Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Pets​

2026 (To be issued August 20 2026)

Went to watch wrestling last night with Neo.

Great show.

Saw my first Class 398 Citylink tram-train the other day.

Didn't see any Class 150's all day, I wonder if they are all retired now?

EDIT: This news is a week old - There are 15 150s still in service and unfortunately they will be gone by the end of this year for sure once the 398s and more 756s take over the Cardiff valley routes.

I have acquired a couple of 2026 ten pence coins in my change

Obverse: The obverse of the coin displays the first definitive portrait of King Charles III, which shows his bare (uncrowned) head facing left.

Below the neck truncation in tiny letters, the artist's initials MJ (for Martin Jennings).

Around, the monarch's legend and the date of issue: CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF · 2026 ·. Translated from Latin, the legend means: Charles the Third, by the Grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith.



Obverse Inscription: CHARLES III · DEI · GRA · REX · FID · DEF · 2026 ·

Ten Pence 2026: Details​

Reverse: In the right-hand part of the coin, the design depicts a capercaillie bird on a field of flowers.

On the left, on two lines the value and denomination, 10 PENCE.

The background on the left has a pattern of repeating three interlocking letters C, a feature which takes its inspiration from history and the cypher of King Charles II (C for Charles, CC for Charles the Second, CCC for Charles III), and small diamonds.



Reverse Inscription10 PENCE

---

Edge: Milled Edge Inscription: None

---

Release date: 2 January 2026.

Wednesday 19th Aug 2026

Marcus & Cleo Resume Their Bus Adventures into Cardiff!

After a hiatus caused by all the work we have had carried out in the house.

We have resumed our trips into Cardiff

During the period of the work, we still went into Cardiff, only for drinks and meals though.

So we went to 'The Great Western', we sat outside watching the world go by.

I had thee pints of 'Abbot Ale' and them we went and bought a meal deal from Tesco's and ate it on the indoor market balcony.

At 'The Gatekeeper', I had two pints of ' Gorlovka Imperial Stout'.

After that we caught the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 272, Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora, BU26 WME

The bus home from Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 277, Volvo B8RLE MCV Evora, BU26 WMP

Gorlovka Imperial Stout​

Acorn Brewery
Stout - Russian Imperial

6% ABV

Named after the Ukrainian twin town of Barnsley, this brew is a deep ebony coloured imperial stout with bags of malt, spicy hop bitterness and a fruity dry finale.

19th August, 2026

Sussex train derailment: Preliminary findings released​

Lewes train derailment


The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released an update into its ongoing investigation into the train derailment at Lewes in East Sussex.

At around 15:54 on the 13th August 2026, 1F34, the 14:24 Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, derailed around 1 mile north of Lewes station.

The service was formed of eight carriages, and the rear three vehicles derailed and overturned, coming to rest on their side on an embankment.


150 people were on the train when the derailment happened.

30 people were injured in the accident; 20 of those required hospital treatment, some with serious injuries.

Drone shot of the derailed train near Lewes


The first RAIB inspectors arrived on site at 19:11 to secure evidence alongside the British Transport Police.

The RAIB has downloaded the On-Train Data Recorder and is currently analysing this alongside CCTV recordings and signalling data.


This accident took place on the Down Lewes line, where the maximum speed for a train is 70mph.

The two Class 387 units on 1F34 were coupled together and were travelling at around 65mph as it approached the point of derailment.

Initial analysis shows that the driver applied the brakes at the point of derailment, and the train began to slow down.


Marks on the rail near the point of derailment are consistent with the wheels of the derailed carriages climbing over the rails.

CCTV from the train of the track condition


CCTV images from 1F34 and other services show that track geometry irregularity existed on the approach to the derailment.

The RAIB says that there is also evidence of previous track maintenance activity in the area.

Several reports of rough riding in the area were also received by the RAIB following the accident.


The embankment that the railway runs on is constructed of clay and alluvial/alluvium deposits, both of which the RAIB says are sensitive to variations in the water content.

However, the RAIB says that there is no evidence to indicate that an embankment slip occurred before the accident – although it does say that there is evidence of some previous movement.

The investigation is continuing to look at

• the exact mechanism by which train 1F34 derailed
• the status of the track at this location and how it was inspected and maintained
• the condition of the embankment, including the presence of any coincident risk factors (such as sustained hot weather, nearby structures, and vegetation), and how it was inspected and maintained
• the weather conditions in the area on the day of the accident, and in the weeks and months preceding it
• the effectiveness of any mitigation measures intended to address the risks of operating trains in hot weather
• the condition of train 1F34 and the crashworthiness performance of the rear three vehicles of the train during the derailment
• the emergency response to the accident
• any relevant underlying factors, including any actions taken in response to previous relevant safety recommendations.

