Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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29th March 2023

Jacobite steam locomotives to head through Scotland this Thursday​

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Black 5 44871​

LMS Black 5 locomotives, 44871 and 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier, are to head through Scotland this Thursday as they head to Fort William for the start of The Jacobite.

We believe that the movement will have a diesel locomotive acting as ‘pilot' but the two Black 5s will be in light steam.

Departing Carnforth Steamtown at 01:43 on the 30th March 2023, the consist will pass through Carnforth (02:08), Oxenholme Lake District (03:43), Penrith North Lakes (04:25), Carlisle (04:51), Lockerbie (06:53), Slateford (08:29) and Edinburgh (10:42).

From Edinburgh, the train will pass through Haymarket (10:52), Polmont (11:15), Bishopbriggs (11:39), Westerton (11:55), Dumbarton Central (12:14), Helensburgh Upper (13:51), Garelochhead (14:10), Arrochar and Tarbet (15:01), Crianlarich (15:42), Upper Tyndrum (16:40), Bridge of Orchy (16:58), Rannoch (17:27), Tulloch (18:04), Spean Bridge (18:27) and Tom Na Faire Depot at 18:59.
 
29th March 2023

UK’s first Intersex-Inclusive Pride Train launched by South Western Railway​

The rail operator launched the train to show its support and solidarity with its LGBTQIA+ customers, colleagues and community​

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SWR with Intersex-Inclusive Pride train

South Western Railway has launched the country's first-ever Intersex-Inclusive Pride train with a new livery on a Class 444 train which is a mark of support and solidarity with its LGBTQIA+ customers, colleagues and the wider community.

The Bournemouth Depot took on the task of applying the new livery to the train which enters service today, the 29th of March and will be crewed exclusively by LGBTQIA+ South Western Railway colleagues.

People will be able to see the train with its new colourful livery on the well-used South West Main Line between London Waterloo and Weymouth, travelling through Greater London, Surrey, Hampshire, and Dorset.
 
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SWR Intersex-Inclusive Pride train design

The train operator's inaugural ‘Trainbow' train which featured a Pride flag livery back in 2019 and prior to the Southampton Pride event which runs each year and has been sponsored by South Western Railway since 2017 and will continue its patronage for 2023, 2024 and 2025.

LGBTQIA+ people recognise the rainbow Pride flag as a symbol since it was first created in the 1970s and has since seen several updates to reflect the many different parts of the community, celebrating diversity and highlighting greater inclusion both within and without.

Amber Hikes and Daniel Quasar are American activists and respectively added black and brown stripes to represent black and minority ethnic people alongside light blue, light pink and white stripes for transgender people, creating the ‘Progress Pride' flag.

2021 saw Valentino Vecchiette a British intersex equality campaigner re-design the Progress Pride flat which now includes the intersex flag which features a purple ring on a yellow background and is now the ‘Intersex-Inclusive Pride' flag which is the design which South Western Railway has used on the Class 444.
 
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Valentino Vecchietti, driver Mike Fretter, and Stuart Meek​

The design saw its formal reveal today (29th March) as senior leaders from South Western Railway including Managing Director - Claire Mann, and Chief Operating Officer -Stuart Meek, joined by LGBTQIA+ colleagues and Valentino Vecchietti.

Stuart Meek, Chief Operating Officer of South Western Railway, commented:

“It is wonderful to have this train proudly flying the flag for equality on our network, furthering inclusion with the new Intersex-Inclusive flag design, and visibly showing our support for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and customers.

“SWR is one family, and we are committed to fostering a sense of togetherness and standing up for all of our customers and colleagues, and all of the communities we serve.”

Bryce Hunt, Weymouth Station Manager and Chair of South Western Railway's Pride Network commented:

“Being proud of who you are is the opportunity to be openly expressive, loving, and honest. Our commitment to our colleagues and customers is that they can be unafraid of their true self and be met with understanding and support. Our Pride Network has released this new livery which shows our full commitment to the communities we serve internally and externally.”

Valentino Vecchietti, creator of the Intersex-Inclusive Pride flag and founder of Intersex Equality Rights UK, commented:

“The Intersex-Inclusive Pride train means so much to the LGBTQIA+ community and to our families, friends, and allies. I created intersex visibility on our global Pride flag to bring joy to my community, and also to raise awareness that intersex people in the UK and worldwide are typically not included in census data collection, equality protections or hate crime legislation.

