Marcus' Model Railway Journey

‘Victoria’ remained with the Scarborough Fair Collection until it was purchased by the Trust at Statfold in November 2021.

After purchase the locomotive returned back to the Exmoor Steam Railway to be overhauled by the Stirland Family.

The locomotive returned to steam last year and has now arrived back at Statfold Barn Railway as of February 2023.

More information on the locomotive and tickets for the Enthusiast Day: Spectacle of Steam can be found on the Statfold Barn Railway website.

27th February 2023

Rail vehicles damaged at the West Somerset Railway​

Police have detained three people on suspicion of vandalising several West Somerset Railway (WSR) heritage rail vehicles in the sidings at Minehead station on Sunday 26 February.

In the late afternoon, a small number of people entered the sidings and damaged several vehicles, which included WSR’s operating Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).

The DMU sustained damage including broken windows and damage to the interior.

The DMU had been made ready for operation at the start of WSR’s operating season at the end of March.

WSR has examined the damage in detail, and is confident that it can repair it for the start of the operating season.

The season closes in October.

Freight wagons also had locks broken, and coach doors were damaged.

A local resident noticed what was happening and called the police, who attended the scene and apprehended and detained three people.

West Somerset Railway’s General Manager, Kerry Noble said:

“We are very grateful to the nearby resident who reported this activity, and to the police for responding rapidly and taking the appropriate action. Nevertheless, this is a very disappointing incident, following work that staff and volunteers have undertaken over the winter. We will all be working hard to ensure these vehicles can be back in use again as soon as possible.”

27th February 2023

Lappa Valley is on the lookout for a new steam train driver!​

The award-winning Cornish visitor attraction has the job of dreams available as the position of steam train driver has opened up.​

The popular family attraction, Lappa Valley is based in the stunning valley of St Newlyn East which is close to Newquay.

The award-winning attraction has been running for almost 50 years out and offers a relaxing day out across the 35-acre park and features one of the oldest railway lines in Cornwall.

The railway line was first built during the mid-1800s and served the East Wheal Rose lead and silver mine.

The mine’s former engine house and chimney are still able to be seen at the heart of Lappa Valley.

The line was taken over by the Great Western Railway later and operated as a branch line to coastal resorts before falling to the axe of Dr Beeching in 1963 and in 1974 when thankfully the Lappa Valley was born.

Lappa Valley is currently on the lookout for a Railway Operations Assistance for the 15-inch gauge railway which is a firm favourite with families who enjoy a delightful journey to the heart of the attraction.

The lucky applicant will drive both steam and diesel locomotives and will also support the operation of Lappa Valley’s smaller railways and other attractions.

Keith Southwell, who has owned Lappa Valley with his wife, Sara, since 2014 said:

“Lappa Valley is such a wonderful place to work, we are so proud of our hardworking and fun team who play such an important part in ensuring our visitors thoroughly enjoy their time with us. Our people really do set us apart.

“We’re looking for someone who loves to work and engage with the public to join us this season to drive our trains and help ensure the smooth and safe running of the attraction.”

Applicants must be ages over 21 years of age.

To find out more about the position, please visit: www.lappavalley.co.uk/work

To find out more about Lappa Valley, please visit https://www.lappavalley.co.uk

27th February 2023

Spa Valley Railway to host new Kent Cheese Train​

The special event is perfect for cheese lovers and will see trains run between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge with tickets available to book now!​

75069 at Spa Valley Railway

The Kent Cheese Train will be a fantastic new event for fans of cheese as Spa Valley Railway hosts the return journey from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells West and will take place on Saturday the 22nd of April at 2.45pm with tickets costing £35 per person and the following is included in the ticket price:

• Return train travel from Eridge to Tunbridge Wells West
• Four individual portions of cheese Caramelised Onion Marmalade and Apricot and Ginger chutney
• Extra virgin olive oil and sea salt crackers by The Fine Cheese Co.
• A complimentary drink which can be a small cider, white, red, rose wine, or a soft drink.

