Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Marcus's Garden - Camera Test

One of my favourite plants.

Euryops pectinatus

Yellow Bush Daisy.

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19th April 2023

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TRANSPORT FOR WALES

50% off travel on TfW services for residents during Treherbert Line transformation​

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TfW logo​

Residents who live between Trehafod and Treherbert railway stations can pick up a railcard offering a 50% discount on TfW services on the Treherbert line while a major part of the South Wales Metro is being built.

Transport for Wales (TfW) is continuing to move forward with building the South Wales Metro and from 29 April 2023 until February 2024, the railway will be closing between Pontypridd to Treherbert as part of the Treherbert Line Transformation.

During this period, an enhanced rail replacement bus service will be running to provide essential travel links and all customers who live between Treherbert and Trehafod can collect or request a special Rhondda Rail card, which will give them 50% off travel on that line during the disruption.

For information on how to obtain a Rhondda Railcards please go online and visit Rhondda Railcard | Transport for Wales (tfw.wales).

The railcards are not valid and cannot be used until 29 April 2023.

Transport for Wales have also launched two additional promotional ticket offers for all rail customers across the Wales and Borders network.

The Multiflex ticket offer is 12 tickets for the price of 6 and there is 50% off advanced tickets for journeys over 50 miles.

Both offers were launched today and more information is available at the TfW website.

Marie Daly, Chief Customer and Culture Officer said: 

“We are continually progressing with the South Wales Metro and while it’s being built we need to close sections of the railway. 

“The work on the Treherbert line is one of our biggest programmes of work to date and will include a 10-month closure.  

“We understand that this impacts our customers and for that reason we’re offering a railcard for residents living between Treherbert and Trehafod providing a 50% discount on travel on the Treherbert line. Both offers launch today and more information is available on the TfW website.  

“We apologise to our customers for any inconvenience, but once we’ve completed this work and delivered the South Wales Metro, transport will be transformed within South East Wales offering turn up and go services on brand-new tram trains that will provide more capacity, more frequent and greener services.

“Please visit our website for further information.”  
  • This Rhondda Railcard provides 50% off Standard Class Fares on Transport for Wales services on journeys from stations including and between Treherbert and Trehafod.
  • Users must have origin stations between and including Treherbert and Trehafod, and may be asked to provide proof of address to validate tickets.
  • The railcard is valid until the end of February 2024 from the date issued and can only be used on Transport for Wales’ services on local routes.
  • The railcard applies for journeys wholly on the Treherbert line and journeys between stations on the line and locations through to Cardiff Central. Not valid for journeys from stations outside of the Treherbert and Trehafod route area.
  • All tickets are issued according to the National Rail Conditions of Travel and are non-transferable.
  • Lost or damaged railcards cannot be replaced.
  • The railcard is not valid unless it has been signed by the holder, nor is it transferable to anyone else. Tickets bought with a railcard are for use by the railcard holder only.
  • The railcard does not become your property and if requested must be handed in to Transport for Wales.
  • Information on TfW Multiflex and Advanced Ticket promotions can be found at:
https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/ticket-types/multiflex

https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/savings-and-offers/advance-sale


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19th April 2023

London North Eastern Railway named train celebrates King’s Coronation​

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LNER Carolean Express Train

Continuing the tradition of naming trains after the coronations of our monarchs, on Saturday, 6th May London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is launching a new named service to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III.

London North Eastern Railway's predecessor the London North Eastern Railway inaugurated ‘The Silver Jubilee' in 1935, the year of King George V's Silver Jubile.

The ‘Coronation' was inaugurated on 5th July 1937 between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley to mark the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

‘The Elizabethan' was inaugurated in 1953 to mark the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
 
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LNER Azuma Train crossing the Royal Border

From 6th May, the service between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley that departs daily at 11.00 will be called the ‘Carolean Express', with the inaugural service departing from King's Cross at 11:00 on the day of the King's Coronation.

The name was chosen as the forthcoming era of British history under King Charles III will be known as the Carolean era, the same name that was given to the eras of both King Charles I and II.

Another service with a name with a royal connection was the ‘Queen of Scots' which ran from King's Cross to Glasgow.
 
