Marcus' Model Railway Journey

6th May 2023

Merseyrail gets in the Eurovision spirit with its own song!​

'Train of Love' is the title of the rail operator's song and has been released alongside a pop video.​

Merseyrail is getting on board with Eurovision after releasing its own song ‘Train of Love' and a colourful music video, hoping to get passengers and colleagues' feet tapping across its stations and onboard trains during the iconic song contest.

Media and creative content designer Al Stirling wrote and produced the catchy number, which also promotes train services!

WATCH:

The Train of Love: Merseyrail's song for Eurovision​

Get on board the Eurovision Train of Love – Merseyrail’s very own song for Eurovision!

Watch the full music video here #Eurovision2023

Suzanne Grant, Merseyrail's Commercial Director, said:“In the spirit of Eurovision, we're hoping that Train of Love will help to play a part in uniting people across the Merseyrail network through music.”

“Creating the song and the video has certainly made us smile and we're hoping to see people from across the city region recreating the Train of Love dance moves during the Eurovision Festival.”

“To help people enjoy as much of the Eurovision festivities as possible, we're running late night trains on Sunday 7 and Saturday 13 May, so to quote our song, Get on the Train of Love!”

Producer Al Stirling said:“People are really getting into the joyful spirit of Eurovision, and it's great that Merseyrail is joining in with the fantastic celebrations we are seeing across the city. Liverpool knows how to throw a party, and the Merseyrail stations and trains will be making sure everyone gets in the mood.”

The video features staff and passengers dancing at stations and onboard trains with some passengers actually sending their own footage of them dancing to the disco-inspired tune at home.

The song will be launched via social media and music streaming services.

Merseyrail is operating late services for the Eurovision Welcome event on Sunday the 7th of May through to the early hours of the morning on Monday the 8th of May.

The Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday will also see Merseyrail operate late services, which will continue into the early hours of Sunday the 14th of May.

The last of the rail operator's services leaving central Liverpool will be after 2am.

To find out more about Merseyrails services and times for Eurovision, please click here.

During the musical event, the rail operating will also host several acts at Liverpool Central station during the week and will support charity collection for Ukraine and will provide spaces for virtual performances from Ukranian buskers.

QR codes will also be available for those visiting the station to learn more about the musician's stories and to donate to the supported charity with all funds going directly to Supplies for Ukraine C.I.C.

Al Stirling also said:“It's going to be a fantastic week for Liverpool and Ukraine–and even better if everyone gets on board the Train of Love.”

6th May 2023

A Great Western Railway Castle Set is off to the Severn Valley Railway​

One of the Great Western Railway ‘Castle' Sets, which are shortened versions of the iconic High-Speed Trains is to visit the Severn Valley Railway as part of its Spring Diesel Festival, which is set to take place between 18 and 21 May 2023.

The visit of the GWR ‘Castle' Set is thanks to Great Western Railway and RailAdventure UK (who are organising the move to the SVR).

The four-day festival will celebrate five decades of diesel preservation, and will also feature SVR home fleet, D821, the first diesel to enter preservation fifty years ago.

An SVR spokesperson said “A GWR HST set will spend all four days at the Severn Valley Railway for the Spring Diesel Festival.

We'd like to thank GWR enormously for providing this iconic ‘Class 255 Castle HST' set and Rail Adventure UK for their support with movement arrangements.”

6th May 2023

Eyre Valley Explorer to run from Derby to Keighley on Sunday 25 June​

The Branch Line Society has announced that a special charter service will run from Derby to the heart of Brontë country to support this year's Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Diesel Gala.

This charter, operated by Rail Adventure, will feature Class 37 37418 and Class 50 50008 operating top ‘n tail with comfortable, air-conditioned Mark 3 coaches.

The charter will feature the much-sought-after main line connection to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in both directions.

The Class 37 is expected to lead from Sheffield on the outbound journey at the Standard Class end of the train.

A charity raffle will be held, with proceeds donated to Railway Children.

Keighley and Worth Valley Railway personnel will join the train and will sell Gala Rover tickets as required.

