Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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James Spooner at Boston Lodge Works​

Overhaul work has progressed on Hunslet Linda, with reassembly work now taking place.

However, re-tubing of sister locomotive, Blanche, has now taken priority in order to get the locomotive back in service as soon as possible given that the 2023 season is now just around the corner.

If you would like to support the Ffestiniog Railway with the overhaul costs of Linda, overhauling Mountaineer or building James Spooner II, then you can do so on the Ffestiniog Railway Society website.
 
21st March 2023

HQ for Great British Railways announced​

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Derby Station

Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, has announced that Derby will be new home for the Head Quarters of Great British Railways.

Derby was picked out of a shortlist of 6 cities (Derby, Birmingham, Crewe, Doncaster, Newcastle and York), and whilst the HQ will be based in the Derbyshire city, other towns and cities across Britain will still benefit.

GB Railways will take control of the rail industry's finances to deliver efficiency for customers.

The GBR Transition Team will now work out a site in Derby for the HQ.

Mark Harper said

“Among an exceptional list of shortlisted applicants, Derby scored highest in the Expression of Interest stage of the competition”

“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.”

In response to the announcement that Derby will be the home of Great British Railways' headquarters, Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive of Rail Partners 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.”

Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

“We're absolutely thrilled that Derby has been selected to become the home of Great British Railways. This result is a testament to the hard work of our team, alongside our key rail and city partners based across Derby – we couldn't have done it without them.

“Rail heritage is at the heart of our city and for this to be recognised by Government is a fantastic achievement. The investment we'll see from this significant move will be huge, not only just for Derby but for levelling up across the whole of the wider East Midlands.

“We have a rich history of being the only city in the UK to have manufactured rolling stock continuously since 1840, so I'm thrilled that Derby's heritage is being recognised in this defining way. We can't wait to see what this momentous move will mean for Derby and its citizens in the future.”

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director, Alstom UK & Ireland said:

“Derby is the heart of Britain's rail industry, and a key cluster for advanced engineering manufacturing with the likes of Alstom, Rolls-Royce and Toyota; it is the natural choice to host Great British Railways. Alstom directly employs 2000 of our people in the city and our factory is a leading global centre for train design and advanced manufacturing. Importantly, it is the only site in the UK where trains can be designed, developed, built and tested – as we will be doing for the next generation train for HS2. Having GBR in the city will help foster greater rail sector collaboration and help attract and retain the young people so vital to all our futures.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director, East Midlands Railway, said:

“It is absolutely fantastic news that the home of EMR will also be the home of Great British Railways, too.

Although Derby has a proud rail history, we also know it has a bright and exciting future too and we look forward to working closely with GBR, as well as the current rail and engineering cluster to deliver a better and simpler railway for the country in the years to come.”

Elaine Clark, CEO, Rail Forum, said:

“GBR will be the guiding mind, and set the strategic direction for, the future of Britain's railway. Derby is the perfect location for the HQ with access to world-leading supply chain expertise not just in rail but in other transport sectors also. The local cluster of rail companies also sits at the centre of a wider ecosystem of innovation that GBR will be able to tap into. GBR is the future and we are delighted that its home will be here in Derby – our own home for the last 30 years”.

Chris Swan, Chair of the Rail Freight Group, said:

“It's good to see real progress towards the establishment of Great British Railways as a guiding mind for the industry, and the news that the new HQ will be in Derby is welcome progress in driving forward ambitions for the railways.

“Railfreight is vital to the UK's economic success and there is a real opportunity to make a step change in the amount of freight moved by rail across the country. It's therefore essential that GBR's freight and regional teams work closely to ensure the delivery of quality service to freight customers and enable private sector rail operations to flourish.”

Justin Stroud, Managing Director, Europe at Sperry Rail said:

“Sperry is delighted that Derby has been selected as the new home for GBR. Centred geographically in the middle of the UK and surrounded by the largest group of leading railway suppliers, Derby is absolutely the perfect place for the new headquarters. This news gives Sperry continued incentive to invest in its European head office, based here in Derby, and help give local talent the opportunity to be globally successful – affirming again Derby's prominence as centre of international railway excellence.”

Responding to the announcement, Railway Industry Association Chief Executive, Darren Caplan, said:

"Congratulations to Derby on becoming the home of GBR, a city with a rich rail heritage! Well done also to the other competitors who were shortlisted, all of which are great rail towns and cities too, and will play a crucial role in the future of UK rail as well.

“Today's announcement is hopefully a welcome sign that the Government is pressing on with industry reform, so that the supply chain can deliver transformational rail projects effectively and efficiently in future, while delivering value-for-money for the tax and fare payer. It is now crucial that ministers keep their foot on the pedal, to provide the industry with clarity on what reform will look like and ensure that there are no further delays in the development of GBR.”
 
