Marcus' Model Railway Journey

13th February 2023

Furness No. 20 to steam at Didcot Railway Centre this Easter​

The Didcot Railway Centre has announced that the country’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, Furness No. 20, will be operating at the centre for its Easter weekend, and will be in steam for nine days in total.

"Trojan" and "King George" stand near the recently refurbished coal stage at the Didcot Railway Centre during the "Didcot Big Steam" weekend on September 25, 2022.
Locomotives: 1897-built Great Western Railway 0-4-0ST 1340 "Trojan" and Hunslet 0-6-0T 2409 "King George".​

The centre plans to run Furness No. 20 alongside its own restored GWR locomotive, Trojan which is over 100 years old and is the oldest working GWR loco.

With the centre’s vintage coaches, it is hoping for a Victorian-styled weekend.

Number 20 is an 0-4-0 tender locomotive that was built by Sharp, Stewart & Co. in 1863 to order 440.

It was one of a batch of eight locomotives constructed for the Furness Railway and is currently based at Shildon.

During the 1860s, traffic on the Furness Railway experienced rapid growth, and as these locomotives were small with just four wheels they soon became obsolescent.

In 1870, the first six of the class, numbers 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, and 26 were sold to the Barrow Heamatite Steel Co at Barrow-in-Furness where they were converted into saddle tanks.

Number 20 continued working at the steelworks until diesel locomotives were introduced in 1960 when it had completed over 90 years of work, just short of its centenary.

Number 20 continued in traffic until 1960 when diesel locomotives were introduced.

It completed over 90 years of work at the steelworks, just short of its centenary.

After being withdrawn from service at the steelworks, the two remaining former Furness Railways machines weren’t scrapped but were presented to local schools, with Number 20, which had been renumbered as Barrow Heamatite Steel Co No. 7, presented to the George Hastwell Special School in Abbey Road, Barrow.

Number 20 was purchased privately in 1983 and moved to the Steamtown Railway Museum at Carnforth in Lancashire.

A grant of £97,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund together with contributions from other groups allowed the Furness Railway Trust to make significant progress with overhauling the locomotive.

On 18th December 1996, the stripped-down frames and motion of No. 20 were delivered to workshops of Marconi Marine (V.S.E.L.) the Barrow-in-Furness where it underwent a total rebuild, including the construction of a new boiler and tender.

Two years later, on 17th December 1998, the locomotive emerged resplendent in the Furness Railway’s Indian Red livery.

13th February 2023

Swindon and Cricklade Railway to hold Class 03 Day this March​

The weekend after the Swindon and Cricklade Railway opens its 2023 season on 18th March, the railway will start its diesel operating days on Saturday 25th March with both of its resident Class 03 0-6-0 diesel shunters, D2022 and D2152, in service.

Both locomotives will be hauling passenger services throughout the day, with the first train expected to be at 10:30am, although exact train times will be available soon.

D2152 departs Hayes Knoll, on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway on the 20 March 2022

About three dozen Class 03 diesel shunters have been preserved, with D2022 being built at Swindon in 1958 and is the oldest remaining example.

During its working life with British Rail it worked first in Lincolnshire and then in the North East.

In 1983 it was purchased from British Rail and brought to Blunsdon, but was then leased to Coopers, a local scrap dealer, which used it until 1996 when it returned to Blunsdon.

It has recently been restored and is owned privately owned, but is currently based at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway.

The railway’s second Class 03 D2152 is regularly used to haul its passenger services, but the locomotive was originally intended as a light-duty shunter.

It was built at Swindon in 1960, but its appearance differs from D2022 because in 1974 its cab was cut-down and reduced in height so that it can pass under low bridges on the Gwendraeth Valley line in South Wales, where is was used to haul coal trains.

13th February 2023

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway carries out vital winter work​

The heritage railway is undertaking large-scale corrective work for steel rail-over bridge no. 32 which is now almost complete.​

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway‘s steel rail-over bridge no. 32 extends over the road between Gretton and Gotherington and is in the process of carrying out a substantial repair project which is now nearing its end.

In order to carry out the vital work in a safe manner the road has been closed, during this time Gloucestershire County Council has completed road resurfacing work, making the most of the closure.

The heritage railway has many steel bridges all aged 100 years+ to look after and Bridge 32’s repair has been funding thanks to funding from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust.

The work is being carried out by civil engineers Walsh Construction, who have completed repair work to a number of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway’s bridges and earthworks over recent years.

