockport and Manchester Piccadilly.
• Trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport will be replaced by a bus throughout.

TransPennine Express:

• Services from York, Hull, Leeds, and Huddersfield will serve Manchester Victoria only.
• Services from Sheffield to Manchester Piccadilly will be replaced by alternative transport.
• Services from Liverpool to Sheffield and Cleethorpes via Warrington Central will terminate at Manchester Oxford Road.
• Services between Glasgow Central and Edinburgh and Manchester Airport will start and terminate at Preston.
• Rail-replacement bus services will operate between Preston and Manchester Airport via central Manchester.

Transport for Wales:

• Buses will replace trains between Crewe and Warrington Bank Quay and Manchester Piccadilly.
• People intending to travel when services are disrupted should allow extra time for their journeys and check with National Rail Enquiries at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their individual train operator before they travel.

Kara Wood, Network Rail’s North West head of performance and customer relationship, said:

“We’ve been carrying out a lot of essential work to improve Manchester Piccadilly station over Christmas and New Year and this weekend the teams are coming back to complete the second phase of roof maintenance.

“Because we have to turn the power lines off to safely carry out the structural work it means we can’t run any trains all day on Sunday. I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we keep people on the move with rail replacement buses and urge people to check National Rail Enquiries so they know how it will impact on their journey.”

12th January 2023​

Nine days disruption to services between Huddersfield and Leeds​

Train services between Huddersfield and Leeds will be subject to disruption at the end of January and in early February so that work can continue on building a replacement station at Morley.

On Saturday, 28th and Sunday, 29th January, and from Saturday, 4th to Sunday, 12th February, some trains between Huddersfield and Leeds will be replaced by buses or diverted over other routes.

The disruption is because of a multi-million-pound investment to move and upgrade Morley station when Network Rail engineers will lay the foundations for new, longer platforms, realign the track to support faster trains through the area, and complete important drainage work.

Passengers intending to travel when services are disrupted should allow extra time and plan their journey in advance using the National Rail website at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ or their train operator’s website.

Morley station is being relocated approximately 75m away from its current position to allow for longer platforms as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

A new footbridge with lifts will also be installed to make the station fully accessible.

The upgrades will allow faster, more frequent, and greener trains with more seats for passengers travelling between Manchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, and York.

Once it has been completed, the Transpennine Route Upgrade will provide a fully electrified railway between Manchester and York, with improved stations along the route and a number of bridges and level crossings upgraded.

This will result in faster and more frequent trains running along a cleaner, greener, and more reliable railway.