“The umbrella term ‘intersex' describes the natural diversity in sex characteristics. Sex characteristics are distinct from gender identity and sexual orientation but are all connected through the sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) human rights framework, which is reflected in the new flag.”

The results of the first census to ask respondents optional questions regarding their sexual orientation and gender identity in England and Wales were made available earlier in the year by the Office for National Statistics.

The results revealed that the London Borough of Lambeth which is home to South Western Railways flagship London Waterloo terminus and Vauxhall station features one of the most LGBTQIA+ populated areas in the country achieving the third highest percentage of 8.3%.

South Western Railway's Pride Network is active in championing inclusivity in regard to sexual orientation and gender identity and in February which is History Month was highly commended for Diversity and Inclusion in Rail at the Rail Business Awards.

The newly liveried inclusive Pride train will be out and about in operation across the South Western Railway network right through Pride season 2023 and beyond!
 
29th March 2023

Alstom and Irish Rail unveil full-size model of new DART+ carriage in Dublin​

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Cab interior

At an event held earlier today, Wednesday, 29th March, at Irish Rail's Inchicore works in Dublin, Alstom revealed a mock-up of an X'trapolis DART+ carriage.

The event was to show what passengers in Greater Dublin will experience with the new DART+ trains, which are based on Alstom's X'trapolis commuter train platform.

They will be Ireland's first modern battery train fleet, and provide a greater capacity and deliver decarbonisation benefits.
 
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X'trapolis DART+ at a station platform

A full-size mock-up of the carriage was unveiled in the presence of the Irish Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, Irish Rail's Chief Executive Jim Meade, Alstom UK & Ireland Managing Director Nick Crossfield, and Alstom Ireland Managing Director Piers Wood.

Irish Rail has a ten-year framework agreement with Alstom for up to 750 new X'trapolis commuter rail cars for Dublin's DART network.

Firm orders have already been placed for 37 five-car X'trapolis trains, including a 15-year support services contract. 31 of the trains on order will be battery-electric multiple units, and six will be electric multiple units.

They are being funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
 
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Priority seating on the new X'trapolis DART+​

As part of the contract, Alstom will provide a range of services and solutions, including Technical Support and Spares Supplies for the first 15 years of the fleet's operation.

It will also deploy its HealthHub and TrainScanner technologies for predictive maintenance, and provide three train simulators to support driver training.
 
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Wheelchair space on the new X'trapolis DART+

The new trains will have space for 550 passengers with wide, walk-through gangways, a low-level floor, and an automatic retractable step to maximise accessibility for all passengers.

Other features include dedicated cycle and family areas, charging points for mobile phones, e-bikes and e-scooters, and CCTV throughout the train.

Nick Crossfield, Managing Director Alstom UK and Ireland said:

“We are delighted to be able to show Irish Rail and the Irish public their new DART+ train in the flesh. The trains demonstrate Irish Rail's intention to move quickly to decarbonise the commuter network in Greater Dublin, Ireland's most populous suburban area.

“As a global leader in innovation and provider of green mobility solutions, Alstom is there to help Ireland bring transformative change to its citizens through sustainable rail transport.”

“We are delighted to be able to show Irish Rail and the Irish public their new DART+ train in the flesh. The trains demonstrate Irish Rail's intention to move quickly to decarbonise the commuter network in Greater Dublin, Ireland's most populous suburban area.”

Chief Executive of Irish Rail Jim Meade said:

“Thanks to input from our customers and drivers, and the work of the Irish Rail and Alstom teams, we can now experience what the future of DART+ transport will be like. The sample carriage we see on display is modern, comfortable and customer centred and we look forward to having these carriages in use on our network serving new and existing communities for generations to come.”
 
29th March 2023

Thunderbird locomotive for Severn Valley Railway gala​

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Class 57, 57309​

A Direct Rail Services Class 57/3, aka Thunderbird, will be visiting the Severn Valley Railway for their Spring Diesel Festival.

The locomotive will visit the gala on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st May and will appear thanks to Avanti West Coast and Direct Rail Services.

The Thunderbird joins 47712, 58023, a Colas Class 56 and a DB Cargo Class 60 at the gala.

Home fleet locomotives will make-up a the list of locos, including Class 14, 17, 20, 31, 33, 40, 42, 50s and Class 52s set to work across all four days

Jonathan ‘Gus' Dunster, Managing Director at the Severn Valley Railway said:

“This is a truly momentous occasion that we think deserved a locomotive line-up on a scale that has never been seen before on a heritage railway.