21st March 2023

Reminder: East Suffolk Line to close for 13 days​

Network Rail will carry out essential work on an embankment north of Martlesham starting this Saturday the 25th of March to Thursday the 6th of April​

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Signage slipping down the deteriorating embankment​

Network Rail will be undertaking a large-scale project to stabilise and widen a mile-long embankment just north of Martlesham on the East Suffolk Line.

The vital work will require rail replacement buses to operate over 13 consecutive days from Saturday the 25th of March to Thursday the 6th of April.

During the period of work, no direct trains will operate between Ipswich and Lowestoft however, rail replacement buses will be in operation keeping passengers on the move between Ipswich and Saxmundham.

Passengers are advised that full-size bicycles and e-scooters cannot be carried on the rail replacement buses.

Further changes to train services will also be in place on Thursday the 30th of March and Saturday the 1st as planned industrial action takes place.

Passengers are advised to check their travel plans ahead of making a journey during the strike action by visiting greateranglia.co.uk or nationalrail.co.uk

The car park at Saxmundham station will be closed whilst the embankment work is under in order for rail replacement buses to use it.

The essential engineering project is being carried out as the top of the embankment is slipping away which means that important signalling equipment and signage are slowly making their way down the bank which could lead to issues in the running of the line in a safe and reliable manner.

The mile-long embankment also features no walkway to allow railway workers to access the embankment creating significant difficulties in carrying out maintenance, the widening aspect of the project will therefore create enough space to include a new walkway.

Once complete, the essential engineering work will allow further improvement works such as the replacement of a mile of worn-out track which sits on top of the embankment to go ahead and will be completed by Network Rail between the 16th and 25th of August.

During this period of work, rail replacement buses will also operate in place of trains during the 10-day period of work. Renewing worn-out track is vital to keeping faults and delays to a minimum.
 
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Mark Walker, Network Rail Anglia route infrastructure engineer, said:

“I'm really sorry that passengers will face extended stretches of bus replacement. However, the major work on this steep, high embankment is vital to help keep trains on time and avoid sudden disruptions or closures. We are building an East Suffolk Line that is fit for the future.”

Jamie Burles, Greater Anglia managing director, said:

“This improvement work will help ensure we can continue to operate a punctual train service along the East Suffolk Line. Our new trains are already providing a very good service on the route and this engineering work will help ensure we can continue to deliver high standards of performance on a consistent basis and provide a more comfortable journey for passengers.

“A rail replacement bus service will run between Ipswich and Saxmundham between 25 March and 6 April so customers can complete their journeys. We would advise everyone to check before they travel and allow more time for their journey. We would like to thank customers for their patience while this work is carried out.”

Further to the stabilisation and widening of the embankment, engineers will also complete the renewal of surfaces of two-level crossings in the Woodbridge area which will take place on Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of March.

This work follows on from upgrades at three crossings nearby making them safer and easier to use.
 
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21st March 2023

Stadler to build up to 50 locomotives for Italy rail network​

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The Italian national rail operator, Trenitalia, has signed a framework agreement with Stadler for the supply of up to 50 Eurolight Dual locomotives, with the first call-off order being for 13 units.

Included in the agreement is full service of the locomotives for ten years, extendable for two further periods of five years.

In 2022, Trenitalia awarded Stadler a four-year framework agreement for the supply and maintenance of bi-mode (3kV DC + diesel) locomotives.

The new Eurolight locomotives are intended for use all over the Italian railway network for train rescue and passenger push-pull operations.

The new locomotives are based on Stadler's Eurolight four-axle platform and have a maximum speed of 160 km/h.

As with the rest of the Eurolight family, they have a compact design and lightweight monocoque structure, as feature the latest bogie technology.

They combine high performance, with low weight and a reduced axle load that will not exceed 20 tonnes/axle, they are suitable for service on both main and secondary lines.

By having both diesel and electric traction they are able to operate throughout the entire Italian network – RFI, and incorporate the ETCS B3R2/ SCMT / SCC safety systems.

The locomotives have the capability to rescue up to two coupled ETR1000 trains on a 21 ‰ gradient, which represents the most challenging conditions in Italy for this kind of operation.

The new Eurolight Dual locomotives provide excellent comfort, safety, and visibility for train drivers.

Their innovative design features include regenerative braking with energy recovery, an efficient AC traction system with one inverter per axle that provides a high level of redundancy and increased reliability, a HEP system to supply energy to the train, and the choice of either a UIC or an automatic coupler.

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia said:

“We are very proud of this contract with Trenitalia. The EUROLIGHT family of universal locomotives have a multitude of applications and can run on all types of lines. The innovative and cost-effective solution will provide environmentally friendly rail transport services and meet the demands of Trenitalia reliably, efficiently and productively”.
 
21st March 2023

Another visiting locomotive announced for Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala​

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60100

A DB Cargo Class 60 is to visit the Severn Valley Railway for their Spring Diesel Festival.