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Finance Director, Richard Winstanley, said:

“These steel bridges are really beginning to show their age. This one is suffering leaking decks following failure of the waterproofing which has led to corrosion. In addition, the ballast walls at the deck ends are being rebuilt while there are other brickwork repairs too. The bridge is also being shot-blasted back to bare metal, rust-proofed and completely repainted.

“When complete, the bridge will be a much more attractive feature for drivers passing beneath it and it should last perhaps another 100 years.”

The 3rd of January saw work get underway with the track being lifted over the bridge ahead of the contractor’s work commencing.

The project is set to complete ahead of rail services starting on the 4th of March 2023.

Mr Winstanley also said:

“The project is on schedule and I’m impressed with the high standard of the work,”

“I would like to take this opportunity to firstly, apologise for the long diversions that drivers are having to take because of the road closure and secondly, express my appreciation for the generous support of the Trust, which has helped fund a number of projects on the railway.”

“The generosity of the public in supporting the railway both by travelling and contributing to the Trust means that we can undertake such works to a very high standard. Visitors can be assured that the railway will operate to the highest safety standards both today and for future generations to enjoy.”

The railway will also see further work completed through its winter break including:

• Track replacement
• Painting and repair of stations and other structures
• Locomotive and carriage maintenance
• Substantial drainage and landscape management work will allow water to run freely across the railway from the Cotswold hills to the rivers Severn and Avon.

Continuing, Mr Winstanley, said:

“Much of this work is carried out by our skilled volunteers. The railway is extremely fortunate that it is supported by around 850 volunteers in a wide range of roles, many of whom are happy to be out in all weathers to undertake this vital but rewarding work.

“Many of our visitors have little idea of what goes on behind the scenes to ensure they enjoy their journey through the Cotswolds on our wonderful heritage railway.”

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway will see train services resume on the weekend of the 4th of March 2023.

The railway has plenty planned for the 2023 season including running race trains for Classic Hospitality for the Cheltenham Festival and an array of special events such as its Cotswold Festival of Steam which will take place from the 12th to the 14th of May.

13th February 2023

Half Price for Half Term at Avon Valley Railway!​

The heritage railway is continuing its special offer for this week and will see services operate on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday​

Avon Valley Railway has put together a special offer for half-term with half-price fares!

Why not come along with the family to the well-loved railway and enjoy a steam trip at a bargain price with fares at:

• Adults – £5.50
• Concessions – £5.00
• Children aged 4 to 15 years – £3.50
• Children ages 3 years and under – Free

This week will see trains departing Bitton Station at 10:45, 12:00, 13:15 and 14:30 on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday!

The heritage railway is a charity with a key focus on bringing back steam to the Avon Valley.

Thanks to the tireless work of volunteers starting back in the 1970s are now proud to have three miles of track in place alongside a restored locomotive and carriages and have very much brought the wonderful sound of steam back to the valley.

Central to the railway is Bitton station which is a Victorian Midland Railway station and has undergone a detailed restoration by volunteers in order to maintain its nostalgic country station feel, whilst offering important modern facilities for visitors.

W↑D 132 Sapper - Avon Valley Railway

Avon Valley has plenty to see and do for all the family such as:

• Enjoy a visit to Bitton station and see its incredible restoration
• Enjoy a trip hauled by either a steam or diesel locomotive
• Walk alongside the track on the Bristol & Bath Railway Path
• Visit Avon Valleys’ small museum area to find out more about the railway’s fascinating history.
• Grab a bite to eat with delicious breakfasts, lunch or afternoon tea served at the station buffet which is open daily
• Enjoy some railway-related shopping in the gift shop which open on all operating days
• Enjoy a picnic whilst watching steam and diesel trains make their way over the girder bridge at the Avon Riverside Station’s picnic area.

13th February 2023

Passengers thanked after West Yorkshire station upgrade​

Following nine days of work at Morley station, Netwok Rail has thanked passengers as trains resumed between Huddersfield and Leeds today.

Foundations have been laid for a new platform, realigned track and drainage work during the closure ready for the new station to be built later this year.

Network Rail worked with Northern and TransPennine Express to keep passengers moving with trains diverting via Wakefield and other rail replacement buses running.

The next stage of work at Morley will take place in June when the old station will be demolished, with the new station opening later this year.

