Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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7th March 2023

Improvement work at Suffolk railway station is now complete​

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Trimley railway station​

Greater Anglia has now completed the renovation of the station’s bridge alongside the addition of new lighting for the platform and car park.

Trimley railway station in Suffolk is now enjoying the benefits of improvements carried out by Greater Anglia including the renovation of its footbridge and new lighting for its car park and platform areas.

The rail operator has invested more than £1.2 million on the refurbishment of the bridge which has seen:
  • The repair and strengthening of the steel structures
  • Installation of brand-new stair treads and decking
  • Brightly painted handrails which also feature lighting
  • New non-slip flooring to improve safety for passengers using the steps
  • An increase made to the height of the parapet of the bridge as a further safety measure.
The project also saw the station re-wired and the installation of new lighting columns on the station’s approach.
 
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Trimley railway station’s bridge renovation​

Greater Anglia’s Asset Management Director, Simone Bailey, said,

“The work at Trimley station means that the footbridge is now looking much smarter, has improved customer safety and is helping to enhance the station environment for our customers.

“I would like to thank customers for their patience while this work was carried out.

“Investing in upgrades to stations across the network is extremely important to Greater Anglia, demonstrating our commitment to providing excellent facilities and service to our customers.”
 
7th March 2023

Rugby fans urged to plan ahead for Six Nations match at Murrayfield​

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Murrayfield​

ScotRail is encouraging fans travelling to see Scotland play Ireland in the Six Nations rugby match this weekend to plan ahead. Scotland host Ireland at BT Murrayfield on Sunday, 12 March, at 3pm.

To help fans travel to and from the match, ScotRail is adding more seats to trains, where possible, throughout the day on routes in and out of Edinburgh Waverley.

Rugby fans are also urged to allow additional time for travel, particularly on their journey home, due to limited access at Haymarket station caused by the ongoing redevelopment of an adjacent building, which has restricted access to the station and reduced its capacity.

This means that ScotRail is unable to provide its normal queuing system after the game, and the station will not be accessible via the ramp at the rear of the station.

Passengers travelling from Haymarket will be required to use the main entrance.

As a result, customers should expect longer waiting times for the train home.

ScotRail is warning that some passengers may be held outside of the station or be redirected to Edinburgh Waverley to catch their train home.

Fans are asked to consider travelling straight to Edinburgh Waverley after the final whistle to reduce their need to queue.

Edinburgh Trams operate a fast and frequent service between the entrance of the stadium and St Andrew Square tram stop – a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley. Edinburgh City Centre is also accessible from BT Murrayfield by a number of Lothian Bus services (1, 3, 12, 22, 25, 26, 30, 31 or 33).

Scotrail is also urging its passengers to buy their return tickets for travel through the mTicket system on the ScotRail app, either from home or on the way to the station, where it will instantly become available on their mobile device.

Phil Campbell, ScotRail Head of Customer Operations, said:

“Scotland have been really impressive in their year’s Six Nations, so we’re looking to forward to this weekend’s match and helping fans travel to and from the game.

“We’ll be doing everything we can to help make our customers’ journey a seamless one, including adding more seats to trains to and from Edinburgh throughout the day.

“However, customers should plan ahead as services will be busy and access at Haymarket station continues to be limited for fans travelling home after the match so customers should consider heading straight to Edinburgh Waverley to catch their train home.”
 
7th March 2023

TransPennine Express celebrates women in the rail industry​

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International Women’s Day 2023 TransPennine Express​

TransPennine Express (TPE) is marking International Women’s Day tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th March, by highlighting some of its incredible women employees and encouraging others to join the rail industry.

Over the last year, the company has continued to embrace equality and break the perception that the rail industry is male-dominated, with women accounting for 27 per cent of its new employees and 31 per cent of its internal promotions.