Taking place between the 18th and 21st May, a Class 60 returns to the SVR for first time since 60100 carried passengers at the 2017 Spring Diesel Gala.

Over 100 Class 60 locomotives were built over a four year period, with a sole purpose of hauling heavy goods trains, which earned the locos the nickname of ‘Tugs' by enthusiasts.

The exact Class 60 has not been confirmed yet, but the locomotive will join 47712 Lady Diana Spencer (from Locomotive Services Group, plus its ‘Push-Pull Set'), a Class 56 as well as Class 58 No. 58023.

Further guests are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The gala will celebrate 50 years of diesel preservation at the Severn Valley Railway, with D821 Greyhound being out-shopped in a brand new livery.

D821 and the visitors will be joined by the diesel home fleet, including Class 50s, Class 52s, Class 14, Class 17, Class 20, Class 31 and a Class 33

Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster, managing director of the SVR said:

“The line-up for our Spring Diesel Festival gets better and better, with a traction type to suit every taste.

“With support from our main line partners, we've rostered a selection of locomotives spanning multiple eras. We're looking forward to welcoming visitors to celebrate the momentous occasion of 50 years of diesel preservation, as they crank up their mileage at what's going to be the biggest ever collection of diesel locomotion we've ever had.”
 
21st March 2023

Branch Line Society to run Scotland charter in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society​

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BR Class 37, No. 37403 'Isle of Mull'​

The Branch Line Society has organised the BWC Charter, a three-day charity rail tour that will travel along the Highland Main Line and Strathcarron to scenic Kyle of Lochalsh to raise funds for the Alzheimer's Society.

The charter will be operated by GB Railfreight on behalf of GBRf Charity Railtours, and will run from Wednesday, 29th March to Friday, 31st March. It will be hauled by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society Diesel Group's Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull with Mk.1 coaching stock and all first-class accommodation.
 
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BR Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway​

Subject to pathing and operational requirements, it is hoped that the charter will feature a number of sought-after loops, the Rose Street curve in both directions and the little-used diversionary route between Winchburgh Junction and Dalmeny Junction.

The tour is expected to arrive at platform 1 at Kyle of Lochalsh and depart from platform 2.

A team from the Scottish Railway Preservation Society will be in a Buffet Car to serve a wide range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, light refreshments, and a number of real ales.

During the tour, there will be a charity raffle with all proceeds donated to the Alzheimer's Society, which is the new charity partner of GBRf.

The provisional route and timings are as follows:

Wednesday, 29th March

Linlithgow (PU 10:20) – Linlithgow UPL – Winchburgh Jn – Dalmeny Jn – Dalmeny DPL – Inverkeithing (PU 10:50) – Cowdenbeath – Thornton DPL – Ladybank (PU 11:40) – Ladybank Up & Dn Loop – Hilton Jn – Perth UPL – Kincraig Loop – Aviemore – Slochd Loop – Inverness (SD 15:00)

Thursday, 30th March

Inverness (PU 11:00) – Millburn Jn (RM) – Rose Street Curve – Dingwall – Garve – Strathcarron – Plockton – Kyle of Lochalsh P1 (75-minute break / RM) Kyle of Lochalsh P2 – Plockton – Strathcarron – Garve – Dingwall – Rose Street Curve – Millburn Jn (RM) – Inverness (SD 20:15)

Friday, 31st March

Inverness (PU 11:00) – Moy Loop – Tomatin Loop – Slochd Loop – Perth P3 (SD 13:30) – Stirling (SD 14:15) – Polmont (SD 14:45)

Fares for the tour will be £129.00 (non-dining), and accompanied under 18s are £64.50.

There is no surcharge for non-Branch Line Society members.

Bookings should be made online at the Branch Line Society's booking page at https://branchline.uk/fixture-form.php
 
21st March 2023

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway to host nostalgic ‘Swinging Sixities’ event​

The heritage railway will be celebrating 1960s British Railways green livery at the event on Sunday the 11th of June​

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Electric, Steam and Diesel​

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway will be celebrating the ‘Swinging Sixties' as it hosts a special event which will see some of its finest locomotives – Hall 7903, Class 37 D6948 and Class 117 operating in the stunning British Railways Green.

The event aims to evoke memories of the 1960s and will mark a wonderful day to remember for both rail enthusiasts and visitors alike.

The event will also provide an array of stunning photo opportunities with the Cotswold countryside creating a delightful setting and the railway's true green ‘wildlife corridor' which features tree planting, landscaping, wildflowers, beehives and plenty more.

Train liveries have a fascinating and complex history with a vast array of colour schemes worn by locomotives and their rolling stock for more than 200 years.

The livery adorning the locomotives and multiple units through the 1960s came following a good deal of experimentation following the railway's nationalisation in 1948 and a key aim to develop a unified identity.

