Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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47798's Real Life History In British Railways


SUMMARY

Diesel Locomotive Class 47/4 No 47798 'Prince William'. Co-Co 4 foot 8 1/2 inch gauge, built at Crewe by British Rail Crewe and Brush Ltd in 1965.

Named 'Firefly' from August 1985 to March 1995; renamed 'Prince Willliam' in May 1995.

This particular locomotive was built at Crewe Work in 1965 and numbered D1656.

Subsequently the locomotive was re-numbered 47072 in 1974, and again to 47609 in 1984.

It was at this time that the locomotive also received an electric train heat supply and an alternator, in place of the main generator.

The engine was named “Fire-fly” in August 1985, and finally renumbered to its present 47798 in May 1995, at which time it was given its current name, “Prince William”.

D1656 hurries along between Gotherington and Bishops Cleeve with the 1V72 on a sunny 11 June 1967

47072 at Westbury 10 August 1980

Brush Type4 47609 Fire Fly departs Oxford on 13 September 1986

47609 named Firefly on 31-8-85 and denamed on 31-12-89

With the impending electrification no doubt this view will change drastically - certainly the lines to the right are long gone .

Built at Crewe and entered traffic on 1-2-65.

Originally D1656 it became 47072 on 31-12-73 and received the number 47609 on 17-4-84.

Subsequently 47609 was to become 47834 on 2-8-89 and 47798 from 47834 on 28-4-95.

It was named 'Prince William' on 11-5-95 ~ Unique two piece black-backed nameplates 'FIRE' and 'FLY' with centrally positioned GWR coat of arms and GWR150 commemorative plates.

When first applied to 47609 in blue livery the whole ensemble was surrounded by a thin orange border.

Now preserved by the National Railway Musuem York after donation by E.W.S.

47834 Fire Fly at Preston on 21st March 1995

47798 at the NRM (National Railway Museum), York, 30 October 2010​

20th March 2023

Avanti West Coast wins last minute contract extension​

Updated 10.55

Avanti West Coast’s contract to provide intercity services on the West Coast Main Line has been extended to October, less than two weeks before the arrangement had been due to expire.

A new managing director has also taken over.

Avanti, which is owned by FirstGroup and Trenitalia, had come under fire because of its high number of train cancellations and a reduced timetable which it introduced last summer in a bid to work within its resources.

Its contract was due to end on 31 March, but will now continue until 15 October.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said:

‘The routes Avanti West Coast run are absolutely vital, and I fully understand the frustrations passengers felt at the completely unacceptable services seen last autumn. Following our intervention, rail minister Huw Merriman and I have worked closely with local leaders to put a robust plan in place, which I’m glad to see is working.

‘However, there is still more work to be done to bring services up to the standards we expect, which is why over this next six months further improvements will need to be made by Avanti West Coast.’

Figures published by the Office of Rail and Road at the start of this month revealed that Avanti had cancelled 10.5 per cent of its services in the three months to December last year, which was the worst figure for any operator, although CrossCountry was only just ahead with 10.3 per cent, while TransPennine Express was third worst, with 7.7 per cent.

Announcing Avanti’s contract extension today, the Department for Transport said it had recorded ‘significant improvements, including running 40 per cent more services and cancellations falling to 4.2 per cent’, although it also warned that ‘further improvements will be needed over the next six months’.

In a notice to the London Stock Exchange this morning confirming the extension, FirstGroup also announced that Andy Mellors has been appointed managing director of Avanti, and that he will taking up his duties immediately.

He has previously had senior posts at Great Western Railway and South Western Railway, and most recently he has been managing director of Firstgroup’s open access rail businesses division, which is responsible for Hull Trains and Lumo.

He takes over at Avanti from First Rail managing director Steve Montgomery, who has been acting md of Avanti since September last year.

FirstGroup’s chief executive officer Graham Sutherland said:

‘We are working closely with government and our partners across the industry to deliver a successful railway for our customers and communities. Performance at Avanti is steadily improving and since the introduction of the new timetable in mid-December, the number of services has increased by more than 40 per cent compared to last summer, with more seats and better frequencies. Today’s agreement allows our team to continue their focus on delivering their robust plans to continue enhancing services for our customers, including further progress on our train upgrade and refurbishment programme.’

Labour’s shadow transport secretary Louise Haigh was critical of the extension.

She said:

‘Avanti has literally broken records over the last six months for delays and cancellations, and the Conservatives’ answer is to reward failure with millions more in taxpayer cash.

‘If this is what success looks like to ministers, it shows that under the Conservatives our broken railways are here to stay.

‘The next Labour government will put passengers back at the heart of our railways, and build the infrastructure fit for the century ahead, unlocking jobs and growth.‘

The RMT has also condemned the DfT’s decision, pointing out that ‘Avanti also plans to scrap at seat service catering from May which will mean standard class passengers will not have the option of an at seat service, serving sandwiches, snacks and drinks.’

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said:

‘this was a case of reward for failure which will mean that Avanti owners FirstGroup can continue to make profits on what even Ministers have today admitted is still a substandard service’.

He continued:

‘The government is keeping privatisation afloat regardless of the cost to the rail passengers, rail workers and the taxpayer and the service itself. It is quite clear that the West Coast contract should be bought back into public ownership along with the rest of the railway.’

Meanwhile attention is turning to TransPennine Express, which is also owned by FirstGroup and has also recorded high numbers of cancellations.

Its two-year National Rail Contract ends on 28 May, and the DfT said its future ‘will be considered separately with a further announcement in due course’.

