Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Botley Road bridge near Oxford station​

Between 11 April and the end of October:
  • Motorists that usually use Botley Road to get into the city are advised to use the one of the city’s Park & Ride sites (Seacourt is closest as it is located on Botley Road), to take an alternative route into the city or may wish to consider catching the train instead from a local station with parking
  • Buses will turn around just before the rail bridge and use the existing bus stops on Osney Island
  • Pedestrians and cyclists will have access into the city throughout the work
  • Local residents’ access to their homes will remain at all times, with some diversions in place
  • The railway station will be open throughout the works with rail services operating as normal, unless otherwise advertised.
 
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A GWR service crossing Botley Road bridge​

In the autumn this section of Botley Road near the station will reopen until it closes again in the spring of 2024 for the bridge to be demolished, replaced and highways improvements made.

When the works are complete by the end of 2024, Oxford station will boast a new western entrance that will be built next to Botley Road and will link up to the new and existing platforms via a subway.

The new entrance will make the station more accessible to people living to the west of the station, reducing the current walking time.

Dedicated cycle parking will also be available.

As part of the plans the road network will also be improved near to the station as the railway bridge above Botley Road will be replaced and the road lowered to enable standard double-decker buses to pass underneath for the first time.

A four-metre wide cycle/footpath will also be installed on each side to encourage sustainable transport and improve safety.
 
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A CrossCountry service on Botley Road bridge​

Network Rail, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have jointly agreed the revised programme of works.

The original plan was for a 12-month closure starting in January 2023, but this was reviewed in light of the complexities involved in diverting the utilities and feedback from communities.

The new plan gives some respite by splitting the road closures while still delivering the railway improvements which are vital for Oxfordshire, on schedule for the end of 2024.

The plan also means that most of the work will be completed during spring/summer months meaning less of an impact on school and university terms.
 
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Claire Mahoney, Network Rail programme director for Oxfordshire Connect, explained:

“Undertaking this work to enable the replacement of the bridge at Botley Road near the station in Oxford is a critical part of the works required to improve the station for the city, increase rail traffic in Oxfordshire and improve the highway for buses into the city.

"There was never going to be an easy way to do this work, it’s extremely complex and needs to be carefully coordinated with multiple utility companies as well as Thames Water and the Environment Agency who are undertaking other works close by. We’ve split the work into two parts this year and next year, so that we reduce the impact on the city’s residents.

"We’re working closely with the City and County councils, and transport providers so it’s easier to work and move around during the closure, but we know this is going to inevitably cause disruption. We urge residents and businesses to understand the impact on them and plan ahead whilst the works are in place.”

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Management, said:

“It is great to hear we have confirmed dates from Network Rail for work to start to redevelop Oxford Station. It will improve capacity for passengers and freight and is vital for the development of projects such as East West Rail and other improvements.

“As with any project of this scale, it will inevitably mean disruption – in this case the closure of Botley Road for two significant periods. While this cannot be avoided, we will do all we can to minimise the impact on the rest of the road network. We will work closely with Network Rail and our other partners, such as the bus companies, to keep the city moving during this period.”

Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council said:

“This work is critical to our plans for creating a sustainable transport network across Oxford and Oxfordshire and for improving the national rail network. However, I do not underestimate the immediate impact this will have on residents and businesses in and around the city.

"We will continue to engage with the County Council on their plans to mitigate the impact of the closure. While I understand some pre-emptive traffic management measures will be put in place, regular monitoring across the network will be essential to enable them to make additional rapid responses to address issues caused by the closure."

The project timeline is as follows:
  • April to October 2023 – Botley Road part closure until end of October for utility diversion work
  • 29 July to 6 August 2023 – Track work and prep work for new platform – rail services impacted. Alternative travel arrangements and advice will be publicised in advance
  • March to October 2024 – Botley Road closed for highway work
  • August 2024 – Four-day rail closure for bridge replacement.
For information on the project please go to networkrail.co.uk/oxfordshireconnect or for the latest highways information www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordstation
 
2nd March 2023

Severn Valley Railway adds additional running day for steam locomotive 4079 Pendennis Castle​

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4079 GWR Castle Class 4-6-0 Pendennis Castle​

GWR Castle No. 4079 Pendennis Castle is to have an additional running day at the Severn Valley Railway this April.

4079 is set to run on the Severn Valley Railway on Thursday 13th April ahead of the Spring Steam Gala between the 14th and 16th April.

Pendennis Castle will be using different headboards on each trip – The Birkenhead Flyer, The Zulu and The SLS Special.

Using BR Mark 1 coaches, the running day will mark the first ever ‘in service’ appearance at a heritage railway for the castle.

The excursion trips will start in Bridgnorth and 4079 will clock up 96 miles of running during the day.

“It’s a real coup to have ‘Pendennis Castle’ for our Spring Steam Gala,” said Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s interim managing director.

“But we also felt it deserved its own headline day, to acknowledge its remarkable first-ever heritage line appearance, and for the chance to recreate something very special from the past. Paired with our Mark 1 coaches, it’s going to really look the part, and I know this is something enthusiasts will not want to miss.”
 