This task was not as straightforward as it may seem as a huge range of locomotives and rolling stock featured many different liveries.
 
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GWR ‘Modified Hall' Locomotive No. 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall' ​

The 1950s saw trials completed using locomotives in different colours from deep and light blue which was known as ‘Express Blue' however this weathered poorly, maroon, light apple green and the vivid malachite green of the Southern Region.

1954 Finally saw the livery issue come together as a new green which was often called ‘British Railways Locomotive Green' was implemented for British Railways express steam locomotives such as 35006 ‘P&O' and 7903 ‘Foremarke Hall'.

The green in question was close to the Great Western Railways ‘Brunswick Green' and its specification was BS224 ‘Deep Bronze Green' which was sometimes referred to as ‘Land-Rover Green'.

Locomotives which were used for mixed traffic often wore lined black which was close in style to the London & North Western Railway.

Freight and Shunting locomotives wore plain black liveries, however as time moved forward, green became the colour of choice.
 
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English Electric Type 3 BR Class 370 Diesel-Electric Locomotive No. D6948​

New diesel locomotives were also liveried in British Railways Green with a selection of variations such as dark green for mixed traffic diesels including BR Class 37/Type 3 and two-tone green for passenger diesel including BR Class 47/Type 4.

Diesel Multiple Units had always been green with the iconic ‘cat's whisker' detail to the front and later featuring yellow warning panels as did diesel locomotives.

Southern Region multiple units featured a separate green which was known as BR(SR)green.

Shades of green could vary between loco classes despite the adoption of the new British Railways green and could be due to the depot/works which applied the paint with factors determining the colour including the number of layers of paint applied, the type of varnish, pigment and even the suppliers of the paint.
 
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Pressed Steel BR Class 117 Diesel Multiple Unit ​

Alongside the new green livery a brand new emblem was created which became known as the BR ‘Totem' and to this day remains an icon of the railways seeing a lion emerging from a heraldic crown holding a spoked wheel and enclosed in a roundel displaying ‘British Railways' across.

Shortly after its introduction, the BR ‘Totem' developed a nickname of the ‘Ferret & Dartboard'.

The mid-1960s saw the advent of the new British Rail's Corporate identity emerge and saw the BR green livery slip away as ‘Rail Blue' locomotive and Diesel Multiple Units were favoured.

To buy tickets for the event and to benefit from a 5% discount for buying online, please visit www.gwsr.com
 
21st March 2023

Where to see steam locomotive 70000 Britannia as it heads to the Swanage Railway​

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Ahead of the Swanage Railway gala, LSL's 70000 Britannia will be heading to the railway from Crewe via the mainline on Wednesday 22nd March 2022.

Departing LSL at Crewe around 06:21, the locomotive and its support coach will pass through Nantwich (06:31), Wem (06:49), Shrewsbury (07:17), Church Stretton (07:43), Craven Arms (07:51), Leominster (08:10), Hereford (08:33 & 09:39), Abergavenny (10:21), Cwmbran (10:36), Severn Tunnel Junction (11:06), Patchway (11:23), Lawrence Hill (11:31), Bath Spa (12:17), Westbury (12:44), Castle Cary (13:14), Yeovil Pen Mill (13:44 & 15:28), Maiden Newton (17:34), Dorchester West (18:08), Weymouth (18:24 & 19:26), Moreton (Dorset) (19:51), Wareham (20:04), Poole (20:13), Wareham (20:54), Norden (21:20) and Swanage at 21:46.

These above timings in brackets are approximate timings.
 
21st March 2023

Families can discover momentous moments in London’s transport history​

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London Transport Museum​

During the Easter holidays, families who visit the award-winning London Transport Museum in Covent Garden can discover momentous moments in London's transport history that have shaped it into how it is today.

From Saturday, 1st to Sunday, 16th April, families can explore the Museum's galleries.

They will meet a cast of characters from different times and events during London's fascinating history and relive historic occasions such as VE Day and the 2012 Olympics.
 
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Inside London Transport Museum​

Stories of London's past, present and future will inspire children aged 8 to 14 to get creative and build a futuristic time-travelling vehicle in a hands-on interactive craft workshop.

The workshops will take place on weekdays between 10:30 and 16:00.
 
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Step onboard a 1938 tube train

During their visit to the Museum in Covent Garden, families can also:
  • Climb aboard historic trains, trams and buses, including one of the iconic red Routemaster buses and vintage Tube train with 1938 stock;
  • Explore the All Aboard family play zone where children can use their imagination to can play as bus a conductor, use toy spanners to repair a mini-Tube train, and work in the ‘Lost Property Office';
  • Listen to stories of Caribbean people who have shaped London's transport history and culture by visiting the Legacies exhibition;
  • Discover a secret side to the Underground in Explore Hidden London: The Exhibition that is in the Global Gallery until this summer;
  • Visit the Future Engineers gallery where they can learn to drive an Elizabeth line train and get hands-on with interactive exhibits;
  • Enjoy views over the Covent Garden Piazza after grabbing a bite to eat at Canteen, the Museum's café bar;
  • Choose from an exclusive range of transport-inspired toys, gifts, homeware, and vintage posters in the Museum's shop.
Entry for children is free, while adult tickets include free return entry for a whole year.