20th March 2023

Easter activities at Swindon’s STEAM Museum​

6000 'King George V' at STEAM Museum

Easter holiday activities at Swindon's STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway include a new exhibition about female pioneers in railway engineering, an air raid shelter experience, and an opportunity to climb aboard Swindon-built GWR locomotives.

STEAM tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway, a network that, through the vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, set the standard for rail travel.

A brand-new special exhibition programme for 2023 entitled ‘Great Women's Railway' explores the important contribution which women made to the Great Western Network.

The first exhibition, entitled In a Man's World opens on Saturday 1 April, giving a voice to four female pioneers in railway engineering: Elsie Winterton, Hettie Bussell, Sarah Guppy and Karen Harrison.

Films produced in partnership with Prime Theatre, supported by Wiltshire Community Foundation and Arts Council England, will be played in two of STEAM's exhibition areas.

In these films, actors bring the four women's stories to life in dramatic narratives explaining their contribution to science and engineering.

Spanning a period of 150 years, the films examine the trials and tribulations which the women experienced working in an industry dominated by men, and how they overcame them.

Previously unseen objects from the STEAM collection will put their lives into context.

On Wednesday 5 and 12 April, STEAM is opening its reconstructed Air Raid Shelter to the public for the first time.

The Air Raid Warden will sound the warning siren and ushering visitors to safety.

Visitors can discover an impressive collection of original Second World War objects and ephemera as they experience the shelter's dark and cramped conditions.

They will also learn how people passed the time and kept morale high while the noise of the Blitz raged on, by trying their hand at identifying British and enemy aeroplanes.

The experience is suitable for those aged seven and over and is included with museum admission.

Please make reservations online.

STEAM's fortnightly Meet the Railway Workers experience is also back on Saturday 1 and 15 April.

Hosted by the museum's friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, this activity offers visitors the chance to enjoy guided tours of STEAM and climb aboard iconic Swindon-built locomotives, including: No. 3717 City of Truro, No. 6000 King George V and No. 2818.

Throughout the Easter holidays, families are invited to take part in a special adventure through the museum with a new White Rabbit Pocket Watch Trail.

Families can help the white rabbit find his eight timepieces that have been lost in STEAM as they spend time exploring the displays. Trails are suitable for all ages.

Tickets are available through the STEAM website.

Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said:

“With such a great range of educational activities taking place over Easter, a visit to STEAM is a exciting way for all of the family to step back in time and experience Swindon's rich history.

“STEAM brings the Swindon story to life with immersive and interactive reconstructions, so you can have a go at driving the steam-train simulator, get up close to Swindon-built locomotives and even take part in the Air Raid Shelter experience. What's more, all activities over Easter are included as part of the museum admission.”

20th March 2023

Avanti West Coast contract extended after service improvements​

Avanti West Coast's contract to run passenger services has been extended by the Department for Transport after significant improvements were made since October.

The contract extension is for a further six months and comes after the operator was ordered to develop a recovery plan aimed at addressing poor performance on key routes between Manchester, Birmingham and London.

Shortly after being placed on this contract, the Transport Secretary travelled to Manchester to see what needed to be done to improve services, which led to the introduction of a recovery timetable.

This recovery timetable reduced the reliance on overtime working and has seen services increase from 180 trains a day to 264 on weekdays.

Improvements made by Avanti West Coast include:

• Weekday services have risen to the highest level in over two years.
• Reducing cancellations from nearly 25% of the service in August 2022, to 4.2% in early March 2023 – the lowest in over 12 months.
• 90% of trains now arriving within 15 minutes of the booked time.
• Over 100 additional drivers have been recruited, reducing reliance on union-controlled overtime working.

Although progress has been made, further work is needed to restore the punctuality that passengers expect.

Similarly, the TransPennine Express contract expires on the 28th May, and will be considered seperately to the AWC contract.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

“The routes Avanti West Coast run are absolutely vital, and I fully understand the frustrations passengers felt at the completely unacceptable services seen last Autumn. Following our intervention, Rail Minister Huw Merriman and I have worked closely with local leaders to put a robust plan in place, which I'm glad to see is working.

“However, there is still more work to be done to bring services up to the standards we expect, which is why over this next six months further improvements will need to be made by Avanti West Coast.”

Commenting, Graham Sutherland, FirstGroup Chief Executive Officer said:

“We are working closely with government and our partners across the industry to deliver a successful railway for our customers and communities.

“Performance at Avanti is steadily improving and since the introduction of the new timetable in mid-December, the number of services operated has increased by more than 40% compared to last summer, with more seats and better frequencies. Today's agreement allows our team to continue their focus on delivering their robust plans to continue enhancing services for our customers, including further progress on our train upgrade and refurbishment programme.”

20th March 2023

Spa Valley Railway to run Real Ale and Cider Train​

The first train of the Spa Valley Railway's 25th Anniversary Gala passes Poke Hill hauled by visiting Standard Class 4, 75069, on August 26, 2022

Spa Valley Railway has released further details of its first Real Ale and Cider Train of 2023, which will leave Tunbridge Wells West for Eridge on Saturday 25 March.

The event will take place again on Saturday 17 June, Friday 4 August and Saturday 5 August 2023.

Hop on board the Real Ale Train to enjoy a pint or a few whilst travelling through the beautiful High Weald countryside.

Ale from local breweries and cideries from Kent and the surrounding counties will be available on each train.

Regular breweries include Westerham, Cellar Head, Harvey's, Pig and Porter, and High Weald.

Some beers and ciders from other parts of the United Kingdom will feature, but most are from Kent.