The RAIB have released the site back to Network Rail to allow for repairs to take place and the train to be recovery.


Cranes will be needed to lift the carriages away from the railway, before they are moved by road to a secure storage area to make sure that evidence is preserved.


“Following the publication of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s (RAIB) investigation update, we remain fully committed to supporting the continuing investigation and acting on any lessons that emerge from its findings.

“We are very sorry that this happened on our railway. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, especially those who were injured and the family and friends of those on board the train. We also recognise the ongoing impact the incident has had on customers, local communities and railway colleagues.

“Safety is and will always remain our highest priority. While Britain’s railway is one of the safest in the world, when incidents like this occur it is essential that we understand exactly what happened and identify any lessons that can be learned. We will carefully consider any recommendations arising from the investigation and work across the industry to implement them, with the shared goal of making an already safe railway even safer for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve.

“Given the complexity of the issues being examined, it is important that the independent investigation is allowed to reach its conclusions. We will continue to cooperate fully with the RAIB throughout this process.

“We continue to offer support to our customers and colleagues impacted by the incident. At the same time, our focus remains on keeping people moving while work continues to recover the railway. Our teams at Network Rail and Southern are working closely with industry partners to minimise disruption, provide alternative travel options and keep customers informed about the latest travel arrangements. We are grateful for our customers’ and the Lewes community’s continued patience and understanding while this complex recovery effort continues.

“We would also like to thank our railway colleagues, the emergency services, local authorities and partner organisations whose professionalism and dedication have supported both the immediate response and the ongoing recovery. We are especially grateful to the local community, whose kindness and support towards customers and staff in the immediate aftermath of the accident reflected the very best of Lewes.”

Lucy McAuliffe, Route Director Sussex, Network Rail, and John Whitehurst, Chief Executive Officer at GTR, which operates Southern

Quintus Lentulus Batiatus is a Lanista, a trainer and trader of gladiators.

He is head of his family's ludus in Capua, and is Dominus to the gladiators.

Batiatus is the son of Titus Lentulus Batiatus, and the husband of Lucretia.

Ellen Ripley (Sigourney Weaver)

Pets​

August 20 2026
Commemorative

Designed by Royal Mail Group Ltd
Size 35mm (h) x 35mm (v)
Printed by Cartor Security Print
Print Process Lithography
Perforations 14.5 x 14.5
Gum PVA

Stamps​

Rabbit - Lionhead Rabbit​

2nd
Domestic rabbits make fun pets and are known for their genial nature. They are clever and can be taught tricks, in addition to responding to basic commands. There are many different types of domestic rabbit, ranging from the huge Flemish and continental giant breeds, weighing as much as 11kg or even more, to the tiny dwarf rabbit that can fit in the palm of a hand. The handsome lionhead rabbit is fairly small, weighing around 1.5kg. Rabbits’ front teeth can grow up to 3mm per week, which means that it is essential for them to be fed roughage, such as hay, to keep their constantly growing teeth worn down. Due to their social nature, rabbits live more happily in groups.

Goldfish​

2nd
Goldfish are one of the most distinctive domestic freshwater fish and come in many varieties. Contrary to common belief, a University of Oxford study has shown that they have good memories, and goldfish enthusiasts can attest to their different personalities. Goldfish are members of the carp family and were originally bred in ancient China as a food source. At that time, they were largely grey, but natural mutation resulted in some displaying red and orange scales. These were selectively bred to develop the brilliant range of colours seen today, which include white, yellow and black. Goldfish are delightful first childhood pets and, given good tank-water hygiene and careful feeding, can live to around ten years old.

Hamster - Golden Hamster​

2nd
There are over 20 different breeds of hamster, but the golden, or Syrian, is one of the most familiar. It is a large breed, weighing 100g or more, but – like all hamsters – has a lifespan of only around two years. Hamsters are nocturnal, preferring to sleep through the day and becoming very active at night, when they like to explore. They use their fine whiskers, which they vibrate at high speed, to help them sense objects. They also like to dig and in the wild they live in deep burrows underground. The word ‘hamster’ comes from a German word that means ‘to hoard’, and the golden hamster can hoard up to half its body weight in its large cheek pouches.

