Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever

Collectable memorabilia is also available from the Science Museum shop, including a Flying Scotsman centenary train set; a £2 coin from The Royal Mint, featuring Flying Scotsman in vivid colour, which is a rarity on £2 coins as the last coloured £2 coin was released over 20 years ago; and a new children’s book by bestselling author Michael Morpurgo, Flying Scotsman and the Best Birthday Ever, which tells the story of a little girl called Iris who dreams of being a train driver when she grows up.

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

“Edinburgh Waverley is a fitting location to mark the centenary of the world’s most famous express passenger locomotive. It was here that Flying Scotsman completed its record-breaking, non-stop journey between London and Edinburgh in 1928 and Edinburgh is also the birthplace of Sir Nigel Gresley, Flying Scotsman’s designer.

“Today, Flying Scotsman is an undoubted star of the National Railway Museum’s collection and is recognised around the world as a triumph of British ingenuity and engineering.

“Flying Scotsman will now spend the rest of the year travelling across the country to give people the chance to see the engine for themselves and to take part in this special anniversary, from free static displays to rail tours to the Centenary Festival at Locomotion.”

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, added:

“In 2004, we supported the National Railway Museum in acquiring the majestic Flying Scotsman and placing it in the care of the national collection to make it publicly accessible forever and we later contributed towards its preservation.

“That is why it is so wonderful to be celebrating its centenary in Edinburgh and knowing that this much-loved heritage icon will be seen right across the UK in the coming year, bringing joy and wonder to all!”

Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Scotland’s Railway, continued:

“Edinburgh Waverley was honoured to host a visit from Flying Scotsman on such a special occasion and our team has pulled out all the stops for this special occasion.

“The most famous steam locomotive in the world always draws a crowd. Visitors to Princes Street Gardens, just across the road from Waverley, will see a familiar Flying Scotsman theme when the world’s oldest Floral Clock blooms later this year too. Make sure to pop in to see it while on your way to the station.”

Simon Kohler, Marketing & Development Director of Hornby, said:

“Quite a few years ago I managed to persuade my then CEO that Hornby should create a suite of tools that would allow us to produce as many variants of Flying Scotsmanas possible. Through these models, Hornby has had the privilege of forging a strong relationship with both the NRM and the Science Museum. We are proud and honoured to be part of Flying Scotsman’s centenary celebrations.”
 
24th February 2023

Plans revealed to improve digital connectivity for the Tyne and Wear Metro​

Nexus has now confirmed that they will improve digital connectivity with the aim of achieving seamless 4G or 5G signal across the Tyne and Wear Metro​

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Metro train at level crossing​

Nexus who own and operate Tyne and Wear Metro have revealed that they will be bringing improved digital experience for their customers from street to station platform and throughout their Metro journey.

The improvements project has been created after research revealed that Metro customers need a better digital experience when using the network.

The investment will see a heavy focus on increasing commercial mobile network strength across Metro rather than installing Wi-Fi on trains as it is expensive and would be used by only a few customers as most already have access to 4G and 5G via their phone contracts across the networks 60 stations and on the connecting lines.

Nexus will engage with major network providers in order to create improvements in connectivity in the areas with weaker signal or ‘not spot’ areas which include tunnels, cuttings and lines close to the coast.

Since 2019, EE has offered 4G connectivity for Metro tunnels under the centre of Newcastle and Gateshead however plans to involve further mobile networks were delayed due to the pandemic.
 
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Tyne and Wear Metro train

Customer Services Director, Huw Lewis, said:

“We want customers to enjoy unbroken 4G and 5G connectivity on smartphones as they travel around the region, whether that is while getting to a station, waiting on the platform, or travelling on trains.

“We’ve done research with customers which shows that people now value a good connection for their phone, using their own data, rather than wanting to log in to a Wi-Fi service provided by a train operator, particularly when most people travel on Metro for only a short period.

“This is not surprising because data is cheap and the signal from masts in and around railways is much stronger than it was a few years ago – in fact research a few years ago by comparable operators showed as few as 4% to 5% of customers choose to use on-train Wi-Fi.”

Huw also added:

“On-train Wi-Fi is expensive to provide and maintain, and itself relies on local masts for connectivity, and we now feel it offers little benefit to customers compared to the high cost of building then maintaining a bespoke system.

“Customer choice and aspirations have changed a great deal since we first outlined the specification for our new fleet in 2018 and we are reflecting this in choosing to work on improving connectivity to personal accounts rather than spending money on Wi-Fi that will be little used.

“There are challenges – an independent survey across the Metro network identified our customers will see strong connectivity on a train across most of the network, but there are a number of small stretches where it could be much better.