The on-board experience lasts for approximately two and a half hours, and the bar carriage will also offer a selection of hot beverages, soft drinks and snacks for purchase during the journey.

The price is £15 per person to travel in one of the open carriages.

All tickets include a free first pint per person.

Tunbridge Wells West station is located a pleasant fifteen-minute walk from the mainline station on the line between Tonbridge and Hastings, so Spa Valley Railway suggests that visitors enjoy some of the pubs along the historic High Street and Pantiles on their way to and from the station.

25 March Real Ale Train Beers:

• Pale – 4%
• Kent Golding Bitter – 4.1%
• Cobnut – 4.1%
• Prohibition – 4.8%
• New Black – 4.8%
• Tropic Ale – 4.9%
• Comfortably Plum – 4.9%
• Loaded – 5.0%

What's included in the £15 per person ticket price?

Two return train journeys in the 1960s restored carriages to Eridge.

Departure from Tunbridge Wells West is at 19:00 returning between 21:30 and 22:00.

Access to the bar throughout the evening to purchase drinks and light refreshments.

This event is only suitable for people aged 18+.

Book online here.

20th March 2023

Preparation continues for 2023 season at Lancashire heritage railway​

Volunteers at the West Lancashire Light Railway, in the village of Hesketh Bank, near Preston, are currently busy preparing for the start of the heritage railway's 2023 season, which begins on Sunday 2 April.

With winter maintenance and engine preparation almost complete, attention has now moved on to getting the railway ready to receive 2023's visitors.

West Lancashire Light Railway expects another busy year with steam trains operating every Sunday and Bank Holiday until the first week in November.

Each month will see the Railway host one of its popular special events for families and individuals to enjoy, starting with an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday 9 April.

2023 will see the 120th anniversary of our steam locomotive Irish Mail, a quarry Hunslet built for the Welsh slate industry in 1903.

Also expected to return to service in 2023 is Sybil, a 1906 Bagnall steam locomotive that worked in the same Quarry as Irish Mail.

Sybil has been extensively restored by the volunteers at Hesketh Bank, including constructing a new boiler.

Montalban, our German steam locomotive from Spain, restored in 2022, will also be in service during 2023.

All our heritage steam locomotives are over 100 years old.

Being a voluntary organisation, the Trust recognises the current economic conditions and has held its fares at 2019 prices, ensuring that it remains a great-value family fun day out.

Tickets are valid for travel all day.

The tearoom will once again be open, allowing visitors to watch the engines while having a cup of tea or coffee, and cake.

For the children, there are plenty of Brio train sets to play with while watching the bigger trains operate.

Tickets can be purchased on the day, or discounted tickets are available online here.

The railway also provides a wonderful place to volunteer, for anyone from the age of 16 to 99.

There will be roles for everyone including train crewing, workshop, general duties, shop, catering, and administration.

Come down for a chat and see what you can do.

20th March 2023

Historic locomotive that hauled King George VI funeral train to star at Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala​

Britannia at Severn Valley, Kidderminster on September 19, 2015

The star of next weekend's Swanage Railway Spring Steam Gala will be the historic locomotive that hauled the funeral train of King George VI.

Britannia Class Pacific No. 70000 Britannia had the honour of hauling the funeral train from King's Lynn in Norfolk to London in February 1952.

At next weekend's Steam from Friday, 24th March to Sunday, 26th March, Britannia will operate services alongside British Railways Standard Class 4 2-6-0 steam locomotive No. 76084.

Standard Class 4 locomotives were based at Bournemouth in the 1950s and 1960s for use on passenger and freight trains across Dorset and on the branch line from Wareham to Corfe Castle and Swanage.

During the Spring Steam Gala, an intensive service of steam trains will operate between Swanage, Corfe Castle, and Norden, then a further four miles to just past Furzebrook to the River Frome, which is within sight of Wareham.

A rare feature of the Gala will be the chance to ride in a 1950s brake van between Swanage and Corfe Castle, with the re-creation of an evocative freight, with tickets available for either single or return brake van rides.

Other locomotives operating during the Gala will come from the Swanage Railway's home fleet, including Southern Railway U Class No. 31806, which was a familiar sight on trains to Swanage during the 1950s, and Southern Railway Bulleid Pacifics Nos. 34028 Eddystone and 34070 Manston.

Throughout the Gala, the shop at Swanage station will be open as well as the museum and cinema coach in the restored Victorian goods shed at Corfe Castle station.

It is also hoped to open the ‘have a go' signal box museum at Corfe Castle station, provided there are volunteers available.

An additional attraction open throughout the weekend next to Norden station will be the Purbeck Mining Museum, which also has narrow gauge diesel trains that will be running between 11am and 4pm.

Museum volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the fascinating 2,000 year history of ball clay mining on the Isle of Purbeck.

Trevor Parsons – the volunteer chairman of the Swanage Railway Company which runs the trains for the Swanage Railway Trust – explained:

“With five steam locomotives in operation, and trains running along our nine miles of line from Swanage to the River Frome, within sight of Wareham, our Spring Steam Gala will be an evocative occasion not to be missed – a celebration of all that is wonderful and fascinating about steam.

Trevor, a volunteer signalman and train guard as well as a Swanage Railway Trust director, added

“Built at Crewe, and completed in January, 1951, Britannia was the first British Railways steam locomotive to be built to a new design, known as a Standard design, and No. 70000 was the first of 55 Britannia class locomotives to be built.”

Gavin Johns, Swanage Railway Trust chairman and a volunteer signalman on the railway, explained:

“Britannia was the first steam locomotive of the new early 1950s range of Standard designs to be built by British Railways aimed at taking our country's railway network through the 1950s and the 1960s and replacing worn out late Victorian and Edwardian steam locomotives.