To mark International Women’s Day, TransPennine Express has released a video that highlights some of the women from across its business leading the way, including Human Resources Director Nicola Buckley, Head of On-Board Services Alison Murray, Fleet Support Engineer Alice Callaghan, and frontline colleagues Kate Holmes who is a conductor) and trainee driver Joanna Collins.
 
WATCH:
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TransPennine Express - International Women's Day​

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TransPennine Express is celebrating International Women’s Day by highlighting some of the fantastic women working for the operator and encouraging more to join the rail industry.

At last week’s prestigious Rail Business Awards ceremony, TransPennine Express came away with the Diversity & Inclusion in Rail award, which recognised some of the incredible schemes and programmes the company has available, especially to women.

To promote the professional development of women, the company has Step Up and Step Forward programmes, whilst its Reach Up and Reach Forward programmes focus on the company’s continued commitment towards helping under-represented groups to reach management roles.

TransPennine Express has also increased its development opportunities with two new offerings with a Women in Rail Mentoring Programme and a Senior Women’s Development Programme.
 
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Nicola Buckley, Human Resources Director at TransPennine Express, said:

“We’re extremely proud of the women working throughout our business and we’re encouraging more to join the railway industry by offering a diverse range of opportunities, from apprenticeships to frontline roles and management positions.

“We’re delighted that 41 per cent of our directors are women and 37 per cent of our senior management team are women, but there’s still more work to be done. We’re delighted to be celebrating International Women’s Day and proud to be able to shine a light on some of the fantastic women leading the way in the rail industry.”

“It’s simple, the women who work for us are a leading light in the industry and we want more to join the incredible team we have here. The rail industry is changing and we want women to be a part of that change.”
 
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Georgie Young, Regional Customer Experience Manager at TransPennine Express, who joined the operator 22 years ago, said:

“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it, and so it’s important that we show off the incredible talent we have on board. It’s even more important for us to encourage women, especially young women, to join the industry as we could be missing out on a wealth of expertise and skills.”

Joanna Collins, a trainee driver for TransPennine Express, is hoping she can be one who breaks the status quo when it comes to train drivers:

“My dad, two of my great-grandads and my great-great grandad were all drivers, and I’m the first woman in the family to follow in their footsteps. I broke the mould in my family and I’m hoping we can do the same throughout the industry.

“In my depot, I will be the second woman driver in a group of 25. When it comes to trains, there’s no gender bias and I’m hoping that I, along with my co-workers, can inspire more women to become drivers.”
 
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Alison Murray, Head of On-Board Services, said:

“There is a belief when it comes to the railway that it’s a male-dominated environment, that is changing. I would say to any woman, please have no fear.

“There are so many options within the industry and so many journeys women can take. We want to educate every woman who may be interested in joining the railway that the opportunities are here for you.”

For further information about careers and job vacancies at TransPennine Express, go to https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/about-us/careers
 
7th March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Made some good progress today.

Got most of the sawing done today for the upper assembly parts.

Assembled another baseboard.

Considering it was 5°C outside, it got up to 10.5°C inside the shed which was a comfortable temperature to work in.

Looks at forecast:

This Evening and Tonight:​

A dry, clear and very frosty night in the north. Further south it will be cloudy with some outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow affecting the far south. Winds light in the north but strengthening in the far south overnight. Minimum temperature -4 °C.

Wednesday:​

A bright and frosty start in the north, cloudier further south with some rain or snow, especially over higher ground. Feeling cold, with a brisk breeze in the south. Maximum temperature 5 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:​

Bands of rain, sleet and snow, accompanied by strong winds will move in during Thursday, before gradually clearing Friday. Turning less cold by Saturday, with rain and sleet arriving later.

:blink: Well, we'll have to see how it goes.

Assembly in progress on a baseboard upper
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7th March 2023

RMT suspends Network Rail strike action​

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

The RMT has released a short statement this evening to confirm that it has suspended all industrial action on Network Rail.

This news comes as a new offer has been sent to the RMT by the employer.

