Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Denmark Hill – a finalist in the London region​

The competition will showcase the benefits that railways bring to residents, the environment and the local economy. In 2021, Stourbridge Junction in the West Midlands won the competition and was named Britain's favourite station.

Of 100 nominations from across Great Britain, TV presenter and historian Tim Dunn chose 48 stations to compete for the title.

People can vote this week for their favourite railway station in the World Cup of Stations 2023 via #WorldCupofStations or @RailDeliveryGrp on Twitter, or vote online at www.raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations
 
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Hindley station – a finalist in the North West region​

There are five categories on which stations will be judged:
  • Creating social spaces for stations that have been rejuvenated by local adoption groups by creating spaces for the local community;
  • Supporting local business, where adoption groups use spaces in stations to host and celebrate local businesses;
  • Education stations, in which adoption groups organise educational spaces and workshops in their station;
  • Tourism stations, in which adoption groups promote local attractions through their station;
  • Sustainable stations,?where local community groups have made environmental efforts to improve their station's green credentials
 
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Beccles – a finalist in the East region​

From today, Monday, 22nd until Wednesday, 24th May, there will be 11 regional heats in which stations compete for a place in the semi-finals next Thursday, 25th May and the final next Friday, 26th May.

The regional heats will be held on:
  • Monday 22nd May – London, South East, South West, East
  • Wednesday 24th May – North West, Scotland, Wales, Tim Dunn's bonus group
Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Day in, day out stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve. During Community Rail Week, we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, whether that's supporting local businesses, being used for a social space or making the local environment better by being more sustainable, whatever they're doing to make a difference, we want to celebrate.”

Tim Dunn, TV presenter and shortlist judge, said: “I had the tricky task of selecting the shortlist of 48 stations – tricky, because it represents the work of 48 groups of chuffing ace volunteers.

“The time, energy and love each group gives is because of a love of our shared railway and their communities too. It might seem bonkers, but this competition showcases the hard work of hundreds countrywide, then amplifies and celebrates all in community rail. Remember: like a football World Cup, the winners each day need more and more support – in every battle, it's the one with the most votes who wins!”

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail partnerships and thousands of ‘station friends' volunteers the length and breadth of Britain are mobilising en masse, engaging local people and partners to raise awareness about sustainable travel by rail, and get people enthused about its many benefits.”
 
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Thetford – a finalist in the East region​

The 48 stations nominated for the title are::

East:
  • Lowestoft
  • Southminster
  • Beccles
  • Thetford
East Midlands
  • Sleaford
  • Ambergate
  • Kettering
  • Market Rasen
London
  • Tolworth
  • Denmark Hill
  • Highams Park
  • Chingford
North East
  • Manors
  • MetroCentre (Gateshead)
  • Haltwhistle
  • Shildon
North West
  • Runcorn
  • Goostrey
  • Birkdale
  • Hindley
Scotland
  • Kilmarnock
  • Nairn
  • Pitlochry
  • North Queensferry
South East
  • Swaythling
  • Whyteleafe
  • Bognor Regis
  • Hollingbourne
South West
  • Liskeard
  • Yatton
  • Okehmpton
  • Penmere
Wales
  • North Llanrwst
  • Llandudno
  • Conwy
  • Tal-y-Cafn
West Midlands
  • Coventry
  • Evesham
  • Leamington Spa
  • Wylde Green
Yorkshire
  • Scarborough
  • Bingley
  • Mirfield
  • Sowerby Bridge
Tim Dunn's bonus round
  • Bishopstone (Sussex)
  • Lancaster
  • Wemyss Bay
  • Glenfinnan
 
22nd May 2023

Ivatt steam locomotive 41313 to appear at Spa Valley Railway gala​

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Ivatt tank locomotive No. 41313​

Ivatt tank locomotive No. 41313 will be a guest locomotive at The Spa Valley Railway's ‘Southern Steam Up' event on 17th and 18th of June.

This event will celebrate 100 years since the formation of the Southern Railway. Over the weekend, the Spa Valley Railway, based at Tunbridge Wells in Kent, plans to have a number of Southern steam engines in operation.