The exciting new event has seen a partnership with The Cheese Shop of Tunbridge Wells and will see attendees get to sample a variety of local cheeses.

The cheese selection will include:

• Winterdale Shaw which is produced by Winterdale Cheesemakers of Wrotham nr. Sevenoaks Kent. The traditional cheddar-style cheese features delightfully smooth, buttery rich and earthy flavours and is unpasteurised and suitable for vegetarians.
• Kentish Blue which is made by Kingcott Dairy, Staplehurst, Kent. This firm smooth flavoured blue cheese features a wonderful aftertaste and is also unpasteurised and suitable for vegetarians.
• Sussex Brie produced by Alsop & Walker, Five Ashes, East Sussex. This mellow cheese features grassy notes and a hint of nuttiness and is a pasteurised cheese, suitable for vegetarians.
• Mayfield is also made by Alsop & Walker. This cheese is delicious and easy to eat with its sweet, nutty and creamy flavours and is also pasteurised and suitable for vegetarians.
  

Brand new for 2023, The Kent Cheese train will also see future dates released later in 2023 with each train planned featuring a differing selection of cheeses.

To book your tickets, please visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

For more information regarding the cheese selection, please visit www.thecheeseshoptw.co.uk/

The Spa Valley Railway is also hosting an array of other fantastic events this season including Real Ale and Cider Trains and a Murder Mystery event with dining experience.

28th February 2023

Near miss with a track worker at Teignmouth Boat Yard​

Near miss with a track worker at Teignmouth Boat Yard, Devon, 14 February 2023.​

Published: 28 February 2023


At about 01:23 hrs on 14 February 2023, the driver of a passenger train travelling at around 55 mph (89 km/h) reported a near miss with a track worker on the down main line near to the railway access point at Teignmouth Boat Yard.

The track worker had just placed a work site marker board on the line, which was still open to rail traffic.

Both the driver and the track worker were shaken by the incident.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The safety digest will be made available in the near future.

28th February 2023

'Mind The Gap'

Just been watching 'Secrets of the London Underground' on the telly.

Yes, it's trains again.

But this story came up.........

I thought I'd share it with you.

'Mind The Gap', the iconic message heard by millions on the London Tube was first recorded over 40 years ago.

The voice belonged to actor, Oswald Laurence.

After passing in 2007, his widow, Margaret, would frequently visit the one station still playing his voice until one day, when she discovered that it had been replaced.

Here's a short film about it.

Remember this is a true story.

28th February 2023

Green Routes project provides big boost for biodiversity​

Biodiversity has been enhanced at 25 railway stations across the Wales and Borders network through Transport for Wales’ (TfW) Green Routes project.


The 18-month long initiative has been used to create green spaces and enhance biodiversity at 25 TfW railway stations and five community areas, all located within a mile of a station.

Working alongside the TfW sustainability and community rail teams, 176 volunteers have helped to enhance more than 1,000sqm of land for biodiversity, installed 125 planters at stations and put in place more than 300 green features.

The Green Routes project was supported by £100,000 in funding from The National Heritage Lottery Fund through the Welsh Government’s Local Places for Nature Scheme.

Almost 80% of the funding was spent with Welsh local businesses and organisations.

Dr Louise Moon, Sustainable Development Programme Manager at TfW, said:

“The project has been a huge success, helping to improve biodiversity at stations throughout Wales and make them more colourful and welcoming spaces for our passengers.

“A number of teams across TfW have worked hard to bring the project together and we have to pay tribute to the work of our community volunteers and station adopters across the country. We’re proud to have worked them on this project in being able to support their ambitions and aspirations in creating green spaces which not only support biodiversity but also supports the health and well-being of local people and communities.”

TfW’s initial ecological monitoring shows that nature is returning to stations and nearby community spaces with increased species abundance and pollinator improvements recorded.