Tickets can be booked online at www.ltmuseum.co.uk
 
21st March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Well, I ran a couple of locos today on the test tracks.

Sadly I didn't film them.

I have started a 'script' for the next video and I carried out a soundcheck with Neo's microphone.

I might do some filming for YouTube tomorrow.

Mind you, my new supply of screws should be arriving tomorrow, so filming or building?

Well see tomorrow.

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The Gronk and the Hymek had a race
all that Gronk could do was stuff his face
he eats everything he sees
from trucks to prickly trees
but smart old Hymek, he took the milky way :lol:

Who remembers the advert song I stole...er...borrowed?

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21st March 2023

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A century of history to be transformed on the Treherbert Line​

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Token exchange at Porth​

Some of the oldest railway infrastructure in Wales is set for a complete transformation as part of the South Wales Metro.

The sheer scale of work needed on the on the Treherbert Line will mean the route between Pontypridd and Treherbert will be closed from 30 April 2023 until early 2024.

No train services will operate during this time.

During the Treherbert Line transformation, Transport for Wales (TfW) will be offering 50% off the cost of travel for people living in the Rhondda.

The offer will apply for journeys wholly on the line and journeys between stations on the line and locations through to Cardiff Central.

TfW will be providing further details on how people can take up this offer in the coming weeks.

During the eight months of work there will be a rail replacement bus service for customers, consisting of a core timetable of one bus every 30 minutes stopping at all stations, a dedicated school support plan for Treorchy Comprehensive School and morning and evening peak enhancement to reduce journey times and add capacity.

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Token exchange​

Current signalling system

The ‘Token Exchange Signalling System’ currently used on the Treherbert Line was first introduced in Britain in the mid-19th century and some of the equipment still in use today is believed to date back to the 1930s.

It will now be removed and replaced with a modern, brand-new signalling system for the entire line as part of the South Wales Metro project.

The work will also include the diversion of gas and water mains, new station platforms at Treherbert, Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, new footbridges at Ynyswen and Dinas Rhondda, and the installation of new track and Overhead Line Equipment throughout the line.

Further work includes new and refurbished toilets, waiting rooms, shelters and the installation or upgrade of help points, CCTV cameras, ticket machines and customer information screens.
 
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Token exchange​

The Deputy Minister for Climate Change with responsibility for Transport, Lee Waters said:

“This is a massive investment that will make a huge difference to all passengers. There will inevitably be disruption and inconvenience in the short term but it will bring an enormous improvement. Please bear with us, it will be worth it.”

Karl Gilmore, Transport for Wales, Rail Infrastructure Director said:

“This is yet another key milestone for the South Wales Metro project. This is the biggest upgrade to the ageing Core Valley Lines infrastructure to this scale since it was first built and there is a great deal of work to be carried out by our teams and partners.

“We know it’s going to be hugely inconvenient while the line is closed between April and early 2024, but transforming the dated railway line and bringing it right up-to-date with a modern, electrified line that will allow us to run more frequent and greener services, giving the people of the Rhondda a rail service they deserve.

“Rail replacement services will run throughout the Treherbert Line transformation and customers wanting further information should check online or using our app.”

During the first two weeks of the work on the Treherbert Line the lines to Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil will also be closed for South Wales Metro transformation work.

Journey planning tools will be updated with the bus replacement information from 28 March.

The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government, and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.

The investment in the Metro will significantly improve connectivity providing access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales, through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes.
 
22nd March 2023

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Collision between a train and a delivery van at Home Farm level crossing​


Preliminary examination into a collision between a train and a delivery van at Home Farm level crossing, near Alsager, Cheshire, 11 February 2023.

Published: 22nd March 2023

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Van damaged in the collision at Home Farm level crossing

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) recently completed a preliminary examination into the collision between a delivery van and a train that occurred at Home Farm user worked level crossing, near Alsager, at around 13:00 hrs on Saturday 11 February 2023.

RAIB’s preliminary examination found that the accident occurred because the van was driven onto the level crossing area when a train was approaching.

While the van driver was able to stop the van before the train reached the crossing, the front of the van remained close enough to the rails to be struck by the train.

Although the train driver saw the van around 3 to 4 seconds before reaching the crossing and applied the brakes and sounded the warning horn, the train was still travelling at about 30 mph (48 km/h) when the collision occurred.