Although a Midland Region design of locomotive, 41313 spent all its working life on the Southern Region of British Railways and is currently based on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
 
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Caledonian Railway 812 Class No. 828​

Steam locomotive 41313 is 2-6-2 tank locomotive that was designed by George Ivatt for the London Midland and Scottish Railway and built at the company's Crewe Works in 1952.

When new it was allocated to Exmouth Junction, then transferred to Three Bridges, Horsham, and Brighton, before spending its last days on British Railways at Eastleigh.

Besides the Southern locomotives appearing at Spa Valley Railway's ‘Southern Steam Up Event' there will be Caledonian Railway No. 828 and Hunslet.

Caledonian Railway No. 828 is an 0-6-0 tender engine of the Caledonian Railway's 812 Class and was built in 1899.

It is the sole survivor of a class that once numbered 79 and was built at the company's St. Rollox works in Glasgow.

Further details about the Southern Steam Up Event can be found online at www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk
 
22nd May 2023

£700m contract awarded to Hitachi and Toshiba to build high-speed trains for Taiwan​

The new generation trains will be built for Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation by a consortium formed between Hitachi and Toshiba​

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Tokaido Shinkansen N700S high speed train​

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation has awarded an order worth approximately 124 billion Japanese Yen (approx £719m) to the Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium, which is made up of:
  • Hitachi Ltd
  • Toshiba Corporation
The huge contract will see 12 sets of new-generation high-speed trains and will total of 144 cars, built for THSRC and will be based on the latest N700S trains which operate for the Central Japan Railway Company.
 
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N700S Shinkansen bullet train

The Taiwan High-Speed Rail Corporation has been operating high-speed trains since 2007 with services running between Taipei and Kaohsiung using the Japanese Shinkansen system.

The new-generation trains will see capacity increased further for passengers as trains of 300m in length will operate at top speeds of 300km/h.

The new trains will bring many improvements influenced by the N700S trains, such as being lighter, therefore offering enhanced aerodynamic performance than the current 700T trains.

The energy efficiency of the new trains will also be greatly improved thanks to using the compact traction system alongside a combined silicon carbide (SiC) device providing a blower-less cooling system.

The new trains will be powered by lithium-ion batteries (SCiBTM) when travelling at low speeds or in case of a power outage.

Taiwan has seen a decade of reliable high-speed railway service with an exceptional safety record and this new order is set to improve this impressive performance further alongside making a modal shift in order to support the environment.

The new trains are expected to begin delivery during 2026.
 
22nd May 2023

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NetworkRail:

Reliability boost for Cambrian line passengers as 160-year-old wooden viaduct gets major refurbishment​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Severn and Carno viaduct AmCo and NR banner​

Work on the Severn and Carno viaduct near Caersws, Powys, was completed on Friday 19 May as well as a large section of track work near Newtown.

The Cambrian line was closed for 16 days, from Friday 6 to Monday 22 (today) May with Transport for Wales operating a rail replacement bus service between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth.

With the viaduct now looking better that is has in decades, local communities and tourists can fully enjoy a normal working train service in the area of surrounding natural beauty in the summer period.

First constructed in 1860, the 70-metre-long viaduct has been reconstructed twice in 1906 and 1927 and carried the railway over where the rivers Carno and Severn meet.

By jacking up the railway on top of the viaduct and working from floating platforms, or pontoons, on the river, teams of engineers from Network Rail and contractors AmcoGiffen have replaced three of a total of eleven spans of timber beams.

They also carried out remedial work on the rest of the bridge, including the replacement of metallic straps and fixings.

In their commitment to a greener railway, Network Rail has recycled 100% of the replaced timber from the viaduct.

A total of 17-tonnes of timber has been donated to local farmers and residents.

The local school has already made plans to use the timber to construct outside benches for their pupils.

Additional teams removed and replaced two kilometres of track further east in Newtown to increase the reliability of journeys for passengers.

Extra resilience work was also carried out on railway points (which allow trains to move from one track to another) along with drainage installation.

Overnight track renewal work on the Cambrian line will continue until Friday 7 July to prevent service disruption.
 
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Severn and Carno track​

Simon Roberts, programme manager at Network Rail Wales & Borders, said: “We are delighted that we have given this 160-year-old viaduct a new lease of life. Now that it has been strengthened, there is less chance of the railway closing due to urgent repairs and passengers can enjoy a normal service ahead of the busy summer period.