The strike action was due to be held in the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

Further updates are due to be shared on all aspects of the national rail dispute in the coming days.

An RMT Spokesperson said

“The RMT National Executive Committee has taken the decision to suspend all industrial action on Network Rail following receipt of a new offer from the employer.

Further updates will be given on all aspects of the national rail dispute in the coming days.”
 
7th March 2023

‘Lift Off’ at South London railway station​

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Bexley station AfA artist impression​

Network Rail has begun construction of a new footbridge and lifts at Bexley station in south east London, which will provide passengers with a fully accessible station.

This project is funded through the Department for Transport’s (DfT) ‘Access for All’ scheme, which has also funded similar improvements at other stations.

The work at Bexley is expected to be completed in late spring 2024 and will ensure there is step-free access to all the station’s platforms.

Network Rail will work with contractors BAM Nuttall to install two sixteen-person capacity lifts located behind the existing subway which will help passengers with impaired mobility or those travelling with luggage, children or cycles to access the platforms.

Platform one will be widened to create space for the lifts and allow passengers to navigate through the station more easily.

A new footbridge will be built to allow passengers easily get from one side of the platform to the other.

There will be a partial closure of some spaces in the car park, to facilitate the site compound and working areas during the construction phase.

There will also be 36 season ticket spaces suspended until the end of December 2023. Pedestrian access into and around the car parks and one-way systems will not be affected.
 
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Bexley station AfA artist impression​

Bexley station will remain open to passengers throughout the work and rail services will not be affected.

Fiona Taylor, Network Rail’s Kent route director, said:

“We’re delighted to have started work on the new ‘Access for All’ scheme at Bexley station, providing step-free access to both platforms and to give passengers even more journey opportunities.

“We would like to thank passengers and local residents for their patience and understanding whilst we carry out the work.”

David Wornham, passenger services director for Southeastern, said:

“We’re always trying to do more for our customers, and with this funding from the Department for Transport, Network Rail will be able to significantly improve access around the station as well as measures to make our customers and colleagues safer.”
 
8th March 2023

International Women’s Day: Flying Scotsman to be crewed by all-female crew in East Lancashire​

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Flying Scotsman at Irwell Vale​

To celebrate today, 8th March, being International Women’s Day, the iconic Flying Scotsman locomotive is being crewed by an all-female team on the East Lancashire Railway (ELR).

2023 is the centenary of the construction of Flying Scotsman, the world’s most famous steam locomotive. It is spending time at the East Lancashire Railway, after leaving its home at the National Railway Museum in York and touring railways throughout the UK.
 
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Flying Scotsman East Lancashire Railway

Flying Scotsman will be taking part in a special event to celebrate the past, present, and future of women in rail.

An all-female footplate team will drive a train hauled by Flying Scotsman on three round trips on the East Lancashire Railway through the picturesque Lancashire countryside.

Passengers on these trips will be from local primary schools, children’s charities, community groups, and the National Railway Museum team.

The public will be able to ride behind Flying Scotsman through the beautiful Irwell Valley and indulge in a luxury dining experience from Saturday, 11th to Sunday, 19th March.

Today’s ground-breaking crew is made up of three volunteers from the East Lancashire Railway, Linda Henderson, Charlotte Instance, Steph Elwood, and Beth Furness from Network Rail who will be driving Flying Scotsman.
 
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Linda Henderson​

Linda Henderson

In 1993, when she was just 14 years old, Linda began volunteering at the East Lancashire Railway along with her mother and younger brother.

Since then she has undertaken many different roles at the railway, including dispatcher and signal operations manager, and in March 2017 she became the railway’s first female main-line locomotive driver.
 
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Charlotte Instance​

Charlotte Instance

Charlotte joined the East Lancashire Railway in the summer of 2021 and was instrumental in getting the station shop up and running.

She soon followed in her great grandfather’s footsteps when she joined the steam crew as a cleaner, including preparing and cleaning Flying Scotsman during one of its previous visits to the railway and has since progressed to become a locomotive driver.
 