Rail Minister, Huw Merriman said:

“Once complete, the brand new, fully accessible Morley Station will completely transform the opportunities for local residents. Just last week, I was able to see for myself the impact these improvements are already having and meet one of the brilliant apprentices who is helping deliver them.

“Under our £96bn Integrated Rail Plan, this upgrade is just one of many taking place along the Transpennine Route and will result in greener, faster and more reliable services for millions of passengers across the North for generations to come.”

Hannah Lomas, Industry Programme Director for Transpennine Route Upgrade said:

“I’d like to thank passengers for bearing with us while we completed nine days of major progress at Morley station.

“We’re one step closer to delivering huge benefits for passengers travelling through Morley and between York and Manchester. A new, accessible station with longer platforms and a better track layout will help more people travel on faster, more frequent trains.”

Tuesday 13th February 2023

First test run for Voyagers’ replacement​

Test run ++

The bi-mode replacement for Avanti West Coast’s diesel Voyager fleet has made its first test run between Wolverhampton and Glasgow.

The Class 805 is a new variant of Hitachi’s established A-Train series, and will replace the Bombardier Class 221s on routes between London, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Chester and Holyhead.

The 805’s trial journey covered 901km from Oxley depot in Wolverhampton to Glasgow Central and back.

Transport appeal ++

A coalition of 15 charities, business and transport groups has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, urging him to ‘show public transport some love’ by protecting and investing in trains and other public transport in the forthcoming Budget on 15 March.

The letter, which has been signed by Bus Users UK, the Campaign for Better Transport, the Clean Cities Campaign, Client Earth, rural England charity CPRE, Cycling UK, Greener Vision, Greenpeace UK, the Institute for Public Policy Research, the Intergenerational Foundation, Living Streets, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Possible, the Transport Action Network and the Urban Transport Group, calls on the Chancellor to protect passengers from the funding squeeze and the cost-of-living crisis that they fear is threatening public transport.

Preston closed ++

Trains will not be calling at Preston over four weekends so that Network Rail can upgrade track on the West Coast Main Line.

NR said it would be investing £1.5 million in upgrading track foundations and six sets of points and crossings.

The closure dates are 18-19 and 25-26 February, followed by 4,5 and 12 March. Passengers using the West Coast Main Line elsewhere on these dates are being warned that fewer trains will be running, journeys will take longer and those trains which do run are expected to be busy.

More information will be available on www.nationarail.co.uk.

Transpennine progress ++

Morley station between Leeds and Huddersfield has reopened after a nine-day possession, while engineers laid the foundations for longer platforms, realigned the track and completed work on drainage.

The old station is set to be demolished in June and a new station will open later this year.

The project is part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade.

14th February 2023​

Report 01/2023: Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing

Pedestrian struck by a train at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing, Surrey, 21 April 2022.

Published 14 February 2023

Summary

At about 14:49 hrs on Thursday 21 April 2022, a pedestrian was struck and fatally injured by an out-of-service passenger train at Lady Howard footpath and bridleway crossing, near Ashtead in Surrey.

The pedestrian, who was walking on the crossing with a dog and pushing a wheeled trolley bag, started to cross the railway tracks shortly after a train had passed.

She was struck by a second train, which was travelling in the opposite direction to the first.

The driver of the train involved in the accident sounded the train’s horn on seeing the pedestrian on the crossing.

The pedestrian responded by hurrying forwards towards the exit of the crossing, but was unable to get clear of the path of the train in time to avoid being struck.

RAIB’s investigation found that the pedestrian was apparently unaware that the second train was approaching when she made the decision to cross; there is no evidence that she was aware of it and/or had misjudged the time available to cross.

This was because, although the pedestrian looked twice in the direction of the second train before starting to cross, the front of this second train was hidden behind the first train, which was moving away on the line nearest to her.

RAIB also found it was possible that the pedestrian did not perceive the risk arising from the possibility that the first train was hiding another approaching train.

A probable underlying factor was that Network Rail had not provided any effective additional risk mitigation at the crossing, despite having previously deemed the risk to users to be unacceptable. Network Rail had planned to install miniature stop lights at the crossing, but complexities with the technology required at this location meant that this solution was not ready for implementation before the accident occurred.

There is little evidence that Network Rail considered effective options to mitigate the risk on an interim basis while this solution was progressed, although they fitted additional warning signs for users and a camera to monitor crossing use.

As a result of this investigation, RAIB has made two recommendations, both to Network Rail.

