Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Box art: Close up of Pullman Crest.

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17th April 2023

Return of steam locomotive 35028 Clan Line delayed​

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The Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society has issued an update on work to overhaul Bulleid Merchant Navy Class Pacific steam locomotive No. 35028 Clan Line.

Following ongoing work on Clan Line’s firebox at heritage steam specialists Leaky Finders at Brixham in Devon, the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society has taken the decision to renew the locomotive’s boiler certificate for seven years.

However, additional work is required before it can return to the main line, which the society aims to happen next year.
 
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Because of the delay in returning Clan Line to the main line, the society has made all of its partners aware of its intentions and has extended its thanks for their support and understanding.

Work is progressing on the thermic syphons, and new pieces of boilerplate are being pressed into the correct shapes on a large press, which uses formers that have been produced from accurate drawings.
 
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Clan Line’s boiler with the lagging removed

Several hundred firebox stays are being replaced, and whilst preparing for those some imperfections were found in the sides of the inner firebox, but as the stays were already being replaced, the sides of the inner firebox will be replaced at the same time.

Because of that work, and that the tubes and superheater elements are already being replaced, prompted the decision to go for a seven-year boiler ticket.

To achieve this, a boiler inspector will require access to the whole boiler, which will necessitate the removal of the cladding and lagging.

The superheater header will also need to be removed so that it can be hydraulically tested separately from the boiler.
 
17th April 2023

Class 50 locomotive No. 50021 “Rodney” to be guest at Swanage Railway Gala​

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50021 25.11.22 Eastleigh Works

The Swanage Railway has announced that the final heritage locomotive for this year’s Diesel Gala and Beer Festival will be Class 50 No. 50021 Rodney.

This will be the Swanage Railway’s 16th annual Diesel Gala and Beer Festival, and this year is being held from Friday 12th to Sunday, 14th May, with a preview day on Thursday 11th May.
 
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Class 33 111 at Corfe Castle

Rodney’s appearance at the Gala will be subject to successful completion of repairs and testing and will be the first time since 1999 that it has worked trains.

If the testing of Rodney is not successful, then its Classmate No. 50026 Indomitable will take over Rodney’s duties at the gala.

The Swanage Railway will make an announcement nearer the event if this change becomes necessary.

On all three days, an intensive service will operate over the railway’s full ten-mile route between Swanage and its boundary with Network Rail at “Bridge 4” over the River Frome on the line from Weymouth to Wareham.

A three-train service will be in operation, with two trains operating over the full length of the line to Bridge 4, and a shuttle service in operation between Swanage and Corfe Castle.
 
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Class 40 D345/40145, one of the Gala visitors

The Beer Festival will be held in the station yard at Corfe Castle and at Swanage station there will be a number of trade stands and, subject to confirmation, a BBQ.

Locomotives from the railway’s home fleet will include Class 33s Nos. 33012 and 33111, and besides Rodney, visiting locomotives will include Class 17 No. D8568, Class 40 No. D345/40145, Class 45 No. 45108, and Class 47 No. 47830.
 
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Class 17 D8568, one of the Gala visitors

Advance tickets cost £35 for adults and £25 for children, with two-day tickets for £58 adult and £38 child, and three-day tickets for £66 adult and £45 child, and can be purchased online at Swanage Railway Ticket Prices Fares Travel charges (myonlinebooking.co.uk).

Tickets can be purchased on the day but cost an extra £5.
 
17th April 2023

‘Think in threes’ for travel to Liverpool for Eurovision Song Contest​

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TransPennine Express Nova 1 train at Liverpool Lime Street station

With the Eurovision Song Contest being held in Liverpool next month, Network Rail has issued travel advice for the thousands of people from across the world who are expected to travel by train to Liverpool Lime Street station for the event.

Liverpool is hosting the competition on behalf of last year’s winner, Ukraine, between Sunday, 7th and Saturday, 13th May.

