Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Vital maintenance between Dorchester West and Castle Cary

The effect of the work is as follows:
  • between Yeovil Pen Mill and Dorchester West, there will be no trains from Monday, 27th February to Friday, 3rd March, and from Monday, 6th to Friday, 10th March;
  • between Yeovil Pen Mill and Castle Cary, there will be no trains on Monday, 6th and Tuesday, 7th March;
between Weymouth and Bristol Temple Meads:
  • trains will start/terminate at Yeovil Pen Mill from Monday, 27th February to Friday, 3rd March;
  • trains will start/terminate at Castle Cary on Monday, 6th and Tuesday, 7th March;
  • trains will start/terminate at Yeovil Pen Mill from Wednesday, 8th to Friday, 10th March;
  • buses will replace trains between Weymouth and Yeovil Pen Mill from Monday, 27th February to Friday, 3rd March, and from Monday, 6th to Friday, 10th March;
  • buses will replace trains between Yeovil Pen Mill and Castle Cary on Monday, 6th and Tuesday, 7th March.
South Western Railway will accept Great Western Railway tickets on trains between Weymouth and Southampton Central.

Tickets for Dorchester West will also be valid for Dorchester South.

Customers travelling between Weymouth and Bristol Temple Meads will be able to change trains at Southampton Central and then complete their journey on a Great Western Railway service.

Further information about the changes can be found online at GWR.com/Wessex.

Ben Scott, GWR’s Station Manager for Westbury, Wiltshire & Dorset, said:

“These upgrades are part of an ongoing programme of work that will enable us to maintain services for customers travelling on the Heart of Wessex route.

“To help customers, we have ticket acceptance in place with SWR and Network Rail has agreed to reopen the line to enable our Weymouth trains to run at the weekend.

“We will also be providing alternative road transport, to ensure our customers can still complete their journeys during this period.”

Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said:

“I’m delighted to see that our work to improve the railway in the Heart of Wessex is continuing this February.

“Over the last few years, we’ve made a major investment in this area to improve our infrastructure, renewing miles of track, refurbishing stations and replacing a bridge at Yetminster.

“This upcoming closure means we’re another step closer to a safer, more reliable railway and I’d like to thank our passengers for their patience over the next few weeks.”
 
20th February 2023

East Coast Digital Programme has made further progress!​

The billion-pound project has seen vital work completed over the weekend of the 18th and 19th Feb which will support a more reliable railway into the future.​

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Engineers working on the East Coast Digital Programme 18th - 19th February 2023​

The East Coast Digital Programme which aims to create a digital railway and will transform rail travel to and from London is making great headway following vital work which took place over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of February.

The weekend of essential work saw the commissioning of new signalling for the North London area of Wood Green-New Barnet which will bring greater reliability whilst preparing the location for future digital signalling.

The work marks a major step towards the nearby Finsbury Park to Moorgate route on the Northern City Line running passenger trains with digital signalling later in 2023.

Welwyn Garden City and Hitchin in Hertfordshire also saw brand new lineside equipment and technology installed which supports the provision of digital signalling straight to the driver’s cab.

Work in this area also marks progress essential to part of the line becoming the first part of the East Coast Main Line to operate utilising digital signalling.

In order for the work to be completed safely and efficiently over the weekend of the 18th and 19th of February, no trains were able to operate between St Neots near Peterborough or between Royston and London.

The line closures also provided a fantastic chance to undertake further work such as maintenance of overhead lines, signalling and track alongside essential repair work to Harringay station’s footbridge.

Rail operators have worked alongside Network Rail in order to keep rail passengers on the move with rail replacement services and trains using diversionary routes between Peterborough and London Liverpool Street via Cambridge.
 
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Engineer fitting new cables as part of the East Coast Digital Programme​

Ed Akers, Network Rail’s Principal Programme Sponsor, ECDP, said:

“The work carried out this weekend in London and Hertfordshire provides a big step forward towards a next-generation railway that is fit for the future.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to passengers for bearing with us while this crucial work was delivered. Digital signalling will enable more reliable passenger services and more freight to be carried while reducing carbon emissions, creating a more sustainable railway”.