Neither the van driver nor anybody on the train was injured, although the collision caused serious damage to the van and some damage to the train.

The correct method of operation at Home Farm user worked level crossing is described on the signs at the crossing which require the drivers of all vehicles to contact the signaller and get permission to cross the railway.

This is because vehicle drivers cannot see far enough along the railway line to be able to tell whether it is safe to cross.

Records show there was no call made to the signaller to ask for permission to cross at Home Farm on this occasion.

RAIB has reviewed the findings of the preliminary examination and will not be conducting a full investigation into this incident.

However we are concerned that this incident is very similar to one which occurred at Frognal Farm level crossing in October 2017 (RAIB report 12/2018) also involving a delivery vehicle.

RAIB has written to the delivery company and asked it to brief its drivers about the correct use of this type of level crossing and to raise this issue at any cross-industry forums which it is a member of.

We have sent copies of this letter to Network Rail, the Office of Rail and Road, the Department for Transport and the Health and Safety Executive, so that they are aware of the contents.

RAIB is aware that the Department for Transport is proposing to introduce new signs for user worked level crossings such as Home Farm in response to previous RAIB recommendations.
 
22nd March 2023

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First South Wales Metro tram-train arrives at new depot​

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Class 398 tram train​

The South Wales Metro has taken another important step forward with the arrival of the first brand new tram-train to Transport for Wales’ (TfW) new depot in Taff’s Well.

The Class 398 tram-train was delivered by road to the new Taff’s Well depot overnight on Tuesday 21 March.

The tram-trains have been built by leading Swiss manufacturer Stadler at their factory in Valencia, and have been undergoing extensive testing for several months at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre in Leicestershire.

The 36 tram-trains will be a key part of the South Wales Metro, providing more capacity and more frequent services that will be greener for the environment and more accessible for customers.

They will enter service in 2024 on the Treherbert, Aberdare, Merthyr and City lines, after the completion of the Core Valley Lines transformation work, which includes the Treherbert Line transformation project announced yesterday.

Through working with train manufacturers Stadler and CAF, TfW is investing more than £800 million into brand new trains for the Wales and Borders network.

The first new trains began operating services on the network in late 2022.

Dan Tipper, Transport for Wales’ Chief Infrastructure Officer, said:

“The delivery of the first tram-train to our new Taff’s Well depot is a major milestone in the development of the South Wales Metro and the culmination of a significant effort from TfW colleagues and our industry partners over the last few months.

“We’re on a transformational journey at TfW and these new trains are a key part of improving the customer experience, so that we can encourage more people to travel sustainably on public transport. These are modern trains, with high quality features that will offer our customers more accessible, reliable and greener transport.”

The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through Welsh Government, and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.

The investment in the Metro will significantly improve connectivity providing access to jobs, leisure and other opportunities for the people of Wales, through unifying rail, bus and active travel routes.
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22nd March 2023

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Dates announced for the final phase of Barmouth Viaduct restoration​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders​


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Barmouth - Dec 2022​

Network Rail will close the historic viaduct for up to 13 weeks this Autumn so teams can continue a like-for-like restoration

Along with principal contractors, Alun Griffiths, Network Rail will work on carefully reconstructing the metal sections of the Grade II* listed structure, as well as renewing the tracks near to Barmouth Toll House, on the northern edge of the viaduct.

Work began on this iconic structure back in 2020 in order to protect the well-loved bridge for future generations and to maintain its magnificent appearance.

The multi-million-pound investment has already seen teams replace the timber beams that support the 154-year-old structure, as well as additional timber strengthening work.

The restoration has been split across several years to reduce the impact on rail services, the community and local economy.

Network Rail has also carefully planned the work to avoid the busy summer season when tourism in Barmouth and the local area is at its peak.
 
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Barmouth - Dec 2022​

The railway over the viaduct will be closed on the following dates:
  • Saturday 2 September to Friday 24 November – This 12-week closure of the line has been confirmed. During this period, engineers will be working to refurbish the metal sections of the bridge.
  • Saturday 25 November to Saturday 2/Sunday 3 December – Network Rail teams are planning to renew the tracks near to Barmouth Toll House, on the northern end of the viaduct, during this period. These dates haven’t yet been confirmed but will be announced as soon as they are.
 
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Barmouth - Dec 2022​

While the viaduct is closed, Transport for Wales are expecting to operate a combination of bus replacements and train services along the Cambrian Coast line.

The footpath over the viaduct will also be closed from Saturday 2 September to Friday 24 November.

This is so teams are able to have full access while they safely carry out the essential restoration.

Preparation work has already started and will be ongoing until September.

Engineering teams and contractors are currently grit blasting the steel caissons (the large steel cylinders that support the metal parts of the bridge), ready for painting.
 