2nd March 2023

Cambrian Heritage Railways bids farewell to steam locomotive Henry Ellison​

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'Henry Ellison' departs Cambrian Heritage Railways​

Cambrian Heritage Railways in Shropshire has bid farewell to 2217 0-4-0 steam engine ‘Henry Ellison’ after a year on loan from the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.

The popular steam engine has returned to its base in Derbyshire.

Henry Ellison was built by Andrew Barclay and Sons Ltd at its Caledonia Works at Kilmarnock in Scotland.

It spent 23 years working at the Kilnhurst Tar Works of Yorkshire Tar Distillers near Swinton in Rotherham before undergoing restoration after being made redundant in the 1970.

Last year, it played a starring role in the ceremony that marked the Grand Opening of passenger services between Oswestry and Weston Wharf for the first time in more than fifty years.

Cambrian Heritage Railways is a volunteer-based organisation located at Oswestry, Weston Wharf and Llynclys.

It won the British Museum Marsh Award for volunteer participation last year, and has announced that it will resume public services every weekend and specific mid-week and evening journeys, as well as public holidays, in its 2023 season running from 7 April until September.

Cambrian Heritage Railways General Manager, Andy Green, said:

“It is sad to see ‘Henry’ leave our railway and return home to the Ecclesbourne Railway.

“The engine played a central role in our opening ceremony last April and was the mainstay of our operations throughout the running season. Henry proved to be a very popular sight on the railway and we thank Ecclesbourne Valley Railway for the loan of such a star attraction.”
 
3rd March 2023

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Mixed reaction to Caledonian Sleeper nationalisation

The Scottish Government’s decision to end Serco’s Caledonian Sleeper franchise on 25 June has been praised by some, but criticised by others.

Scottish transport minister Jenny Gilruth told the Scottish Parliament yesterday afternoon that Serco’s contract, which began in 2015, was being terminated, because the company had tried to renegotiate the deal on new terms which the government said ‘did not represent the best value for money’.

She also said the decision not to continue the Serco franchise was ‘in no way a reflection on the quality of the product that has been developed, nor on the commitment of the staff who deliver this service every day’, and promised that the rights of the Sleeper employees would be protected when they moved to a new government-owned ‘arms-length’ company.

Serco said it was ‘disappointed’.

The managing director of its transport business John Whitehurst said a renewed award would have ‘allowed Scotland to benefit from the expertise of our Serco Transport senior management team who understand this complex and unique hospitality-focussed train operation like no-one else, while also enabling Scottish ministers to be in complete control of the contract’.

He continued: ‘Most importantly, this would have allowed the Scottish government to compare the price of such an award with that of their arm's length operator of last resort company.’

He went to claim that Serco’s management had brought ‘massive improvements to every aspect of the service for our employees, our passengers and for Scotland, despite having made significant losses on the contract’.

Scottish Conservatives were also critical, pointing to the deft recovery Caledonian Sleeper had made since the pandemic.

Their spokesman Graham Simpson concluded: ‘There can be no conclusion other than that this is an ideological decision. Jenny Gilruth said nothing about how this world class service can be improved under the Scottish Government.’

Rail unions are in favour of the change.

The RMT said it would provide an opportunity to ‘ensure this sustainable, low carbon route between Scotland and London can be run for passengers' interests, not private profit’.

The drivers’ union ASLEF also supported the move but regretted that the Sleeper had not been recombined with ScotRail, which has already been nationalised since April last year.

The Caledonian Sleeper was also the last privatised rail operating contract in Britain to be described as a ‘franchise’.

When Grant Shapps was transport secretary he formally abolished all the English franchises in September 2020, replacing them with alternative contracts.
 
3rd March 2023

Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership work to support Ukrainian refugees in Essex​

Working in collaboration with Refugee, Asylum seeker & Migrant Action (RAMA) the partnership aims to help the Ukrainians settle in Essex​

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Greater Anglia Class 720

Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and Refugee, Asylum seeker & Migrant Action (RAMA) are working together in order to support Ukranian refugees getting used to life in the county of Essex.

The collaboration saw 20 hosted Ukrainians living in Essex take part in a ‘Try a Train’ trip in order to build confidence using the public transport network and hopefully inspire them to visit further afield in the future.

Tuesday the 14th of February saw the trip take place onboard a Greater Anglia train travelling from Colchester to Wrabness to visit the fantastic Grayson Perry’s House for Essex and also to enjoy a woodland walk adjacent to the Stour estuary ahead of travelling to Harwich for some delicious fish and chips.

The trip was partially funded by Essex Path to Prosperity project which is supported by the Coastal Community Fund which aims to get more people out and about on the England Coast Path.

The day out also provided Community Rail Officers with a chance to offer guidance regarding rail safety.

The rail operator has also supported local young people and newly settled families in Norfolk and Suffolk last year with similar train trips from Norwich to Lowestoft.
 
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Greater Anglia Train​

Natalia Uzumlu, RAMA’s translator and caseworker who assisted on the trip, said:

“I have received plenty of thankful messages from our Ukrainians, expressing their gratitude to those who organised and funded this great trip.”