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Azuma passenger train arriving at London King's Cross​

The ‘Carolean Express' will call at York, Darlington, Newcastle, Berwick-on-Tweed, and Edinburgh Waverley.

Other popular daily services on the London to Scotland route with formal service names are the ‘Highland Chieftain' and ‘Northern Lights', which operate between London and Inverness and London and Aberdeen.

In the opposite direction, the weekday ‘Flying Scotsman' service departs from Edinburgh Waverley at 05:40 to London King's Cross and only stops at Newcastle.

London North Eastern Railway will be operating its full timetable over the Coronation Bank Holiday, but services are expected to be popular as people head to London for the weekend's celebrations.

Anyone intending to travel should plan ahead, book in advance and reserve a seat when travelling by train between the 5th and 8th of May.

Throughout the bank holiday weekend, customers travelling in First Class on London North Eastern Railway services can enjoy a complimentary menu with locally sourced food that includes a limited number of special commemorative chocolate coins produced especially for the occasion.

Customers in Standard can order a range of food and drinks directly to their seats using the at-seat service.

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said:

“We're delighted to be continuing the tradition of royal recognition through our fleet of Azuma trains and services with the introduction of the ‘Carolean Express'. We know that our customers like to hear about our named services and fleet and we're sure this new addition will prove popular.

“In our 100-year history we've had services to celebrate important occasions in royal history and we are proud to mark the reign of King Charles III.”
 
19th April 2023

Vintage Trains revives British Rail’s special trains of the 1960s​

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Vintage Trains Merrymaker​

Vintage Trains is bringing back memories of British Rail in the 1960s when freight locomotives worked special trains for days out at seaside resorts, great events, and historic cities.

As the only community-owned train operating company in Britain and possibly the world, Vintage Trains is ideally placed to offer these as part of its commitment first and foremost as a charity.

It has a commitment to preserve history and to support preservation and industry colleagues to give them a working home on the British mainline network.

The concept is to feature classic diesel traction at great value prices with just three simple and easy-to-understand classes of travel that have no cumbersome names or annoying, add-ons.
 
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Carlisle – alternative destination of the first Merrymaker

First Class provides a comfortable seat in lovingly restored Metro Cammell Pullman cars and includes a full English breakfast and a hearty two-course evening meal.

Each menu is carefully selected with a focus on the best quality, locally sourced, and seasonal ingredients.

A new drinks menu from local breweries, artisan cider producers, and Midlands-based spirits and liqueurs.

Standard Plus steps back to the time of a comfortable, six-person compartment.

Each Standard Plus passenger will be welcomed aboard with a glass of fresh juice, a cup of tea or coffee, and a large bacon roll.

The return journey features a hot meal from a seasonal menu, served at your seat.

Standard Class has all-around tables, and windows that align with seats and open to hear the roar of the diesel engine.

It is handy for the Club Bar carriage, so no more long walks from one end of the train for a cup of tea, a light snack, a cake or a bottle of craft beer.

The Club Car is a new experience in the charter market.

It provides an informal space and in the morning offers hot and cold drinks, confections and pastries, and pre-ordered breakfast specials.

It also offers locally made craft beers, artisan ciders, as well as other soft and alcoholic drinks and snacks.

An evening meal can also be pre-ordered for serving at your seat in the Club Car carriage.
 
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BR Class 37 No. 37403 “Isle of Mull” ​

Every Merrymaker will have The Red Pen pub, which in association with local brewers will offer hand-pulled, real ale, or draft ciders that can be enjoyed at your seat or in the Club Car.

Traditional bottled beers are also available from the buffet.

The train will be hauled by Class 37 No. 37403 Isle of Mull.

Tickets start from £79 and can be booked online over on the Vintage Trains website.
 
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19th April 2023

Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway welcomes guest locos​

'Jenny' to make first trip tomorrow!​

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'Jenny' and ‘Eigiau' at the Richmond Light Railway​

The award-winning Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways (FR) has confirmed the arrival of two visiting locomotives that will be with the railway over the next few weeks.
  • ‘Jenny' (on the left) is an Arnold Jung 0-4-0WT, Works No.3175/1921, based on the Richmond Light Railway in Kent.
  • ‘Eigiau' (on the right) is an Orenstein and Koppel 0-4-0WT, Works No.5668/1912), from the Bredgar and Wormshill Light Railway, also in Kent.
While they are at the Ffestiniog Railway (FR), the locos will take part in various activities which will be announced separately, nearer the time.