Indicative routing and timings are as follows:

• Derby P6 (PU 07.17) – Long Eaton P1 (PU 07.31) – Alfreton (PU 07.56) – Chesterfield P3 (PU 08.12) – Beighton Jn – Sheffield P5 (PU 08.47 / RM) – Thrybergh Jn – Doncaster P8 (PU 09.17) – Hare Park Jn – Calder Bridge Jn – Methley Jn – Whitehall Curve – Shipley – Bradford Forster Square (PU 11.00) – Keighley Station Jn (RM) – Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (SD 11:37)
• Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (PU 18:23) – Keighley Station Jn (RM) – Whitehall Curve – Methley Jn – Calder Bridge Jn – Pontefract Monkhill – Doncaster P4 (SD 20.33) – Thrybergh Jn – Beighton Jn – Chesterfield P3 (SD 21.22) – Alfreton (SD 21.39) – Long Eaton P2 (SD 22.15) – Derby P6 (SD 22.30)

7th May 2023

Jolly Vacman to visit Skegness this June​

Class 50 50008 Thunderer

The Branch Line Society will run a ‘Jolly Vacman' charter service from Derby to Skegness on Saturday 24 June, with locomotives Class 50 no.50008 and Class 37 no.37403 ‘Isle of Mull'.

Indicative routing and timings:

• Derby P6 (PU 07.52) – Long Eaton P1 (PU 08.04) – Nottingham P1 (PU 08.26) – Sleaford P3 (PU 09.24) – Boston P2 (PU 09.52) – Skegness P4 (SD 10.29 / RM) – Sleaford – Lincoln P5 – East Holmes (RM) – Lincoln P3 – Sleaford South Jn – Spalding – Marholm Jn – Peterborough P4 – Peterborough East Jn (RM) – Peterborough Dn Goods Loop – Helpston Jn – Tallington Jn – Grantham Dn Goods – Allington North Jn – Sleaford P1 – Boston – Skegness P5 (SD 16.24 / RM)
• Skegness P5 (PU 16.41) – Boston P1 (SD 17.17) – Sleaford P2 (SD 17.49) – Lincoln P5 – Newark Northgate P3 (SD 19.06) – Claypole Loop – Grantham P4 (SD 20.06 / RM) – Allington West Jn – Nottingham P7 (SD 20.54) – Long Eaton P2 (SD 21.25) – Derby P5 (SD 21.39)

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Railway Children.

Amongst enthusiasts, Skegness will always be famous for Saturday-only holidaymaker excursions, often featuring pairs of Class 20s.

The Jolly Fisherman poster is regarded as one of the most famous holiday advertisements of all time and is believed to have influenced the success of Skegness as a holiday destination.

It was commissioned by the Great Northern Railway, who paid artist John Hassall twelve guineas.

The original, 1908, painting hangs in the town hall at Skegness.

There is a choice of a short photo stop at Skegness in the evening, or an extending break from mid-morning.

For full details and to book visit the Branch Line Society's website.

7th May 2023

Trains to run faster in Chicago-St. Louis Corridor, USA​

Trains in Illinois will run at speeds up to 110 miles per hour after federal approval to increase the maximum speed from 90 mph.

Amtrak – the USA's National Railroad Passenger Corporation – has announced that alongside the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), it has received federal approval for maximum speeds up to 110 mph for most of the Chicago-St. Louis corridor, primarily between the Amtrak stations in Joliet and Alton.

Until now, 90 mph has been the maximum authorised speed on the tracks owned by Union Pacific Railroad.

Amtrak operates Lincoln Service and other trains under a contract with IDOT.

This will help establish shorter schedules for the four Amtrak Lincoln Service round-trips and the Texas Eagle.

The timetable will not change at this time for the ten daily Amtrak trains on the route.

Volunteers are giving safety presentations, which are arranged by the Illinois coordinator for Operation Lifesaver.

Amtrak is advising motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to always use caution on this important rail corridor, as trains are faster than they might appear and are quieter than ever.