Tortoise - Hermanns Tortoise​

2nd
Tortoises and turtles are part of the same reptile family, but tortoises are entirely land-dwelling, while turtles spend most of their time in water. Both creatures have been in existence for more than 230 million years, alongside dinosaurs, until the mass extinction event that wiped those large animals from the planet around 66 million years ago. Tortoises are adaptable and able to survive in a range of habitats in the wild. Domestic tortoises, of which Hermann’s is one of the most popular, are sociable, charismatic and inquisitive. They like to roam, and so require a large, enclosed external area, as well as a freely accessible interior space. Tortoises are very long-lived, with an average lifespan of 50 to 100 years.

Budgerigar​

2nd
Affectionately known as budgies, these small, brilliantly coloured birds are the world’s most favoured pet bird. They originate from the outback of Australia where, in the wild, they are predominantly light green and can live in huge, social flocks, with the consideration of ‘safety in numbers’ being key. They were discovered by European settlers in the 1800s and gradually introduced to Europe, America and the rest of the world. Budgies are one of the smallest members of the parrot family, at approximately 18–24cm in length. They are extremely chatty and full of personality. They are also great mimics and can learn an extensive array of words, phrases and tricks, making them entertaining pets.

Fancy Rat​

1st
Domestic rats are known as fancy rats and come in a variety of colours. They are intelligent and, due to their excellent senses, can be trained to perform various tricks and tasks in fact, rats are used by the military to detect landmines. Historically, rats in Europe were unfairly associated with the spread of plagues, although in fact it was fleas on the rats that were the perpetrators. Conversely, in some religions, rats are deemed sacred and are even worshipped. The Japanese kept domestic rats as early as the mid-1600s, and by the 1800s rats were being bred in Europe for rat-baiting and later for laboratory experiments. Today, fancy rats are seen as rewarding pets, with squeaky-clean personal hygiene.

Dog - Golden Retriever​

1st
Dogs are the UK’s most popular pet, with an estimated 30 percent of adults owning at least one of the UK’s 13 million dogs. Although there are conflicting accounts of when humans first domesticated dogs, it is generally accepted that our relationship with them dates back anywhere between 30,000 and 14,000 years ago. There are hundreds of different dog breeds, and the golden retriever, with its distinctive golden yellow coat, is one of the most beloved. These dogs are known for their extremely affectionate and nurturing nature, especially with children, and are often chosen as family pets. They are clever, trainable and usually keen to please. The golden retriever is a working, high-energy gundog breed, with significant exercise requirements.

Cat - Tabby​

1st
The second most popular pet in the UK, the domestic cat has over 70 different breeds. They come in all shapes and sizes, from the large, medium-long-haired Maine coon to the tiny singapura, which can weigh as little as 1.8kg. Cats exhibit a wide range of coat colours and lengths, and there are also hairless breeds, such as the sphynx. All cats carry the gene for tabby coat colouring, although the distinctive stripes, swirls and spots are not always visible. Tabby cats nearly always have an M-shaped mark on their forehead. Cats in general are gentle, intelligent and tend towards independence. They can be trained if they choose to be – but are also very skilled in training their owners.

Cockatiel​

1st
Cockatiels are the smallest members of the cockatoo family and are native to the semi-arid areas of Australia, where they live in large flocks. With their stunning looks and sweet, affectionate personalities, they are very popular as pets. Cockatiels are highly intelligent, engaging birds who like to interact with their owners and are excellent mimics. They are capable of learning a varied vocabulary, and their mimicry skills can extend to household gadgets such as kettles or doorbells. Their jaunty crests give a visual indication of their mood, with a raised crest showing excitement, a flattened one indicating that they are relaxed and a lowered one denoting caution.

Guinea Pig - Crested Cavy​

1st
Guinea pigs are members of the rodent family and trace their origins to the Andes, where they are believed to have been domesticated several thousand years ago. Originally, they were kept and bred for food but gradually began to appear in South American art and folklore. In Peru they were used in religious ceremonies and to diagnose illness. European traders brought guinea pigs to Europe in the 16th century, and it is said that Queen Elizabeth I kept them as pets. Today, there are numerous breeds, which exhibit a range of coat colours and configurations. Piggies make wonderful pets, as they are friendly, chatty and very active, sleeping only a few hours each day.

First Day Cover​

The ten Pets stamps are cancelled with the standard Tallents House postmark on the first day of issue, 20 August 2026.