“These include the tunnels through city centres, and where Metro runs close to the coast, there are fewer surrounding masts. Connectivity varies between phone companies and we want our customers to be able to access a range of networks.

“What we are doing now is engaging with the major network providers to build a plan to improve connectivity steadily for all mobile customers, and while this will take time, we are confident we will see a steady improvement as this programme develops.”
 
25th February 2023

SPOTLIGHT

British Rail Class 12​

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Class 12 Nº15212 photographed when new 09/04/1949.
Note the lack of any BR crest and the number painted on the front buffer beam.​

The British Rail Class 12 is a diesel locomotive built primarily for shunting duties around London.

This was the second batch of Southern Railway shunters based on the English Electric 6KT 350 hp (260 kW) diesel engine.

The first experimental batch (BR numbers 15201–15203) were designed by Richard Maunsell of the SR in 1937 and were later classified D3/12.

These locomotives were Oliver Bulleid's development of Maunsell's original design, but were significantly lighter.

They featured Bulleid's distinctive BFB wheels, and incorporated a number of details from the diesel-electric shunters produced by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway 1936–39.

They were built at the BR Ashford Works over the period 1949–1952 and numbered 15211–15236.

They later became Class 12, but no locomotives survived long enough to acquire Class 12 TOPS numbers.
 

Withdrawal and Preservation​

The entire class was withdrawn between 1968 and 1971 and most were cut up for scrap soon afterwards.

However, three were sold for industrial use with two of those locomotives being scrapped later on.

One, 15222, had been used as a generator by a quarry in South Wales having been acquired from the Newport scrapyard of John Cashmore Ltd.

A second, 15231, was sold by BR to Tilling Construction at Grassington.

The third, 15224, was sold by BR to the National Coal Board for use in the Kent Coalfield.

After use at Betteshanger and Snowdown collieries, it passed into preservation in 1982.

It is now the only surviving locomotive of the class, and is currently in storage awaiting overhaul at the Spa Valley Railway, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

A detailed overhaul/restoration scoping plan is in development; the locomotive requires a complete re-wire as the original wiring is suffering age related deterioration.

As of January 2021, the project is on hold awaiting suitable funding.

Table of withdrawals
YearQuantity in
service at
start of year		Quantity
withdrawn		Locomotive numbers
1968264
15213, 15215, 15234, 15236.​
1969225
15216, 15223, 15226, 15228, 15233.​
1970173
15217, 15218, 15227.​
19711414
15211, 15212, 15214, 15219 –15222, 15224, 15225, 15229 –15232,15235.​
 
The sole surviving Class 12, shunter, No. 15224 was seen at Tunbridge Wells on the 1st August 2014.
The Spa Valley Railway based 'Gronk' was seen wearing a faded coat of British Railways Green livery.

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25th February 2023
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TANGENT MAN STRIKES AGAIN!
Just when you thought it was safe to be informed only on railway topics! :hysterical:

Neo Meets A Wrestler!

Last night Neonlake went to watch the Revolution Pro Wrestling in Cardiff.

And he met a fairly big named wrestler called Will Ospreay.

Who took a liking to Neo's hat. :hysterical:

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25th February 2023

Inside The Train Shed

I just realised I haven't posted an update on progress in the shed.

As some of you may remember, I had to have an operation last month on my old 'war wound' :salute: :)

The operation was carried out successfully and I'm still getting my wound dressed daily by a nurse.

The weather here has been really cold so I haven't been working in the shed everyday and with my daily dressing changes it's been difficult to coordinate my work schedule.

The last couple of days I've been able to produce some more baseboard upper assemblies and cut some more wood to size.

I'm looking forward to spending more time on the project.

I have also bought a temperature gauge for the shed so I know it's safe to operate electrical tools, motors etc.

Assembled baseboard upper sections (4' X 2')
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25th February 2023

Hornby releases new products to celebrate Flying Scotsman’s centenary​

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BR, A3 Class, 4-6-2, 60103 'Flying Scotsman'​

To celebrate the centenary of Flying Scotsman, the world’s famous steam locomotive, on 24th February 2023, the leading model maker Hornby will be releasing a special, limited-edition model of the locomotives.

The special model will be presented in a bespoke box that includes a medallion featuring Flying Scotsman’s centenary logo, operator, running number, year, and a numbered commemorative certificate.
 
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Hornby Flying Scotsman boxed set​

Flying Scotsman was synonymous with the golden age of rail travel, and the locomotive stood out as a feat of design and engineering.