Dr Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER, said:

“The East Coast Digital Programme is one the biggest transformations on the railway – bringing it into a digital age. It will mean LNER customers travel with even more confidence by making journeys even greener and smoother as well as enabling our fleet of Azuma trains to realise their full potential.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director, Thameslink and Great Northern, said:

“The work Network Rail completed this weekend was a vital step in our journey towards introducing digital signalling, which will give our Great Northern and Thameslink passengers a more dependable service between London and Peterborough. I’d like to thank our customers for their continued patience while this work takes place.”
 
20th February 2023

Bakerloo Line and London Overground passengers benefit from improved journeys!​

Passengers travelling from London Euston and Watford Junction are now benefiting from major upgrade works which will support the railway into the future.​

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Ballast being renewed on the Bakerloo Line​


Working together, Network Rail and Transport for London saw a nine-day closure put in place from Saturday the 11th to Sunday the 19th of February to allow work to take place and saw engineers carry out major improvement work.

The work saw the overhaul of track, signalling and power suppliers for electric trains over 17 miles of track, alongside the upgrade of five stations located in the north London area.

The railway back open for journeys on Monday the 20th of February following the nine days of closure for the vast improvements projects which saw equipment, trains, drivers and resources utilised from London Underground.

The major projects included:
  • The installation of 4,000 modern concrete sleepers replacing wooden ones which date back to the 1950s
  • The replacement of 28km of cabling for signalling
  • Structural improvement work at five stations which included platform resurfacing and roof canopy maintenance
  • Renewal of the track at Willesden
  • Upgrade to the power supply of the London Underground and Overground trains
  • Signal improvement work at Watford Junction
  • An array of work at Carpenders Park, Headstone Lane, Kenton, North Wembley, and South Kenton saw a mix of roof repairs, canopy renovations, guttering clearance, platform resurfacing as well as the installation of tactile paving to improve safety for blind and partially sighted people.
Improvements made to the track will see reliability and improved journey benefits whilst the vital weatherproofing and tactile paving installation are welcome safety additions for passengers.

The vast array of projects required a full railway closure in order for the team to complete the complex mix of work at the same time as the work may have taken years of weekend closures and overnight working had it been organised differently.

Similar upgrade work was completed in December 2022 and this period of work follows on from that.
 
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Track upgrades taking place in pouring rain during Watford to Euston blockade​

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

“Thanks again to passengers for their patience while we closed the railway so we could carry out these essential projects and improve future journeys between London Euston and Watford Junction.

“It enabled us to update sections of track with new equipment which is much more reliable so people can travel in confidence. We were also able to safely deliver work at five stations during this closure – which although may not be visually obvious to passengers from platform level – was important to protect the structures from bad weather.”

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

“We would like to thank customers again for their continued patience while Network Rail and TfL 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 major improvements will help to ensure we can do just that.”

The improvements will help tackle flooding issues and will also see a reduction in the number of power and signal failures which can lead to cancellations.

It is hoped that the upgrade work will bring confidence to customers using both London Overground and Bakerloo line services.

To find out how Network Rail maintains and upgrades the railway, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/

To plan journeys, please visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.
 
20th February 2023

Events to highlight the importance of defibrillators​

Two public engagement events will be held this half term to highlight the importance of defibrillators across the Wales and Borders rail network.

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Defib install​

Transport for Wales (TfW) has installed more than 200 defibrillators at stations over the last 12 months, providing vital life-saving equipment in local communities.

This month is the Welsh Ambulance Services’ annual ‘Defibruary’ campaign and TfW is working in conjunction with the Welsh Ambulance Service and Save a Life Cymru on pop-up events in Cardiff and Wrexham to provide free defibrillator and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

Karl Gilmore, TfW Rail Infrastructure Director, said:

“We’re delighted to be working with the Welsh Ambulance Service and Save a Life Cymru to provide free defib and CPR training and to answer any questions people may have about defibrillators. We will also be there to support those who have experienced or witnessed a cardiac arrest.

“Just recently the train crew on one of our services used a defibrillator from a station to provide assistance to a passenger who had suffered a suspected cardiac arrest, so we know how important they are in helping to save people’s lives.

“Sadly we’ve also had an instance of someone who was unable to access one at our station due to it being vandalised, so we’ll also be using these events to encourage people to treat the defibrillators with respect and to report any damaged ones they spot on the network.”