The first is intended to address the risk to pedestrians at crossings of this type arising from a second approaching train being hidden from view by another train.

The second recommendation concerns the implementation of appropriate interim risk mitigations at level crossings that are awaiting long-term solutions.

Trains involved

The train involved in the accident, reporting number 5Z56, was the 14:05 hrs empty coaching stock movement (a train movement without passengers) from Selhurst depot to Dorking down sidings.

It was a class 377 train formed of 10 coaches.

The train was fitted with an on-train data recorder (OTDR) but not with forward-facing CCTV (FFCCTV) cameras.

The train which passed the crossing just before the accident, reporting number 1I37, was the 14:14 hrs passenger service from Horsham to London Victoria.

It was also a class 377, formed of 8 coaches.

This train was fitted with an OTDR as well as an FFCCTV camera, but not a camera looking behind the train.

This means that there was no rearward-facing CCTV evidence available.

People involved

The pedestrian was an 85-year-old female from Hampton, south-west London.

Her eyesight prescription showed that she had a mild astigmatism (a cause of blurred vision that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses), but good distance vision.

She also used a hearing aid and, while her mobility was good, the trolley she used was described to RAIB as also acting as an aid to standing.

Although RAIB could not establish with certainty whether the pedestrian was familiar with the crossing, the circumstances suggest that, while she was unlikely to have used it regularly, it is possible that she had used it before.

The driver of train 5Z56 was based at Selhurst depot and had worked for Southern since November 2001.

His competence assessments were up to date with positive feedback about his performance and no reported issues of concern.

27 The level crossing manager (LCM) with responsibility for Lady Howard crossing had worked for Network Rail since 2000, with the exception of one year working for a train operator.

He had worked as an LCM in this area since 5 November 2018.

Lady Howard was one of around 48 crossings that fell within his area of responsibility.

The route level crossing manager (RLCM) for Wessex route, to whom the LCM reported, joined Network Rail in 2003 and began managing level crossings about two years later.

He had been RLCM for about 10 years and, at the time of the accident, managed a team of five LCMs.

Since the accident (but not as a response to it), Network Rail’s Wessex route has restructured the organisation of these roles, and the RLCM now works at a regional level.

The sequence of events

Events preceding the accident

At around 14:33 hrs on the day of the accident, Network Rail’s camera at Lady Howard crossing recorded the pedestrian using the crossing for the first time that day.

The pedestrian was walking towards Ashtead Common with a dog and a wheeled trolley bag.

At 14:49:06 hrs, the front of train 1I37 passed over Lady Howard crossing, travelling towards Epsom on the up Portsmouth line (from right to left when viewed from the Ashtead Common side of the crossing) at a speed of approximately 50 mph (80 km/h).

As the train passed the crossing, its FFCCTV system recorded the pedestrian standing, stationary, waiting inside the boundary gate on the Ashtead Common side of the crossing, about 1.9 metres back from the white line marking the decision point and looking towards the oncoming train.

The field of view of the camera at the crossing also showed the dog waiting stationary while train 1I37 passed the crossing.

Around one second after the front of train 1I37 passed the crossing, the front of train 5Z56 emerged round the curve on the down Portsmouth line.

Train 5Z56 was about 440 metres from Lady Howard crossing at that time, travelling from the Epsom direction, and would have been visible from the crossing.

After about 6 seconds, from the point of view of someone standing on the Ashtead Common side of the crossing, the front of the approaching train 5Z56 would have been obscured behind train 1I37 as it moved away.

Less than one second later, the rear of train 1I37 had cleared Lady Howard crossing, and the pedestrian started to move towards the decision point.

The camera at the crossing showed that she briefly turned her head to the left as she started to move forwards and did so again as she crossed the decision point.

During both of these glances, the front of train 5Z56 would have been hidden behind train 1I37.

The pedestrian crossed the decision point about 4 seconds after train 1I37 had cleared the crossing.

Events during the accident

Around one second after the pedestrian crossed the decision point, the front of train 5Z56 emerged from behind train 1I37 and would have been visible from the crossing.

The crossing would also now have been visible from the driving cab of the train.

At this point, OTDR evidence shows that train 5Z56 was travelling at 62 mph (100 km/h) and that it was about 130 metres, or approximately 4.7 seconds, from the crossing.

CCTV evidence from the crossing shows that the pedestrian was at that point moving across the up Portsmouth line, and that she was looking down and ahead.