“The early 1950s saw British Railways design a range of standard steam locomotives, of varying power classifications, that shared common parts with the new steam locomotives being more efficient as well as cheaper to operate and maintain,” added Gavin who is a volunteer signalman on the Swanage Railway.”

20th March 2023

This weekend: Mixed Traction Gala at Spa Valley Railway​

Diesel and steam work alongside each other on 25 and 26 March​

Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells is inviting visitors to its Mixed Traction Gala on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2023.

Ten different diesel and steam locomotives will work alongside each other, including visiting GWR Prairie 5526, Class 25 D7612, Tamper and Ballast Regulator.

Visiting locomotives will join resident heritage diesels and the magnificent steam locomotive Bulleid Pacific 34072 ‘257 Squadron'.

Passenger trains will operate between Tunbridge Wells West (next to Sainsburys) and Eridge stations, and stopping at Groombridge Station.

Trains will leave every 50 minutes throughout the day with the opportunity to enjoy a selection of beers and ciders from Bar Car Kate.

During March, Plasser and Theurer 07-16 Tamping Machine No. DR73434 / Works No. 1581 and Plasser and Theurer USP5000C Ballast Regulating Machine No. DR77329/Works No. 392 are visiting the Spa Valley Railway to work on their infrastructure.

The owning group has agreed to provide a crew to enable the Tamper and Ballast Regulator to haul a public train using the popular Queen Mary Brake Van!

Spa Valley Railway is urging visitors to book in advance to take a journey on the Queen Mary Brake Van as this is always very popular.

Tickets:
Adult One Day Rover £25.00, Two Day £45.00, Child One Day Rover £15.00, Child Two Day Rover £25.00, Family One Day Rover £50.00, Family Two Day Rover £70.00.

Day Rover tickets are valid all day so anyone travelling on Saturday can ride the trains from the start to the end of the day, including travelling on the evening Fish and Chip or Ales on Rails trains.

Visitors will need to buy food and drink separately.

Trains will operate from 10:00 to 23:00 on Saturday 25 March and from 10:00 to 17:00 on Sunday 26 March.

Book in advance for the Fish and Chip Supper on Saturday 25 March. These trains will be hauled by Small Prairie 5526 and the equally impressive steam locomotive 257 Squadron!

Also at the event, the railway will be running their first Steam and Ale Train of the year.

For some tasty ales and ciders, hop on board the train on the evening of Saturday 25 March to enjoy eight different beers from Kent Brewery!

Real Ales: Pale – 4%, Kent Golding Bitter – 4.1%, Cobnut – 4.1%, Prohibition – 4.8%, New Black – 4.8%, Tropic Ale – 4.9%, Comfortably Plum – 4.9%, Loaded – 5.0%

Ciders: Blackcurrant, Cherry, Apricot, Salted Caramel, Elderflower, Sweet Apple,

Locomotives:

• Great Western Small Prairie 5526 steam locomotive – Courtesy of the South Devon Railway
• Bulleid Pacific 34072 ‘257 Squadron'
• Drewry 2591 ‘Southerham' (Saturday only)
• Class 10 D3489 ‘Colonel Tomline' (Saturday only)
• Class 25 D7612 – Courtesy of South Devon Diesel Traction
• Class 31/4 31430 ‘Sister Dora'
• Class 33/0 33063 ‘R.J.Mitchell'
• Class 207 DEMU 1317
• Plasser and Theurer 07-16 Tamping Machine No. DR73434 / Works No. 1581
• Plasser and Theurer USP5000C Ballast Regulating Machine No. DR77329/Works No. 392

All locos are subject to availability.

To book train tickets in advance, click here.

20th March 2023

Mid-Suffolk Light Railway releases details of spring special events​

'Wissington' and the 'Tram', topping and tailing a train

The Mid-Suffolk Light Railway has released detail of its programme of special events for this spring.

On Easter Sunday, 9th Easter Monday, 10th April there will be a two day Easter Steam-Up where the emphasis will be on entertainment for families, with an Easter Bunny Hunt and prizes for the children.

On both days, steam train rides and visits to the Restoration Shed will be available.

A Bank Holiday Steam Up and Railway Art Exhibition will be held on Sunday, 30th April, with an exhibition of paintings by Malcolm Root, Deputy Chairman of the Guild of Railway Artists, who will also be visiting the exhibition during the day.

On Sunday, 7th and Monday, 8th May, a King Charles IIIs Coronation will be celebrated with a Gala Coronation Steam-Up, when there will be two locos in steam plus the railway's award-winning diesel Shreddie and the railway's Wickham Trolley.

‘Middy in the 1940s' will be held over May bank holiday weekend 28th and 29th May.

This is one of the railway's main events when, as well as the railway attractions, there will be a full programme of displays, military vehicles, live music, memorabilia, visiting ‘soldiers, sailors and airmen', and possibly a famous face or two.

Weather permitting, it is hoped that there will also be a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast.

Full details of this weekend's event are on the railway's website at https://www.mslr.org.uk/visit-us/middy-in-the-war-years/.

As well as the spring events, there will be a full programme of open days every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 4th June to 3rd September.

On passenger train duties during this year's operating season will be the railway's resident locomotives including the 100-years-old Cockerill Belgian well tank tram, the 80-year-old Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 saddle tank Wissington, and visiting locomotives including the 12-ton Peckett 0-4-0T Marcia, which is the smallest steam locomotive ever to run on the Middy.