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Barmouth Viaduct TfW train passing over Oct 2022​

Nick Millington, interim route director for Network Rail Wales & Borders said:

“We are excited to begin work on the final phase of restoring this iconic viaduct. There is no other like it in Britain, so we have meticulously and carefully brought this structure back to life so it can serve passengers for future generations.

“We would like to thank the local community for their support and patience while we have and continue to safely carry out this project. We know that there is never a perfect time to close the railway, but we are happy that we have managed to do so in the least disruptive way – for the community and the tourism that means so much to Barmouth.”
 
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Barmouth Viaduct teams on pontoons Oct 2022
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Teams will be working a mixture of day and night shifts to complete the work.

Network Rail are aware that they are working close to your home, and will try to minimise disruption as much as possible.
 
22nd March 2023

Branch Line Society to run tour of Sussex​

The charity railtour will start and end at Brighton and will raise funds for Railway Children and Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice​

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Class 313​

Branch Line Society have organised a charity railtour PEPs on Tour: Sussex Rambler which will take place on Saturday the 29th of April, starting and finishing at Brighton.

The railtour will be operated by Southern and will celebrate the impressive work of Class 313's especially as British Rail Engineering Limited York PEP stock is shortly to reach the end of service.

The PEP units which are derived from prototype electric multiple units offered a new kind of commuter train and were developed in the 1970s, coming into service in 1976/77 and used on British Rail‘s Southern and Scottish Regions into the early 1980s.

The special ‘Coastway' tour will follow the usual lines which are always popular.

The tour will include an off-train lunch break of around one hour at Littlehampton and will feature no catering on board however, attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink on board.
 
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A Class 313​

During the railtour, a charity raffle will be held with all proceeds raised given to Railway Children and Chestnut Tree House Children's Hospice.

A well-stocked sales stand for the Network SouthEast Society will also be onboard including a number of special souvenirs to buy.

It is expected that the charter will sell out very quickly!

The expected route and timing are as follows:

Brighton P3 (PU 08.59) – Carriage Road – Preston Park P1 (RM) – Hove – Worthing – Havant – Fratton – Portsmouth Harbour P1 (RM) – Fratton P2 – Havant – Barnham P1 (RM) – Bognor Regis Middle Siding (RM) – Barnham P3 – Littlehampton P3 (break / RM) – Arundel Jn – Worthing P1 – Hove P2 – Up Cliftonville Spur – Preston Park P1 – Haywards Heath P4 – Three Bridges P3 (RM) – Haywards Heath P2 – Lewes – Eastbourne P1 (RM) – Hastings P3 – Ore Up Siding (RM) – Hastings P1 (RM) – Hastings Signal 70 (RM) – Bexhill – Eastbourne P2 (RM) – Lewes Up Siding (RM) – Newhaven Marine (RM) – Lewes – Haywards Heath P1 – Haywards Heath Dn Siding North (RM) – Keymer Jn – Brighton P3 (SD 18.32)

The standard fare for the railtour is £62.60 and accompanied under 18s fare is £31.30.

There will be no surcharge for those who are not Branch Line Society members for this fixture.
 
22nd March 2023

Hull Trains to fund platform raising work at East Yorkshire station​

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Hull Trains [The Bee Lady]​

Hull Trains is funding improvements to train accessibility at Howden station in the East Riding of Yorkshire, as part of a £1.2m redevelopment project.

The station is around 22 miles west of Hull Paragon station, and the work will raise platform levels to reduce the distance that passengers have to step when getting on and off trains.

Hull Trains will be working in close partnership with station operator Northern, and with Network Rail and TransPennine Express, to make sure that disruption is kept to a minimum while the platform redevelopment is taking place.

Work will take place overnight between the hours of 23:45 and 05:30 from 27 March and is expected to finish in mid-May.

As the installation work will take place at night, there will be no impact on passenger walking routes, with the platforms and waiting shelters remaining open during the day.

Noise blankets will be used during construction to effectively manage sound levels so that nearby residents are not disturbed.

Paul Jackson, Head of Customer and Stakeholder Engagement at Hull Trains, explained:

“Since the introduction of our state-of-the-art Paragon train fleet, the stepping distance from platform to train has increased at the latter end of each platform at Howden. We therefore identified these improvement works as a priority and are confident that passengers of all mobility levels will benefit from greater accessibility when the installation is completed.”

Tony Baxter, regional director at Northern, said:

“All investment in rail infrastructure is to be welcomed – especially if it has a direct improvement on the customer experience and makes the railway more accessible. I would like to thank customers for their co-operation and patience while this work is carried out.”

Managing Director of Hull Trains, Martijn Gilbert, added:

“Improving accessibility at Howden is part of an ongoing investment in our services at Hull Trains, and follows the introduction of a brand-new train fleet and increase in services in recent years. The project is an important part of us continuing to provide reliable, affordable and low carbon train services that are easy for everyone to access along our route.”
 