Trains are expected to be very busy, so Network Rail has revealed the following three tips to make sure passengers receive “douze” points by hitting the right notes when they use the railway:
  • Plan journeys in advance by checking Network Rail’s website at www.nationalrail.co.uk;
  • Allow extra time to catch trains as a queueing system will be in place during busy times;
  • Travel light by keeping luggage and bags to a minimum as trains will be very busy.
 
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Liverpool Lime Street station

The launch event is being held at St George’s Hall on Sunday, 7th May, whilst the semi-finals are at the Liverpool Arena on Tuesday, 9th and Thursday, 11th May and the Grand Final on Saturday 13 May.

Liverpool Lime Street is used to dealing with thousands of passengers and has prepared plans so that people’s journeys through the station will be as smooth as possible.

To help visitors find their way to the different venues, extra staff will be on hand and available to give advice on the concourse.
 
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Liverpool Lime Street station

During the busiest periods, queueing systems will be in place to make sure people can get to and from station platforms safely, especially for the Opening Ceremony on Sunday 7th May and the Grand Final on Saturday, 13th May. At busy times, this queue will extend outside the station and along Bolton Street.

In the run-up to the competition, Lime Street station will be getting into the spirit of the occasion with a number of special acts and events.

A huge programme of cultural events will also be taking place across Liverpool throughout Eurovision week, so even those who do not have tickets to Liverpool Arena itself should plan their journeys in advance.

The latest travel information can be found online at www.nationalrail.co.uk, and other public transport options to get around the city can be found on a dedicated Eurovision page on the Merseytravel website at https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/customer-information/eurovision-travel-advice/.

Visitors should try not to rely on the last train home, as once the last services have left there will be no alternative travel arrangements out of Liverpool Lime Street.

Kyla Thomas, Liverpool Lime Street station manager, said:

“Eurovision coming to Liverpool is huge and we can’t wait to welcome people from all over the world to our fantastic city – with Lime Street station their gateway to the contest.

“What we ask of people planning to travel by rail is to think in threes – plan ahead, allow extra time, and travel light. We hope these top tips get everyone off to a winning start during what will be an amazing week.”
 
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17th April 2023

East Midlands passengers urged to plan ahead due to weekend disruption​

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Recent MML work

Network Rail is advising passengers in the East Midlands to plan ahead for the weekend of 22 and 23 April, as electrification work means changes to services between Kettering and Corby in Northamptonshire.

In addition, intensive maintenance work between London and Kentish Town at the very southern end of the Midland Main Line will result in reduced Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services.

There will be no Thameslink services through central London between St Pancras or Finsbury Park and Blackfriars / London Bridge.

Moreover, operators expect trains to be very busy due to major sporting events.

Details of the disruption are as follows:

East Midlands Railway:

Saturday:

  • reduced hourly service to / from London St Pancras International
  • 22:01 Corby to Kettering service will not run
  • reduced / amended timetable will be in operation all day.
Sunday:
  • reduced Intercity train service from / to Sheffield and Nottingham will operate: trains will be diverted, increasing journey times by up to an hour.
  • all services between Corby and London St Pancras International will start / terminate at Wellingborough, running every half an hour on Saturday and hourly on Sunday. Rail connections are available to Kettering and Corby.
  • buses will replace trains between Leicester and Market Harborough, and between Market Harborough and Kettering.
Thameslink
  • no Thameslink trains run through central London between London St Pancras International and London Blackfriars / London Bridge.
  • use London Underground / Bus services to travel across central London.
Trains will run to an amended timetable between:
  • London St Pancras and Bedford / Luton. Trains will not call at Kentish Town, please use alternative Northern line services.
  • London Bridge and Three Bridges / Horsham / Brighton / Rainham.
  • London Victoria and Sevenoaks.
  • No trains will operate between London Blackfriars and Sutton. Please use alternative local London buses, Tramlink, Northern line or Southern Railway services.
Gary Walsh, Route Director for Network Rail in the East Midlands said:

“The electrification of the Midland Main Line is a really important investment for our region. We’re carrying out as much work as possible without affecting services, but some activities need to be carried out when trains aren’t running to keep everyone safe. This weekend is also a busy weekend at the London end of our route where our maintenance teams get longer access to make sure everything is working as it should be.