“We've announced five fantastic guests so far, and we've got even more up our sleeve once arrangements have been finalised. Whatever your preference of locomotive traction, there's definitely going to be something to interest you during four days of intensively timetabled celebrations.

“I'd like to thank all our partners, including Avanti West Coast and Direct Rail Services in this case, for supporting our event.”

Find out more about the Spring Diesel Festival and purchase tickets at svr.co.uk.
 
29th March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

A very wet day today.

Inside the shed was a slightly milder 14 °C, but with all the work I was doing I almost took my fleece off. :lol:

My new camera arrived today, so I'll be learning how to use it over the next few days.

I sawed the last two baseboard legs and assembled one baseboard assembly, two legged version.

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The garden was smelling fresh after the rain and the splashes of yellow from this shrub caught my eye.

Kerria japonica, commonly known as Japanese kerria or Japanese rose, is a deciduous, yellow-flowering shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae), native to China, Japan and Korea.

It is the only species in the genus Kerria. In the wild, it grows in thickets on mountain slopes.

Japanese kerria has been used for medicine and is also planted in gardens.

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30th March 2023

Last Chance to ride Greater Anglia’s Class 321 trains​

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A Class 321 train​

Next Monday,3rd April, is set to be a significant day for Greater Anglia services as it will be the last day in service for its Class 321 electric units, which are in the process of being replaced by Class 720 units in a £1.4 billion fleet replacement programme.

On Monday, Class 321s are scheduled to operate services between Colchester and Walton-on-the-Naze throughout the day.

Anyone who wishes to take a last trip on a Class 321 before they are withdrawn from regular service should take their final trip whilst they can.
 
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Class 321 with a Greater Anglia service​

A few Class 321s will remain available for a few more weeks for use as short-notice replacements or to provide flexibility if there is a disruption or other unplanned developments.

To mark the Class 321s retirement from the Greater Anglia network, the company is running a Class 321 Farewell charity charter train on Saturday, 29 April to mark their withdrawal.

Class 321s were used on suburban and commuter services in East Anglia for over 30 years.
 
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Class 321 Farewell Rail Tour information

The rail tour is aimed primarily at rail enthusiasts, with all profits going to raise funds for three charities in Greater Anglia's operating area: East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH); Havens Hospices; and the Railway Mission.

The tour will start at London Liverpool Street then run to Clacton, Walton, Harwich Town, Stowmarket, Shenfield, and Southend Victoria, before returning to London Liverpool Street.

These are many of the core routes that the Class 321s were closely associated with during much of their working life.

Tickets for the rail tour are £70 for adults or £35 for children aged 5 – 15, and can only be booked online at https://railplus.greateranglia.co.uk/class-321-farewell-charity-train-event.html.

Further details about the tour can be obtained by ringing 0345 600 7245 then choosing option 3, followed by option 2.
 
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Class 321 replacement – the Class 720

Compared with the Class 321s, Greater Anglia's new Class 720s feature more seats, plug and USB points, enhanced performance, and better accessibility.

Already 101 of the new trains are in service, operating most of Greater Anglia's commuter and local services in Essex and Hertfordshire, services between London Liverpool Street and Cambridge, and stopping services between London Liverpool Street and Ipswich.

The new trains have largely been responsible for increased punctuality and reliability to historically high levels across Greater Anglia's network, with annual performance across its routes consistently over 90%.

Last July, Greater Anglia ran a similar rail tour for its Class 317 units which were being retired, although that tour was over a different route to the Class 321 Farewell tour.

Among those people on the tour will be members of the Clacton Express Preservation Group, who will be raising money for Heritage electric projects and making promotional material available.

Last March the group purchased Class 309 No. 309624 from The Lavender Line to preserve it. However, in February this year, the benefactor who was helping to save it walked away from the project, and the group reluctantly had to offer the unit for sale.

Jonathan Denby, Head of Corporate Affairs, Greater Anglia said:

“The last day of pre-planned, scheduled use of the Class 321 trains in normal service, on Monday, marks the start of the last phase of our transition to a Greater Anglia network fully operated by new trains. We're looking forward to reaching that point, in the weeks ahead, at which every one of our customers will benefit from the extra seating capacity, more comfortable journeys, improved accessibility and better performance that our new trains offer.

“In the meantime, anyone wishing to bid their farewells to the Class 321s has a chance to do so with their final planned use in service between Colchester and Walton-on-the-Naze on Monday 3 April and on the Class 321 Farewell charity charter train on Saturday 29 April.”
 