The Green Routes project is estimated to have increased the number of species at stations by more than 700 and there have been more than 3,000 estimated pollinator improvements to date.

The stations involved in the project are:

North Wales: Abergele, Bangor, Conwy, Glan Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Porthmadog and Rhyl.

South Wales: Abergavenny, Barry, Caerphilly, Cardiff Bay, Cwmbran, Llandrindod, Llanwrytd, Pontypridd and Treherbert.

West Wales: Ammanford, Bridgend, Ferryside, Haverfordwest, Kidwelly, Llandovery, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Pontarddulais.

The five community projects are BronFair Allotment Association, Cambrian Village Trust, Enbarr Foundation, Taff’s Well village hall and Twyn Community Hub.

For more information about Transport for Wales Green Routes project visit Green routes | Transport for Wales (tfw.wales)

28th February 2023

Wiltshire Museum exhibitions to mark GWR Castle Class locomotive centenary​

Swindon's STEAM museum to display Jack Boskett's photographs​

Swindon’s STEAM museum is marking the centenary of the Great Western Railway Castle Class locomotives with two new exhibitions of photographs.

STEAM, the Museum of the Great Western Railway, will host the exhibitions by photographer Jack Boskett from Saturday 29 April until Monday 10 September this year.

The award-winning museum regularly hosts exhibitions, such as last year’s exhibition – ‘Changing Trains – the Journey from Broad Gauge to Narrow Gauge’.

The first exhibition is titled 100 Years and Still Steaming, and features what the museum calls “an array of stunning scenes” featuring Castle Class locomotives working on heritage railway lines.

Between 1923 and 1950, 171 Castle Class locomotives were built at Swindon railway works, including sixteen rebuilds.

The second, From Railways to Royalty, comprises images taken by Tewkesbury-based Jack Boskett during his thirteen years as a professional photographer.

As the exhibition’s title suggests, Jack Boskett has snapped celebrities during public engagements as well as railways and other subjects.

Between them, the two exhibitions feature one hundred and fifty photographs taken by Jack Boskett, both mounted in frames and canvas prints.

Visitors can see the exhibitions in STEAM’s Caerphilly Castle Hall.

On Saturday,12 August, Jack Boskett will attend the exhibition, where visitors can meet him in person and find out more about his work.

6000 “King George V” at STEAM Museum

Swindon Museums’ Collections and Exhibitions Manager, John Wood, said:

“2023 marks one hundred years since the first of the Castle locomotives, No. 4073 Caerphilly Castle, went into service and we are delighted to be marking the occasion in collaboration with Jack Boskett.

“Castle Class locomotives were remarkable engines from the outset. At the British Empire Exhibition in 1925, the GWR and The London and North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) held trials between the two locomotive types, which the Castle Class locomotive won. Then in 1929, The Cheltenham Spa Express (or Cheltenham Flyer) which ran between Cheltenham Spa and London Paddington became the world’s fastest train, when it achieved an average speed of 66.2 miles per hour. Castles were synonymous with speed and power.”

Jack Boskett said:

“When STEAM approached me to exhibit my work at the museum to kick off the summer season, I was very humbled and excited. To have my photographs at this historic location of the former Great Western Railway is such an honour. As a keen railway photographer and engineman on heritage railways, I will feel at home.

“I have spent a lot of time hand picking my photographs for this exhibition which coincides nicely with the celebratory Coronation of King Charles III in May and also the 100th anniversary of the GWR Castle Class locomotives in August. I am really looking forward to see what the reactions are to STEAM visitors and I hope it gives plenty of creative inspiration to budding photographers who are looking at expand their railway photography.”

28th February 2023

Celebrate King Charles III’s Coronation on the Midland Pullman​

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III in style, the Midland Pullman will operate a special “King’s Coronation” rail tour on Coronation Day, Monday, 8th May 2023 with a luxury journey from London to South Wales and return.