Professor Len Nokes, Chair of Save a Life Cymru said:

“Save a Life Cymru is delighted to be supporting TfW at this Defibruary event and to offer travellers at Cardiff and Wrexham Railway Stations some CPR and defibrillator awareness training.

“A person’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest depends on a bystander immediately performing CPR and using a defibrillator. A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any age and at any time and therefore having the confidence to act quickly if you are ever faced with such a medical emergency can ultimately help to save a life.

“If you can’t join us at these Defibuary events, please search Save a Life Cymru website for advice and encouragement on how you could help save a life with CPR and a defibrillator.”

The events are being held at Cardiff Central Station on Wednesday 22nd February between 10am and 2pm and at Wrexham General Station on Thursday 24th February between 10am and 2pm.

In Wrexham TfW staff will also meet with the local scout group to provide CPR and defib awareness training at the scout hall opposite the station.

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20th February 2023
OO Gauge Model Railway News Announcements
Rapido Trains OO GWR 4-Plank Wagons available now

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Rapido Trains UK produce a newly tooled range of OO gauge GWR Diagram O21 open wagons in OO gauge.

A variety of models are now available now, covering a selection of GWR and British Railways grey liveries.

Product CodeDescription
925001GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 73721 in GWR grey - pre-1904 condition
925002GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 41277 in GWR grey - pre-1904 condition - as preserved
925003GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 74563 in GWR grey with large letters
925004GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 54156 in GWR grey with large letters
925005GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 63392 in GWR grey with large letters
925006GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 73691 in GWR grey with small letters
925007GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon 14432 in GWR grey with small letters
925008GWR Dia. O21 Open wagon W14067 in GWR grey with BR lettering

The Great Western Railway built thousands of four-plank open wagons with either single-sided lever brakes or DCI brakes.

In 1902, they added a fifth plank to the design and in 1927, after the Board or Trade 'Either Side' brake regulations came into force, 18,700 single-sided four-plankers were given an additional lever brake and shoe.

These wagons finally appeared in the diagram book as Diagram O21 and any that remained with DCI brakes became O5.

Despite being built in huge numbers, these wagons remained in the shadows for all of their lives.

They kept the railway moving but never grabbed headlines and it is therefore difficult to track when they finally disappeared from the network.

The GWR 813 preservation fund managed to acquire the three remaining survivors but only one is in near-complete condition.
 
21st February 2023
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Consultation launched on controversial strike limitation plans​

A consultation has started on the government’s controversial proposals to make minimum service levels a legal requirement during industrial disputes affecting railways.

The idea is being opposed by rail unions, who have condemned plans to restrict the ability to stage a strike.

When the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Bill was unveiled last month, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch had 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.’

However, in a Commons statement yesterday, rail minister Huw Merriman said:

‘Passengers, through no fault of their own, have been subject to severe disruption on the railways due to sustained industrial action. This has had a nationwide impact. It has stopped key workers getting to work, children going to school, and restricted people’s access to essential services such as hospital care.

‘The government recognises the importance of workers’ ability to take strike action, and this will be protected.’

The Department for Transport said it is seeking views from the ‘public, rail sector, trade unions and wider industries’ on how minimum service levels might apply to passenger railways to reduce disruption caused by strikes.

The consultation will run until 15 May.
 
21st February 2023

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Network Rail joins Samaritans to remind public that small talk saves lives

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Western | Wales & Western
  • Samaritans survey shows only half of the nation feel confident approaching someone they are concerned about in public.
  • So, to boost public confidence, the rail industry has teamed up with Samaritans volunteers for the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign, hosting station outreach events to speak to passengers and empower them to act if they see someone who needs help by starting a conversation
  • New campaign film reassures the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can set someone on a path to recovery
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Small Talk Saves Lives campaign poster​


Network Rail has joined Samaritans to remind the public that we all have the potential to be lifesavers by simply striking up a conversation, as part of Samaritans’ latest Small Talk Saves Lives campaign.

The new campaign comes after new research from Samaritans revealed that only 50% of UK adults said they would feel confident approaching and speaking to someone they don’t know if they were concerned about them in public.