Terri Ryland of the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, said:

“We were delighted that everyone on the trip had a great day. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have to flee your country and start again in an unknown place and I hope that our ongoing work with RAMA will help refugees and asylum seekers to feel more integrated and confident about exploring their new surroundings.”

Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, Alan Neville, said:

“We were pleased to support this vital work by the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership which is helping people to use public transport safely and with confidence and connecting them to new opportunities.”
 
3rd March 2023

Stephenson’s iconic locomotive, Rocket, moves to new home in County Durham​

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Stephenson’s Rocket arrives at Locomotion, Shildon​

The world-famous locomotive, Rocket, is now on temporary display at Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham after travelling to the museum by road from its permanent home at the National Railway Museum in York on Wednesday, 1st March.

Rocket was designed by George and Robert Stephenson and was built in 1829 at Robert Stephenson and Co., in Newcastle, which was the world’s first locomotive workshop and celebrates its bicentenary later this year.
 
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A forklift removes the outer frame of Rocket’s travel case at Locomotion, Shildon​

The Liverpool & Manchester Railway held a competition at Rainhill, the “Rainhill Trials”, to find the best design of steam locomotive.

Rocket entered the competition and won.

The move to Shildon allows Rocket to remain on public display while repair work is completed at the National Railway Museum’s Station Hall, which is part of the museum’s Vision 2025 development.

Rocket will be displayed in the existing building at Locomotion next to Timothy Hackworth’s Sans Pareil, Locomotion No. 1, and over 50 other rail vehicles that are already on display.

This will be the first time that the three early locomotives have been on display together and will be on public display from today, Friday, 3rd March.
 
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The chimney of Stephenson’s Rocket is carefully reattached after being removed for transit​

The delicate move from York was carried out by the museum’s conservation team and specialist contractors, Constantine, which is the same team that moved Rocket to the National Railway Museum in 2019.

Before the move to Shildon, Rocket’s chimney was removed, and then the locomotive and chimney were packed carefully into a wooden crate before loading onto a lorry for the journey to Shildon.

On arrival at Shildon Rocket was slowly unloaded onto a special skate designed to spread the engine’s load and minimise the chances of any damage, before moving into Locomotion.

Movement into Locomotion took place while the museum was open to the public, and visitors who were lucky enough to be visiting there at the time got the chance to see Rocket from a safe distance as it arrived in its new home.
 
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Stephenson’s Rocket next to Sans Pareil, another Rainhill Trials loco, it its new display location at Locomotion, Shildon​

This is an exciting time for Locomotion as construction work is starting on its 2,000m2 ‘New Hall’ that will house an additional 46 vehicles from the national collection., including carriages, wagons, and locomotives that will celebrate the North East’s role in the development of the railways.

New Hall is part of Locomotion’s Vision 2025 project which is also designed to conserve and restore the historic Shildon site.

It is planned that New Hall will open this autumn.

Further information about Locomotion’s Vision 2025 project can be found online at www.locomotion.org.uk/about-us/our-future-vision-2025

Dr Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said:

“We are delighted to welcome such a well-known locomotive to the museum, especially one with such strong connections to the North East. I am excited for our visitors to see Rocket here in Shildon and I’m sure it will become a star object for our visitors very quickly.”
 
3rd March 2023

Full service of new Class 777s on Merseyrail’s Kirkby Line​

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Mersey Rail 777049 Class 777 Stadler DC (4 car) Emu

Merseyrail has announced that it has completed the first stage of its phased introduction of new Class 777 trains, as a full timetable returns on the Kirkby line.

The fifteen-minute service is scheduled to resume on Monday 6 March. Trains on the Kirkby line from this date will be Class 777s. Sunday services will continue to operate every thirty minutes.

Merseyrail’s focus will now shift to the Ormskirk line, the next part of its network to receive the new trains.

The Class 777s were first introduced on the Kirkby line in January, and Merseyrail claims that passengers have been “fulsome in their praise of the new trains”, being impressed with the improved design, layout and high-tech features such as air conditioning, WiFi and electric charging points.

Later this year, Kirkby will also gain a new station at Headbolt Lane, which will be served by battery powered Class 777 trains and will be among the first services in the UK to use the technology.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said:

“The completion of the Kirkby line Class 777 roll out is a really significant moment.

“As the first part of the network to go through the phased introduction, the Kirkby line has been the stage where the new trains have come into contact with passengers for the first time. Only so much can be learned from a test environment, so the performance of the new fleet in passenger service has been a crucial moment.

“We have been delighted by our customers response to the trains and are looking forward to the next stages of the roll out.

“We will now be moving the project for introduction over to the Ormskirk line. As with the Kirkby roll out, this will require a reduction in a small number of services. We apologise to passengers who may be affected by these changes and will aim to return to a full schedule as soon as possible.”
 
3rd March 2023

Timetable changes on Ormskirk and Southport lines​

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Class 777 777010 was arriving into platform 1 at Southport

To assist with the phased rollout of Merseyrail’s ground-breaking new fleet of Class 777 trains, from next Monday, 6th March, there will be further temporary timetable changes on the Ormskirk, Southport, and Hunts Cross lines to support driver training.
 