The journey will depart from London Paddington and guests will enjoy the best of British food while taking a scenic route through Bath and Newport before returning via Chepstow and Gloucestershire to Paddington.

During the journey, vocal harmony trio The Spitfire Sisters will take guests back to the nostalgic 30s and 40s and there will be further entertainment by one of the UK’s finest close-up magicians, the award-winning Peter Mehtab, who has performed for King Charles III.

Guests can choose two from different ticket options:

• Dining: Guests opting for the fine dining option will enjoy a seven-course ‘Best of British’ menu for £500 per ticket.
• First Class: Guests can choose from a snacking selection of local produce to enjoy on their journey, including Bucks Fizz and a glass of wine from vineyards that proudly carry the royal warrant for £200 per ticket.

There will also be an onboard raffle and auction in aid of the Railway Children charity, with a range of prizes to celebrate the Coronation and the railway.

Railway Children is an international charity that works to reach children living on the streets in the UK, India, and East Africa.

The full experience has been kindly donated by Locomotive Services Limited but places are limited.

Jack Miller, Railway Children’s Group Director of Fundraising said:

“The whole country will be marking the historic occasion of King Charles III’s coronation and we are delighted to the Midland Pullman will be part of the celebration.

“What better way to spend the very special bank holiday than on one of our finest steam trains, taking in the glorious British countryside, enjoying the very best of British food whilst being entertained by some incredible acts.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Locomotive Services Limited who have kindly donated both the train and the two experiences. By choosing to celebrate the coronation this way, those who join us will not only have an incredible day to remember but will be supporting Railway Children’s mission to protect vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania.”

28th February 2023​

Final set of stamps featuring HRH Queen Elizabeth’s silhouette will also mark Flying Scotsman’s Centenary​

A set of 12 special stamps celebrating the 100th anniversary of locomotive Flying Scotsman will be released by Royal Mail​

Royal Mail and the National Railway Museum will mark Flying Scotsman’s 100th anniversary with a collection of 12 special stamps which fittingly coincide with her late majesty Queen Elizabeth’s silhouette.

The special stamps will include Flying Scotsman in a collection of locations throughout the UK including:

• On the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering Station
• In the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the ‘Christmas Dalesman’
• Also in the Yorkshire Dales National Park on the ‘Cathedrals Express’ making her way across the stunning Ribblehead Viaduct
• Steaming through the Blyth in Northumberland
• On the East Lancashire Railway in a blizzard at Heap Bridge
• Making her way over the Royal Border Bridge at Berwick-upon-Tweed on the ‘Cathedrals Express’
• At London Victoria Station
• A close-up at Locomotion in Shildon

Four more stamps will be available in a miniature sheet and will see Flying Scotsman and London North Eastern Railway’s iconic artwork from the 1920s and the 1930s including:

• ‘Scotland by the Night Scotsman’ poster, artwork by Robert Bartlett, 1932
• ‘LNER train service to and from Scotland’ advertisement, designed by HL Oakley, 1923
• ‘Edinburgh: Mons Meg’ poster, artwork by Frank Newbould, 1935
• ‘Refuelling the Flying Scotsman’ poster, artwork by Frank Newbould, 1932

David Gold, Director of External Affairs & Policy, Royal Mail, said:

“Flying Scotsman is a national treasure of engineering and design that conjures up the golden age of steam travel. This remarkable locomotive epitomises the romance of rail travel and is loved all by people over the world. We are honoured to mark this landmark milestone with a set of Special Stamps.”

The collection of stamps has seen a close collaboration between Royal Mail and Bob Gwynne who is the Associate Curator at the National Railway Museum in order to choose the images featured on the stamps from hundreds of period images.

LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman is widely recognised and extremely well-loved locomotive that was built at LNER’s Doncaster Works in 1923.