The survey also suggested that we’re more comfortable behind a screen as a nation, as people would much prefer chatting to someone they don’t know on the phone (33%) or by email (18%), compared to face-to-face (9%).

Of those who said they wouldn’t feel confident approaching someone they don’t know, the top reasons holding them back were ‘worrying the person wouldn’t welcome their approach’ (44%) and ‘worrying they’d make things worse’ (29%), whilst a quarter said ‘not knowing what to say’ was also a concern.

So, Samaritans is relaunching its Small Talk Saves Lives campaign today, in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry, to empower the public to trust their instincts and start a conversation if they think someone needs help on the railways or in other public settings.

As part of the launch, a new film across digital and social media reassures the public that a little small talk like ‘where can I get a coffee?’ can be all it takes to interrupt someone’s suicidal thoughts and help set them on a path to recovery.

In a campaign first, Samaritans volunteers across the country will also be heading to their local stations to host outreach events.

Working in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police and the wider rail industry to promote Small Talk Saves Lives, the volunteers will be highlighting the power of talking and providing myth-busting leaflets.

Samaritans’ volunteers will be joined by rail staff at:

Swindon station – 21 February 06:30am - 14:00

Ealing Broadway station – 22 February 09:00am -13:00

Taunton station - 27 Feb 08:30am – 16:30

Reading station – 10 March, times TBC
 
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If you think someone might need help, trust your instincts and start a simple conversation. You could save a life.​

Julie Bentley, Samaritans CEO Samaritans said:

“It’s normal to feel anxious about starting a conversation with someone you don’t know in person, but at Samaritans we know first-hand how life-changing that conversation could be. Suicidal thoughts are often temporary and there’s no evidence to suggest that you will make the situation worse – it’s about trusting your instincts, starting a conversation, and showing you care. We know it’s been a really challenging time for people’s mental health over the last few years, so we hope the Small Talk Saves Lives campaign builds that confidence and remind the public of the difference they can make. Let’s continue to look out for one another – it could save a life.”

Ruth Busby, people and transformation director (regional) for Great Western Railway and Network Rail Wales and Western, said:

“We’re really proud to be working in partnership with Samaritans again on this important campaign to help raise awareness of the power of small talk. We’ve worked with Samaritans since 2010 to encourage life-saving conversations with both our staff and the public. It’s so important we continue look out for one another, as we all have the simple skills which could save a life.”

Launched in 2017, Small Talk Saves Lives was developed after research showed the positive part the public could play in suicide prevention.

The campaign is backed by suicide prevention expert Dr Lisa Marzano from Middlesex University.

She said:

“In our latest research we spoke to those who had made and received interventions themselves and they really echoed the main Small Talk Saves Lives message. We heard how powerful it can be to use small talk or to ask simple questions, in a calm manner. We also found reassuring results around teamwork and the fact that you don’t have to manage this alone – you could speak to a member of staff or call 999 in an emergency too.”

For more information and tips, visit Samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives or join the conversation on social media using #SmallTalkSavesLives

About the research:

The research was conducted by Censuswide with 2,004 Nationally Representative UK General Consumers (16+) between 03.01.2023 - 05.01.2023. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council.

Samaritans and Small Talk Saves Lives:
  • A brand-new campaign film launches today (21 February) across digital and social media, showing the difference people could make if they listen to their instincts and overcome initial worries that may come to mind if they see someone who needs help.
  • Due to the proven link between certain types of media reporting of suicide and increases in suicide rates, please be mindful of Samaritans’ Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide and Rail Suicide.
  • In partnership with Network Rail, Samaritans has trained over 27,000 rail staff and British Transport Police in suicide prevention, enabling them to identify and support vulnerable people to safety. This is part of the charity’s long-standing partnership with the rail industry to reduce suicides and support those affected by them.
  • Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org
 

Small Talk Saves Lives - Samaritans​

A brand-new campaign film launches today (21 February) across digital and social media, showing the difference people could make if they listen to their instincts and overcome initial worries that may come to mind if they see someone who needs help.

You can view it here......

www.youtube.com

Small Talk Saves Lives - Samaritans

If you think somebody needs help, trust your instincts and start a conversation. A little small talk can be all it takes to start someone on a journey to rec...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com

If you think somebody needs help, trust your instincts and start a conversation.