Approximately 2.7 seconds later, the driver of train 5Z56 sounded the train’s horn.

The pedestrian, by now about to cross the down Portsmouth line, responded by looking to her left and starting to hurry across this line towards the exit of the crossing.

The collision occurred at about 14:49:24 hrs.

Events following the accident

The pedestrian sustained injuries that were immediately fatal.

The driver applied the emergency brake just over one second after the collision, and the train subsequently stopped about 315 metres beyond the crossing.

The driver used the GSM-R (Global system for mobile communications – railway) train radio system to report the accident to the signaller and subsequently reported it to his employer.

Emergency services and Network Rail staff attended the scene from around 15:20 hrs.

The driver was authorised to take the train on to Ashtead station where he was relieved, and another driver returned the train to Selhurst depot.

Awareness of the train

The pedestrian was apparently unaware that train 5Z56 was approaching when she made the decision to cross.

Based primarily on the CCTV evidence from the camera at Lady Howard crossing, RAIB has concluded that the pedestrian had probably neither seen nor heard the approach of train 5Z56 when she started to cross.

There is no evidence to suggest that she was aware of this second train when she made the decision to cross, or that she was aware of it but had misjudged the time available to cross safely.

RAIB created a computer model of the two trains passing at the crossing, to determine what may or may not have been visible to the pedestrian at the two points when she looked to the left, towards the approaching train 5Z56.

The model was based on the OTDR evidence from both trains, FFCCTV footage from train 1I37, footage from the CCTV camera at the crossing, and RAIB’s survey data for the crossing.

Because the OTDR and CCTV data sources are not synchronised, and must be cross-referenced manually, there is a small level of inaccuracy (fractions of seconds) possible with this kind of analysis.

However, RAIB has determined that the conclusions which follow reflect the best available evidence.

When the pedestrian looked twice to the left, the front end of train 5Z56 (which is the most conspicuous part of the train, being painted yellow and displaying headlights) was hidden behind train 1I37, which was receding from the crossing.

The front end of train 5Z56 did not re-emerge from behind 1I37 until after the pedestrian had started to cross.

Although it may have been possible for the pedestrian to have seen the side of train 5Z56 in the gap beyond train 1I37 and before the railway curved to the left out of view, it would have appeared very small at that distance and not particularly conspicuous.

This is in part because the green and white painted livery of the train would have provided relatively low contrast against the background of green vegetation.

The pedestrian was wearing prescription sunglasses and had been facing towards Ashtead just before crossing, in the direction of the approaching train 1I37.

In that position and at that time of day, she was almost directly facing the sun.

When she turned to look towards the left, there may have been some after- effects of facing the sun that could have reduced her sensitivity to contrast, and this may have been further attenuated by the sunglasses.

However, the predominant factor affecting the pedestrian’s ability to see the oncoming train 5Z56 was the presence of train 1I37 as it moved away from the crossing.

This would have been much more conspicuous and largely hid the approaching train, 5Z56, from view.

The driver of train 5Z56 did not, nor was he required to, sound the train’s horn on the approach to the crossing, until a few seconds before the accident when he reacted to seeing the pedestrian ahead.

In the absence of a train horn, the noise generated by an electric train at distance is relatively inconspicuous, and again would have been masked by the similar noise being produced by train 1I37, which was closer.

The pedestrian also used a hearing aid, although her prompt response to the train’s horn when it sounded just before the accident indicates that she was able to hear this warning.

Perception of risk

The pedestrian did not perceive the risk arising from the possibility that the passing train was hiding another train.

This is a possible causal factor.

Among the signage at the crossing is an instruction for users to ‘Stop, Look, Listen – Beware of trains’.

The CCTV evidence shows that the pedestrian did stop for the first train passing the crossing (1I37) and then looked twice to the left before starting to cross.

When the pedestrian took the second glance, as she passed the decision point, RAIB calculated that the rear of train 1I37 was around 100 metres beyond the crossing.

RAIB has also concluded that, at that point, it is more likely than not that the pedestrian would have been looking towards her left for oncoming trains on the down Portsmouth line to the right of, rather than beyond the front of train 1I37 and into the diminishing gap between it and the curve of the railway line.

Visibility past the trailing end of train 1I37 towards the down Portsmouth line would have been greater than 100 metres.

Given the extent of the visibility available to the pedestrian, it is possible that she decided that this was sufficient distance to be able to safely traverse the crossing, not realising that a train travelling at the maximum permitted speed of 60 mph (97 km/h or 27 m/s) could cover the visible distance in around 4 seconds.