The locomotive was awarded her name after the London to Edinburgh Flying Scotsman service which is used to run on the East Coast Mainline.

Flying Scotsman enjoyed more than 40 years of service on British railways travelling over two million miles in the process and was the very first steam locomotive to achieve a speed of 100mph.

Following her retirement in 1963, the locomotive was purchased by Alan Pegler and was given her 1920s LNER livery and number 4472.

The locomotive was the star of Pegler’s ambitious ‘Buy British’ tour across the United States in 1969 over several years, which grew Flying Scotsman’s popularity enormously but ended with Pegler losing his fortune.

Sir William McAlpine came to the rescue of Flying Scotsman and returned the locomotive to the UK in 1973 and in 1988 she once again circumnavigated the globe to celebrate Australia’s bicentenary which was a resounding triumph.

The locomotive has been part of the National Railway Museum’s collection in York since 2004 after a worldwide campaign was made to save Flying Scotsman for the nation and still operates mainline to the delight of many a steam enthusiast.

The stamps are now available to pre-order via www.royalmail.com/flyingscotsman or by telephone on 03457 641 641.

The Presentation Pack features all 12 stamps and is now on general sale at a cost of £17.70.

28th February 2023​

Royal Mail unveils last set of stamps featuring Queen Elizabeth’s silhouette

CENTENARY OF A PIONEERING RAILWAY ICON

FLYING SCOTSMAN​

Special Stamps honouring 100 years of a locomotive legend.

Four First Class and four £1.85 landscape stamps.

​

At Pickering Station, 2016

The Christmas Dalesman, 2019

Cathedrals Express, 2017

At Blyth, Northumberland, 2016

At Heap Bridge in a blizzard, 2016

Cathedrals Express, 2016

Victoria Station, London, 2002

At Shildon, County Durham, 2019

Flying Scotsman Miniature Sheet​

A colourful collection of 1930s artwork featuring Flying Scotsman.

Four promotional posters and advertisements are set against an image of Pickering Station platform.

Two First Class and two £1.85 landscape stamps.

‘Scotland by the Night Scotsman’ poster, artwork by Robert Bartlett, 1932

‘LNER train service to and from Scotland’ advertisement, designed by HL Oakley, 1923

‘Refuelling the Flying Scotsman’ poster, artwork by Frank Newbould, 1932

‘Edinburgh: Mons Meg’ poster, artwork by Frank Newbould, 1935

28th February 2023​

Tyne and Wear Metro receives first new Class 555 train​

Today, Tuesday, 28th February, is a landmark for the Tyne and Wear Metro as the first of its new Class 555 Metro trains has been successfully delivered by Stadler from its factory in Switzerland.

Nexus has ordered 46 of the new trains, but before entering customer service in the autumn they will go through a period of rigorous testing and driver training to ensure that they interface correctly with signalling systems and other Metro infrastructure.

The new trains provide a comfortable, air-conditioned, open-plan layout with a sleekly modelled interior, linear seating, charging points, air conditioning, and improved standards for accessibility and energy efficiency.

Each door has an automatic sliding step to enable seamless boarding, making travel easier for Metro’s 50,000 wheelchair passengers and people with children’s buggies, luggage, or bicycles.

Clearly marked priority seating is located opposite real-time digital information screens, which complement clear modern audio systems and next-stop displays throughout the train, whilst assistance buttons are clearly marked.

WATCH:

The first new Stadler Metro train arrives

Tuesday 28 February, 2023

The Tyne and Wear Metro’s first new train arrived in North East England today, Tuesday 28 February, after Stadler successfully delivered it from their factory in Switzerland – heralding a landmark moment for the £362m programme.

The Stadler Class 555 Metro train, the first of 46 that Nexus has on order, will undergo a period of testing and driver training before entering customer service in the autumn.

Nexus, the public body which owns and manages Metro, said "it was a proud moment for the network, its customers, and its workforce."