“I want to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out this work. Please do check your journey before you travel and be aware that some trains may be busier than usual.”

Jenny Saunders, Customer Services Director for Thameslink and Great Northern, said:

“We also thank our passengers for bearing with the inconvenience while Network Rail carry out this essential track maintenance. Sunday will be particularly busy into and out of London, with many people heading for the Marathon or the FA Cup semi-final, so please plan you journey in advance and check times before you leave home.”

Neil Grabham, Customer Services Director for East Midlands Railway said:

“We are asking any customers planning to travel to or from London on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April to plan ahead and allow plenty of time to complete their journey.

“We are expecting our services to be very busy throughout the duration of the weekend and with major sporting events taking place, we want to make sure we can get our customers to these events as safely as possible.

“On Sunday, the day of the London Marathon, Rail Replacement buses will keep passengers moving between Leicester and Market Harborough, and between Market Harborough and Kettering.

“For full details, please visit our website .We would like to thank our customers for their patience whilst the electrification of the Midland Main Line is taking place.”
 
17th April 2023

Transport for London issue travel advice regarding the Coronation weekend

Londoners and visitors heading to London on Saturday the 6th of May can look forward to a full public transport network with no planned closures!​

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Class 710 at Barking next to District Line S Stock

Saturday the 6th of May marks the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla and Transport for London are ready to welcome both Londoners and those visiting the capital with a fully open transport network with no planned closures taking place.

Transport services are expected to be extremely busy on the 6th of May, especially at major transport interchanges however, despite this people travelling are expected to be able to reach their destinations.

Due to the Coronation, short-term safety measures will be in place and will include:
  • Queuing
  • Temporary station closures
  • Temporary road closures
  • Alterations to entrances and exits at stations
 
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TfL London Underground Roundel

Travelling by bus:


Road closures may see some Westminster bus services use a diversion or stop ahead of their destination.

To learn more about bus services during the Coronation, please visit TfL’s bus status updates.

Travelling on the Night Tube and Overground Night Service:

Services will operate on Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th of May to find out more visit here for Night Tube details or here for Overground Night Service details.

Travelling by car:

People are advised not to drive through the centre of London and to choose routes which avoid the centre if they are not attending the Coronation events.

Walking:

A good number of popular London locations can be accessed by foot and Transport for London’s West End Walking Map is a fantastic guide which details the Westminster area where the Coronation event will be held.

Cycling:

For anyone not attending Coronation events, cycling is a great way to travel, however, some roads will be closed and temporary changes will be in operation for Cycleway 3 around Buckingham Palace and Constitution Hill.

It is likely that those travelling by bike will need to walk in some locations as a high number of visitors are expected.

Santander Cycles can be hired for just £1.65 for up to 30-minute journeys, in order to use this facility download the Santander Cycles app or visit any docking station terminal where you can use a bank card and follow the instruction on the touch screen to get started.

Santander Cycles do not need to be booked, simply hire, ride and return to any docking station.

Transport for London is advising customers to plan their travel ahead using real-time information services using its dedicated web page which features travel advice for the Coronation weekend via: https://tfl.gov.uk/status-updates/major-works-and-events/coronation.

For further information on how services will be operating please use the TfL Go app or visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

Further to the Coronation, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle on the 7th of May, to find out more about this please visit: https://coronation.gov.uk

All over London, street parties will be taking place which will see some residential roads closed temporarily, details of which can be found via Local authorities.

Andy Lord, London’s Transport Commissioner, said:

“We are delighted that London is hosting ceremonial events for the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, and look forward to welcoming visitors and Londoners alike onto the transport network for this historic occasion. We expect central London to be very busy and the large-scale events will mean road closures in central London, so I’d advise people to check before they travel. I’d also encourage Londoners and those visiting to mark the celebrations to make the most of the public transport options, as there are no planned closures.”
 