A little small talk can be all it takes to start someone on a journey to recovery.

Find out how #SmallTalkSavesLives: www.samaritans.org/smalltalksaveslives
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Whoever you are, whatever you're facing, we're here to listen.

Contact Samaritans free- day or night, 365 days a year.

Call: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org

Find out about Samaritans: http://www.samaritans.org
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

For more videos subscribe here: https://goo.gl/74SsDD

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samaritansch...

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/samaritans
 
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21st February 2023

Royal Mint to celebrate Flying Scotsman centenary with special £2 coin​

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New £2 coin to celebrate Flying Scotsman centenary​

The Royal Mint has launched a new £2 coin to mark the centenary of world-famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman.

It has been 20 years since the last coloured £2 coin was released, but this new coin, produced alongside The National Railway Museum, will feature a design by John Bergdahl.

The design features the inscription of LNER and 4472, whilst the edge reads 'Live For The Journey'.

The new coin will be available through the Royal Mint website from 9am on the 23rd February 2023.
 
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New £2 coin to celebrate Flying Scotsman centenary​

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint said,

“Flying Scotsman is a wonderful example of British craftsmanship, design and engineering, which led to the creation of one of the world’s most famous locomotives. While The Royal Mint’s expertise and craftsmanship is closely linked with precious metals, it was important for us to highlight the skill and engineering behind the locomotive as part of the coin’s design to mark its milestone centenary. Our talented team of craftspeople have captured the locomotive’s characteristics in fine detail, with the colour edition of the coin bringing the locomotive to life. It is rare for colour to feature on a £2 coin, so we anticipate this one to be extremely popular with not only railway enthusiasts but also coin collectors across the world.”

Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum, said:

“Flying Scotsman’s centenary is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate and share their memories of this special locomotive. The National Railway Museum has organised a programme of events and activities to mark the centenary and featuring on the new coin is a real honour and a wonderful way to mark the occasion.”
 
21st February 2023

Historic England to fund repairs of remains of world’s first iron railway bridge​

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Gaunless Bridge abutment, County Durham​

The remains of the world’s first railway bridge built of iron, which was completed in 1823, is to be repaired and revitalised thanks to a grant of £161,000 from Historic England to Durham County Council.

Gaunless Bridge spanned the River Gaunless at West Auckland in County Durham and was designed by the ‘father of the railways’ George Stephenson.

It formed part of a line serving the Witton Park Colliery and originally carried horse-drawn coal wagons until they were replaced by steam locomotives around 1833.
 
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Drawing of the Gaunless bridge published in “The Engineer” in1875​

The bridge remained in use until 1901 when it could no longer bear the weight of the increasingly heavy coal wagons.

When it was demolished it was not completely dismantled, as the stone abutments supporting the structure were left in place and are now part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Scheduled Monument.

However, their condition has been affected in recent years because of anti-social behaviour.

Some of the ironwork that formed the structure is on permanent display at the National Railway Museum in York.
 
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Part of the Gaunless Bridge on display at the National Railway Museum​

The Historic England grant will be used to repair the abutments so that they can support a new bridge deck, which will form part of a new 26-mile Stockton and Darlington Railway Walking and Cycling route.

As well as carrying out the repair work, Historic England will involve the local community by running sessions about the history of the bridge with local schoolchildren and creating a volunteer group dedicated to the long-term care of the site.

The project forms part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage Action Zone.

That is a five-year project that aims to rejuvenate and restore the 26-mile stretch of the historic railway and help to achieve its potential of becoming a major heritage attraction and visitor destination in the build-up to the railway’s bicentenary in 2025.
 
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Gaunless Bridge before it was dismantled in 1901​

Giles Proctor from Historic England said:

“We are really pleased to be funding this restoration project through the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage Action Zone. Gaunless Bridge has a significant role in the history of the railway and the repair of its abutments mark the first step in securing the bridge’s legacy as a part of the new Walking and Cycling Route.”

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said:

“As the world’s first iron railway bridge, Gaunless Bridge is a key part of our rail heritage, both at a local and national level.

“We’re really pleased therefore that this funding is allowing us to restore and repair the abutments, helping preserve this important site.”
 