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Steph Elwood​

Steph Elwood

Steph had a background in maintenance and repair when she joined the railway in October 2021.

Keen to progress further and build on her self-confidence, she was soon put on a fast-track course and passed her firing exam in September last year to become the East Lancashire Railway’s second-ever female fireman.
 
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Beth Furness​

Beth Furness

Beth’s love for trains began at her local railway when she was 16 years old.

Since then, she has worked in various roles including operations, fitting, signalling, and as a fireman.

She has previously worked for the National Railway Museum and now works for Network Rail.

Beth Furness, who works as a section planner for Network Rail, said:

“Historically the railways have been a male-dominated industry, but this is changing. Since 2017, our female workforce has grown twice as much as our male workforce and today, around 19% of people working at Network Rail are women.

“Never Mind the Gap is an industry-wide collaboration that offers two-week work placements to show women what it takes to be a train driver, work at one of our stations, as well as experience in engineering, communications and investment. Once you join the industry, there’s lots of support available to grow your career.

“I’m hoping that the team today and the magnificent Flying Scotsman can inspire more young women to come forward.”
 
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Tracey Parkinson has been General Manager at East Lancashire Railway since 2017, with an extensive 28-year background in railways she has worked across a number of roles including as a steam locomotive fireman and mainline fireman.

She comments:

“This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the contribution of women in the railway industry and the iconic Flying Scotsman in its 100th year. We are honoured to be a part of it and to have female volunteers crewing the locomotive and in supporting operational roles.

“We want to help shine a spotlight on women in the rail industry over the past 100 years and the future opportunities for women within the railway sector, including at ELR.

“We have some very exciting things planned for Flying Scotsman’s time at the railway, including the chance to ride behind it and enjoy a luxury dining experience. It will also be on static display at our Heywood and Bury Stations for the public to get up close and personal with it.

“We want people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to know that they are welcome at ELR, with or without experience. We offer extensive training programmes across a variety of roles at the railway and our hardworking volunteers are crucial in keeping the doors open.”
 
Judith McNicol, Director of the National Railway Museum said:

“Flying Scotsman’s centenary is a chance to celebrate the history of this famous locomotive, but also to reflect on how far we’ve come in terms of women’s opportunities in rail and what still needs to be done. When Flying Scotsman was built in 1923, equal voting for men and women was still five years away and despite playing an important role in keeping the railways running, especially during the world wars, many higher-status occupations were not open to women.

“I hope that by working with our partners to mark International Women’s Day at this event, we can highlight and celebrate the achievements of women in the rail industry.”

The East Lancashire Railway is a registered charity that railway relies heavily on volunteers to operate.

It has a team of over 800 dedicated volunteers who work in various roles including running the railway’s pubs, cafes, and special events, repairing, maintaining, and driving trains, and much more.

Further information about volunteering opportunities at the railway or about Flying Scotsman’s visit is available online at https://www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk/
 
8th March 2023

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Operators call for RMT ballot after Network Rail offer​

The RMT said last night that it is suspending all industrial action by its Network Rail members after a new offer was received.

No further details have been given, although the RMT has promised that ‘Further updates will be given on all aspects of the national rail dispute in the coming days.’

The Rail Delivery Group has reacted by calling for a ballot of RMT members working for train operators.

The RDG said:

‘The RMT leadership's decision to put Network Rail's deal to its membership is a welcome development, but train operating staff will rightly be asking why their union continues to deny them the opportunity to have their say on our equivalent offer.

‘Instead of inflicting more lost pay on its members and disruption to our passengers, we are calling on the union to call off their strikes and meet us for urgent talks to resolve this dispute.’

At the moment, strikes affecting 14 train operators are still set to be called on 16, 18 and 30 March, and also on 1 April.

The RDG has previously warned that national pay negotiations could be suspended unless the ‘best and final’ offer was put to its members in a ballot.