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Merseyrail Class 777 preparing to leave the Stadler factory​

These changes are as follows:

Ormskirk line​

Monday to Friday
  • The 09:34, 11:04, and 15:04 trains from Ormskirk to Liverpool Central will be cancelled;
  • The 10:16 and 14:16 trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will be cancelled;
  • The 11:46 and 15:46 trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will start at Walton instead of Liverpool Central.
Saturdays
  • The 08:01, 09:31, 12:01, and 13:31 trains from Liverpool Central to Ormskirk will be cancelled ;
  • The 08:49, 10:19, 12:49, and 14:19 trains from Ormskirk to Liverpool Central will be cancelled;
  • The 11:01 and 15:01 Liverpool Central to Ormskirk services will start at Walton instead of Liverpool Central.
Sundays
  • There are no cancellations.

Southport line​

Monday-Friday
  • The 12:51, 15:21, and 19:06 trains from Hunts Cross to Southport will be cancelled;
  • The 14:13 17:58 20:28 trains from Southport to Hunts Cross will be cancelled.
Saturdays and Sundays
  • There are no cancellations on the Southport line.

Kirkby line​

  • This line has experienced a reduction of services to assist the rollout of new trains.
  • From Monday, 6th March a full timetable will be reinstated, with a train every 15 minutes through the day, up to 19:43.
For the latest information passengers should use the journey planner at merseyrail.org or use the Merseyrail App
 
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Interior of new Class 777​

Before the new trains are introduced on these lines further announcements will be made so passengers will know exactly when to expect them.

Suzanne Grant, Commercial Director at Merseyrail, said:

“Our driver training programme will be moving across to the Ormskirk line as we move towards the next exciting phase of the rollout of the new trains.

“This does mean a temporary reduction in the frequency of services on the Ormskirk and Southport line while this happens, but we will ensure that a full timetable can be restored as soon as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that this temporary reduction in frequency will cause passengers and look forward to our Ormskirk line passengers experiencing the ground-breaking new trains in the near future.”
 
3rd March 2023

When to see TWO steam locomotives pass through Oxfordshire this Saturday​

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7029 Clun Castle

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 7029 Clun Castle will pass through Oxfordshire this Saturday, 4th March.

The two locomotives will be hauling an excursion to Didcot to take part in the Four Castles event at the Didcot Railway Centre.

Departing Birmingham Snow Hill at 08:18, the tour will pass through Tyseley (08:27), Widney Manor (08:33), Hatton (08:53), Leamington Spa (09:00), Banbury (09:23), Oxford (09:51), and Didcot Parkway at 10:10.

After time at the Didcot Railway Centre, the tour will depart Didcot Parkway at 15:01 and will pass through Oxford (15:15), Banbury (15:41), Dorridge (16:59), Widney Manor (17:17) and Birmingham Snow Hill at 17:42.
 
3rd March 2023

CCTV shows pedestrian’s near miss with train in Cheshire​

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CCTV from Avanti train driver cab, near miss Norton level crossing

Onboard driver CCTV has recorded the moment a man narrowly missed being hit by a West Coast main line train.

Network Rail and Avanti West Coast have released video of the near miss at a footpath level crossing near Runcorn, hoping it will act as a safety warning to others.

Senior railway staff have described the incident, at 10:43am on Wednesday 18 January, as one of the closest near misses they’ve seen.

The entrance to the footpath crossing displays a red warning light when it is unsafe to cross.

However, the man ignored this, and came within feet of a high-speed train before the London Euston to Glasgow service was forced to come to an emergency stop.

The maximum speed for trains on this section of line is 125mph.
 
WATCH:

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Click link to watch video: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/bbqpp8rtwu

After releasing the video, Network Rail reissued its guidance on how to use level crossings safely as a pedestrian:
  • Concentrate – it’s easy to get distracted, especially by phones, music and conversation.
  • Always follow signs and instructions displayed at level crossings
  • Check both ways before crossing – if there is a train coming, don’t cross.
  • Understand the warnings (lights, barriers, alarms). Visit level crossings for pedestrians to find out more.
  • Cross quickly, keeping children close and dogs on a lead.
Network Rail is urging people to read its information and resources on how to use all types of level crossings safely, and its ‘Beware the Bubble’ safety campaign.

Lucy Jordan, Network Rail’s North West head of safety, said:

“When I see footage like this it always make my heart stop. The difference of just a few seconds could have led to tragedy for this man and I can’t downplay the danger he was in.

“It’s important for Network Rail to share this video as a strong warning to others and to remind them of our level crossing rules. No matter how well you think you know a crossing, all users must obey the signage in place and if there are warning lights, always stop when they display red, it just isn’t worth the risk.”

Dave Whitehouse, Avanti West Coast safety and security director, said:

“This footage serves as a stark reminder to be aware of your surroundings near the railways whether it’s at a level crossing or at a station. Although the man involved escaped serious injury, this shows it’s only takes a split second to make the wrong decision for it to end in tragedy.”
 