21st February 2023

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First Cymru successfully tender for TrawsCymru T1 route​

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TrawsCymru bus expo​

Transport for Wales (TfW) has announced First Cymru has successfully tendered to operate the TrawsCymru T1 route.

First Cymru will be showcasing their fleet at Carmarthen Guildhall Square between 9.30am and 1pm on Tuesday 21 February and also the following day, Wednesday 22, at Aberystwyth Bus Station between 10am and 1pm and then Lampeter High Street between 2.30 and 4.30pm. 

The fleet of modern electric buses will be introduced from 26 March on the TrawsCymru T1 route between Carmarthen and Aberystwyth and a new charging hub will open in Carmarthenshire with new facilities for drivers and the buses.

Supplied by Pelican, the new buses have been extensively tested for the terrain of Wales and will improve the customer experience offering comfortable seats, air conditioning, reading lights, tables and mobile phone charging sockets.

They are another step forward in improving the public transport network across Wales, encouraging people to travel more sustainably and help the Welsh Government reach their goals for zero emissions and fighting climate change.

James Price, CEO of Transport for Wales said:

“We are looking forward to seeing the new electric buses come into service, improving the customer experience and encouraging more people to leave the car at home and choose public transport.”  

“Buses have to an important and exciting role to play in Wales’s ongoing move to more sustainable travel,” says Chris Hanson, General Manager of First Cymru.

“We are absolutely delighted to have this opportunity to run the T1 route and the stunning electric fleet.  People across Wales use First Cymru transport every day right now to move across town and counties in South Wales. But we know many more will do the same as buses evolve to bring all the benefits of electric to customers and their communities.”   

The new fleet will be officially launched by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS at an event in Carmarthen on 16 March, ahead of entry into service on 26 March.

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21st February 2023

OO Gauge Model Railway News Announcements

Hornby's all new OO gauge Liverpool & Manchester Railway 'Tiger' 0-4-2 Train Pack is now available

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Hornby OO Liverpool and Manchester 0-4-2 Lion
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Features:
  • Highly detailed model with separately fitted parts including chimney, handrails, nameplates, pipework and more
  • Diecast chassis
  • Period correct chain link coupling
  • 5 pole motor with flywheel
  • Digital capability - 18-pin socket
  • Pick-ups on driving wheels and tender wheels
 

Hornby R30233 Liverpool & Manchester Railway 0-4-2 No.58 'Tiger' Train Pack with three granite wagons​

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​
The Liverpool & Manchester Railway 'Lion' was an early 0-4-2 steam locomotive design produced by Todd, Kitson & Laird of Leeds in 1838.

It was one of a pair of locos designed for hauling freight (the other was No.58 'Tiger') which were in turn part of an order of 6 total locomotives.

Lion was extensively rebuilt throughout its lifespan, essentially making it a unique loco.

The locomotive was used by the Liverpool & Manchester Railway until 1845, when the railway was absorbed into the Grand Junction Railway, which was in turn made part of the London & North Western Railway soon after.

It later passed into use with the Mersey Dock & Harbour Board.

The loco was converted for use as a stationary boiler until the 1920s before being rediscovered and restored in the 1930s.

'Lion' was infamously used for filming "The Titfield Thunderbolt" in 1953, in which it sustained some damage.

It was later restored once again in 1979 and featured as part of the Rocket 150 celebrations in Rainhill.

The locomotive is now on static display at the Museum of Liverpool.
 
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Type of Locomotive: Steam
Builder: Todd, Kitson & Laird
Build Date: 1838
Total Built: 2
(Lion extensively rebuilt in 1841 and 1930)
Tractive Effort: 2,160 lbf
Top Speed: 40 mph
Wheel Configuration: 0-4-2
Operated By:
Liverpool & Manchester Railway
Grand Junction Railway
London & North Western Railway
Mersey Dock & Harbour Board
Main Duties: Freight
In Service Until:
1859 (in Mainline Service)
1874 (in Industrial Service)
1984 (in Preserved Service)
Surviving Examples: 1
 
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21st February 2023

Mothers’ Day treats await on the Severn Valley Railway​

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2857 prepares to depart from Highley with a service to Kidderminster

For anyone who wants the perfect way to celebrate Mothers’ Day on Sunday, 19th March, the Severn Valley Railway has the perfect answer by travelling in style behind a steam engine on one of Britain’s premier heritage lines.