However, the first chance to see one of these locos on the FR mainline will take place tomorrow.
  • Plans are for Jenny to be steaming to Blaenau Ffestiniog on Thursday 20 April, leaving Boston Lodge around 10:20.
  • After a layover at Rhiw Goch, to allow the ‘Mountain Spirit' and ‘Woodland Wanderer' services to pass, Jenny will reach Tan-y-Bwlch around 12:15.
  • Having taken on water, the loco will head to Dduallt and wait there for the ‘Mountain Spirit' to pass through.
  • Jenny will reach Blaenau Ffestiniog around 13:45 and leave for Tan-y-Bwlch around 14:05.
  • A break at Tan-y-Bwlch between 14:40 and 15:15 allows the afternoon passenger services to pass the loco before it heads back to Boston Lodge, arriving around 15:55
Timings supplied in good faith, but may be subject to change on the day.
 
19th April 2023

The upgrade of the 100th Govia Thameslink Railway Electrostar has now taken place​

The train operator's 100th Class 377 Electrostar is now only upgraded but is now out in action as part of its £100m Project Aurora upgrade programme​

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Class 377 Electrostar

Govia Thameslink Railway has seen its 100th Class 377 Electrostar upgraded as part of the £100m Project Aurora upgrade programme.

The train is now back in passenger service boasting an array of new features which will support both reliability and improve experience.

Porterbrook has funded the project alongside Alstom, who carried out the technical specification, design and material and Govia Thameslink Railway who have completed the required installation and testing. Project Aurora will see the upgrade of 270 trains and 1086 carriages, and aims to be completed during 2025.

The project operates a streamlined process, which sees two trains completely upgraded each week at the train operator's Selhurst depot before being returned to passenger service.
 
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377108 with seating removed and ready for the upgrade at its Selhurst Depot​

Govia Thameslink Railways Engineering Director Steve Lammin said:

“We're delighted to celebrate this ‘ton-up' milestone with Porterbrook and Alstom. We've achieved it by giving these great trains a broad-ranging upgrade, including features our passengers have asked for, at a rate of two per week. I'm really pleased we're working together to provide our customers with an even better on-board experience and more reliability over the coming years.”

Porterbrook's Chief Operating Officer Ben Ackroyd said:

“It's been a remarkable effort by everyone involved to reach 100 upgraded Electrostars. We're all working together to deliver these improvements at pace because passengers told us it would make their journeys better. With two trains being worked on side-by-side in Selhurst every week and returned to service, even more, rail users are going to benefit from the new modern and sustainable on-board features.”
 
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Passengers on Electrostar train​

Peter Broadley, Alstom Managing Director Services, said:

“This project continues to successfully deliver upgrades to the Electrostar fleets for GTR customers. The works are on-time and on budget, and shows the huge benefits of working closely with our partners at GTR and Porterbrook. I'm looking forward to successfully completing the project and showcasing the benefits of upgrading trains, like these, that have been in service for a few years now.”

Upgrades made during Project Aurora include:
  • Plug and dual USB sockets at every seat
  • Enhanced passenger information services featuring new digital screens
  • Energy-saving LED lighting throughout
  • Automatic passenger counting, which will support Govia Thameslink Railway's analytic process, which supports the management of effective timetables.
  • Updates to the Train Data Network and the addition of Smart onboard data recorded will bring improved remote monitoring of a train's operational systems. This addition and improvement will support reliability by cutting the time spent out of service for either maintenance or repair.
  • Forward-facing and track debris CCTV, which allows a remote live stream and the ability to download images.
Govia Thameslink Railway has the largest fleet of Electrostars which operate between London, Surrey, Sussex and the south coast and also operate on Great Northern and Gatwick Express services.
 
19th April 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Today I was sorting through some old points/turnouts to see if any could be used straight away.

Phil and Bob were there to keep an eye on me...........

:lol:

Phil: "What's occurring Bob?"