Chief employers’ negotiator Tim Shoveller had told Railnews:

‘We spent January working with the RMT and were confident that the package agreed would be accepted by another 4000 RMT members which would take us over the 50 per cent acceptance threshold, but this was not put to members to vote on. The fact the RMT continues to refuse to put this to the members is our biggest challenge and also for their members who want a vote and not to lose any more money.’
 
8th March 2023

Rail Delivery Group urges RMT to put offer to members​

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The Climate Train

The Rail Delivery Group has urged the RMT union to put its pay offer to its members in the ongoing dispute over pay and conditions.

The news comes after the RMT halted strike action on Network Rail after the company sent in a new deal to the union.

However, the Rail Delivery Group says that an identical offer was sent to the RMT Union, but was not put to members.

Strike action is currently set to take place in March and April.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said:

“The RMT leadership’s decision to put Network Rail’s deal to its membership is a welcome development, but train operating staff will rightly be asking why their union continues to deny them the opportunity to have their say on our equivalent offer."

“Instead of inflicting more lost pay on its members and disruption to our passengers, we are calling on the union to call off their strikes and meet us for urgent talks to resolve this dispute.”
 
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8th March 2023

Wolverhampton school children name Class 196 train​

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WMR customer experience director Jonny Wiseman, head teacher Sharifan Nasa and school children with the Graiseley Wolves train

Children from Graiseley Primary School in Wolverhampton are celebrating after the name Graiseley Wolves that they had chosen was unveiled as the name for a four-carriage Class 196 train, which is one of the newest trains in the West Midlands Railway (WMR) fleet.
 
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West Midlands Railway Class 196​

The naming came just before International Women’s Day which is being celebrated today, Wednesday, 8th March.

The schoolchildren chose the name after visiting Wolverhampton station last year to attend the launch of ‘My Mummy is a Train Driver’, which is a book promoting diversity and inclusion.
 
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My Mummy is a train driver

At the special event to launch the My Mummy is a Train Driver book, children from the school had the chance to step on board a Class 196 train, sit in the driver’s cab, and listen to one of the authors telling them about the book.

The book was co-funded by West Midlands Railway and representatives from across the industry were present its launch, and one of the company’s drivers told the children about her life in the driving cab.
 
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Wolverhampton Railway Station

Jo MacPhail, HR director at West Midlands Railway, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Graiseley Primary School to Wolverhampton station and watch the children have such a fun time aboard one of our 196 trains.

“I am delighted the children have now chosen a fitting name for the train which will be riding the Shrewsbury Line in the coming weeks.”

Sharifan Nasa, head teacher of Graiseley Primary School, said:

“I am so pleased to hear that this wonderful name has been chosen for the new train joining the WMR fleet.

“It is such a privilege to have our name on a train that has been created by one of our pupils.”

My Mummy is a Train Driver is available to buy now.
 
8th March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Made no progress today..........

Marcus' Train Shed Journey

It's 1°C outside.......

Walked through the slushy snow into the 'Train Shed'.........

It's 1.5°C inside............

Turned around walked back to my house.

It's 16°C inside..........

I'm staying in today. :lol:

ETHNON RAIL Train Shed in the snow.
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8th March 2023

North Yorkshire Moors Railway introduces 12-Month Annual Pass with Children Travelling Free​

The popular heritage railway is introducing the new two-tiered ticketing set-up for the 2023 season which will include a 12-month annual pass.​

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2999 'Lady of Legend', 25th Sept 2021, North Yorkshire Moors Railway Steam Gala, Goathland

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has introduced a new approach to its ticketing with a new 12-month pass which will allow visitors to pay just £40 to visit as many times over a period of 12 months using standard timetable services only.

The heritage railway will be removing child and family fares alongside peak and off-peak tickets this April and will be replaced with the following options:
  • £40 for the 12-month pass which can be used for the entire length of the line
  • £15 for a single-use short Journeys ticket
  • Children aged 15 and under can travel free at all times.
 