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3rd March 2023

Spa Valley Railway to hold Volunteer Recruitment Day on 8 May​

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Volunteer recruiting day at the Spa Valley Railway​

The Spa Valley Railway at Tunbridge Wells in Kent is keen to recruit volunteers of all ages to add to its existing team of volunteers who together run the much-loved heritage railway.

On Monday, 8th May the railway is holding a Volunteers Day which is the ideal time for anyone who wishes to learn about the railway or to become a volunteer.
 
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75069 on the Spa Valley Railway

Two of the railway’s current volunteers, Brian Halford and Chris Bower, will lead the event which will be held between 10am and 1pm at Tunbridge Wells West Station, which is next to Sainsbury’s.

Visitors should note that Sainsbury’s car park is for Sainsbury’s customers only, but there is plenty of other car parking in nearby car parks.

The day will start with an introductory talk followed by an opportunity for visitors to put their questions to other volunteers about the various departments and the roles available at the railway.
 
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Testing a boiler on the Spa Valley​

During the session, potential volunteers can tour the locomotive shed, visit the shop, and, look inside the ticket office.

Anyone who is specifically interested in locomotive maintenance or working in the workshops can take part in a separate tour with a member of the locomotive maintenance or workshop staff.
 
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Raising steam on the Spa Valley Railway​

The railway’s commercial manager Jonnie Pay said

“Volunteering can be anything from a few hours a week to much more, it’s whatever spare time you may have to come and help us. All volunteering is important to us as we are a 100% volunteer-led railway. It’s also a great way to meet lifelong friends as well as have fun and learn new skills.

“On our Volunteers Day, everyone can join us for a complimentary train journey at either 11.30 or 14.10 between Tunbridge Wells West and Groombridge.

“This will also be the ideal opportunity to hear about volunteering in the catering department which also happens to be one of the most important areas of the railway as the revenue raised from the railway’s dining trains is essential to keeping the railway open for all to enjoy.

“Our dining experiences include Sunday lunches, Ploughman’s lunches, Fish and Chip Suppers, Real Ale Trains, Afternoon Tea, Cream Teas and Murder Mystery evenings.”

At Groombridge, guests can take a tour of the station, look in at the refreshment hut, and visit the signal box.

On the return journey to Tunbridge Wells West, which will leave Groombridge at 12.16pm and 14.56pm, everyone will have the chance to look inside the guard’s compartment.

Anyone wishing to attend the Volunteer Day should register their interest in attending by sending an e-mail to volunteering@spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Membership forms will be available at Tunbridge Wells West Station, and volunteers will be on hand ready to answer any questions.

Further information about the railway and volunteering is available online at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
 
3rd March 2023

Class 56 locomotive to visit the Severn Valley Railway​

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56090 at Crewe on August 10, 2022

A Colas Rail Class 56 locomotive is to visit the Severn Valley Railway for its Spring Diesel Festival.

Taking place between the 18th and 21st May, the gala celebrates 50 years of diesel preservation and will bring together locos from both heritage railways and from the mainline.

Other guests include 47712 Lady Diana Spencer from LSL along with its Push Pull set and Class 58 No. 58023.

Tickets, including money-saving multi-day rovers, are available at svr.co.uk .
 
3rd March 2023

Iconic Birmingham railway signal box opens its doors for one-off public tours​

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Birmingham New Street Power Signal Box​

Network Rail has opened a ballot for members of the public to visit to the Grade II-listed Birmingham New Street power signal box (PSB).

The Birmingham city centre railway landmark finished 56 years of duty in December.

The tour will be available to a total of sixty people on five 45-minute tours starting every hour from midday on Friday 31 March.
 
WATCH:
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Click link to watch video: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xut9bee1y4

Railway staff with more than seventy years’ combined experience of working in and around the operational signal box will lead the tour of three of the iconic building’s five floors.

Visitors will have the chance to learn the basics of railway signalling, how the signal box worked and discover more about plans for the building’s future.

Network Rail decided to open up the building for railway enthusiasts and architecture fans alike after its closure on Christmas Eve generated interest.

This latest look behind the scenes follows the hugely successful tours of a forgotten underground tunnel linking New Street station to the Mailbox building which took place as part of Birmingham Heritage Week 2021.

Built over five floors in the 1960s, unfortunately the building does not meet modern day accessibility standards so the tours will not be accessible to people unable to use stairs.

The operational spaces and some rooms in the building included on the tour are small, so each group will have a maximum of twelve people to give enough space for everyone to enjoy their visit in comfort.

At the building’s peak, its team of dedicated signallers directed up to 1,200 trains by every day, adding up to tens of millions of trains over its operational life.

Last Christmas, however, responsibility for all train movements through Britain’s busiest station outside of London was passed over to the West Midlands Signalling Centre in east Birmingham, with 1960s analogue technology making way for digital.

The signal box is one of Birmingham’s best surviving examples of Brutalist architecture, defined by imposing facades built from pre-cast concrete.

Its insides were also unique, as the only surviving signal box to use the Westpac Mk 1 signalling system until it closed.