Bob: "Big man is sorting through some points."

Phil: "I hope he doesn't break anything."

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I bought these second hand around 2007/8.

They are in a bit of a state, the plastic is old, so possibly brittle, care must be taken with their handling, especially with the point motor removals.

Sadly I don't think I'll be able to use these immediately as the previous owner has used a lot of solder on the 'fishplate' connections.


Well, that's the first point motor removed, not sure whether I'll be using point motors in future.

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20th April 2023

Battery-powered Class 37 to move to the Great Central Railway.​

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37207 & 08649

A very-special Class 37 diesel locomotive is expected to be on display at this weekend's Diesel Gala on the Great Central Railway.

The Gala, to be held this Saturday and Sunday, 22nd and 23rd April, will see Class No. 37207 on display at Quorn.

Owned by the Heavy Tractor Group, 37207 has been converted to run on batteries following three years of research and development. by Meteor Power.

Meteor Power's development of a battery conversion system for the locomotive provides a greener, cheaper, and quieter solution for freight or ‘super shunter' work.
 
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D6700, the forerunner of Class 37 No. 37207

Throughout last summer, 37207 was used to test an electric powertrain that Meteor Power had installed in a Class 08 diesel shunter and is now ready to receive its own electric conversion.

As part of its test programme, last June successfully travelled 1½ miles within Wolverton Works on battery power.

Before undergoing its transformation, 37207 had sat unused for nearly two decades, but it is under the care of the Heavy Tractor Group which also cares for classmates Nos. 37714 and D6700.

The Heavy Tractor Group is a group of volunteers dedicated to preserving and operating a working example of a British Rail Class 37 Type 3 locomotive.

Whilst on the Great Central Railway, 37207 will be stored undercover at Swithland, where the Heavy Tractor Group will also carry out some work on the locomotive.

It is hoped that the mainline certification process of 37207 will take place later this year.

It is expected that during the Gala 37207 will be on display at Quorn alongside the Heavy Tractor Group's sales stand at the upcoming diesel gala.

Other locomotives scheduled to appear at the Gala are Class 17 No. D8568, Class 33 No. D6535, Class 37s Nos. D67600 and 37714 Cardiff Canton, Class 45 No. D123, Class 50 No. 50017 Royal Oak, and Derby Lightweight diesel unit Iris.

Full details of the Gala are available online at https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/spring-diesel-gala/
 
20th April 2023

Arrests made in Hertfordshire after shopping trolleys were thrown onto the railway line​

British Transport Police working as part of a Network Rail operation have arrested two people following the incidents.​

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British Transport Police Patrol​

Two people have been arrested thanks to an operation involving British Transport Police and Network Rail following a spate of items being thrown onto the railway line in Hertfordshire.

The 10 incidents saw items such as shopping trolleys, a pram and clothing thrown or placed on tracks in the Hadley Wood area.

The criminal activity took place from November 2022 through to March 2023 and lead to four instances of trains striking objects.

British Transport Police officers were supported by a team from Network Rail who deployed an intelligence-led operation on the railway line close to Hadley Wood station, taking place from 11pm on the 4th of April.

The first arrest was of a 24-year-old man and took place at the location whilst the operation was live and led to the arrest of a 26-year-old man at an address in Barnet the following day.

The men were arrested on suspicion of endangering safety on the railway and have since been released from police custody on conditional bail whilst further enquiries are carried out.
 
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British Transport Police

BTP Sergeant, Rehan Ahmad, said:

“Obstructing the railway not only causes severe delays to services but puts the lives of passengers and rail staff at risk.

“Everyone has the right to a safe, disruption-free journey, and reckless behaviour like throwing objects onto the line threatens this right.

“If you witness an incident of this nature, please report it to us either by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 – we take these reports very seriously and will always take action.”

Sam MacDougall, Operations Director for Network Rail's East Coast route, said:

“It's testament to the hard work of both the British Transport Police and Network Rail that these arrests have been made.

“This type of thoughtless behaviour is incredibly dangerous and causes needless and completely avoidable delays for passengers. We'd urge anyone who sees any type of suspicious behaviour on the railway to report it to the British Transport Police.”
 