At the time of the accident, there were no warnings at the crossing to alert users to this risk.

Actions reported as already taken or in progress relevant to this report

From 25 May to 1 June 2022, Network Rail posted staff at Lady Howard crossing for 12 hours a day over a period of seven days to talk to users about how to use the crossing safely.

On 26 October 2022, Network Rail delivered a presentation to Ashtead Residents’ Association about level crossing safety.

On 11 October 2022, Network Rail erected a poster on the approaches to Lady Howard crossing warning users that a passing train can obstruct the view of a train coming on the other line.

Network Rail told RAIB that the poster would remain in place until MSLs are installed at the crossing.

Network Rail is progressing the implementation of Flex MSLs at Lady Howard crossing, with a view to completion in February 2024.

In the meantime, it has considered alternative measures, such as convex mirrors or installing SAWDs, but has considered these to be unsuitable.

Convex mirrors could cause glare or distraction for train drivers, while Network Rail considers that SAWDs are inappropriate at crossings where whistle boards are not fitted.

The above is a very condensed version of the report.

If you wish to read the complete 34 page report, you can find it here.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/63ea1a7e8fa8f5051d967c12/R012023_230214_Lady_Howard_crossing.pdf

14th February 2023​

East Lancashire Railway’s Pug locomotive sports a new livery and number​

East Lancashire Railway’s ex-Lancashire & Railway Class 21 0-4-0 ‘Pug’ No. 19 has been repainted in London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) livery with its LMS Number No. 11243 to mark 100 years since the London, Midland and Scottish Railway was formed at the Grouping in 1923.

Built at Horwich in 1910, No. 19 was allocated to Newton Heath shed in Manchester in 1921, renumbered to 11243 in 1923, and withdrawn in 1931 and sold to John Mowlem, which named it Bassett and used on a contract to extend Southampton Docks.

In 1931, it was sold to locomotive dealers George Cohen & Sons Ltd., then in 1935 it went to work at United Glass Bottle Manufacturing Ltd. Charlton in south-east London and renamed Prince.

The London Railway Preservation Society eventually acquired the locomotive and moved it to its Luton depot, then in 1967 it was moved to Haworth on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

In 1969 it was transferred to the ownership of what is now the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Trust in 1969.

A trial steaming by the Trust showed that a great deal of work was required to restore the locomotive to working order, so the decision was taken to display it as a static exhibit at Oxenhope.

It later moved to ‘Steamport Southport’ located in the former Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway shed, and at a steam event February 1998 No. 19 was repainted to feature as classmate 51231.

In January 2020, No. 19 was moved to the East Lancashire Railway and for a Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway-themed gala it was renumbered 51241.

The following year, a contract was placed with the East Lancashire Railway to overhaul the locomotive and bring it back to operational condition.

In April 2022 came a high point when it returned to steam.

11243 on the East Lancs Railway

Now renumbered as 11243 and in its fine new livery, it will initially take part in some shunting demonstration days next month at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway before attending special events at the Bluebell Railway from 21st to 23rd April and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway in late spring.

14th February 2023

No trains to London Kings Cross as East Coast Digital Programme continues this weekend​

Passengers are being urged to check before travelling this weekend (18th/19th February) as work continues on the East Coast Digital Programme.

New signalling is being brought into use on the Wood Green – New Barnet area, with new equipment being installed between Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin.

For work to take place, no trains will run between St Neots and London King’s Cross and between Royston and London. Both King’s Cross and Moorgate will be closed throughout.

No trains will from to or from St Pancras International via Finsbury Park.

Services on the 18th/19th February will operate as follows: (please check with your operator for last minute changes, information below correct at the time of writing)

• Grand Central
  • No services will run
  • On Monday 20th February, the 08:27 London King’s Cross to Sunderland will be cancelled
• Hull Trains
  • A reduced service will run, with trains being diverted to run to and from London St Pancras International
• LNER
  • Trains will not run between St Neots and London King’s Cross
  • Rail Replacement Bus services will run between St Neots and Bedford, where passengers can connect with rail services to London
  • Until 10 am on Sunday 19th February, trains will start and terminate at Grantham
• Lumo
  • Trains will run between Edinburgh and Peterborough, with rail replacement buses running between Peterborough and London King’s Cross.