During each operating day steam train rides in genuine Victorian four-wheel carriages will be available, as well as all the railway and museum facilities will be open including the museum, souvenir shop, café, and real ale bar.

The full programme and entry prices are available online at www.mslr.org.uk

20th March 2023

RMT members accept Network Rail pay offer​

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

RMT's Network Rail members have voted to accept the companies improved pay and conditions offer.

In a turnout of 90%, 76% of those voted in favour to accept the offer, and the vote brings an end to the dispute with Network Rail.

Key features of the accepted offer include:

• An uplift on salaries of between 14.4 per cent for the lowest paid grades to 9.2 per cent for the highest paid
• A total uplift on basic earnings between 15.2 per cent for the lowest paid grades to 10.3 per cent for the highest paid grades. This represents an additional 1.1 per cent over the duration of the deal
• Increased backpay
• Renewing of the no compulsory redundancy agreement until January 2025
• Network Rail withdrawing their previous insistence the offer was conditional on RMT accepting the company ‘modernising maintenance' agenda, which the union will continue to scrutinise and challenge including on safety
• Discounted rail travel benefits

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said that when the union first declared the dispute with Network Rail a year ago in the Spring of 2022, RMT was told that Network Rail workers would only get two per cent to three per cent.

“However, since then strike action and the inspiring solidarity and determination of members has secured new money and a new offer which has been clearly accepted by our members and that dispute is now over.

“Our dispute with the Train Operating Companies remains firmly on and our members recent highly effective strike action across the fourteen train companies has shown their determination to secure a better deal.

“If the government now allows the train companies to make the right offer, we can then put that to our members but until then the strike action scheduled for March 30 and April 1 will take place.

“The ball is in the government's court,” he said.

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said:

“I am pleased Network Rail's RMT members have voted to accept a fair and reasonable 5% plus 4% pay offer, over two years, that the Government worked hard to facilitate.

“While this is good news, unfortunately, RMT members who work for train operating companies are not being given the same chance to bring their dispute to an end. That's because the RMT has refused to put the Rail Delivery Group's very similar offer to a vote, denying these members the pay rise they deserve.

“That's why I am once again urging the RMT to call off their upcoming strikes across train operating companies, put the Rail Delivery Group offer to a vote, and give all of their members a say.”

20th March 2023

Growth Track 360 calls for electrification of North Wales Main Line​

Nataliia Marchuk, a Ukrainian Fine Arts undergraduate at the University of Chester, the artwork shows an HS2 train passing Conwy Castle on an electrified North Wales Main Line

To unlock the full potential of HS2 calls for the North Wales Main Line between Warrington, Crewe, Chester, and Holyhead to be electrified have been made by Growth Track 360.

Established in 2016 to unite North Wales, the Wirral, Cheshire West, and Chester, Growth Track 360 is a public-private partnership that aims to improve cross-border transport connectivity with a specific emphasis on rail.

Following the UK Secretary of State for Transport's announcement on 9th March that there would be a two-year delay to the completion of construction work on HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe, Business and local authority leaders in the Growth Track 360 partnership reacted by renewing their call for investment to be made in the existing network so that their cross-border region can take full advantage of the new railway.

To support their call for investment, Growth Track 360 is campaigning for:

1. Chester station to be completely modernised so that it is a suitable gateway for tourism and commerce to Cheshire and North Wales;
2. The North Wales Main Line from Holyhead to Crewe and Warrington to be electrified, which would allow HS2 trains to run directly from London and Birmingham to Chester and beyond.

Last year, a conceptual artwork was commissioned by Growth Track 360 to assist the public in visualising what these proposed improvements would look like.

The artwork was produced by Nataliia Marchuk, a Ukrainian Fine Arts undergraduate at the University of Chester, and shows an HS2 train passing Conwy Castle on an electrified North Wales Main Line.

Growth Track 360 Chair and Leader of Cheshire West & Chester Council, Councillor Louise Gittins, said:

“HS2 is a vital component in our cross-border and all-party vision for connectivity in the twenty-first century, yet its potential contribution to decarbonised travel to and from Chester and North Wales continues to be underestimated, even by many of its most enthusiastic proponents.

“Growth Track 360 wants the North Wales Main Line electrified so that we can see faster, cleaner and more frequent passenger and freight trains in the medium term and be HS2-ready when the line reaches Crewe.”

Growth Track 360 Vice Chair and Leader of Flintshire Council, Councillor Ian Roberts, said:

“North East Wales is currently missing-out on significant transport infrastructure investment and is being denied the opportunity to play its full part in unlocking the potential of the cross-border industrial and tourism sectors which we share with our neighbours in North West England.

“The prospect of electrification of the North Wales Main Line and through running of HS2 trains would provide us with an unrivalled opportunity to attract inward investment and give our young people the chance to enjoy well-paid employment in their own communities.”

Ashley Rogers, GT360 Business Representative, Chief Executive of the North Wales Mersey Dee Business Council, said:

“Electrification of the existing main line to Chester and then Crewe would plug our cross-border region directly into HS2 vastly improving connectivity to the rest of the UK and helping to decarbonise business.

“Our world-class manufacturing sector employs 63,000 people and the tourism sector attracts almost 80 million visitors a year. We are a regional powerhouse that deserves this crucial transport investment.”

Shadow Rail Minister, Tan Dhesi MP, on a prearranged visit to Chester meeting Growth Track 360 leaders on Friday, said:

“Electrification of the North Wales Main Line should form a key component of a rolling programme of electrification for the railways across Britain. HS2 needs to be completed in full as soon as possible to equip the UK to meet the challenges and opportunities presented by the transformation to a Net Zero Carbon economy.”