On Saturdays and Sundays throughout March, the railway is running services between Kidderminster and Highley, with tickets costing a fraction of the standard fare.

There is lots to see along the scenic journey between Kidderminster and Highley, with options to hop on and off at Bewdley and Arley stations, and the first departure from Kidderminster leaving at 10am.
 
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7812 Erlestoke Manor on the Severn Valley Railway​

On Saturday, 18th March, as well as on Sunday, 19th March, a Spring Gift Fayre will be held at The Engine House at Highley, where dozens of artisan companies will be selling crafts, gifts, and food and drink produce.

As well as browsing the stalls, visitors will be able to view a stunning collection of full-size locomotives and carriages on static display.

For those wishing to celebrate Mothers’ Day with an extra-special treat, there are just a few first-class afternoon tea upgrades still available to pre-book, departing at 12 noon and 2pm and travelling on board a luxuriously appointed dining carriage dating from 1936.
 
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Severn Valley Railway 1501 departs Bewdley pulling a set of Great Western coaches​

Guests will be able to relax with views of the beautiful Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside while they are served an extensive range of sandwiches and sweet and savoury treats, along with unlimited tea and coffee.

Michael Dunn, the Severn Valley Railway’s head of commercial and visitor experience, said

“Visiting the SVR is the perfect Mothers’ Day treat, what better way to show your mum how special she is than a trip back to the golden age of heritage rail? What’s more, if you pre-book online, everyone travelling in your party will receive a free return visit to us, valid for the next 12 months!”

Further information about services during March and details of how to book tickets can be found online svr.co.uk
 
22nd February 2023
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Landslip-damaged lines reopen​

Service restored ++

Two railways in southern England damaged by landslips have been repaired by Network Rail, and both are set to reopen this week.

Services between Oxford and Worcester have been restored this morning after a landslip on 10 February at Yarnton near Oxford, which demolished a wing wall of a bridge over the railway.

Further landslips continued nearby, and the railway between Oxford and Kingham had to be closed.

A more serious landslip near Hook in Surrey on 14 January meant that two of the four lines were blocked when their foundations collapsed, and services have continued to be disrupted.

Network says normal services should be running again on Friday.

Southern contract ++

Network Rail has chosen four partners for an alliance to carry out the Southern Region’s £9 billion programme of renewals over the next 10 years.

The companies named are VolkerFitzpatrick, for buildings and civils, Octavius for electrification and plant, VolkerRail for track and Atkins for signalling.

The arrangement will cover Control Period 7, from next year until 2029, and Control Period 8 from 2029 to 2034.

The renewals budget for CP7 is not yet decided, because Network Rail is still discussing the final settlement with the rail regulator.

Pier strengthened ++

The line along Ryde pier on the Isle of Wight should reopen this spring, after work to strengthen the 686m Victorian structure had been delayed by winter weather.

Network Rail had closed the pier in October last year.

The strengthening is part of a wider programme of maintenance and improvements on the pier.

South Western Railway will soon begin platform improvements at Ryde Esplanade as well as track maintenance as part of the joint project.
 
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22nd February 2023

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Railway line between Oxford and Worcester to reopen following repairs to
wall collapse and landslip at Yarnton​


Region & Route: Wales & Western | Wales & Western: Western

Tomorrow morning (Wednesday 22 February) services between Oxford and Worcester will resume following the reopening of the line between Oxford and Kingham, after Network Rail successfully repaired a wall collapse and landslip that occurred on Friday 10 February at Yarnton near Oxford.

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Yarnton road over rail bridge following repairs​

On the evening of Friday 10 February, a side wing wall of the road over rail bridge at Yarnton, Oxfordshire, collapsed onto the rail line serving Oxford to Worcester.

Network Rail was on site immediately to repair the damage and put in place protective barriers to protect the rail line, however further landslips continued to occur in the embankment adjacent to the bridge, and as a result the railway between Oxford and Kingham was closed.

The ground was extremely unstable and posed a significant risk to the stability of the road and utilities in the road.

The landslide had also exposed a gas main which presented an added complexity to overcome during the repairs.