• Only use designated public crossings.
• Never disregard flashing crossing signals or go around lowered gates or trespass on railroad property.
• If there is a problem or emergency on or near railroad tracks, the railroad company can be contacted immediately utilizing the telephone number on the blue Emergency Notification Sign located at every crossing.
• See Stay Off The Tracks for more.

Special equipment has been installed as part of IDOT's Chicago to St. Louis High Speed Rail Project, and monitors the trains and traffic control systems, alerting train crews of any potential problems.

Additional warning signs and fencing have also been installed in some areas to encourage safety and deter trespassing.

John Oimoen, IDOT Deputy Director, Rails, said “Trains will continue to operate at 110 mph for several weeks without a change in schedule to ensure everything on the system is running properly and to monitor the actual travel time between stations.”

Justin Meko, Amtrak Vice President, Operational Safety, said, “Amtrak, IDOT and the Illinois Commerce Commission work with Operation Lifesaver, an industry-sponsored campaign that educates persons of all ages on how to stay safe around railroad tracks. Now is a great time for schools, companies, and other groups to schedule safety presentations.”

7th May 2023

Steam locomotive No. 65 heads loco line-up at Spa Valley Railway’s Summer Steam Up​

Bluebell Railway

The Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells in Kent has announced an impressive line-up for its annual ‘Summer Steam Up' on 17 and 18 June.

The event will showcase steam locomotives which are based at the railway alongside guests hired in specially for this event. Confirmed locomotives are:

• Bulleid Pacific No. 34072 ‘257 Squadron', which began its visit to Spa Valley last year
• Caledonian Railway No. 828, which joined the railway in 2022
• Hunslet Austerity No. 2890 ‘Douglas'

257 Squadron at Swanage

All locomotives will be operating an intensive service between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge throughout the Saturday and Sunday and into the evening of Saturday 17 June.

Brake Van Rides will also feature as part of this event with the Queen Mary Brake Van in operation.

The five-mile line crosses the Kent and East Sussex border, and has additional stations at High Rocks and Groombridge.

On Saturday 17 June, passengers can enjoy an evening train ride behind visiting loco SECR O1 No. 65 and another locomotive whilst either tucking into a fish-and-chip supper (advance booking required) or enjoying a pint of real ale from bar car ‘Kate' on the Real Ale Train.

The O1 locomotive will also operate over the following weekend of 24 and 25 June alongside Caledonian Railway No. 828 on a special timetable featuring both Victorian locomotives!

Details of the Summer Steam Up can be found here.

Booking is now open here.

“We are hoping to soon announce the arrival of another steam engine to join the existing line up at the Spa Valley Railway.”

8th May 2023

Two day tour to visit Newcastle this June​

The Branchline Society is organizing a two-day loco hauled exploration of the Northeast to raise funds for Martin House Children's Hospice.

The weekend trip (3rd and 4th June 2023) will visit several freight installations and other interesting locations that rarely see a loco hauled passenger train.

Some of these locations have never been visited by public passenger trains before.

The Saturday highlights include visits to Lynemouth Power Station, Tyne Yard, Battleship Wharf, and Tyne Dock PTA. On Sunday, the trip will cover the Teesside goods lines and branches to Wilton Energy from Waste and Heck Plasmor Terminal.

The charter will be operated by DB Cargo with Mk 2 coaching stock and will feature a mixture of Class 60 and Class 66 traction working in top ‘n tail formation.

The organizers have also hinted that there may be a guest appearance from across the freight industry.

66010 on a previous Branchline Society Tour

Thanks to Plasmore Ltd, the moves at Heck will be powered by a Rolls Royce industrial shunter, which previously worked at EDF Energy, Hartlepool.

The trip will also feature a Buffet Car serving hot and cold drinks, hot food, snacks, and light refreshments.

There will be a selection of hand-pulled real ales and ciders available.

A late afternoon leg stretch break/photo stop will be provided at Newcastle on Saturday and at Durham on Sunday.