20th March 2023

Platform canopies to be renovated at Lancaster station​

Network Rail is to renovate platform canopies at Lancaster station.

The work involves:

• replacing all glazing in the platform canopies
• repairing and strengthening the structure of the canopy structures
• repainting across the station

Network Rail is investing £9.5m to restore and upgrade the station building for the future.

The work will not impact train services but passengers are advised that the look and feel of the station will be different while the renovations take place.

Because some of the work will need to take place when trains are not running, Network Rail has written to local residents to let them know when work could be noisy.

The project to restore the canopies starts next week and is expected to be complete by Spring 2024.

The Grade II listed station was built in 1846 by nineteenth century architect William Tite and was first given listed building status in 1990.

Before the listing, alterations were made across the station including the current platform canopies which were changed in the 1960s and 70s.

These are now being overhauled to make them brighter, weatherproof and more attractive for passengers.

Lancaster is a key destination on the West Coast Main Line for commuters and visitors to the historic city.

Latest figures from the Office of Rail and Road show that 1.6 million passengers used the station between April 2021 and March 2022.

This latest investment follows a significant upgrade last year which saw the opening of a new public house in a previously derelict part of the station building.

In 2021, an upgrade to the Grade II listed station footbridge was also completed, as part of a £1.3m investment.

Joanna Fielding, Network Rail scheme project manager, said:

“Lancaster station is one of the jewels of the West Coast Main Line so I'm delighted we're able to make this significant investment into the platform canopies and make them fit for the future.

“The work will not only benefit local people but also tourists who travel to the city and wider region. I'd like to thank passengers and local people for their patience while we carry out this essential upgrade to keep the station safe and attractive for decades to come.”

Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Lancaster, said:

“We're proud to be working with Network Rail to refurbish the canopy roofs and would like to remind customers our staff will be on hand to assist them during their journeys while the work takes place. Once complete, the project will enhance and protect key features of this beautiful station, so they can be enjoyed by customers travelling to and from Lancaster for many years to come.”

20th March 2023

Transport for Wales services week commencing 20 March​

Transport for Wales (TfW) is advising its customers to check for the latest information before travelling as services continue to be impacted by train shortages and engineering work.

Class 175 update

As announced earlier this month, TfW has temporarily withdrawn a number of its Class 175 trains to allow additional maintenance checks to be carried out following some recent mechanical issues.

These maintenance checks have found that some of the trains need further repairs to the engines before they come back into passenger service.

As a result, disruption to passenger services is likely to continue into early April.

Disruption is likely across the Wales and Borders network, not just on those routes served by the Class 175s, as trains are moved to provide capacity where demand is highest.

Customers are asked to check before they travel. This includes first and last trains and any ferry connections to ensure sufficient time is allowed.

Routes affected by the changes are:

• Newport - Crosskeys – service cancelled (no rail replacement).
• Chester-Liverpool – service cancelled (Merseyrail ticket acceptance).
• Conwy Valley Line – service cancelled (rail replacement).
• Wrexham-Bidston Line – service cancelled with rail replacement buses.
• Cambrian Coast – early morning Barmouth service cancelled, with rail replacement buses.
• Core Valley Lines – reduced service on some routes. No services between Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil until Monday 3 April due to transformation work for the South Wales Metro.
• West Wales lines – rail services have resumed.
• Milford Haven and Fishguard services west of Carmarthen – rail services have resumed.

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer at TfW, said:

"The safety of our customers and colleagues remains our top priority.

"Our Class 175 trains will not be allowed into passenger service again until each train has had its engines checked and repaired, and has passed the relevant safety inspections. This programme of work is happening as we speak, at Chester depot, where these trains are maintained on our behalf by CAF Rail UK.

"An initial supply of materials is available for the repair programme, and further parts are being sourced from overseas to speed up the process. The position will improve each week, and the completion of the repair programme is expected to go into April.

"Whilst this leaves us with a temporary shortage of rolling stock, other fleets are being spread out across the Wales and Borders network, and timetables have been adjusted to try and impact the fewest number of passengers.

"We’re very sorry for the disruption to customers’ journeys while we carry out this essential work."

20th March 2023

RAIB witness appeal - Loughborough​

Appeal for witnesses following an injury at Loughborough Central station, Great Central Railway 14/01/2023

Published: 20th March 2023



Can you help?

Did you see an accident in January this year in which a passenger was injured as they got off a train at Loughborough Central station, on the Great Central Railway?

At 11:50 hrs on Saturday 14 January 2023, a steam train arrived at Platform 1 at Loughborough Central station.

As a passenger got off the coach nearest to the locomotive, they lost their footing and sustained a serious injury.

Were you on the station or train at the time?

Did you see anything?

If so, then RAIB is keen to hear from you as part of its independent safety investigation.

If you have any information, then please call us during office hours on 01332 253324 or email us at witness@raib.gov.uk

All contact will be treated in the strictest confidence.

21st March 2023

Derby is favourite to be home of Great British Railways​

It was being reported last night that the East Midlands city of Derby has been chosen to host the headquarters of Great British Railways, the industry’s new ‘guiding mind’.

If GBR goes ahead after an Act of Parliament is passed next year, it will take over the management of passenger contracts, formerly known as franchises, and also Network Rail, reducing the role of the Department for Transport so that it will only decide broad policy.

If Derby has been chosen, it will have beaten five other shortlisted entries from Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York, but at least some of those places could be chosen for GBR’s regional centres.

Derby has long claimed to be the greatest ‘railway cluster’ in Europe, and still has Alstom’s train-building works in Litchurch Lane, which was run by Bombardier until recently.