The locomotive received the name Flying Scotsman in 1924 after the daily 10am service from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh Waverley.

To celebrate Flying Scotsman’s centenary, the National Railway Museum at York is running a centenary programme Flying Scotsman centenary programme | National Railway Museum that will include a tour by Flying Scotsman around the UK, exhibitions and many other activities.

It is also a star attraction in the museum’s collection where it is a working exhibit.
 
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Hornby Flying Scotsman locomotive and carriages​

Hornby is a lead sponsor of Flying Scotsman’s centenary programme and continues Hornby’s longstanding strong relationship with the locomotive that began in 1927 when the company first introduced an ‘0’ gauge tinplate model carrying the name Flying Scotsman.

In 1969 launched an ‘00’ gauge model of Flying Scotsman, since when almost 50 variants have been produced, and it remains one of Hornby’s most popular model locomotives.
 
WATCH: Video of Hornby’s limited edition model

Hornby | Flying Scotsman Train Set
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www.youtube.com

Hornby | Flying Scotsman Train Set

In this video we take a look at the ever popular Flying Scotsman!Subscribe To Hornby: https://rb.gy/3v7idaLatest Videos: https://rb.gy/vnbcqtThe Flying Scots...
www.youtube.com www.youtube.com
​

In this video we take a look at the ever popular Flying Scotsman!

The Flying Scotsman Train Set (R1255M) is a true must-have classic for any collection.

This set includes: the analogue train itself, 2 LNER composite coaches and 1 brake coach, Hornby Midi Mat, oval track and train controller to bring your set to life.

The set is Europe - Euro plug fitted.
 
Hornby’s full centenary collection is available online at https://uk.hornby.com/catalogue/flying-scotsman-centenary.

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Hornby Flying Scotsman dimensions

As well as the Limited Edition range, Hornby also has other Flying Scotsman models in its range including:
All Flying Scotsman models can be viewed here: Flying Scotsman (hornby.com)
 
25th February 2023

Hampshire railway line fully reopens after Hook landslip repairs completed​

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Aerial view of the Hook landslip​

The huge landslip at Hook in Hampshire on South Western Railway’s main line from Waterloo to the West of England has been repaired, allowing all four lines to be reopened yesterday, Friday, 24th February.

The landslip happened after heavy rainfall in January caused part of an embankment near Hook to collapse, severely reducing the number of trains that could run on the line and trains towards Basingstoke were unable to call at Hook station.
 
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One of the tracks affected by the Hook landslip​

Most services through the area were reinstated on 23rd January after engineers carried out a temporary repair by reconfiguring the track layout onto a stable section of the embankment, to enable more trains to run between Winchfield and Hook.

The landslip occurred in a remote location where, to get materials and machinery to the site, a 580-metre-long access road had to be laid across fields.

To stabilise the embankment and protect the railway from future landslips, a 60-metre wall was built from one hundred 12-metre-long steel beams driven into the ground.
 
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Work continues on the site at Hook​

Normally, about 13 South Western Railway services run through the area every hour on a weekday morning, with services between London Waterloo and Basingstoke, Exeter St Davids, Portsmouth Harbour (via Eastleigh), Salisbury, Southampton Central, Winchester, and Weymouth. Immediately after the landslip, there was only one train every 90 minutes between Woking and Basingstoke.
 
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Hook Slip

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

“I’m pleased to say that all four lines have now reopened down in Hook and a full timetable has been reinstated.

“I’d like to say another huge thank you to customers and residents living alongside the railway for their patience while we’ve carried out this huge repair and our partners at SWR for working hand in hand with us to resolve the issue.

“Fixing the landslip at Hook has been an incredibly complex task and we know how disruptive this has been for our customers and we are really sorry for the impact this has had on your journeys.”
 
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To watch video clink link below
​

Claire Mann, South Western Railway’s managing director, said:

“We are pleased to confirm that all lines between Hook and Winchfield have now reopened, and we are operating our normal timetable again.

“We know how disruptive this has been for our customers and we are really sorry for the impact this has had on their journeys.

“Services have now returned to normal, and we would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst these essential repairs were carried out.”
 
25th February 2023

Bridge works at Whaley Bridge to last a day longer than planned​

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Welding at Buxton Road bridge in Whaley Bridge​

Train services between Hazel Grove and Buxton that have been suspended since Saturday, 18th February will be suspended for an extra day after unexpected complications developed during work to rebuild a Grade II listed Victorian railway bridge over Buxton Road in Whaley Bridge.

This week, Network Rail has been dismantling the bridge, which dates from 1863, and started to replace it with new steel in keeping with its heritage features.
 