More new trains will arrive in the region later this year.

Stadler delivered the new train to the Gosforth Metro Depot in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a locomotive had towed it across mainland Europe and into the UK via the Channel Tunnel.

The new Metro fleet will offer a comfortable, new, air conditioned, open plan layout, sleekly modelled interior, transforming the customer experience, while setting new standards for accessibility and energy efficiency.

The new trains were designed through extensive consultation with Metro staff.

They have built-in rail sanding to cope with the toughest autumn and winter conditions, whilst the driving console features adaptive traction control and monitors that allow drivers to view cameras throughout the train and speak directly with customers should the need arise.

Before entering service, Metro drivers will undergo a period of training at the controls of the new trains.

Each time a train returns to Gosforth depot, diagnostic reports will be downloaded automatically which technicians will analyse, allowing instant fault-finding instant and revolutionising preventative maintenance.

Managing Director of Nexus, Martin Kearney, said:

“It was a proud moment for us to welcome the first new Stadler train to North East England today. The £362m programme is now entering a significant phase.

“To see that train arriving at our Gosforth depot was a moment of history for the Tyne and Wear Metro. Everyone is excited to get the testing and driver training process underway so that we can put the new train into service on the network.

“The Stadler trains have all the latest modern technology. They’re a world away from our current fleet, and they promise to be transformative for customers and for our workforce.

“Our customers, employees, specialist user groups and trade unions helped to design the new trains as part of a far-reaching consultation exercise that received 23,000 responses. We are getting a bespoke design from Stadler, with a sleek modern appearance inside and out.

“This is the first of 46 new trains we have ordered from Stadler. The new trains will be arriving over the next couple of years, and they will be phased into service on the network.”

Chair of the North East Joint Transport Committee, Cllr Martin Gannon, said:

“I’m delighted to see the first train of our new modern Metro fleet arrive in the region – this is a monumental achievement and great news for public transport in the North East.

“The arrival of the first new train will be welcome news for passengers, many of whom played a key role in the consultation process, helping to design the very trains that will take the Metro forward into the future.

“In line with our region’s Transport Plan, the new trains will encourage even more people to make use of our Metro network for all types of journeys, including travel to work and education or for leisure purposes. I’m pleased to say this investment will hugely boost the accessibility of the network, with a sliding step at every door on the new trains which will help to make everyday travel so much easier for thousands of people with enhanced mobility needs and young families.

“Nexus is a public body working on behalf of local councils, and this project is another great example of how we successfully deliver major transport investment programmes in our region, to grow our economy and deliver on our carbon reduction targets. The North East can achieve great things when we work together.

“This is just the start of this exciting programme and I look forward to seeing further trains rolling into the North East in the coming months.”

Adrian Wetter, project manager at Stadler, added:

“The arrival of the first train in Newcastle is a massive milestone, bringing the project to manufacture and supply 46 new trains one step closer to fruition. These trains are technologically sophisticated, designed for passenger comfort and will dramatically improve the travel experience. “We are pleased to continue working with Nexus on the next stage, which is a comprehensive programme of testing to ensure that the trains meet industry safety standards before they are entered into commercial service.”

28th February 2023

Five new railway stations considered for West Midlands​

Transport authorities in the West Midlands are considering the case for building five new stations at Balsall Heath, Coventry East (Binley), Foleshill, Castle Bromwich and Tettenhall.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) and the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE) will explore the feasibility and draw up business cases for five new stations, selected from a long list of fifteen possible new stations.

The authorities identified these five as having the strongest case for proceeding with development, and hope that the business cases will secure further government funding to enable the stations to be designed and built.

The West Midlands City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) was awarded funding to proceed with investigating and planning the next phase of station development.

The planning of the new stations is linked to HS2 and the Midland Rail Hub project. It is hoped that the completion of these will free up capacity for existing rail lines to carry more local services and increase network capacity into central Birmingham.