22nd March 2023

Steam locomotive set to pass through Yorkshire this Friday​

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46115 Church Fenton 4-6-0 Scots Guardsman, 10th September 2022​

A Carnforth-based locomotive, believed to be 46115 Scots Guardsman, will be passing through Yorkshire this Friday, 24th March 2023, as it heads for York.

Departing Carnforth at 05:45, the locomotive will pass through Carnforth (06:05 & 07:30), Hellifield (08:26), Skipton (09:26), Keighley (09:41), Shipley (09:51), Castleford (11:08), Church Fenton (12:05), York (13:53) and York NRM at 14:08.
 
22nd March 2023

Dog owners warned after incident in South East London​

Pet owners are being reminded that it is vital that pets are secured when close to the railway following the rescue of a dog beneath a train​

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Wayne Kennedy, Network Rail's Mobile Operations Manager, with the rescued dog

Network Rail is issuing a reminder to secure dogs and other pets when close to railways following the rescue of a small dog on the 19th of March which was hiding under a train in South East London after getting onto the tracks.

The rescue of the dog took place on the tracks between Eltham and Falconwood and lead to approximately 90 minutes of disruption for Southeastern passengers travelling on the Bexleyheath line.

The driver of the 14.27 Dartford to Victoria service spotted the dog and stopped the train in order to attempt to rescue the dog, however, the dog then hid beneath the train's carriages.

Moments later the 14.07 Victoria to Dartford service stopped to support the rescue effort.

A short time later, Network Rail's response team arrived and Wayne Kennedy, Network Rail's Mobile Operations Manager was able to coach out the dog with some tasty treats.

The dog was found to be safe and well following its rescue and was able to be reunited with its owner.

In total, the rescue of the dog saw 28 train services impacted, 8 trains cancelled with 31 services failing to stop which is when a train cannot stop at its planned station stops.

The rescue also saw the involvement of a number of rail colleagues from Network Rail, Southeastern and British Transport Police, demonstrating the effects incidents such as trespass and animals on the line can have on passengers' travel.
 
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The small dog was found hiding underneath a train which was travelling from Dartford to Victoria in London​

Wayne Kennedy, Network Rail's Lewisham mobile operations manager, said:

“It was brilliant that our team was able to safely remove the dog from the track and reunite it with its owner. I am sure many of our passengers are pet owners and can imagine how relieved the owner was to have their pet pooch safely returned alive and well.

“However, it's really important to recognise the significant impact this had on Southeastern services yesterday afternoon, resulting in delays of around 90 minutes for a considerable number of passengers.

“We all recognise accidents do happen and that dogs and other pets can sometimes slip their leads or become loose, but we urge pet owners to be extra vigilant in ensuring their pets are secured when walking near the tracks, in stations or using the railway, in which dogs are always welcome!

“I would like to apologise to passengers who were delayed and thank them for their patience and understanding.”

Mark Knowles, Southeastern's station manager for Eltham, said:

“We're so glad that our colleagues at Network Rail were able to arrive so quickly to lead this dog away from the tracks, ensuring there was a happy ending all round.

“Our customers and colleagues would hugely appreciate everyone taking extra care of their much-loved pets around the railway so that we can avoid incidents like this in the future.”

Network Rail and British Transport Police are now using state-of-the-art drone technology as part of a bid to reduce trespass, keeping everyone safe and preventing delays.
 
22nd March 2023

RMT suspends planned rail strikes​

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Northern Class 150 at Burnley Manchester Road​

The RMT Union has announced that planned rail strikes for the 30th March and 1st April have been suspended.

The suspension of the rail strikes comes after further discussions between the union and the Rail Delivery Group.

These suspended strikes were part of the ongoing rail dispute over pay and conditions.

This news comes quickly after Network Rail employees voted to accept their pay deal.

An RMT spokesperson said

“Following further discussions between RMT and the Rail Delivery Group earlier today, industrial action scheduled for 30th March and 1st April has been suspended”.

A Rail Delivery Group spokesperson said:

“We welcome this positive step by the leadership of the RMT to call off their planned action on 30 March and 1 April. This is great news for our customers and for our staff.

“We are now jointly focused on working constructively towards a settlement to this dispute, which will mean we can do what we have always wanted to do – give our people a pay rise and help secure the long-term future of the railway with rewarding careers for all those who work on it.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:

“This marks a positive step and takes us closer to resolving this dispute.

“After Network Rail employees overwhelmingly voted to accept a similar pay offer earlier this week, we're once again asking the RMT executive to do the right thing and put this fair and reasonable offer to its members, giving them the pay rise they deserve and helping us end this dispute.”

More to follow
 
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22nd March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Well, the screws arrived today, but I concentrated on filming and audio recording for the next YouTube video.

I'm definitely getting a new camera, it's very frustrating when you press the shutter button and nothing happens. :mad:

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