Petworth Postmark​

The ten Pets stamps are cancelled with the alternative postmark on the first day of issue, 20 August 2026.

Wednesday 26 Aug 2026

Network Rail announces community engagement sessions on future of Brookside level crossing​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

Brookside level crossing closure June 2026​

Network Rail is inviting residents in Dinas Powys to a series of community engagement sessions to discuss the emergency closure of Brookside footpath level crossing and next steps.

Three sessions will take place on Wednesday 2 September, giving the local community the opportunity to hear directly from the Network Rail team about why the crossing was closed, the work undertaken since, and what happens next.

Following feedback from the community, Network Rail has added an additional afternoon session at Youldon House to make it easier for people living locally who may have mobility difficulties, or who may find it difficult to travel to Lee Hall, to attend.

The sessions will take place at:

• 10:00 – 12:00 – Lee Hall, Dinas Powys, CF64 4AL
• 14:00 – 16:00 – Youldon House, Fairoaks, Dinas Powys, CF64 4QW
• 19:00 – 21:00 – Lee Hall, Dinas Powys, CF64 4AL

Each session will begin with a presentation from Network Rail explaining what has happened to date and the process for considering the future of the crossing.

This will be followed by a question-and-answer session and an open discussion, giving residents the opportunity to speak directly with the Network Rail team, ask questions and share their views.

Brookside footpath level crossing was closed as an emergency safety measure on 26 June following assessments which identified a significant change in its risk profile.

Around 150 trains use this section of railway each day, alongside approximately 217 daily users of the crossing.

Assessments found that more than 56% of users were considered vulnerable including older people, families with pushchairs or young children, unaccompanied children and people with reduced mobility.

The crossing remains closed while Network Rail works with stakeholders to determine the safest long term options for the site.

Krista Sexton, Head of Operational Risk at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “We know how important Brookside crossing is to the community and we recognise the impact its closure has had on people who previously used it.

“Closing the crossing was not a decision we took lightly, but the level of risk identified meant we had to act to protect public safety.

“We also made a commitment that we would listen to and engage with the community as we consider what happens next. These sessions are an important part of that process and will give people the opportunity to hear directly from our team, ask questions and share their views.

“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in the crossing to come along to one of the sessions and talk to us.”

Network Rail will continue to engage with local stakeholders, community representatives and accessibility groups as longer-term options for Brookside are considered.

In the meantime, the crossing remains closed and members of the public are asked not to attempt to access or cross the railway at this location.

Brookside is a footpath level crossing on the Vale of Glamorgan line connecting Brookside and Castle Close in the village of Dinas Powys.​

The crossing was closed to all users on 26 June 2026 as an emergency measure following safety assessments which identified an increased level of risk.

Alternative crossing points include Murch Lane road bridge and the stepped footbridge at Eastbrook station.

27th August, 2026

Steam locomotive which inspired Thomas the Tank Engine character nears completion​

1420 nears completion at the South Devon Railway


Great Western 14XX 0-4-2T No. 1420 is nearing completion of its overhaul and will soon be hauling trains along the picturesque South Devon Railway once more.

One of the pioneering locos during the early days of the South Devon Railway, given the nickname ‘Bulliver’, No.1420 was built in the 1930s at Swindon Works.

Over the years, it has hauled many thousands of passengers along the 6.6-mile line from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, which runs along the River Dart.


The auto tank was also the inspiration for Rev W. Awdry’s locomotive No.11 Oliver, which appears in the Thomas the Tank Engine books and in the earlier TV series of the 1980s.

1420 passing Buckfastleigh signal box in the late 1960s on an auto train


Work on 1420 has been extensive.

A new foundation ring and boiler plates were paid for thanks to a National Lottery grant the railway secured in 2020.


A brand-new steam reservoir and new side tanks have also been fitted, along with new boiler cladding.

The combined brake valve has also been rebuilt, which will allow the loco to resume auto train duties, a working many 14XX’s performed on branch lines and on sections of the mainline across the Western region.

Thomas and No.1420


1420 is currently on display to the public and can be seen from the workshop viewing gallery.

In the coming weeks, the locomotive will be painted and lined out in BR Green before the application of varnish.

Steam testing will then commence before the end of the year.

If all goes well, 1420 will be available for the 2027 season.

Log Friday 28/08/2026​

Cardiff IAP ..runway in use 30

Bahrain Royal Flight Boeing 767-4FSER A9C-HMH departing Cardiff to Heathrow 28th August 2026