Alstom opened a national training academy for apprentices last month, when a plaque was unveiled by veteran Derby South MP Dame Margaret Beckett during National Apprenticeship Week.

Although the choice of Derby has not been confirmed, an announcement is expected soon.

21st March 2023



Derby wins GBR headquarters contest

Derby is to be the home of Great British Railways, the government has announced.

The East Midlands city will host the GBR headquarters, where several hundred people will work.

More than 40 towns and cities had competed to host GBR’s headquarters, and six were shortlisted.

The other five were Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York.

Transport secretary Mark Harper said:

‘It’s full steam ahead for the reform of our railways and today’s announcement is not only a huge win for the brilliant city of Derby, but a key milestone for the entire rail industry across the country.

‘Great British Railways will put the passenger first, promoting collaboration and innovation across a joined-up, efficient and modern network.’

Derby-based industry networking organisation Rail Forum has welcomed the news.

Chief executive Elaine Clark said:

‘All of the finalists were strong contenders to be the home of GBR and Rail Forum would like to commend each of the locations on the quality of their bids. GBR will be the guiding mind and set the strategic direction for the future of Britain’s railways. Derby is an excellent location for the HQ and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with GBRTT, for the benefit of all our members across the whole of the UK.’

Maria Machancoses, who is the chief executive of regional transport body Midlands Connect, said:

‘I am thrilled to hear Derby has been selected as the home for the new Great British Railways HQ.

‘It is an excellent choice; Derby is right in the heart of the country and is home to the greatest cluster of rail sector businesses in the UK and indeed Europe making it a perfect location for the home of GBR.

‘Investing in Derby is a therefore a clear vote of confidence for the rail industry bringing a host of job opportunities to the region and we look forward to working together with GBR on our plans, including the Midlands Rail Hub.’

Rail Partners lobbies on behalf of the private sector. Its chief executive Andy Bagnall said:

‘It's great to see Great British Railways has found its future home in Derby, a city with a rich history of railway heritage and a track record of innovation. The strength of competition for the HQ from other great railway cities up and down the country speaks to the transformative power of rail as an engine for green growth.

‘Legislation in the next Parliamentary session is now the critical next step to establishing Great British Railways and maintaining momentum for reform of our railways in the interests of both customers and taxpayers.’

21st March 2023

Scotland bridge lift will be one of the largest in Europe​

Scotland's Railway is preparing for an intense ten-day programme to install a 5,000-tonne bridge on the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Ravenscraig in North Lanarkshire.

The £16.9 million project is being delivered through an agreement between North Lanarkshire Council and Network Rail, and will involve constructing a new road under the railway line as part of the ongoing regeneration of the former steelworks site.

For the last ten months, Network Rail and STORY Contracting engineers have been casting the bridge at Network Rail's compound next to the WCML and are now preparing to move it into position.

This will take place between April 1 and April 10, with the team working around the clock.

This phase will begin with engineers excavating approximately 36,000 tonnes of material from the railway embankment and removing the track and overhead line equipment.

Remote-controlled vehicles called self-propelled modular transporters (SPMTs) will then drive the bridge and support structure, totalling around 6,000 tonnes, into position.

Network Rail believes that this is the biggest move of its kind in Europe.

The track and overhead line equipment will be reinstated before a series of signalling work takes place and the line is reopened.

Once the new bridge is in place, the council will progress with constructing a new dual carriageway with pedestrian and cycle paths from Airbles Road / Windmillhill Street to Robberhall Road, as part of a wider investment to open the area for future development.

The work is being carried out at the same time as the £160m investment at Carstairs on the West Coast Mail Line to reduce disruption for customers.

During this project, ScotRail services between Glasgow Central and Lanark will be affected, and passengers should check their journey in advance.

• Updates on the bridge work are available on Network Rail's project page.
• If you are planning to travel on the West Coast Mainline during this time, please check how your journey may be affected by visiting the National Rail website or by checking individual train operators' websites.
• Further information on the project is available on North Lanarkshire Council's project page. www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/ravenscraig-south-citydeal

Programme facts and figues:

• Volume of concrete poured into the bridge and tonnage of the steel reinforcement (rebar) Concrete 2500m3 and rebar 620 tonnes
• Total abutment / wingall units: 18 units (10 Southside, 8 Northside)
• Total tonnage of the 18 wingwall units:1097 tonnes
• Total excavation volume: approximately 36,000 tonnes
• Tonnage of new ballast going in: 2555 tonnes of ballast

The bridge and the new road, to be built by North Lanarkshire Council, are the first parts of the £127.2m Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure (RAI) project, supported by £61.9m of funding from Glasgow City Region City Deal.

The RAI project will improve connections north to the M8 and south to Motherwell and the M74.

Construction is supporting local jobs and apprenticeships and will minimise the impact of the line on the local area.

WATCH:

Ravenscraig project prepares for one of the largest bridge lifts in Europe​

Scotland's Railway is preparing for an intense ten-day programme to place a 5000-tonne bridge across the West Coast Main Line (WCML) at Ravenscraig in North Lanarkshire.

Councillor Paul Kelly, Depute Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said:

“Completion of the bridge is a vital step in constructing the new road and opening up Ravenscraig for investment and regeneration for many years to come,

“With investment from Glasgow City Region City Deal and the council, the overall £127.2 million Ravenscraig Access Infrastructure project will improve local access to Ravenscraig for housing, leisure and business as well as creating improved connections north to the M8 and south through Motherwell and to the M74.”