“The local community have been very supportive, and it is a cherry on top that we have been able to recycle 100% of all the old timber and donate back to the community.”
 
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Severn and Carno viaduct​

Jan Chaudhry-Van der Velde, Chief Operations Officer for Transport for Wales (Rail Services), commented: “This work by Network Rail will help make the railway infrastructure on the Cambrian line more resilient and improve the reliability of our passenger services. New Class 197 trains have been ordered for the line, so this investment will help clear the way for the trains to operate successfully.”
 
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Severn and Carno viaduct from river​

Claire Williams, Partnership Development Officer for the Cambrian Railway Partnership said: "It is wonderful to see the railway line reopen again for passengers and that the work carried out will make this spectacular line more resilient for years to come.

“We would like to thank the communities for being so patient and understanding whilst this vital restoration and reconstruction work has been taking place. We are also really pleased that local residents, farmers and schools have been able to make use of the old timber from the viaduct, a great example of sustainability."
 
22nd May 2023

Inside The Train Shed

I have been filming for the next ETHNON RAIL YouTube video.

One of the stars running for the last time on the soon to be dismantled test circuit baseboard will be 4-6-2 Princess Coronation Class Locomotive 'City of Bristol' in early British Railways Experimental Blue livery.

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22nd May 2023

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Corporate report ​

RAIB: Annual Report 2022 (published 2023)

Published: 22nd May 2023

Rail Accident Investigation Branch report for the operational period ending 31 December 2022.

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The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its annual report covering the period 1 January to 31 December 2022.

The report summarises operational and investigative activity undertaken by the Branch during the year.

The report also highlights six recurring safety themes which have run through the Branch’s work during 2022.

These are: the safety of track workers, railway operations, the management of bad weather, the safety of people getting on and off trains, safety at level crossings, and the management of low adhesion.

During 2022, 461 notifications were received by the RAIB, from which 45 events were identified as requiring a preliminary examination to determine the most appropriate response.

The Branch deployed on 22 occasions to carry out a preliminary examination of the site.

From these preliminary examinations 11 investigations and nine safety digests were started.

During 2022, RAIB published 14 full investigation reports, eight safety digests, four letters to Coroners, one letter to industry and issued one interim report.

RAIB made 67 safety recommendations to 77 different organisations across the rail industry including operators, manufacturers, and other authorities.

If you wish to read the 34 page Annual Report, Click the link: https://assets.publishing.service.g...ttachment_data/file/1158200/AR2022_230522.pdf

The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety.

RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner.

While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.
 
23rd May 2023

Rail Operations Group Name Class 37 ‘Denise Wetton’​

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37611 / 397017 / 397026 - Lolham Crossing near Bainton - 23/5/23

The 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham were an outstanding success, setting new benchmarks for sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Central to the achievement was the implementation of a comprehensive Transport Plan, which played a vital role in ensuring the games' eco-friendly delivery.

Notably, the rail industry emerged as a key player, facilitating the transportation of numerous spectators and volunteers to and from the venues across the region.

Rail Operations Group (ROG) made significant contributions to the execution of Network Rail's plan for the Commonwealth Games.

To address potential train breakdowns on the Birmingham network, ROG provided two of its Class 37 locomotives, affectionately referred to as ‘Thunderbirds.'

These locomotives were stationed at the Soho depot, located to the north of Birmingham, ready to act as rescue locomotives if needed.
 
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ROG Class 37 on standby during the Commonwealth Games​

The rail industry's involvement proved instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of people throughout the duration of the games.

By providing reliable backup locomotives, any potential disruptions caused by train breakdowns were promptly addressed, minimizing inconvenience for attendees and maintaining the games' seamless transportation system.

In recognition of the pivotal role played by Denise Wetton, a Network Rail employee who led the delivery of Network Rail's plan for the Commonwealth Games, ROG decided to pay tribute to her contribution, by naming one of their locomotive 37611 ‘Denise Wetton' in her honour.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham showcased the successful integration of sustainability and effective transportation planning.

With the rail industry's crucial support, thousands of spectators and volunteers were transported efficiently and responsibly throughout the region.
 
23rd May 2023

Extra Amtrak Springfield to New York City services from June 5th​

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Springfield Union Station in Springfield, Mass.

