Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Status
Not open for further replies.
image.png

Easy accessibility on Tyne and Wear Metro's new Class 555 trains have an open plan layout

Each time a train returns to Stadler's Gosforth depot will analyse auto-downloaded diagnostic reports, which will provide fault-finding and revolutionise preventative maintenance.

Nexus said the event was an opportunity to thank many different people who have helped make the new fleet a reality: Metro customers who have shaped the design, local politicians and business leaders who campaigned for funding, some of its many employees and trade union reps involved in the project, and local firms now supplying parts and technology to the new train.

Transport Minister, Richard Holden MP, joined with other invited guests to get a first look at the brand new Stadler train, the first of 46 that Nexus has on order. He said:

“Today marks a new bright chapter for passengers in Tyne and Wear and the North East who will benefit from some of the most modern metro trains in the country thanks to over £360 million in Government investment.

“These sleek new trains will offer cleaner, smoother and more reliable journeys as we leave no stone unturned to boost clean travel, level up transport and grow the economy.”

Managing Director of Nexus, Martin Kearney, said:

“We are at the beginning of an exciting new era for transport in North East England.

“The Stadler trains are going to be transformative, and we are really excited to get them into service for our customers.

“Stadler are a world-class train manufacturer. What they are delivering are trains with the very latest modern technology, which is a massive leap from our current 43-year-old fleet.

“This is a new train whose design has been shaped by customers, employees, trade unions and specialist user groups. We believe this to have been the most far-reaching consultation yet staged into a new train design. Over 23,000 customer responses have helped to shape the design.

“The hard work starts now to get the trains ready to go into service. The new Metro trains will have to go through a phase of rigorous testing on our network, and all our drivers will need to undertake a period of train handling experience during the implementation phase of the project.

“We will then be able to put the new train into service so that all of our customers will get to feel the benefits, and share in this moment of history for the Tyne and Wear Metro.”
 
image.png

Cllr Martin Gannon, Chair, North East Joint Transport Committee, said: “I am delighted to see the new train take pride of place in our region's Metro fleet.

“The technology onboard is very impressive and I'm sure passengers can't wait to see the new fleet in action. My congratulations to the team at Nexus for their hard work getting the trains ready to enter service – it is an exciting time for public transport in the North East.

“This investment is a result of the whole region pulling together to secure major funding from government, recognising the huge importance of our Metro system to residents, businesses and of course the region's economy.

“The new fleet alongside other significant investments in public transport such as the recently completed Metro Flow programme and our Bus Service Improvement Plan will help to transform the sustainable travel options available for many people – ensuring our transport system delivers an enjoyable, reliable and safe service which meets the objectives of our region's Transport Plan.”

Michael Steiner, programme director at Stadler, commented:

“The new trains that we are supplying are safe, reliable, highly comfortable and designed with the 21st-century passenger in mind. The arrival of the first ones in Newcastle is a highly symbolic occasion for Stadler, Nexus, our stakeholders and the passengers who will have the pleasure of travelling on them, heralding an important milestone in the project.

“We are pleased also to be on the way to completing the new purpose-built depot, which will accommodate the new fleet. Configured to facilitate a range of activities, it will enhance efficiency and vastly improve the working environment, boasting a range of features to promote sustainability and the environment.”
 
18th March 2023

Work to reinstate Scotland railway line reaches half way point​

image.png

Double track section at Levenmouth

Network Rail has announced that track work on the Levenmouth Rail Link has passed the half-way point.

Completion of the latest phase of track installation marks a significant milestone on the Scottish Government-funded project with the first three miles of rail now in place from Thornton Junction, now extending more than half-way to Leven.

Since the start of work on the line, engineers have dug out the track bed, removing 30,000 tonnes of spoil, and have waterproofed the ground and laid approximately 37,000 tonnes of new stone ballast.

Engineers have installed more than 18,000 sleepers and 22 km of rail in on hundred 215-metre-long sections of rail to complete the new section of track.
 
Last edited:
WATCH:

image.png


To watch video click link: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/3r0cum99wn

Work to reinstate the six-mile Levenmouth Rail Link got underway in March 2022 and includes repairs to existing bridges, construction of two new stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven, and laying six miles of new track.