The planning of three of the new stations needs to proceed immediately so that they are ready to open alongside Midlands Rail Hub and HS2.

Balsall Heath, on the Camp Hill line in Birmingham, would require construction of the Bordesley Chords and extra capacity at Moor Street Station as currently proposed by the Midlands Rail Hub project.

Coventry East (Binley) will be on the main line between Coventry and Rugby which will enjoy greater capacity for local services once HS2 is completed.

Foleshill station will be on the Coventry-Nuneaton line, and Tettenhall lies west of Wolverhampton on the line to Shrewsbury.

Castle Bromwich, which is east of Birmingham, would also benefit from the greater capacity into central Birmingham provided by Midlands Rail Hub.

These planned new stations will add to expansion of the region’s rail network that is already underway, with new stations being built on the Camp Hill line in south Birmingham at Moseley Village, Kings Heath and Pineapple Road, and on the Walsall to Wolverhampton line serving Darlaston and Willenhall.

A new station is also planned at Aldridge, with funding allocated subject to business case.

The City of Wolverhampton, South Staffordshire District and Staffordshire County councils have also looked at the case for a new station at Brinsford, which will be considered alongside the case for nearby Tettenhall Station.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and West Midlands Rail Executive Chair, said:

“New stations are taking shape across Birmingham and the Black Country – with diggers in the ground after our success in securing funding.

“Alongside these projects now underway, we’re turning our attention to the next set of stations and these five are a good place to start.

“Investing in rail stations is Levelling Up in action – helping to regenerate local areas, offer a convenient alternative to the car and driving job creation.”

Cllr Ian Ward, West Midlands Combined Authority portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, added:

“Our rail station developments proposals are about both growing our local economy, better connecting people to job and leisure opportunities and assisting our move towards a net zero carbon region.

“And these stations are the ones that most match these aims and, although it may take time to deliver, we are starting the planning now so when the funding becomes available we are ready to go with a sound plan of action.

“But while these will take time, we are carrying on with delivering £1.3 billion investment in our road, rail, bus, tram, cycling and walking infrastructure over the next few years – including building and opening new stations on the Camp Hill line and Walsall to Wolverhampton line.”

28th February 2023

Cambrian Heritage Railways prepares for the new season​

During the winter months, volunteers at the Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) at Oswestry in Shropshire have been working hard to ensure the award-winning railway is ready for a second season as one of Shropshire’s top tourist attractions.

At Oswestry railway station, new sections of track have been laid, to bring back memories of a time before the line closed to passengers in 1966.

To make it easier for heritage trains to operate timetable services there are now three railway lines running past the station building.

Behind the scenes, the Cambrian Heritage Railways website has been updated, and now includes two new offerings from the railway in the form of Driver Experience Days and group bookings.

• Driver Experience Days are ideal for anyone who would like the chance to drive a locomotive and try their hand at the controls.
• Group bookings are ideal anyone wishing to organise a family celebration, or a business looking for something different and would like to charter a train for the day.

This year, Cambrian Heritage Railways will run every weekend from April until September, on specific mid-week and evening journeys, as well as Bank Holidays. Further information about the railway can be found at www.CambrianRailways.com.

Speaking about the developments, Cambrian Heritage Railways General Manager Andy Green said,

”We had an excellent first year of operation and this coming season we want to further enhance the railway experience from Oswestry to Weston Wharf.“

“A huge amount of trackwork and vegetation clearance has taken place by our fantastic volunteers during the closed season. We have also taken the opportunity to improve our website to enable customers to see what we are all about and book with confidence.

“We are also reaching out to groups and businesses to give them a unique opportunity to book an entire train for the day. Our Driver Experience days will also prove a popular and affordable gift this season.”

28th February 2023

Historic railway bridge in Scotland wins Yesterday Railway Bridge of the Year​

Tim Dunn at the Forth Bridge

TV channel Yesterday has awarded the Forth Bridge the accolade of ‘Railway Bridge of the Year’.