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17th April 2023

Bluebell Railway releases further tickets for Flying Scotsman Golden Arrow

Extra tickets available for Flying Scotsman Golden Arrow services on 25, 26 and 28 August.​

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The Bluebell Railway has released a limited number of tickets for its Golden Arrow Flying Scotsman Gala trains on the August bank holiday weekend.

It is offering seats on the Gala Dinner on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 August and the Gala Breakfast on Monday 28 August.

The events are being held to celebrate the Flying Scotsman’s centenary visit to the Bluebell Railway.

At both events, passengers will be served by professional waiting staff whilst being pulled by the Flying Scotsman and enjoying the beautiful Sussex countryside.
  • The Gala Dinner is a black-tie event which will begin at Sheffield Park Station with a Gala Champagne reception at 5:30pm. The train will then depart at 6.30pm, and the journey will terminate at Sheffield Park station at approximately 10:30pm, with refreshments available to buy from the Bessemer Arms until 11pm. The ticket price is £195 per person.
  • The Gala Breakfast begins with a Gala Champagne reception at 6:30am, after which the train will depart at 7:30am. For this event, the Railway respectfully asks passengers to observe a smart dress code, with no jeans or trainers. Your journey will terminate at Sheffield Park station at approximately 9:30am, and passengers are free to spend the rest of their day enjoying the rest of the facilities at the Bluebell Railway. The ticket prices is £125 per person.
Application for the tickets must be made by email only, to bookings@bluebell-railway.com.

These tickets are very limited and will sell out fast, so the Railway is urging enthusiasts to not miss their chance to travel in style behind the world’s most famous steam locomotive!

Please visit https://www.bluebell-railway.com/the_flying_scotsman_in_steam_xx/ for full details.

LNER Class A3 4472 Flying Scotsman is a 4-6-2 Pacific steam locomotive built in 1923 for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER) at Doncaster Works to a design by Nigel Gresley.

It was employed on long-distance express East Coast Main Line trains by the LNER and its successors, British Railways Eastern and North-Eastern Regions, notably on the London to Edinburgh Flying Scotsman train service after which it was named.

The Flying Scotsman was the first steam locomotive to be officially authenticated at reaching 100 miles per hour (161 km/h) on 30 November 1934, and then set a record for the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive when it ran 422 miles (679 km) on 8 August 1989 while in Australia.

Retired from regular service in 1963 after covering 2.08 million miles, Flying Scotsman enjoyed considerable fame in preservation under the ownership of, successively, Alan Pegler, William McAlpine, Tony Marchington, and finally the National Railway Museum.

As well as hauling enthusiast specials in the United Kingdom, the locomotive toured extensively in the United States and Canada from 1969 until 1973 and Australia in 1988 and 1989.

Flying Scotsman has been described as the world’s most famous steam locomotive.
 
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18th April 2023

West Midlands Railway: new train fleet enters service on Hereford Line​

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West Midlands Railway Class 196

A new West Midlands Railway (WMR) train fleet has carried its first passengers on the Hereford Line.

The Class 196 train left Birmingham New Street shortly before 6pm on Monday 17 April for its maiden journey to Worcester Shrub Hill.

The introduction of the new fleet means that the trains are now serving passengers in new locations including Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Worcester.

The start of passenger services on the route follows the fleet's introduction on the Shrewsbury Line in October.

The first train in passenger service was formed of a pair of two-carriage trains – 196005 and 196006.

The fleet of twenty-six Class 196 trains boasts features including intelligent air conditioning, plug and USB chargers at every seat, and extra storage space.

The trains offer 25% more capacity than the trains they have replaced.

To begin with, only a small number of journeys on the Hereford Line will be run by Class 196s, as the operator plans to ‘drip-feed' the new trains into service over the coming months.

The trains are also due to enter service on the Leamington to Nuneaton route later this year, serving communities including Coventry, Kenilworth and Bedworth.

The Class 196 is the first new fleet to be introduced to the West Midlands franchise for over ten years and is part of WMR's £690m investment in new trains and infrastructure.
 