Built as part of the West Coast main line route modernisation, the Birmingham box was one of four power signal boxes in the West Midlands, replacing 64 manually operated signal boxes in the 1960s.

It was given Grade II listed building status in 1995 because of its ‘dramatic and exceptional architectural quality’ and ‘strongly sculptural form’.

After the tours take place, work will start on the next phase of the building’s life, as it becomes a training centre for the next generation of railway signallers.

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, said:

“We were overwhelmed by the response when we announced that the Birmingham power signal box would be closing, so it felt like the right thing to do to open up the doors and show off this local landmark which played a crucial role for six decades at the heart of Britain’s railway network.

“I hope that people will enjoy this rare look behind the scenes and that it inspires people not only to learn about the important part this building and the people who worked in it played in the railway’s past – but also discover more about how we’re improving the railway for the future, too.”
 
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3rd March 2023

Stadler to supply new trams in Alicante and Valencia, Spain​

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New trams in Alicante

Stadler has announced that it has signed a contract with Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) to supply modern TRAMLINK trams.

Initially for the supply of sixteen trams, the contract provides for a possible extension of up to twelve further vehicles in two batches of six.

The contract value amounts to 84.3 million euros and stipulates a production lead time for the initial sixteen vehicles of 32 months.

Stadler will design and manufacture the new 4 500 series trams for FGV at its plant in Albuixech.

The units will be incorporated into the fleet of Metrovalencia and TRAM d’Alacant, to meet the needs arising from expansion projects planned the coming years.

Stadler asserts that TRAMLINK is a versatile and accessible light rail vehicle family, which can be customised to fit network and mobility requirements.

It is a multi-articulated 100% low-floor vehicle, which features innovative steering bogies with real axles, and very low unsprung masses, which provide a quiet and smooth ride, with low ground vibration and noise emissions and a maximum seating capacity above the bogies, without the need for ramps or steps.

Its bright, pleasant and custom-designed interior has no barriers, and ensures safe and comfortable travel.

Local operators in Lausanne and Geneva also chose vehicles from the TRAMLINK family to expand and improve mobility in their respective cities.

FGV’s new metre-gauge trams are more than 45m long and 2.4m wide.

They will be fully accessible and will have spacious multipurpose areas next to the doors, with places reserved for people with reduced mobility.

They will provide greater capacity and fast and efficient boarding and alighting the vehicle.

The TRAMLINKs have been designed in accordance with the latest standards for passive safety, crash safety and pedestrian safety, and comply with the C-III scenario of crash regulations, whereas the normal scenario for trams is the less demanding C-IV scenario.

They will incorporate modern passenger information and video surveillance systems, efficient air conditioning and other innovations that optimise the travel experience.

Stadler hopes that this will contribute to increasing use of public transport.

Iñigo Parra, CEO at Stadler Valencia, said:

“We are very proud that FGV, strongly committed to green and sustainable mobility, has chosen our TRAMLINKs for its expansion projects planned in Alicante and Valencia. The highly innovative tram family set trends in terms of performance, universal accessibility, comfort and safety”.
 
4th March 2023

Tribute made as one of Severn Valley Railway’s volunteers dies​

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Tony Bending​

On 19th February, Tony Bending, one of the Severn Valley Railway’s (SVR) longest-standing volunteers, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 77.
 
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Tony Bending​

David Williams, who has been a fellow pioneer and director of Severn Valley Railway and a friend of Tony for almost 60 years, pays tribute to him:

“Tony was one of the most well-known and respected volunteers on the Severn Valley Railway. Like many of the early members who were mourning the upcoming end of steam traction on British Railways, Tony joined the SVR Society in 1966 and took part in working parties at Bridgnorth and down the line to Hampton Loade. He joined a group of 18 people who bought locomotive 43106 straight from BR at Preston in 1968 and helped to restore it to pristine condition.

“We were teenagers who tore about Britain photographing steam before it disappeared in 1968. At that time, neither of us were local to Bridgnorth, Bewdley or Kidderminster, but as early members of the burgeoning SVR Society, we had a chance to buy and preserve steam locos and coaches on a picturesque stretch of railway. The Society managed to purchase the first stretch of 4.5 miles, and of course, success breeds success; that eventually became the 16.5-mile line we have today! At the beginning, there were no other preserved standard gauge railways within a 100-mile radius of the West Midlands.

“Very early on, Tony became involved in marketing and publicity activities, and his organisational and analytical flair was soon recognised. It was put to good use as a director of the SVR Company (also known as the Guarantee Company) from 1973, and SVR Holdings Plc (the train operating company) from 2011. He was a director of both companies at the time of his death.

“Tony’s managerial experience with British Telecom in Birmingham and London saw him ‘in at the start’ of the computer world, and his knowledge of it at a sound practical level saved the SVR from some large maintenance fees over the whole railway!

“He was on the first SVR footplate courses for ‘outsiders’ in 1969, and became a prolific driver, achieving a lifelong ambition of handling Duchess, King, A4 and Bulleid Pacifics. His last turn, however, was on his favourite 43106 the ‘Flying Pig’, just before his 75th birthday in September 2020.