The channel is home to the programme, ‘The Architecture the Railways Built’, and has inaugurated this new award aiming to draw attention to what it calls “some of the incredible structures that are, or have been, such a vital part of Britain’s railways”.

A panel picked the Forth Bridge from a shortlist of five bridges drawn up after a survey of public opinion.

The Forth Bridge spans the Firth of Forth nine miles west of central Edinburgh.

Its construction began in 1882 and it was opened in 1890 by the future King Edward VII.

It carries the Edinburgh-Aberdeen line between the villages of South and North Queensferry.

Last year, refurbishment of the North Queensferry approach was completed, having started the previous year.

It was the world’s first great multi-span cantilever bridge, and at 2,467 metres remains one of the longest.

When it opened, it had the longest single cantilever bridge span in the work, and in still the second longest, with a span of 521 metres.

It is painted in a distinctive red colour, and at its highest point is 110 metres above the water.

The bridge is made from 53,000 tonnes of steel, held together by 6.5 million rivets.

The four other shortlisted bridges were: Blackfriars Bridge in London, which was redeveloped in 2012; Glenfinnan Viaduct in Inverness-shire, which featured in the Harry Potter films; the Royal Albert Bridge in Cornwall, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel; and the Grade II listed Victoria Bridge which spans the River Severn in Worcestershire.

Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management at Network Rail, which owns the Forth Bridge, said,

“The iconic Forth Bridge is an outstanding example of innovative engineering that has lasted the test of time. The UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the industrial wonders of the world and it’s very fitting that it would receive the first ever Yesterday Railway Bridge of the Year award.”

Lead panellist, railway historian and presenter of the TV programme, The Architecture The Railways Built, Tim Dunn said:

“I would never turn down the chance to talk about some of the most iconic railway structures ever built! I love all the bridges on the shortlist for different reasons, but there’s something about the Forth Bridge that just stands out. It’s a beacon of engineering excellence and having been to the top of the structure and on the bridge as trains rush past at track level, I can honestly say it’s something I will never forget. I hope the award also makes a nice birthday present for the bridge – it turns a remarkable 133-years-old on Saturday!”

28th February 2023

When to see steam locomotive 46100 Royal Scot as it heads to Cardiff this Wednesday​

46100 Royal Scot

Steam locomotive 46100 Royal Scot is set to visit Cardiff this Wednesday, 1st March 2023, hauling a portion of The Welsh Marches Express.

The tour will originate in Holyhead, with an D213 Andania hauling the tour to begin with. Departing Holyhead at 05:50, the tour will pass through Bangor (Gwynedd) (06:33), Llandudno Junction (06:55), Colwyn Bay (07:04), Rhyl (07:19), Prestatyn (07:28), Flint (07:47), Chester (08:08), Crewe (08:34), Whitchurch (08:55), Shrewsbury (09:18), Craven Arms (09:48) and Hereford at 10:23.

Here, 46100 Royal Scot takes over the train. Departing at 11:12, the locomotive will head to south via Pontypool and New Inn (11:53) to Maindee Junction, where the train turns at the triangle.

From here, D213 takes over the train and heads to Cardiff Central via Newport (12:23) and Cardiff Central at 12:41

After time in Cardiff, the tour will depart at 15:05 with 46100 Royal Scot and will pass through Newport (15:27), Cwmbran (15:55), Abergavenny (16:12), Hereford (16:41), Church Stretton (18:43), Shrewsbury (19:00), Whitchurch (19:21) and Crewe at 19:44, where D213 replaces 46100 once again.

With the steam locomotive off the train, the tour will head back to Holyhead via Chester (20:53), Flint (21:09), Prestatyn (21:26), Rhyl (21:35), Colwyn Bay (21:51), Llandudno Junction (22:01), Bangor (22:49) and Holyhead at 23:22.