Passengers are also advised to check their journey as major track renewal at Preston will impact services on the West Coast Main Line.

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

“It’s exciting to see the East Coast Digital Programme moving forward as we get closer to offering passengers more reliable journeys along a digital railway that’s fit for the future".

“There will be significant changes to services over the weekend so that we can deliver these benefits safely and we’re sorry if this impacts people’s plans. We’ve worked closely with train operators to keep people moving, so passengers should plan ahead.”

14th February 2023

Llangollen Railway to host volunteer day on 25th of February 2023​

The heritage railway has also revealed that it will hold a number of volunteer recruitment events during 2023​

Volunteer recruitment is very important for Llangollen Railway and 2023 will see activities showcasing volunteering opportunities, the first of which will see an Open Day taking place on Saturday the 25th of February.

The volunteer-run railway has exciting plans and plenty of volunteer opportunities for 2023 including:

• The opening of its brand new station in Corwen
• A busy schedule for train services
• Improvement work on both track and infrastructure
• The making of sandwiches, cakes and teas for serving
• Painting stations
• Running special events such as the railways Classic Transport Weekend

Llangollen Railway always has plenty to do and alongside the areas mentioned above is delighted to welcome people who would like to support its Business, Governance and Board management.

The railway would love to hear from anyone who has any interest in volunteering with them. People with prior experience, transferrable skills or specialist knowledge are welcome however this is not essential to volunteer with the railway.

Llangollen Railway wants to encourage people to give volunteering a go and often suggests trying something totally different from what they do in everyday life.

The railway provides full training to all of its volunteers, whether supporting passengers at a station or rebuilding a steam locomotive.

The open day features a limited number of places, to book please email: vlo@llangollen-railway.co.uk

Llangollen Railway is located in North Wales and runs between Llangollen and Corwen on a 10-mile standard gauge line.

The railway operates regular services throughout the summer and on weekends during the winter period.

14th February 2023

Wroxham’s Bure Valley Railway adds additional half term trains due to demand​

Its half term and the Bure Valley Railway has had to add additional trains this week due to popular demand.

Additional trains have already been operated this week, but both Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th February will see additional trains depart Aylsham at 11 am and 2pm and Wroxham at 12:15.

This week, the Bure Valley Railway is holding its Teddy Bear Express, with trains running from Aylsham to Wroxham for 9 miles, passing through intermediate stations of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.

If you have never visited the Bure Valley Railway before, then the video below may inspire you to make a visit:

Bure Valley Railway - 'Everything Goes' Gala 2017 (4K)

May Half Term saw us visiting the Bure Valley Railway for the first time. It came as a surprise that the railway was holding their 'Everything Goes' Mini-Gal...

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Jul 6, 2017

May Half Term saw us visiting the Bure Valley Railway for the first time.

It came as a surprise that the railway was holding their 'Everything Goes' Mini-Gala.

Every locomotive available was running, including P-Way locomotives.

An intensive timetable was in operation and meant we managed to have a ride behind every locomotive in operation and also visit the request stops along the route,

Featuring in this video are:

- 2-6-4T No. 1 'Wroxham Broad'
- 2-6-2 No. 6 'Blickling Hall'
- 2-6-2 No. 8 'John of Gaunt'
- 2-6-4 No. 9 'Mark Timothy'
- Diesel Locomotive No.3 "2nd Air Division USAAF"

14th February 2023

Historic rail bridge repair will see no Buxton to Hazel Grove trains for a 10-day period​

A 10-day railway closure of the Buxton line will begin on Saturday the 18th of February as vital repair work take place in Whaley Bridge​

Rail passengers are being advised that no Buxton to Hazel Grove train will operate during a 10-day closure of the Buxton line starting this Saturday (18th Feb) whilst £5.1m of essential repairs are completed on the Grade II listed bridge which carries the line over Buxton Road.

The structure is located in Whaley Bridge and was built in 1863 and the repair work will see Network Rail replace it in order to keep it safe for use into the future.

The project is well underway and the next stage will see the railway closed from Saturday the 18th to Tuesday the 28th of February 2023 as crucial elements of the bridge are replaced.

The closure will mean that no trains will operate between Hazel Grove and Buxton and will also enable the following work to take place.

• Current railway lines will be lifted
• Removal of the old bridge structure
• New steel ribs will be craned into position
• Pre-cast concrete panels for the new bridge deck will be put in place
• New tracks will be laid

Trains are set to return to normal service on Tuesday the 28th of February.