Jeremy Spence, Senior Programme Manager, Network Rail said:

“This project represents more than £16 million worth of investment in the local area from North Lanarkshire Council and Glasgow City Region City Deal.

“Given the sheer size and scale of the bridge, it also represents a significant piece of engineering work, made possible by successes in innovation and collaboration with our major contracting partner, STORY.

“The upcoming intense period of activity marks a major milestone in this huge construction project, with Network Rail, Story and North Lanarkshire Council working closely over the last year to get it to this point.

“Once our work is complete, it will allow the council to continue the regeneration of the area that will bring vacant and derelict land back into use while helping to create jobs and connecting people and businesses across the whole region.

“We would like to thank passengers and our lineside neighbours for their patience and understanding while we carry out this vital work.”

John MacArthur, Managing Director, Story Contracting (Scotland), said:

“As our teams gear up to safely deliver this major milestone of moving a 5,000-tonne structure during an intense 10-day blockade, it's great to reflect on all the hard work and commitment that has gone into the project so far.

“Working with our key supply chain partners, we've poured 2500m3 of concrete to form the structure, and put in 51,300 hours on site, whilst also being able to invest in the community by providing over 400 hours of work experience for local young people.

“We are therefore very proud to be supporting Network Rail and North Lanarkshire Council on this fundamental piece of civil engineering infrastructure.”

21st March 2023

Work starts on Glasgow’s new Strathbungo footbridge​

Project to install new railway footbridge on Glasgow's southside begins.​

Network Rail has started a four-month programme of work to construct a new railway footbridge at Strathbungo in Glasgow's southside.

The work, originally due to be completed last summer, forms part of the Glasgow to Barrhead electrification project – a Scottish Government investment to decarbonise passenger services across Scotland's Railway by 2035.

The new structure, connecting Darnley Road and Moray Place, replaces the former 146-year old footbridge which was recently rehomed with Caledonian Railway.

In the summer of 2021, Network Rail invited around five thousand local residents and businesses to vote for their preferred footbridge design from three different options.

Through positive engagement and feedback from those who responded, 85% voted for a bespoke curved design inspired by the former footbridge.

The new steel truss structure will feature a toughened glass parapet to achieve a solid but open look.

It will also incorporate elements sympathetic to the former footbridge, including the black and white colouring of the new structure and balustrades that will match the railings already in place at Moray Place.

The former footbridge was rehomed last month with Caledonian Railway, a volunteer-run charity that restores, maintains and operates a heritage railway in Angus, and will be installed as part of restoration work at Brechin station.

As part of the Scottish Government's action plan to decarbonise the railway by 2035, Barrhead to Glasgow is a priority line for electrification and represents 12km of non-electrified track between Barrhead and Busby Junction.

The project is due to complete later this year and enter into service in December 2023. Its scope also includes alterations to Platform 3 at Barrhead station to enable longer, four-car trains.

Members of the public can find out more about the project by emailing EKEnhancements@networkrail.co.uk or calling the Network Rail helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

Michelle McCaig, Network Rail's project manager for the bridge work, said:

“This is a significant phase of the overall project, especially given the previous involvement of the community in helping to choose a footbridge for their neighbourhood.

“Over the next three months, the structure will gradually start to emerge and by the summer it'll reconnect Darnley Road and Moray Place.

“Given the community played such an important part in choosing the design of the new bridge, I'm confident the footbridge will enjoy the same standing as its predecessor.

“We appreciate the inconvenience for residents as we deliver this work and thank them for their continued patience.”

21st March 2023

Kent heritage railway to host Peppa Pig events​

The heritage railway is based in Tunbridge Wells and the events will give families the chance to travel by steam train and see Peppa Pig at Groombridge Station​

The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells will be hosting Peppa Pig over three days on the 27th, 28th and 29th of May, making for a fabulous day out for fans of the well-loved character.

The events will see travel on a full-sized steam locomotive evoking all the sights and sounds of the golden age of travel before seeing Peppa at Groombridge Station.

Each day will see appearances take place at intervals and will provide some fantastic photo opportunities.

The beautiful and historical Groombridge Station is also a wonderful place to enjoy the steam locomotive run around ahead of the return journey back to Tunbridge Wells West Station.

Groombridge Station has a kiosk which sells snacks, drinks and ice cream.

Further excitement lies ahead for fans of PAW Patrol's Chase & Marshall with events taking place at the heritage railway on the 3rd and 4th of June.

April the 29th and 30th will also see fans of Bluey thrilled as she makes appearances at Groombridge Station.

Train fares are priced at:

• Adult cost £13
• Seniors aged 60+ cost £12
• Children aged 2 to 15yrs cost £6
• A family of 2 adults and 2 children costs £32

Spa Valley Railway

The Peppa Pig events will take place on Friday the 27th, Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of May with trains departing Tunbridge Wells West at:

• 10:30
• 12:00
• 13:30
• 15:00

Trains return 1 hour later with 30 minutes spent at Groombridge station.

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

The railway is also hosting a Mixed Traction Gala on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2023 which features an impressive array of steam and diesel locomotives.

21st March 2023

Ffestiniog Railway release update on steam locomotives James Spooner and Linda​

The Ffestiniog Railway has sent RailAdvent an update on the progress made on ‘New Build' Double Fairlie, James Spooner, as well as the overhaul work to Hunslet, Linda.

Plate work for James Spooner is now largely complete, as are many of the other fittings.

James Spooner is expected to be taken apart soon to allow painting to take place.

The locomotive's power bogies, which have come from donor locomotive, Earl of Merioneth, are having some work completed on them before they are married up with the rest of the locomotive.