The £116 million project, which is due for completion in 2024, will reconnect Leven to the rail network for the first time in more than five decades.

Following successful completion of a range of preparatory activities the project to deliver the new Levenmouth Rail Link kicked off in March 2022.

Work includes:
  • 19 single track kilometres of new / reinstated railway. (Fully double tracked railway)
  • Two new modern accessible stations
  • Electrification of the line
  • Work with partners to optimise interchange options connecting stations.
The project is a £116.6m Scottish Government investment, and is scheduled to complete in Spring 2024.

The first mile of track completed by the project has already been brought into use to support construction of the subsequent phases of work.

The second phase of track work is also now complete.

Current work to the west of the route includes fencing, re-profiling of embankments, drainage and cabling works.

Work is now underway on both Cameron Bridge and Leven stations.

Preparatory work on the (Bawbee) Leven bridge is now underway as we prepare to close the road in May 2023.

This includes construction of the temporary road and bridge for a diversion route during the closure.

Planning applications for both station developments on the line were submitted to Fife Council in October 2022, the same month that MP Wendy Chamberlain visited the site.

Patrick Harvie MSP, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights said:

“It is really encouraging to see the halfway point for track laying being reached as work continues to reconnect Leven to the mainline rail network.

“With work now underway on both stations and activity all along the rail corridor, I really get the sense that momentum is building around the project as well as the feeling of excitement in the community in anticipation of the benefits the new line will bring.

“So, my thanks to the teams on the ground who are working hard in all weathers to bring this project to life to enable low-carbon transport options and make real the Government's net-zero transport ambitions.”

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail's project manager for the Levenmouth Rail Link, said:

“Reaching the half-way point in the track work is a real milestone for the project and it shows the significant progress that has been made in little over a year.

“While the track is now in place for the first three miles, there is still significant heavy engineering work ongoing on those sections, such as piling and signalling and we would again encourage local people to stay away from the track for their safety, and for the safety of those operating the equipment.

“It's been incredible to watch the progress of the track works as they have been delivered but the focus now turns more towards the construction of the new stations on the route and inevitably towards reconnecting these communities to the leisure, education and employment opportunities that the completed railway will deliver.”
 
18th March 2023

Mums go free this Mothers’ Day at Devon tramway​

image.png

Tram at Seaton Tramway​

Seaton Tramway is inviting you to enjoy a “unique way to celebrate Mother's Day”, by taking a trip on its trams.

Seaton Tramway is located in Seaton, East Devon.

It runs through beautiful East Devon, giving you a chance to experience the the Axe Valley in a unique way.

This Mother's Day, mums can travel free at Seaton Tramway.

Delicious cream teas will be available from Tramstop Café, Colyton, and you can purchase them after a ride on the trams.

The cream tea includes two freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, along with a pot of tea or coffee.

Seaton Tramway believes that this is “the perfect way to treat your mother and show her how much you appreciate all that she does for you!”

The Tramway is also offering an additional treat: a chance to drive a tram with a Driver's Eye Experience!
 
:ermm: So, I've run out of screws.........

That's 700 screws used in the project so far. :blink:

I've ordered another 300 tonight. :)

So I'll concentrate on producing my next YouTube video for the next couple of days, until my new stock of screws arrive.

image.png
 
19th March 2023

Photos as Class 73 enters preservation service in South Wales​

image.png

Class 73 on brake van rides​

This weekend, the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway are holding their Mixed Traffic Gala, and here are some images from the first day of the gala.

The weather forecast was set to be dreadful, but thankfully, it turned out to be much drier.

Whilst the day saw the inaugural run of Class 73130 in preservation since it arrived earlier in the year, the day also saw a number of other ‘firsts', including:
  • First public run of ex-GWR class 143 143 612 (with thanks to the owners, Vale of Berkeley Railway)
  • First public run of ex-MOD railcar AD9117 following its overhaul
  • First appearance in preservation of Class 315856.
 
Last edited:
image.png

ex-MOD railcar AD9117 and Class 315 No. 315856​

The Class 315 was also open for public viewing, which was made possible thanks to the Class 315 Preservation Group.