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LMS 8F 48305 at Grosmont

Laura Strangeway, Director of Corporate Services at NYMR, commented:

“Since the pandemic, we have had to adapt our ticketing model to fall in line with restrictions. Heritage railways were not designed to accommodate social distancing, limited capacity and timetable restrictions. Due to this, our timetable and ticketing have become increasingly tricky to manage and maintain. We’ve listened to our visitors and simplified the offering with the view to providing better value for money, enabling more visitors to access the railway and see the full works of the charity.

“Not only will more people be able to access and use the railway, we are encouraging our visitors to Gift Aid at no extra cost to help relieve some of the pressures from our day-to-day operation.

“As we prepare for the new season, our principal message is still the same – the NYMR is a place where people can come and explore the rich industrial, cultural and natural heritage – a committed railway charity that does more than just move people.”
 
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5428 'Eric Treacy' Stanier Class 5, 4-6-0, NYMR Steam Gala, Grosmont, 24th September 2021

Wednesday the 8th of March will see the new ticketing system in operation ahead of the railway’s forthcoming season which begins on the 27th of March 2023 with services set to run each day right up to the 5th of November 2023.

To find out more about booking tickets at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway please visit: www.nymr.co.uk/Listing/Category/book-tickets
 
8th March 2023

Hull Trains takes part in #EmbraceEquity for International Women’s Day​

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Hull Trains #EmbraceEquity for International Women's Day​

As part of International Women’s Day which is being held today, Wednesday, 8th March, female colleagues working for Hull Trains have been taking part in an #EmbraceEquity pose to help promote a diverse workforce.

To raise greater awareness of the differences between equality and equity, the pose is being encouraged everywhere today to show solidarity.

Equality is defined as providing everyone with access to the same tools in the workplace, whereas equity recognises that sometimes, this isn’t enough, and in order to succeed individuals may require different resources.

Hull Trains has a long history of employing a diverse workforce.

Today, 47% of its employees are female, there is a 50/50 split on the executive board, and 27% of its drivers are women with all of them having been promoted internally.

That is the highest percentage in the UK rail industry where, according to 2021 statistics, the industry average is 6.5%.
 
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Hull Trains​

Louise Mendham, Service Delivery Director, explained:

“Since joining the team in 2008, I have experienced first-hand how Hull Trains enable pathways for women to progress and it has always been a priority to listen to individual needs and provide tailored support so that everyone gets the same opportunities to succeed.

“We have an incredible team here and things like gender, race, and sexuality have never been a barrier for any colleague. We recognise that people join us with different needs, so it is important to allocate exact resources and opportunities on an individual basis.”

A prime example of this is Hull Trains’ approach to flexible working which has undergone a step change in its approach to flexible working since 2015.

A total of 15% of all colleagues working in office and onboard roles are taking advantage of this to support a healthy work/life balance.

Louise continued:

“We want to inspire people from all backgrounds to come and join the railway industry and awareness events like International Women’s Day are a great way to spread the message and break down barriers.

“We have a woman in every role we offer here at Hull Trains, and we regularly champion them to help retain and attract further talent to the team, especially individuals who probably didn’t see the railway as a career option for them.”

Further information about International Women’s Day and how to #EmbraceEquity can be found at www.internationalwomensday.com
 
8th March 2023

More Rolling Stock Ordered Today for ETHNON RAIL :)

I have been after this set for a few years and today I was able to buy it. :yaay:

Hornby OO train set "London Olympics 1908"

It is a limited edition and comes with its certificate of authenticity.

The box includes:

GWR 4-4-0 County class locomotive "county of Radnor"

GWR 3rd Class Clerestory Composite Coach '953'

GWR 3rd Class Clerestory Brake Coach '3379'

The set is used, however it has been tested and runs well.
None of the items is weathered.

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