30th March 2023

A new guide for people with autism has been created in a collaboration between Govia Thameslink Railway and Josh!​

The train operator has produced an Easy Ticket Guide in time for World Autism Acceptance Week which runs until the 2nd of April​

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Josh Puglia has helped Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink develop a guide to help people less confident about travelling​

Govia Thameslink Railway has created the guide with a great deal of input from Josh Puglia who has autism and is packed full of practical great advice for people who live with the condition alongside those who with anxiety.

Josh is 30 years old and lives in Goring-by-Sea and has joined the train operators Access Advisory Panel which are made up of a group of disabled volunteers who travel with Govia Thameslink Railway which operators Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern services and offer practical advice on how improvements can be made.

The train operator has recently made a £600,000 investment in improvements in a bid to support accessibility.
 
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Easy Ticket Guide​

Josh said:

“I can't drive because I have autism, so being able to travel by train is so important to me – it gives me independence to travel to Brighton to the charity Grace Eyre which gives me and others with autism and learning disabilities support and where I'm an ambassador trustee.

“But it's really challenging. If it's really busy and there's a queue behind me at the ticket office or it's noisy then it makes me really anxious and I can feel overwhelmed.

“This guide will help others with autism see how they too can buy tickets and travel by train.

“And, hopefully, World Autism Acceptance Week will help other people understand my autism and give me the space that I sometimes need.”

Antony Merlyn, GTR's Accessibility Engagement Manager worked on the guide with Josh and autistic colleagues and said:

“The idea to produce the ‘Easy Ticket Guide' came when I first spoke to Josh after he joined our panel. Together, we discussed how buying tickets can create anxiety and potentially present a barrier to travel for many disabled customers – not just those with autism.

“It's all about removing barriers to travel. This can take all shapes and sizes – it's not just about doing big things like installing lifts. This guide is a very simple idea which tackles a very real potential source of anxiety.”

The Easy Ticket Guide can be downloaded from the following pages:
  • Gatwick Express click here
  • Southern click here
  • Thameslink click here
  • Great Northern click here
Another guide is currently being made to support people in finding the right train.
 
30th March 2023

First new Barcelona Metro train enters passenger service​

Fifty new trains to replace Barcelona Metro Lines 1 and 3 fleet​

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First new Barcelona Metro trains enter into commercial service​

Barcelona Metro operator TMB (Transportes Metropolitanos de Barcelona) has brought the first of its new trains into passenger service on line 3.

Fifty new metro trains will replace the Barcelona Metro lines 1 and 3 fleet.

The commissioning of this first train on line 3 will be followed by the gradual replacement of the current fleet over the coming months.

All the trains are being manufactured at Alstom's industrial site in Santa Perpètua, Barcelona.

Alstom boasts that the new trains are more sustainable, efficient and accessible trains than those they are replacing.

The work forms part of a contract that the Metropolis family awarded to Alstom in October 2019, worth nearly €320 million.

Alstom exhibited a full-scale model of the new train at Rail Live! in Madrid in 2021.

The new trains are based on Alstom's Metropolis range, while incorporating new innovations and technological solutions, with special emphasis on sustainability and accessibility.

The trains feature a lightweight structure, low energy consumption, technical reliability, ease of maintenance and better air filtration.

Accessibility conditions are included to comply current regulations in Spain, Catalonia and neighbouring countries.

The five-car trains are equipped with remote control and sensors to manage rolling stock maintenance.

The new rolling stock also boats new information systems, more digital screens and real-time video surveillance cameras, low noise level USBs, ports for charging mobile devices, 100% LEDs lighting and ergonomic interior design.
 
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Barcelona metro Series 7000 trainset enters service

Metropolis trains, which are available with driverless systems, feature low noise levels, high recyclability and optimised energy efficiency to minimise environmental impact.

More than 30 cities worldwide have ordered or operated Metropolis trains, including Amsterdam, Singapore, Panama City, Barcelona, Paris, Riyadh, Dubai, Sydney and Montreal.

Leopoldo Maestu, presidente Alstom España (President of Alstom Spain), said,

“It is an honour that TMB has once again trust in Alstom and our site in Catalonia to develop its latest generation of metro trains, that are at the forefront in terms of safety, sustainability, technology, accessibility and comfort.”

TMB President Laia Bonet said,

“With these new trains, we are improving the service by offering more comfort and accessibility, and we are also moving towards a more sustainable mobility thanks to their lower energy consumption. They are also more accessible with wider doors and corridors, and we are very aware that this is a good solution for the mobility of everyone in our society, in our city.”