Want to make a visit?

Well its good news!

The gala continues today (19th March), with the gala also including:
  • Sentinel 0-4-0 DM Shunter No. 10222
  • Class 143 Pacer Railcar No. 143 612 & TFW sets 142 006 / 143 607
  • Ex. MOD 4-wheel Railcar AD9117
  • Class 73 Electro-diesel No. 73 130
 
image.png

Class 73 on brake van rides​

Gates open at 9.30am with the first departure at 10am, then frequently through the day until 3pm.

A range of single trip and rover tickets are available.

Tickets are available here.
 
19th March 2023

SPOTLIGHT

British Rail Class 15​

image.png

D8200 in October 1968. British Thomson-Houston Type 1. Introduced Nov 1957 and withdrawn Mar 1971 and scrapped at BREL Crewe in Mar 1972.

The British Rail Class 15 diesel locomotives, also known as the BTH Type 1, were designed by British Thomson-Houston, and built by the Yorkshire Engine Company and the Clayton Equipment Company, between 1957 and 1961.

They were numbered D8200-D8243.

The Class 15 was ordered by British Railways (BR) shortly after the announcement of the 1955 Modernisation Plan, which led to the procurement of a diverse number of diesel locomotives under the 'pilot scheme'.

Shortly following the completion of the first locomotive during 1957, its performance was sufficient to justify multiple follow-on orders, leading to a total fleet of 44 locomotives.

In service, the type was relatively unreliable, much of this been traceable to its Paxman 16YHXL power unit.

Its fortunes were further impacted by inconsistent policy making.

During the late 1960s, it was decided to withdraw the Class 15 in favour of the more numerous and successful British Rail Class 20 locomotive, both types having been developed to satisfy the same Type 1 specification.

Their final use was as departmental vehicles, coming to an end in the late 1980s.

One example has survived into preservation.
 
image.png
British Thomson-Houston Type 1 (later Class 15), Pilot Scheme batch, 800hp Bo-Bo No.D8208 in green livery with small yellow warning panel and, unusually, a yellow warning square above, at Stratford MPD, July 1966.

In less than a decade following the formation of British Railways (BR), substantial changes were being made.

Under the 1955 Modernisation Plan, a long-term strategy of replacing steam locomotives with a combination of diesel locomotives and electric locomotives was adopted, with the former being largely intended as an interim measure for most areas ahead of widespread electrification of trunk routes.

There was also a strong political desire to support British manufacturers in transitioning towards the design and production of these favoured forms of traction.

Due to a lack of expertise, this often involved the pairing of traditional locomotive manufacturers with various firms within the electrical sector, even though the latter typically had very limited experience of the railways.

In accordance with these policies, BR ramped up its efforts to convert its fleet, placing numerous orders within a short timeframe for diesel locomotives to several different specifications with various manufactures.

It placed four separate lots of orders, for a cumulative 44 BTH Type 1 diesel locomotives with the heavy engineering company British Thomson-Houston (BTH).

The first batch of locomotives was primarily intended for evaluation purposes, this initiative coming under the remit of BR's pilot scheme.
 
image.png

D8241 at East Finchley with Local goods train, 1962.

The first ten locomotives were delivered to the London Midland Region's Devons Road depot in Bow, East London, where they were evaluated against the contemporary North British Type 1 (class 16) and English Electric Type 1 (class 20) designs.

Soon, however, the entire class was allocated to depots on the Eastern Region, where they remained until withdrawal.

The second block of ten was originally allocated to March depot in East Anglia, however due to the Clean Air Act 1956 the locomotives were quickly re-allocated to East London, allowing the replacement of steam locomotives in that area.

Thereafter, the type was allocated exclusively to Stratford, Finsbury Park and Ipswich depots.

For a period, a single Class 15 was operated as the station pilot at Liverpool Street station, the last locomotive used being 8234 which was replaced by a Class 08 on 4 October 1971.

A member of the class also worked as the train ferry shunter at Harwich Town during the 1960s.
 