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Sir Edward Elgar

One of the trains in the fleet – 196004 – was officially named ‘Sir Edward Elgar' by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire Andrew Manning-Cox at a special ceremony last month.

WMR staff chose the name was chosen in honour of the Worcestershire-born composer.

Another of the trains was named ‘Graiseley Wolves' by local primary school pupils.

More information on the new trains can be found over on the West Midlands Railway website.

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway's customer experience director, said:

“I am delighted that even more passengers are now able to take advantage of our newest train fleet with the rollout of the Class 196s onto the Hereford Line.

“With smart air conditioning, power points at every seat and extra space on board, I am certain these trains will prove a hit with our passengers in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”
 
18th April 2023

Norfolk visit postponed as overhaul work continues for steam locomotive 60163 Tornado​

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The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has issued an update on the overhaul of 60163 Tornado, reporting that the work in continuing in Loughborough and Darlington.

At LMS' works, the project is approaching completion of work prior to re-wheeling the frames.

Whilst work was progressing, a minor alignment issue with the Cartazzi came to light, which needed to be resolved before work could progress.

This has now been well advanced and final alignment checks are being completed on the frames and cannon boxes before re-wheeling.
 
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Working on the Tornado refurbishment

The pipework on the locomotive frames is now almost complete, with a few tasks remaining that can only be carried out once the boiler is refitted.

Easier access has enabled all the more difficult work to be completed without what the Trust calls “the need for our team to discover their inner contortionist”!

The Trust now plans to rewheel the locomotive during the last week of April using the Mattinson jacks, which are being moved down from Darlington for the task.
 
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The motion is being fully refurbished at the Severn Valley Railway, where work is progressing well.

This will enable swift installation on the locomotive soon after the rewheeling, when Tornado will become a Pacific once again.

Final fitting of pipework and other smaller components can then be completed to give an almost complete rolling chassis ahead of the boiler being put into place.
 
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Refurbishment of the boiler has not been without difficulty and stress, as has been reported before.

The small tubes needed to be replaced but the Boiler Inspector also recommended the replacement of the flue tubes to mitigate any similar risk that testing had could not discover.

As a result, all the tubes have been removed and a full new set of small tubes and flues is scheduled to arrive in the UK and be delivered to Darlington this week.

The team is ready to begin installing the tubes in the coming days so as to move as swiftly as possible to a hydraulic test, and then a steam test at Darlington.

Plans for the refurbishment included a number of stay replacements to avoid potential reliability issues.

However, DB Meiningen did not complete them all, so they are being completed at Darlington.

Replacement would need the cab to be removed, so by installing new material now it should significantly reduce the risk of this happening.
 
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The Trust admits that it is not as far advanced with Tornado's refurbishment as it would like to be, but is confident that its team is “fully focused on getting the locomotive into traffic as rapidly as possible”.

Unfortunately, the loco will not be able to appear at the North Norfolk Railway (NNR) as planned in May, but the Trust and the Railway are discussing the potential of a future visit.

At present, despite recent bridge works, Network Rail has advised that large locomotives cannot traverse the Sheringham branch, so the Trust will be working with the NNR to try to overcome this problem.

The European Train Control System (ETCS) installation also continues to progress.

In the coming weeks, it is intended to switch the main parts of the system on for the first time, a key milestone for this part of the project.
 
18th April 2023

Just 32 minutes by East Midlands Railway on new Luton Airport Express​

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East Midlands Railway, Luton Airport Express

East Midlands Railway (EMR) has launched a direct service from London St Pancras International station to London Luton Airport.

Luton Airport Express trains run to Luton Airport Parkway every 30 minutes from early morning to late at night, Mondays to Saturdays, and with regular services on Sundays.

Journey time is just 32 minutes and fares start from just £10.
 
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Luton Airport Express booking counter

At Luton Airport Parkway customers can transfer to the new Luton DART shuttle to the airport, with the ticket included in the Luton Airport Express ticket.

The Luton DART runs 24 hours a day and takes less than four minutes to travel to the airport terminal.

The trains have ample luggage space, accessible toilets and free WiFi.