“It is an honour that TMB has once again trust in Alstom and our site in Catalonia to develop its latest generation of metro trains, that are at the forefront in terms of safety, sustainability, technology, accessibility and comfort. We share with TMB its commitment to social responsibility, for a sustainable future in the economic, social and environmental fields,” emphasises Leopoldo Maestu, President of Alstom Spain.
 
30th March 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Started off sunny today.

Inside the shed was a lovely 22 °C, I had to take my fleece off. :lol:

So, I've completed the main baseboard assemblies.

I'll have to dismantle the test layout next, to make room for the new baseboards.

But first I'll have a look to see how my track stock levels are, make sure I have enough for the two mainlines at the minimum.

So here's the shed at close of play today, I used my new camera to take this photo.

To give you a sense of scale - the yellow spirit level (centre, spanning the baseboards) is 4 foot long.

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31st March 2023

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Popular fflecsi service returns to Llŷn Peninsula​

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Aberdaron Llŷn Peninsula, North Wales, Wales​

A seasonal fflecsi service is returning to the Llŷn Peninsula for a third consecutive year, Transport for Wales (TfW) has confirmed.

Working in partnership with O Ddrws i Ddrws Community Transport, the service begins on Saturday 1 April, providing important travel connections for communities and routes to popular destinations for visitors to the area during the summer months.

The fflecsi Llŷn service will operate between Fridays and Mondays from 9am to 6pm, until Sunday 17 September.

The service will also operate on Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 of August from 9am to 6pm, to help support travel to and from the National Eisteddfod in Boduan.

Passenger use has more than doubled since the service first began operating in 2021, with more than 2,200 completed journeys in 2022 compared to 689 in the previous year.

fflecsi Llŷn, which uses an electric bus as part of its fleet, is an environmentally friendly transport alternative for communities and tourists.

The service connects the coastal town of Pwllheli, where it meets the Cambrian Coast Line, with the western tip of the Llŷn Peninsula, covering the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and including the villages of Abersoch, Aberdaron, Nefyn, and the scenic fishing village of Porthdinllaen.

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fflecsi llyn bus​

Lee Robinson, Director for Mid, North and Rural Wales at TfW said:

“The Llŷn Peninsula is a popular tourist destination in Wales and the fflecsi Llŷn service plays an important role in helping drive sustainable transport in the area.

“Passenger numbers continue to increase, and I’m delighted to see the service returning for a third consecutive year.

“We know that fflecsi provides an essential service to rural areas and it continues to be a vital part of TfW’s commitment to providing a multi-modal transport network that encourages more people to use public transport.

Wil Parry, Project Manager for O Ddrws i Ddrws Community Transport said:

“fflecsi is a highly valued transport choice for both locals and visitors to the Llyn Peninsula during the summer and I’m pleased to see the service returning for its third season this year.

“Part of what makes the Llŷn Peninsula so special is that it is truly unspoilt. We have gentle coastlines, sandy beaches, secluded coves with tiny villages and hamlets inland.

“We want to play our part in protecting the area for generations to come by providing a sustainable transport alternative to using the car.”

  • fflecsi Llŷn is an affordable way to travel around the Llŷn Peninsula with single adult fares costing £4, ages 16 or under costing £2, with a group of 4 ticket costing £13.
  • Journeys can be booked by downloading the fflecsi app or by calling 0300 234 0300 – the call centre operates between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sunday.
  • fflecsi Llŷn is funded by the Llŷn AONB Community Development Fund.
 
31st March 2023

Future clear for steam locomotive 7027 Thornbury Castle​

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7027 Thornbury Castle​

The 4709 Group has confirmed the future for GWR Castle No. 7027 Thornbury Castle, and has released a statement.

After waiting six months for any suitable offers, the Great Western Society says that they have received no approaches from groups and individuals with adequate funds to allow for a restoration of Thornbury Castle.

Approval has now been given to The 4709 Group to use the boiler to complete new-build No. 4709.

Whilst a lot of work needs to be done, the boiler will be examined, overhauled and test before being put into 4709's frames, saving the group around half a million pounds, and around 5 years work.

Back in August, the 4709 Group purchased the Great Central Railway based locomotive, and soon set out plans to convert the rest of the locomotive into a Star Class (though this was later scrapped).