The Branchline Society will also hold a charity raffle each day, with all proceeds donated to Martin House Hospice.

The organizers hope to have some fantastic items available for auction too.

In conclusion, the Branchline Society's two-day loco hauled exploration of the Northeast promises to be a fascinating and unique experience for railway enthusiasts.

Not only will participants get to visit rare and interesting locations, but they will also be supporting a worthy cause in Martin House Hospice.

Indicative routing and timings:

Saturday – Tabs on the Tyne

Doncaster P4 (PU 07.41) – York P9 (PU 08.26) – Thirsk (RM) – Thirsk Sidings (RM) – Croft Dn Passenger Loop – Darlington P4 (PU 09.39) – Durham Through Line – Tyne Yard Up Staging – Lamesley Crossover (RM) – Tyne Yard Depot Line (RM) – Low Fell Jn – Newcastle P7 (PU/SD 11.22) – Dn Sunderland – Park Lane Jn – Tyne Dock Intermodal (RM) – Dn Pelaw Goods Loop – King Edward Bridge East Jn – Newcastle Down Up Slow – Heaton Dn Goods Loop – Benton North Jn – Bedlington Jn – Battleship Wharf (RM) – Battleship Wharf GF – Winning Crossing Jn – Lynemouth Power Station (RM) – Ashington Jn – Benton North Jn – Newcastle P3 (SD 16.37; Break)
Newcastle P4 (PU 18.23) – Up Sunderland – Up East Boldon Loop – Sunderland – Hartlepool P3 – Up Cliff House Loop – Stockton Cut Jn – Dinsdale – Darlington P3 Bay (RM; SD 20.06) – Thirsk – York P9 (SD 21.15) – Doncaster P4 (SD 21.56)

Sunday – The Steely Spires

Doncaster P4 (PU 09.26) – York P5 (PU 10.13) – Skelton Bridge Dn Slow to Dn Fast – Boroughbridge Road LC – Yarm – Eaglescliffe P2 (PU 11.03) – Thornaby East Jn – Down Staging Sidings – Middlesbrough Dn Slow – South Bank Jn – Grangetown Jn – Beam Mill Jn – Shell Jn – Wilton EFW (RM) – Shell Jn – South Bank Jn – Middlesbrough Up Fast – Up Goods No 2 – Transfer Line – Tees Yard – Thornaby – Norton S Jn – Norton W Jn – Ferryhill S Jn – Durham P2 (SD 16.26; Break)
Durham P1 (PU 18.25) – Darlington P1 (SD 18.47) – York P5 (SD 19.28) – Hambleton North Jn – Hambleton East Jn – Selby Canal Curve – Heck Groundframe (RM) – Heck Plasmor (RM) – Doncaster P4 (SD 21.10)

Passengers will be required to arrange their own overnight accommodation, suitable for Doncaster or York.

9th May 2023

STATION CAT SPOT

Here's Lulu watching her prey...........

But where?

Yes, she's hunting birds on our telly!

It's hilarious watching her check the back of the TV trying to find the birds.

9th May 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

New defibrillator saves life at Cardiff Central station​

At the start of April 2023, a newly installed defibrillator was used to save a man’s life at Cardiff Central Railway Station.

An unconscious man was spotted at the station and two British Transport Police Officers used the defibrillator after delivering CPR.

Paramedics took over procedures when they arrived and the man was taken to hospital to recover.

Defibrillators are portable devices that can be used to administer an electric shock to the heart.

Their swift use can be the difference between saving someone’s life and not.

If a defibrillator is used with 3-5 minutes of cardiac arrest, chances of survival can increase up to 70%.

Leyton Powell, Safety, Sustainability and Risk Director said: “TfW have installed over 200 defibrillators across our rail network and this is a clear example of how important they are and how they can save lives.

“Unfortunately, in many of our stations, our defibrillators have been vandalised and I hope this story highlights the vital role they can play and will make people think twice before damaging a life-saving piece of equipment. If you see someone misusing this critical equipment, please text BTP on 61016 or call 0800 40 50 40.