20th April 2023

Bachmann models help restoration of steam locomotive 69023 Joem​

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Richard Proudman and Stephen Tooley from Bachmann Europe are joined in front of 'Joem' by NELPG volunteers as a cheque for £504 is presented to John Hunt, Chairman of the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG)​

To help with the restoration of London and North Eastern Railway J72 Class No. 69023 Joem, on 18th April Richard Proudman, Rail Brand Manager of Bachmann Europe Plc visited the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG) at their Hopetown Workshop in Darlington to present the group with models of Joem and a cheque for £504 to help with the completion of its overhaul.
 
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J72 Class locomotive No. 69023 Joem

An OO-gauge model of Joem was released by Bachmann in 2020 as a Limited Edition for the Bachmann Collectors Club, with just 504 models available for purchase exclusively by Club members.

£1 from each sale has been donated by Bachmann to help with the ongoing overhaul of the real locomotive, which is being returned to steam in time for the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.
 
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Richard Proudman, Rail Brand Manager for Bachmann Europe, presents a cheque for £504 to John Hunt, Chairman of the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG)​

Models were also provided to Group member Fred Ramshaw, who recently stood down as Joem's long-serving caretaker and to Maureen Howe, who is the partner of the late Group member Allan Toomer whose bequest has gone a long way to funding the overhaul of Joem.

Also at the presentation were several volunteers who are working to return Joem to steam.
 
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Stephen Tooley, Research & Development Manager for Bachmann Europe, presents the first model to Chris Lawson,
Group Archivist for the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group (NELPG)​

There are still some Bachmann Collectors Club Limited Edition models of Joem available to purchase, but as there are less than a dozen remaining, prospective buyers should act quickly.

More details are available over on the Bachmann website

A grant of £124,000 has recently been made by the National Heritage Memorial Fund the Group for the repairs to Joem's boiler that are required before it can return to service.

Further details about the North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group and the locomotives in its collection can be found online at www.nelpg.org.uk.

John Hunt said:

“Can I take this opportunity to thank Bachmann for their generous support of the overhaul of Joem through the sales of their superb model of the locomotive which, with the presentation of this cheque today, has now exceeded £1,600.

It is very much appreciated.

“I am pleased also that, with their help, we have been able to mark the contribution of Fred Ramshaw and the late Allan Toomer to our efforts to keep this historic, Darlington-built, North Eastern locomotive operating into the future for the public to benefit from the sight, sounds and smells of steam at work.

“We all look forward to seeing Joem back in action in 2025 as we celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway”.

Richard Proudman said:

“NELPG helped us immensely during the development of this Bachmann Collectors Club model of Joem, even supplying paint samples to ensure the colour of our model was spot on, and we are delighted to reciprocate that help with this donation to help get Joem over the line.

“Today's visit has been a long time coming as the pandemic halted our plans shortly after the model was released, but it has been a privilege to meet the NELPG team and see the amazing work going on to ensure the locomotive steams again in time for the 200th Anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025”.
 
20th April 2023

Track Delivery for ETHNON RAIL :)


ManufacturerCodeItemScaleQuantity
HornbyR601Double straight -335mmOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
24​
HornbyR603Long Straight - 670mmOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
10​
Oxford Diecast76DEF007Land Rover Defender "British Rail"OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
1​
Oxford DiecastOR76ROR003Land Rover Defender 110 with posable rail wheels - "British Rail" - non-motorisedOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
1​
Peco ProductsOOT10-PO11254mm (10in) Straight Template Tracksetta - Pre-owned - Good packagingOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
1​
Peco ProductsSL-10Metal rail joiners/fishplates (for code 100/124 rails inc Hornby, Peco & Peco Streamline). For OO, HO & O gauge - Pack of 24OO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
2​
Peco ProductsSL-95Right hand medium point - insulfrogOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
4​
Peco ProductsSL-96Left hand medium point - insulfrogOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
3​
Peco ProductsST-200Setrack standard straightOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
24​
Peco ProductsST-201Setrack double straightOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
18​
Peco ProductsST-201Setrack double straightOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
6​
Peco ProductsST-204Setrack quad straight - 670mmOO Gauge (1:76 Scale)
10​
 
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