Customers who intend to travel on the Buxton line during the closure are advised to check on www.nationalrail.co.uk

During the closure, rail replacement buses will be running between Hazel Grove and Buxton, however, they will not be able to serve Whaley Bridge station due to road closures required for the work to take place.

Valid rail tickets will be accepted, at no further cost for High Peak Buses (services 60, 61 and 190) for travel heading to New Mills Central.

To find out more about bus times, please visit: www.highpeakbuses.com

Rob Stephens, Network Rail principal route engineer, said:

“We’ve reached the stage the railway needs to close in this important project to make Buxton Road bridge fit for the future. While rail replacement buses will be in operation to keep passengers on the move, journeys will take longer and I’d advise people to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect while travelling between Buxton and Hazel Grove between 18 and 28 February.

“I’d also like to thank residents and businesses in Whaley Bridge for their continued patience and support while we carry out this major bridge upgrade, which will secure the town’s vital railway link for generations to come.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:

“All investment in rail infrastructure that improves the customer experience and service reliability is very much welcomed. I’d like to thank customers for their patience while this essential work is carried out and apologise for any short-term inconvenience caused.”

Pedestrians will have no access under the bridge from Thursday the 16th of February to Sunday the 5th of March whilst work is completed under the bridge.

Buxton Road will also be closed until Friday the 31st of March with the project set to complete in April 2023.

Network Rail is working in collaboration with High Peak Borough Council and Historic England in order to meet the standards required in regard to the bridge’s heritage status.

The bridge will see approximately one-third of its original structure kept in place whilst the rest will be replaced in keeping with its original design and due to this the time to complete the project is longer as it is more complex than simply replacing a modern bridge.

To find out more about conservation work across the rail network, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/working-with-railway-heritage.

14th February 2023

860 metres new track laid through Durham station in reliability boost​

Network Rail has completed a £6 million investment to improve the reliability of the railway infrastructure through Durham on the East Coast Main Line.

Over the five weekends from Saturday, 14th January to Sunday, 12th February, engineers replaced around 860 metres of track and ten sets of points around Durham station that hadn’t received any significant work for about 40 years.

At the same time, engineers also carried out vital upgrades to the signalling equipment.

By implementing weekend-only working ensured the railway could remain open and commuter services were unaffected as they ran as normal.

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

“Upgrading this equipment is essential for running trains reliably, reducing delays, and getting passengers to where they need to be on time, so I’m pleased to see this valuable investment complete.

“I’d like to thank passengers for planning ahead and using the rail replacement services and diversions that we worked with our train operating colleagues to provide. People travelling by train to, from, or through Durham can now expect smoother, on-time journeys.”

David Horne, Managing Director at London North Eastern Railway, which manages Durham railway station, said:

“This important upgrade work will make journeys even smoother and more reliable for our customers and the many passengers who travel along the LNER route through Durham. It is a great example of the rail industry working together to improve journey experiences for our customers.”

Kerry Peters, Regional Director at Northern said:

“All investment in rail infrastructure that improves service reliability is very much welcomed. It’s great to see the work at Durham now complete and I’d like to thank customers for their patience while the work has been carried out.”

Chris Nutton, Major Projects Director for TransPennine Express said:

“We’re thrilled to see these vital upgrades complete. The modernisation of these tracks and signalling equipment will provide more reliable and smoother journeys for our customers.

“I’d like to thank our customers for being patient, checking ahead, and carefully planning their journeys throughout the past five weekends of work.”

Ben Simkin, Regional Director at CrossCountry said:

‘‘We would like to thank all customers for their patience and support during the engineering works. These vital upgrades will significantly improve reliability for customers journeys going forward.”

14th February 2023

East Lancashire Railway adds carriages at Bury and Rawtenstall to boost pub capacity​

The East Lancashire Railway has begun a trial whereby static railway carriages are stabled at Bury and Rawtenstall stations to allow for additional seating as well as providing a warm space to enjoy drinks.

Members of the public attending the pub at Rawtenstall can grab a pint from the Buffer Stops and sit down inside a 20th century railway carriage.

This carriage adds 40 additional seats to the pub.

Following the success of the carriage at Rawtenstall, a carriage has been added to Bury Bolton Street, where pub goers can enjoy a tipple from The Trackside pub.

100 extra seats have been added to the capacity of the 2022 Pub Of The Year for the Bury Area winner.