“This year, we’ve worked with our partners in Save a Life Cymru and the Welsh Air Ambulance Service to deliver defibrillator awareness events in Cardiff and Wrexham stations and we’ll continue to highlight their importance moving forward.”

British Transport Police Superintendent, Andrew Morgan, said: “Defibrillators are an amazing community resource and save lives week in week out. I commend and thank our two officers involved in this incident and their quick thinking and training really made the ultimate difference. I also echo the concerns raised regarding the mindless vandalism of these life-saving products.

“If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 999 immediately and ask for the Ambulance service, start CPR and get someone to find a defibrillator. The 999 operator will give you advice on how to deliver CPR if you don’t know how to, and where to find the nearest defibrillator if you can’t find one. The operator will also then give you advice on how to use it. These actions will make a big difference and as on this occasion, can save lives.”

9th May 2023

Heritage locomotives haul Coronation Day tour to Edinburgh​

Northern Belle's Coronation headboard was back out on Saturday as they ran a Coronation Day special to Edinburgh, all whilst King Charles was being crowned at Westminster Abbey.

It was a royal occasion, with Union Jacks on display as the Pullman-style train picked up passengers at Derby, Chesterfield, Swinton (South Yorks) and Doncaster stations.

The special headboard was attached to the Class 57 locomotive, which read King Charles III. God Save The King.

A Northern Belle spokesman said: “It was a right royal occasion – a Belle of a Coronation aboard Britain's most luxurious train.”

The special headboard made its debut when fitted to Class 40 locomotive D345 on the 29th April, which was replacing 34067 ‘Tangmere' which failed with valve issues.

It isnt yet know when Tangmere will be back in action, but Flying Scotsman is set to haul The Northern Belle later in the year.

9th May 2023

Boiler and firebox restoration next for steam locomotive 2874​

The 2874 Trust has revealed that the cost for the locomotive's materials alone will be a minimum of £200,000!​

The 2874 Trust is on a mission to see ex-Great Western Railway 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive number 2874 with her firebox lit and in steam once again.

Next for 2874's restorations will be her boiler and firebox.

However, according to the Trusts friends at Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd, it is expected that material costs only will be a minimum of £200,000.

In order to see 2874's fire re-lit, the Trust will see its volunteers complete as much work as possible on-site at Toddington on the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway alongside local paid specialists.

Currently, the trust has the new smoke box alongside funding to cover the chimney and safety valve bonnet.

The trust is aware that the locomotive will require:

• Front tube plate
• Throat plate
• New stays
• New outer steel section at the bottom of the firebox
• New small and large tubes
• New superheater elements

The Trust is hoping to achieve 2874's restoration in a sensible time frame and is on the lookout for more volunteers to support this aim.

Outside funding will also be required in order to complete the restoration, which will see work begin on applications shortly.

However, in order to such funding, the Trust needs to demonstrate that it has a fund-raising scheme in place.

The 2874 Trust has organised a standing order scheme which will allow supporters to pay what they can afford each month or, as an alternative, take part in its “20 pence per day” scheme.

10th May 2023

TANGENT MAN STRIKES AGAIN!
Just when you thought it was safe to be informed only on railway topics!

Marcus's Garden

Spring has sprung!

The first Hosta plant is in leaf.

This other Hosta is behind in it's leafing schedule.

The Lilac is in flower, the scent is lovely.

Close up of the Lilac flowers.

Cowslips.

Focus is not right, but the colour of the flowers is nice.

Beautiful Bluebells.

Close-up of Bluebells.

Celendine, a beautiful wild flower.

Must try and get a better shot of it.

Pieris, sporting it's new leaves.

The fresh leaves are initially red, then they turn yellow and eventually green.

I really recommend this plant for your garden.

This Pieris is showing the leaf colour change.

As you can see, I'm a real fan of this plant.

A good display of blossom on the Crab Apple this year.

Another nice close-up of the Bluebells.

One of Cleopatra's fairies watches over the garden.

Close-up of one of my African Daisy flowers.