At Luton Airport Parkway, a lift and escalators provide step-free access between the train platform and the DART terminal.
 
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New Luton Airport Express train

Simon Pready, Commercial Director of East Midlands Railway, said:

“EMR's Luton Airport Express will provide customers travelling from the capital and the south, a convenient, fast and environmentally friendly way to get to the airport – with a trip taking as little as 32 minutes and costing from just £10 – it's a great option.

“Along with the introduction of DART, the Luton Airport Express represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the town and we are proud to be part of such an environmentally and economically important project.

“I'm personally looking forward to speaking to our customers to find out where they are jetting off to.”
 
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Luton Airport DART

Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton Airport, said: “Taking just 32 minutes door-to-door, the launch of the transformational Luton Airport Express means that London Luton Airport has never been closer to central London.

“The service will provide a faster, more frequent and more convenient connection from train to plane, making LLA one of the capital's best-connected airports and supporting its mission to deliver a simple, friendly end-to-end passenger experience.”

Graham Olver, Chief Executive of Luton Rising, said:

“The Luton Airport Express and its seamless connection with the ground-breaking Luton DART will make a tremendous difference to passengers, making journeys to London Luton Airport faster, easier and greener, and encourages people to take the train and leave the car at home.

“The Luton Airport Express and the DART are also great news for people in Luton because every extra passenger using London Luton Airport boosts the unique investment we as the owners of the airport are able to make to local services.”

London Luton Airport is one of the UK's busiest airports, and last year over 13 million passengers passed through the airport, which serves 140 destinations in Europe, North Africa and Asia on various airlines including easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al.

Within the terminal there are more than 40 shop and restaurant brands to choose from.
 
18th April 2023

Ireland’s Táilte Tours declares railtour a ‘Suir-fire’ success!​

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1993 built Tokyo Car 2600 Class railcar set, Táilte Tours

On Saturday 15 April, Táilte Tours operated the ‘Suir Lee Knot' railtour from Cork to Waterford via Carrick-on-Suir – and declared it a ‘Suir-fire' success!

The tour, which was announced in February, involved the rare treat of travelling on a 1993-built Tokyu Car 2600 class railcar set north of Mallow.

The run took passengers from Cork on the banks of the River Lee to Waterford on the banks of the River Suir, via the ‘knot' of lines at Limerick Junction.

This was a rare visit of this class into Waterford, and included an extended stop at Carrick-on-Suir, restoration base of the Irish Traction Group (ITG).

Here, the ITG's volunteers had worked long into the night preparing their 1956-built C Class locomotive No.226 to look its best for visitors.

It was the first public appearance of the Metropolitan Vickers-built diesel since its restoration to running order.
 
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Irish Traction Group's C Class diesel No.226 in orange gloss at Carrick-on-Suir

Features of the tour included a run through Tipperary loop, which has no scheduled trains.

There was also an unusual reverse move out of the south-facing bay platforms in Cork before heading north around the station via the former avoiding line used by freight trains.

Passengers also took part in the on-board raffle, key prize of which was a set of Magnesite wagons kindly donated by sponsor Irish Railway Models. (The prototype vehicles operated over the very line over which the tour traversed).

Set up just last year and named after one of Ireland's largest steam locomotives, Táilte Tours is a voluntary-led committee that seeks to raise awareness for Ireland's smaller railway heritage groups.

They aim to do this through the organisation of railtours and other railway-themed events throughout Ireland.

Niall Kelly, Marketing Officer for Táilte Tours committee, said:

“Despite being Ireland's second city, or the ‘Real Capital' as its denizens refer to it, railtours starting in Cork are few and far between and we felt it was time to address that. Uptake on the tour from local enthusiasts and daytrippers alike far exceeded our expectations — we'll definitely try to run more out of Cork as our resources permit.

“We're very grateful for the enormous amount of work put in behind the scenes both in Iarnród Éireann staff and by our fellow volunteers in the Irish Traction Group who burnt plenty of midnight oil into getting 226 ready for our passengers. Hats off to all!”.
 
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