Accidents and incidents​

image.png

As a result of over zealous shunting D8221 was shoved through the stopblocks and deposited in Croft St. Ipswich on Nov 21 1963, fortunately no-one was about so no injuries occurred.​

On 21 November 1963, locomotive No. D8221 crashed through buffers whilst shunting at Ipswich engine shed and ended up across Croft Street.

After attempts to tow it back onto the track using diesel locomotives failed, it was retrieved using the only steam locomotive in service at Ipswich, which had been retained for carriage heating purposes.
 

Withdrawal​

Following a persistent decline in freight duties in the London area, in combination with the type being a relatively small and unsuccessful non-standard class, the type was considered to be surplus to requirements by the late 1960s.

The ubiquitous British Rail Class 20, which had been developed to meet the same Type 1 specification, was more numerous and had proved to be less troublesome to operate, thus it effectively replaced the type in all operational respects.

The type was speedily removed from traffic, being withdrawn from capital stock between April 1968 and March 1971.

D8225 was observed operating at Temple Mills as late as 28 March 1971.

After withdrawal 23 of the class were stored at the former Ipswich engine shed during 1971 before being hauled away, generally as part of booked freight trains, for scrapping.

image.png

Having been spruced-up, BTH Class 15 Carriage Heating Unit ADB968001 (ex D8233) was sandwiched between 03158 & 08261 at Colchester on May 1st 1980.
 

Conversion​

All but four locomotives had been broken up for scrap by the end of 1972.

The four Class 15s that survived were used for departmental service for a time, for which they were converted into non-powered electric train pre-heating units based at Doncaster Works.

These duties kept the locomotives in active use for another ten years or more, until these final examples were again found to be redundant and finally withdrawn.

Original NumberDepartmental numberLocationWithdrawnDisposal
D8203DB968003Finsbury Park (FP)1981Scrapped, 1981
D8233DB968001Finsbury Park (FP)1982Preserved
D8237DB968002Finsbury Park (FP)1982Scrapped, 1985
D8243DB968000Finsbury Park (FP)1989Scrapped, 1991

​
 
image.png

Withdrawn Class 15 ADB968000 (previously numbered D8243) stands at Marylebone on September 3, 1988.

Converted to a train pre-heating unit, it was unable to move under its own power.

This locomotive was eventually cut-up at Vic Berry's, Leicester in February 1991.
 

Preservation​

One of the former train heating units, D8233, was purchased for preservation in 1984 and is now the only survivor of the type.

It was originally kept at the South Yorkshire Railway in Sheffield, moving in 1986 to the East Lancashire Railway, and in 1988 to the Mangapps Farm Railway, where it remained until 1993.

D8233 then moved to Crewe following an agreement with the Waterman Heritage Trust.

Since its initial preservation the locomotive had received little work apart from cosmetic attention.

Some work was carried out by the Waterman Heritage Trust, however the locomotive's restoration remained dormant until the end of 2005, when a reformed owning group, alongside the WHT, agreed the time was right to accelerate the locomotive's return to service.

With an active plan for work agreed, the locomotive returned to the East Lancashire Railway in February 2006, where its restoration to working order is now under way.

image.png

D8233, Crewe Basford Hall Yard
 
19th March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

While waiting for my new stock of screws I had a tidy up of the shed and took some photos of my Xmas Presents from last year.

I would have taken some video, but unfortunately my camera has decided to act up. :ermm:

Hoping it's just being temperamental otherwise it's a new camera. :(

I've also prepared the plan for the layout boards in relation to position in the shed.

As usual, a compromise has to be taken with access and Cleo's demands for her space. :eyeroll:

Although the shed is 30 feet by 10 feet, it has to be noted that with frame reinforcement, the actual internal space is slightly smaller.

image.png
 
My first Xmas present came from Cleo,

It's the R156 Class 08 Shunter in BR Green, secondhand, the box is a bit tatty but the model is in very good condition.

So at last I have a Green 'Gronk'! :lol: (nickname for classes 08 to 12)

image.png
 
The loco came with it's servicing leaflet, which is good.

Note the manufacturers quality stamp in the top right hand corner.

It shows the model number, the day, the month and the year of QA check.