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The original steelwork that has been retained at Buxton Road bridge in Whaley Bridge​

Because of the bridge’s heritage status, Network Rail is working with High Peak Borough Council and Historic England to ensure the work is carried out correctly.

About one-third of the original structure will be preserved, and the rest of the bridge will be replaced in keeping with its original design.

However, by preserving the bridge’s heritage status, the work will take longer compared with a more straightforward modern bridge replacement.

Whilst the bridge was being demolished, the team ran into unexpected problems and, despite detailed surveys of the bridge having been carried out before work started, it was only when deconstruction began that the structure’s actual condition was revealed.

This resulted in elements that were intended to stay intact during demolition not being able to be removed in one go, leading to the work taking much longer than planned.
 
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New steelwork in place at Buxton Road bridge in Whaley Bridge​

The railway will now reopen from the start of services on Wednesday, 1st March, a day later than planned.

Whilst train services have been suspended, rail-replacement buses have been operating between Hazel Grove and Buxton.

Unfortunately, because of road closures, the rail replacement buses are unable to serve Whaley Bridge.

Also, the car park at Whaley Bridge station will remain closed during the bridge works.

The delay does not affect the reopening of the footpath under the bridge which is still due to happen on Sunday 5 March.

Also, Buxton Road will remain closed to traffic until Friday, 31st March.

All work in connection with the bridge reconstruction is expected to be complete by April.

High Peak Buses services 60, 61, and 190 are accepting valid rail tickets at no additional cost for travel towards New Mills Central. For more information, including bus times, is available at www.highpeakbuses.com

Passengers should note that during the bridge works, journeys will take longer than usual, and should check www.nationalrail.co.uk before they travel.

To allow trains to resume running from Wednesday, 1st March, work will now continue at pace to install a pre-cast concrete bridge deck.

To find out more about some of the conservation work carried out across the railway network go to www.networkrail.co.uk/working-with-railway-heritage.
 
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Jim Gabbat Network Rail, Robert Largan MP, and Jodie Garner-Jones (Network Rail) at Buxton Road bridge​

Helena Williams, Network Rail scheme project manager, said:

“We’re sorry to passengers that the railway will not open as expected next Tuesday. This is not the position we wanted to be in and understand that a further day of rail replacement buses and longer journey times will be frustrating for people.

“Working on heritage structures, like this 160-year-old bridge, can sometimes be unpredictable and although we had contingency time factored in, we could not foresee the issues we’ve encountered. The good news is that we’ve overcome these setbacks and are confident the extra day is all we need to get the railway reopened for passengers.”

Chris Jackson, regional director at Northern, said:

“Whilst the one-day delay to the re-opening of the line between Hazel Grove and Buxton is unfortunate, it is important to remember that all investment in rail infrastructure is to be welcomed and I would like to thank customers for their understanding whilst the final elements of this work are carried out.”

Yesterday, Friday, 24th February, the project team met with the local MP to explain the challenges of the work so far and show what progress is being made. Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: “Today I visited the site of the Buxton Road closure for the repairs to the Whaley Bridge railway bridge.

“It was useful to find out more detail about the project. I will continue to work closely with Network Rail and all other stakeholders to get Buxton Road and the railway line re-opened as fast as possible.”
 
26th February 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Made some good progress today.

Manged to assemble two more baseboard upper assemblies and cut some more wood to size.

I've almost reached the half way point in upper assembly manufacture.

We had some good sun today, weather wise, and although in single figure temperatures outdoors the shed got up to 15° C internally.

I actually had to take my fleece off! :)

4' x 2' (x6) Upper assemblies in the background with, the now (x8) predrilled, baseboards in-between
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26th February 2023

Network Rail helps rebuild Ukraine’s railway network​

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Barking Freight Station​

Working with its partners in the rail industry under the banner UK Rail for Ukraine, Network Rail has once again delivered large quantities of aid in support of railway colleagues in Ukraine.

UK Rail for Ukraine is an initiative set up by volunteers in the railway industry in early February last year, to facilitate the delivery of large quantities of aid items to those affected by the crisis in the country.
 
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UK to Ukraine aid train​

The railway in Ukraine has played a key role in helping to deliver people to safety, and to provide vital supplies to the front line.

To help Ukraine in that aim, Britain’s railway industry has come together to offer its support.

So far, Network Rail has provided eight railway bridges and 30 bridge support tower and tunnel repair systems, with the primary aim of focusing on the essential routes in Ukraine.

DB Cargo hauled the first aid train from Britain on a special service to Poland, where it was delivered to organisations working on the ground.