“So much more could be related, but suffice to say that Tony really ’lived’ SVR for 57 years. Our condolences go to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, dear friend.”
 
4th March 2023

Alterations to Birmingham trains as station roof undergoes improvement work​

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Avanti West Coast train​

Passengers travelling through Birmingham New Street station are advised of changes to journeys as work is completed on the roof covering 12 platforms.

Network Rail engineers will be carrying out improvement work Birmingham New Street station’s original 1960s concrete roof which sits over 12 of its platforms as part of a £7.5m upgrade.

The eight-month essential maintenance project will see changes for passengers and Network Rail is currently working with rail operators in order to see the majority of trains running as normal throughout the period of work.

The work will see platforms closed in pairs for four-week periods and will get underway with platforms 5 and 6 from Sunday the 2nd to Sunday the 30th of April.

The closure of the platforms will see some train times altered and arrivals and departures taking place on different platforms.

CrossCountry passengers travelling between East and West Midlands are set to be particularly affected and advanced notice of alterations will be provided to passengers.

Passengers planning to travel during this term are advised to check their journeys ahead via www.nationalrail.co.uk
 
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West Midlands Railway train on platform at Birmingham New Street

Denise Wetton, Network Rail’s Central route director, said:

“Our major work to renew the roof above Birmingham New Street’s platforms is a vital part of a wider programme to keep the iconic station running reliably and looking its best for passengers.

“The temporary platform closures will mean changes to train services and we’re asking passengers to plan ahead and check with their train operator to see how their journey will be affected. I’d like to thank station users in advance for their patience while this work takes place.”

Lucy Wootton, head of The Grand Railway Collaboration which represents train operators throughout the West Midlands, said:

“Train operators are looking forward to welcoming even more passengers back to the rail network this year, though there will be some changes to timetables while this vital work takes place.

“This investment is key for the long-term future of Birmingham New Street station. In the short-term, the most important thing for passengers is to double-check their journeys to ensure smooth journeys.”

Further to Birmingham New Street station’s platform changes and train departure times during the period of work, there will also be weekday changes for CrossCountry services between Nottingham and Birmingham New Street.

John Robson, regional director for East Midlands and East Anglia at CrossCountry, said:

“There will be significant changes to train services between Nottingham and Birmingham via Derby, Burton-on-Trent and Tamworth while this important upgrade work takes place. We urge our customers to check www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/travel-updates-information for full details before they travel and thank them for their patience while these important improvements take place.”

The essential maintenance project comes as part of a wider programme of upgrades for Birmingham New Street which is the country’s 8th most used station, and will take place over a period of two years in a bid to improve the travel experience for passengers.

Passengers are also being advised to check station departure boards before travelling.
 
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4th March 2023

Train reliability worsening in latest statistics​

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Avanti West Coast 221142 at Northampton​

The rail regulator has published official statistics showing that for the quarter October to December 2022, Britain’s railways saw 4.5% of all planned trains cancelled, the highest since the record began in 2014.

The number of trains arriving at station stops early or less than one minute after the scheduled time has gradually worsened throughout the year.

In the latest quarter, only 62.3% of station stops were arrived at on time.

This is 5.4% worse than the same period the year before (though still 2.9% higher than same quarter pre-pandemic, in 2019).

Pressure on the industry from industrial action continued this quarter, with ten national strike days.

Some severe weather also impacted performance.

A quarter of the days (23 days) were classified as ‘severely disrupted’.

Of the 4.5% trains where were cancelled, just over half (51.6%) had responsibility attributed to train operators, 27.1% to infrastructure and network issues, while the remainder were due to external factors such as severe weather or incidents such as a passenger falling ill on a train.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has published cancellations statistics which show that Avanti West Coast (10.5%), CrossCountry (10.3%), TransPennine Express (7.7%), GTR (6.5%), and LNER (5.6%) cancelled the most trains on the day (excluding ‘P-coded’ pre-cancellations, where applicable) and Chiltern, Greater Anglia and c2c the fewest.

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry and TransPennine Express also recorded the lowest ‘On Time’ scores of all franchised train operators.

ORR has assured passengers that it has been working to ensure that the rail industry addresses the root causes of poor train performance.

It has requested and received regional performance improvement plans from Network Rail containing specific actions and milestones against which the regulator will assess progress.

ORR has also asked Network Rail to do further work to ensure there is a more resilient timetable that can be delivered every day.

For longer-term sustainable improvement, ORR has been working with the Network Performance Board, which brings together Network Rail and rail operators, to promote best practice across track and train.

Feras Alshaker, ORR’s Director of Planning and Performance, said:

“Our official statistics confirm that train reliability is not good enough. Even on non-strike days the number of trains being cancelled is too high and we know for some operators these figures will have been higher, due to pre-cancellations .

“There is no quick fix, but ORR is working closely with the industry to address these issues with train performance so that passengers can travel with confidence.”
 
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4th March 2023

Kent heritage railway to welcome Little Red Riding Hood this Easter​

The family-friendly event will take place over the Easter break from Friday the 7th through to Monday the 10th of April at the Heritage Railway​

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Spa Valley Railway Little Red Riding Hood​

Spa Valley Railway will be joined by Little Red Riding Hood this Easter as it hosts a fun, family-friendly event which will see Little Red Riding Hood on the hunt for a perfect Easter egg for her Granny.