At the start of last week, Network Rail’s engineers were on site conducting detailed investigations to identify the most suitable options to stabilise the embankment so that the road bridge and railway underneath it could be safely reopened to traffic.

Network Rail worked with specialist civil engineering contractors Balfour Beatty to design metal sheet piling to act as a retaining wall to support the embankment and road.

The team of engineers began installing the metal sheet piles, as well as 22 soil nails, on Friday evening and worked tirelessly over the weekend and into this start of this week to complete the work.

As a result, this stretch of railway will reopen as planned first thing tomorrow morning (Wednesday 22 February) ready for the first train service of the day – the 05.10 Oxford to Moreton-In-Marsh – to pass through.

A 20mph temporary speed restriction will remain in place and a watchman will be positioned on site until Network Rail has completed the second phase of longer-term repairs to reinforce the structure and ground.

Construction for this phase of work is due to begin at the end of next week and is expected to take a couple of weeks to complete which will be carried out overnight when no services are running to avoid disrupting passengers.

The highway of the road over rail bridge at Yarnton will remain closed until at least the middle of next week with plans to reopen to a single lane controlled by traffic lights.

Nicky Hughes from Network Rail, said:

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience and understanding while we have made these vital repairs at Yarnton.

“Our team of engineers has worked tirelessly alongside our specialist civil engineering contractors Balfour Beatty, to design and install a solution that has enabled us to quickly and safely reopen the line to passenger services tomorrow morning as planned.

“The road over rail bridge at Yarnton is 170 years old – from the Victorian era – and one of over 2,000 similar aged bridges we have across our Western route. We take the structural integrity of these bridges very seriously and regularly monitor their condition and conduct detailed examinations every six years. Over the coming weeks our team of engineers will return to this site to begin the second phase of longer-term repairs which will further reinforce the structure and ground around the railway.”
 
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22nd February 2023

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Sending all the right signals: 130-year-old North Wales signal box gets £140,000 upgrade​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Pwllheli groundframe post upgrade​

Network Rail has finished an all-encompassing refurbishment of a mechanical signal box that plays an important role in the safe running of rail services on the Cambrian Line.

Pwllheli signal box, or ‘ground-frame’, was constructed in 1893 for the Elan Valley Junction in Rhayader and then recommissioned for the Pwllheli West sidings, near Pwllheli station, in 1903.

After years of service in the often harsh North Wales climate, the box was in need of some TLC. Engineers from Network Rail and contractors, MPH Construction, began work in October and have spent the last few months restoring this historic box to its former glory, inside and out.

The teams have meticulously refurbished the windows and the stairs leading up to the box, as well as replacing the surrounding gantry walkway, with materials much stronger than its previous iteration.

Hidden timber elements, lintels and roof tiles have also been replaced, in addition to a new paint job and guttering drainage and the removal of a wall of ivy that was damaging the exterior.

These upgrades mean the box can continue to play its important role on the Cambrian Line Railway for decades to come.

Unlike other signal boxes that allow trains to move between different sections of track on the railway, this box provides access to sidings – areas that are essential for train and railway maintenance.

Signallers will now be much for comfortable when at work, ensuring trains and track are maintained in this area to ensure the railway can run smoothly and safely.
 
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Pwllheli Signal Box interior after upgrade​

Elliot Murray, project manager at Network Rail, explained what it is like to restore this historic structure:

“It’s always a challenge to work on old structures like these on the railway – no two are the same. When you get up close and see how unique the original design was and start thinking about how we can get it back to that, it becomes such an enjoyable experience.

“It’s also great to be a part of improving our colleagues working conditions. With all the changes that we’ve made to this structure, we can rest easy knowing that our signallers can comfortably operate this ground-frame and grant essential access for maintenance for years to come.”

Network Rail worked with contractors, MPH Construction, to restore Pwllheli signal box.

This isn’t the first time the two companies worked together, teaming up in 2021 to restore the Severn Bridge Junction signal box in Shrewsbury.

Gareth Ellis, contracts manager at MPH Construction, added:

“Every signal box restoration scheme provides a unique and challenging experience and the successful outcome would not have been achieved without the cooperation of Network Rail, TfW and the MPH Team.”

“We are all so proud of the final result and are happy that we were involved in another bespoke restoration of a century-old building that still plays a vital role in the railway today.”
 
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