The train was hauled by a DB Cargo Class 66 No. 66099 emblazoned with the logo #We Stand With Ukraine.

Last year DB Cargo started to help upgrade Ukraine’s freight corridors as its important transport hubs are suitable for use by freight wagons to the European standard gauge.

DB Cargo has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to provide support in various direct assistance packages and help to rebuild once the war is over.

They have are plans to stabilise corporate structures, supply spare parts, provide wagons and coaches, and have provided Ukrainian rail workers with protective work clothing.

Network Rail’s Peter Gibbons said:

“We have been on the ground in Ukraine to see the work in progress. We have seen the difficult conditions that the Ukrainian Railway is working under. They have already lost 300 colleagues during this conflict and the personal stories from their employees are heartbreaking.”
 
26th February 2023

Loco has been withdrawn from East Coast Flood memorial events in Sutton-on-Sea​

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“Fred” on his test run in early 2020​

Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust has revealed that the loco ‘Fred’, will not be able to play a part at the event due to safety concerns

The locomotive, which is now known as “Fred” is a 4wd Diesel Mechanical 20 hp straight frame “Simplex” which worked on the construction of the flood defences at the time of the flood, has sadly been withdrawn from playing a part in the events at Sutton-on-Sea on Saturday the 4th of March 2023.

The Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway Historic Vehicles Trust have withdrawn the locomotive after discussions with the event organisers had not met safety concerns raised by the East Lindsey Events Safety Advisory Group.
 
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Fred – 4wd Diesel Mechanical 20 hp straight frame “Simplex” ​

The Trust’s Chairman Richard Shepherd said:

“The Trust’s priority at all times is the safety of those in and around our vehicles and equipment, as well as the safety and security of the historic vehicles we conserve.

“We are sorry to disappoint the many people who had been looking forward to the locomotive’s display in the events planned to commemorate the Flood. but our discussions with the organisers have not allayed our concerns that the issues raised by the Safety Advisory Group have been satisfactorily dealt with”.

The East Lindsey Safety Group is made up of Magna Vitae which is a charity which operates at a great deal of public facilities in the locality, East Lindsey District Council, Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service, East Midlands Ambulance Service, Lincolnshire County Council Highways Authority and Lincolnshire Police.

Proposals had been discussed by the group on the 14th of February and following this, the decision was made by the Trust to withdraw the locomotive from the events.

The locomotive was built by Motor Rail Ltd in Bedford in 1947 for a company in Mablethorpe working under number 9264.

Today the loco is based at the Skegness Water Leisure Park as part of the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway’s fleet.

The event had hoped to see the locomotive displayed near the seafront at Sutton-on-Sea pullover.
 
26th February 2023

Drive a heritage diesel locomotive on the Wensleydale Railway​

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Driver Experience days​

The Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire has announced that this year it is once again running its popular driver experience days.

Anyone who has had the desire to sit in the driving seat and take control of a diesel locomotive can now enjoy the experience in one of four different heritage diesel locomotives and will get the chance to drive a train through nine miles of beautiful scenery between Bedale and Leyburn.
 
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Wensleydale Railway route between Leyburn and Bedale​

The railway is offering the choice between driving a Class 37, Class 14, Class 142 Pacer, and later this year, their award-winning Class 121 single-car diesel multiple unit. Driving experiences last about two hours and include:
  • a Welcome Pack;
  • a full safety briefing;
  • the choice of one of four heritage diesel locomotives to drive between Bedale and Leyburn;
  • lunch with the crew, with the option to include the driver’s friends and family;
  • a Commemorative Certificate to celebrate the day;
  • complimentary one-year membership of the Wensleydale Railway Association (Trust).
 
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Class 142 Pacer at Bedale on the Wensleydale Railway​

The cost of a Driving Experience day starts from £275 per trip.

Experience days are available on most Thursdays throughout the year until the end of October, except throughout August.

Each day, three time slots are available, starting at 09:00, 11:30, and 14:00.

To avoid disappointment, it is essential to book in advance.

The Driving Experience days are ideal for that special occasion, as a gift to a loved one, or even as a treat for yourself.

They can also be arranged so that the driver’s family and friends can be part of the experience too.

For more information about the Driving Experience days, visit the website at https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/driver_experiences/, call: 01677 425 805, or email: admin@wensleydalerailway.com
 
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Leyburn station on the Wensleydale Railway​

Nick Keegan, Fundraising and Marketing Manager for the Wensleydale Railway, said,

“Our Driver Experiences days are always incredibly popular with customers. They offer a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience our railway from the driving seat whilst enjoying spectacular scenic views on the journey to Leyburn.”
 
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