So the stamp identifies the model as a R156, 27th September 1978.

image.png
 
13012's Real Life History

NUMBERS CARRIED
TypeNumberDate FromNotes
Post 1948 (1955 Num)1301223/12/1952
Pre TOPS (Pre Tops)D301227/02/1960
TOPS (Tops)08007
LOCOMOTIVE SPECIFICS
Class as Built08
Subclass/Rebuild History
ClassFrom
0823/12/1952
Wheels0-6-0
BuilderDerby Works
Order Number232
To Service23/12/1952 to Hither Green (73C)
Withdrawn01/01/1973
Time in Service20 yrs , 9 dys
Cut Up10/1973
Cut AtLocomotive Works (Swindon)
ALLOCATIONS
CodeSubsequent CodesNameFrom Date
73C Hither Green (New)on23/12/1952
71A Eastleigh4w/e06/11/1954
Withdrawnon01/01/1973
CONFIGURATION
DateConfigurationDescription
23/12/1952vVacuum brakes

SUMMARY
StartEventDetails
23/12/1952To ServiceTo service as British Railways number 13012
Built at Derby Works
Allocated to Hither Green (73C)
06/11/1954AllocationReallocated to Eastleigh (71A)
27/02/1960RenumberedRenumbered to 3012
1973Number AllocatedAllocated number 08007 but not taken up
01/01/1973WithdrawnCondemned as 3012
10/1973ScrappedBroken up by Locomotive Works: Swindon
 
Sadly, I couldn't find a photo of the real 13012.

But I did find this at an auction site............

Lot 12

Diesel Locomotive Flamecut Numberplate "3012".

As carried by Class 08 shunter 13012 becoming D3012 2/60.

Allocated number 08007 under TOPS but never taken up as withdrawn 1/73.

Cut up at Swindon Works 10/73.

Original as cut condition.

Guide: £150-250

image.png
 
My second Xmas present also came from Cleo,

It's the TRI-ANG HORNBY R758 – Class 35 D7063, secondhand but in a nice cosmetic condition.

So at last I have a Green ''Hymek''! :lol: (nickname for class 35)

image.png
 
D7063's Real Life History

NUMBERS CARRIED
TypeNumberDate FromNotes
Pre TOPS (Pre Tops)D706328/12/1962
LOCOMOTIVE SPECIFICS
Class as Built35
Subclass/Rebuild History
ClassFrom
3528/12/1962
WheelsB-B
BuilderBeyer Peacock Ltd.
Order NumberBP3039
Works Number7967
Fittings (as built)
Train BrakesVacuum Brakes fitted
Steam BoilerSpanner Mk 3
AWSWestern Region AWS (ATC) fitted
To Service28/12/1962 to Cardiff Canton (88A)
Withdrawn03/10/1971
Time in Service8 yrs, 9 mths , 5 dys
Cut Up11/1972
Cut AtLocomotive Works (Swindon)
StatusScrapped
ALLOCATIONS
CodeSubsequent CodesNameFrom Date
88A Cardiff Canton (New)on28/12/1962
81A Old Oak Common4w/e27/07/1963
86A Cardiff Canton10w/e01/06/1968
Withdrawnon03/10/1971
CONFIGURATION
DateConfigurationDescriptionAdditional
28/12/1962vbVacuum brakes, Steam heatWR ATC

SUMMARY
StartEventDetails
28/12/1962To ServiceTo service as British Railways number D7063
Built at Beyer Peacock Ltd., Works Number 7967
Allocated to Cardiff Canton (88A)
27/07/1963AllocationReallocated to Old Oak Common (81A)
01/06/1968AllocationReallocated to Cardiff Canton (86A)
03/10/1971WithdrawnCondemned as 7063
11/1972ScrappedBroken up by Locomotive Works: Swindon
 
Hymek D7063 pictured on the stores road at Old Oak Common Depot. This picture is believed to have been taken between 1964 / 1965.

image.png
 
Last edited:
D7063 immortalised in art! :)

I have no details for the original image.

If anyone knows location, photographer etc.... please let me know so I can credit the original.

D7063 No Provenance

image.png
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top