The event is one not to miss and is packed with slapstick comedy, magic and mayhem, and the railway is urging families to book ahead as the shows are expected to sell-out.

The performances are by the marvellous Radtastic Theatre.

The performance gets started at Tunbridge Wells West Station where families will see Little Red and her pals run into an extremely hungry – Big Bad Wolf!

As usual Little Red will outsmart the cheeky wolf before families climb aboard a steam train, ready for a fantastic Easter Egg Hunt!

On the journey, Little Red will be giving out activity packs with colouring pencils to all of her friends on the train.

When the train arrives at Eridge station, all passengers will head on to the platform where Little Red and her friends will be on the lookout for the Easter Bunny so they can find a lovely Easter Egg for Granny.

Little Red will get back on board the train with a basket filled to the brim with tasty chocolate eggs which will be given out to everyone as they make the journey back to Tunbridge Wells West.

Little Red’s adventures depart Tunbridge Wells West station at, 9.45am, 12.30pm, 15.10pm with the return trip 1 hour and 15 minutes later.
 
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Spa Valley Railway​

The cost of the Little Red Riding Hood Trains are as follows:
  • Adult – £15
  • Senior – £14
  • Child (2-15yrs) – £7.50
  • Family (2Adults & 2 Children) – £35
Visitors who are not taking part in the Little Red Riding Train are still able to buy tickets for train travel on the above dates.

To book tickets in advance, please visit: www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Spa Valley Railway are also holding a Mother’s Day Dining Exprience on the 18th of March alongside several other fantastic events during the spring period.

For further details on Spa Valley Railway’s fantastic events, please visit their website.
 
4th March 2023

Transport for London appoints contractor for Docklands Light Railway depot upgrade​

The work comes as part of the new DLR Train Programme and will see a new maintenance building and an increase to its stabling capacity​

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DLR Depot at Beckton​

Transport for London has now appointed Morgan Sindall as the main delivery partner for the programme of work at Docklands Light Railway’s Beckton Depot which will include a brand new maintenance building and the increase of its stabling capacity.

The expansion project comes as part of the DLR Train Programme and will also include 54 brand new five-car Docklands Light Railway trains which will begin operating in 2024.

Some of the railway’s oldest rolling stock which is nearing its end of useful life will be replaced by 33 of the new trains alongside a further 21 trains bringing an increase in capacity for the network.

The new trains offer the latest mod cons including:
  • a walk-through layout
  • audio and visual real-time travel information
  • air conditioning
  • mobile device charging points
The major project will see a brand new maintenance building which will feature a new train-lifting road, craneage alongside under-train access and pits which will allow the new B23 trains assembly to be completed.

The site will also undertake long-term maintenance for the new trains as well as a new test track facility which will enable testing of the new Thales signalling system and will be used by the new fleet alongside the current B2007 trains which will remain in operation.


The increased fleet for Docklands Light Railway will mirror the ever-growing demand in east London and therefore further stabling is also necessary. The current southern sidings will see an extension as well as additional sidings built which will be located to the north of the new maintenance building. Following the programme of work, the Beckton Depot will have six new sidings which will be able to house 15 trains.
 
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DLR Depot at Beckton​

Tom Page, TfL’s General Manager of the DLR, said

“The improvements at Beckton Depot are an integral part of the new DLR train programme. Improved facilities will ensure the trains are well maintained to make sure our customers get the most reliable service possible.”

Simon Smith, Managing Director for Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, said:

“Our work at Beckton Depot will be a key enabler in unlocking additional capacity for TfL’s DLR, improving connections to east and southeast London.

“We’re pleased to partner with TfL once again as we work together to connect people, places and communities through innovative and responsible infrastructure.”

Docklands Light Railway sees over 90 million journeys made every year and is the busiest light railway in the country.

The new trains will also provide more frequent direct services which will support the area’s employment and cultural hub at Stratford enabling better connectivity for passengers making their way across southeast London to east London, removing the need to use Zone 1.

The railway also serves Canary Wharf which is a major centre for professional and financial sectors and links to the Tube network via the new Elizabeth line which recently saw its 100 millionth journey.
 
4th March 2023

When to see steam locomotive 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier this Monday​

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LMS Black 5 45407 'The Lancashire Fusilier'

LMS Black 5 No. 45407 ‘The Lancashire Fusilier’ is to pass through Lancashire this Monday as it heads from the East Lancashire Railway to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

On Monday 6th March 2023, 45407 will depart the ELR at 16:29 and will pass through Castleton at 16:41, Rochdale (16:44), Todmorden (16:58), Accrington (17:31), Blackburn (17:41), Preston (18:07), Lancaster (18:40), and Carnforth at 18:51.

After time at Carnforth Steamtown, the locomotive will depart at 22:04 and will pass through Hellifield (23:20), Gargrave (23:27), Skipton (23:33), and the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway at 00:03, where it will head to Haworth for stabling.
 
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