Previous owner, Jonathan Jones Pratt set out plans to purchase the locomotive to restore her, and in September, the Great Western Society said that they would wait six months before proceeding as they would ‘consider' suitable offers.

In his statement, Richard Croucher said:

“I think it's probably fair to say that we have exhausted all the alternative options for Thornbury Castle and to date, the Great Western Society (GWS) has received no approaches from any group or individual with adequate funds or access to sufficient resources to enable a restoration of Thornbury Castle.”

“After a six month long wait to establish whether there was a potential for a different future for Thornbury Castle, we now have approval to use the boiler to expedite the build of 4709.”

“That notwithstanding, we are no longer planning to have a new boiler fabricated and as a result, expecting to save around half a million pounds and probably five years work in getting 4709 finished.”
 

Network Rail introduces new regional phonetic alphabet​

Published 1 April 2023

Network Rail has made a bid to improve communications between signal panels and boxes within each region by devising new phonetic alphabets which draw on local culture and language.

A notice sent to signallers and seen by Railnews says: ‘Following consultation it has been agreed that the London and South East Region (LaSER) Region Specific Phonetic Alphabet (RSPA) will become active from 0001hrs Saturday 1st April 2023. The RSPA will work concurrently with standardised Alphabet as per Rule Book Section G1.

‘The introduction of the LaSER RSPA is a culmination of many hours of work to bring forward a tangible legacy to “2023, British Year of the Dialect”.

This RSPA embraces local dialectic idiosyncrasies.

‘As I'm sure your teams are aware, Network Rail have been embracing dialect and local customs in our bid to remain Diversity Relevant in the modern era. The homogenization of language, while ensuring clarity, is diluting cultures nationally and internationally.

‘Network Rail’s policy of multiple RSPAs should go live following a successful trial of LaSER.’

The new alphabet for the London area draws inspiration from the classic BBC comedy series, ‘Only Fools and Horses’, and reads:

A = Arfur; B = Boycie; C = Cushty; D = Denzel; E = Earner; F = Freddie; G = Geezer; H = Hooky; I = Incometax; J = Jubbly; K = Khazi; L = Liquor; M = Marlene; N = Nagshead; O = Occhetti; P = Plonker; Q = Quack; R = Rodney; S = Sullivan; T = Tea; U = Uncle; V = VAT; W = Wally; X = Xwife; Y = Yuppy; Z = Zebedee.

Network Rail added: ‘It is important to note this can only be used for rail communications wholly encompassed within LaSER. In ALL other circumstances users must apply G1 SA.’

:lol:
 
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2nd April 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Well, as you know I've finished the main assembly of the baseboards.

I've made the height of the baseboards 995mm.

The reason for this height is so that I reduce the aerial view of the railway and try to reproduce the 'eye level' view of the model trains that I used to enjoy so much as a child.

So to recap, here are the dimensions of the assemblies.

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3rd April 2023

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Wales' first hybrid train enters service on Borderlands Line​

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Class 230​

Railway history was made today on the Borderlands Line between Wrexham and Bidston as Transport for Wales (TfW) introduced the first battery-hybrid trains used in regular passenger service in Wales.

The long-awaited first service operated by one of TfW’s Class 230 trains left Wrexham Central at 07:31, following months of testing and crew training.

TfW own five three-carriage Class 230 trains, which each having over 120 seats and with capacity for over 420 customers – a significant increase over previous trains.

The metro-style trains, which were repurposed from former London Underground trains, provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly service using diesel and batteries.

With fully accessible toilets, power sockets, electronic passenger information, Wi-Fi, bike racks and air conditioning, the trains are a significant milestone for TfW, as they continue to deliver on their plans to transform rail services throughout Wales and the borders.

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Class 230​

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

“This is great news. Funded by our £800m investment in a new fleet of trains, the Class 230s play an important part in our plans to transform rail services in Wales. These new trains will offer greater comfort, and modern facilities and with the new hybrid engines will be better for the environment.”

Alexia Course, Transport for Wales’ Chief Commercial Officer, said:

“We’re delighted that the first Class 230 train has entered service. With hybrid engines and modern facilities, these trains will significantly improve the customer experience on the Borderlands Line by providing better facilities and increased capacity.

“We’re committed to improving services between North Wales and the Liverpool City Region. We’ve already introduced brand new trains on services between Chester and Liverpool, and we’re planning to increase the frequency of services between Wrexham and Bidston, as well as providing a new direct service between Llandudno and Liverpool via the North Wales coast.”
 
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