Amtrak has announced that from Monday, 5th June, two extra Northeast Regional trains will provide direct access from Springfield, Massachusetts to New York City with connections to the Northeast Corridor for onward travel to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and elsewhere.

The additional trains are a result of an agreement between Amtrak, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT).
 
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Amtrak train with Hell Gate Bridge between Long Island, and the Bronx in the background​

Travel time from Springfield Union Station to New York's Penn Station will take 3½ hours, stopping en route at Hartford Union Station.

Departures from Springfield are at 4.45 am and 7.50 am, and Hartford at 5.26 am and 8.35. Arrival times in New York are 8.10 am and 11.21 am.

Return journeys depart from New York at 6.59 pm and 8.50 pm, with arrival in Hartford at 9.51 pm and 11.41 pm, and Springfield at 10.40 pm and 12.26 am.
 
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Amtrak train with Hell Gate Bridge between Long Island, and the Bronx in the background
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Amenities on the Northeast Regional trains are the same as on most Amtrak trains, with free Wi-Fi, no restrictions on the use of phones or other electronic devices, and no requirement to switch on “airplane mode”.

The carriages have large spacious seats with plenty of legroom and no middle seat, and small pets can be carried..

Some service changes have been made to the existing Springfield to Hartford service to accommodate the extra services.

Further information can be obtained via Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, Amtrak ticket desks and kiosks, or by telephone at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
 
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Menu offering on Amtrak North East Corridor trains​

Amtrak President Roger Harris said “Adding two new “Northeast Regional” trains between Springfield and New York City meets the growing demand of train travel and allows more people to experience the benefits of passenger rail.

“Thanks to our collaboration with MassDOT and CTDOT, and with support from MTA Metro North, we can offer more service, reduce travel times and provide greater travel flexibility for our customers, including arriving in New York from Springfield and Hartford before 9 a.m.”

Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said “Bringing additional train service and more options for riders along the Hartford and New Haven Lines is the result of a strong collaboration between CTDOT and our partners. We worked closely with Amtrak, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to make this happen.”

“Governor Lamont has charged us to improve rail travel in the state and give people more sustainable travel options. We delivered on the Super Express trains, which get riders from New Haven to New York in as little as 99 minutes, and now we are bringing this service to riders through funding provided in the Governor's budget last year.

“Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this possible. I look forward to future collaborations with our regional partners so we can continue to provide additional environmentally friendly commuting options for riders.”

Massachusetts Transportation Secretary and CEO Gina Fiandaca said “We appreciate the partnership with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, MTA Metro-North Railroad, and Amtrak which is leading to additional train service from Springfield.”

“These additional trips providing direct service between Western Massachusetts and New York City enhance the rail network and will make passenger train service an even more attractive travel option for visitors and residents. Additional travel by train will have many benefits, including taking vehicles off the roads, lessening traffic congestion, and helping to reduce greenhouse gases.”
 
23rd May 2023

Inside The Train Shed

I have been filming for the next ETHNON RAIL YouTube video.

One of the stars running for the last time on the soon to be dismantled test circuit baseboard will be Rebuilt Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 35020 "Bibby Line" in BR Green.

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23rd May 2023

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News story:​

Uncontrolled evacuation of a train at Clapham Common Underground station

Published: 23 May 2023

Investigation into an incident at Clapham Common station on London Underground’s Northern Line, 5 May 2023.

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CCTV from Clapham Common station following passenger evacuation​

At around 17:43 hrs on Friday 5 May 2023, a northbound Northern Line train departing from Clapham Common station was halted by the operation of a passenger emergency alarm.

This alarm was operated after passengers within the train became aware of a burning smell.

The train came to a stand with one car fully and another car partially inside the tunnel.

The remaining four cars forming the train remained fully in the platform.

The doors of the train remained closed after it came to a stand.

Within a short space of time, there was an uncontrolled evacuation of passengers from the train and onto the platform.

Passengers exited the train via windows which had been broken open and the interconnecting doors between cars on the train.

Other passengers subsequently exited the train after station staff opened the train’s bodyside doors.

No serious injuries resulted from the evacuation but at least one passenger reported cutting their hands when exiting the train.

The London Fire Brigade attended the station following the incident and found no evidence that there had been a fire.

London Underground maintenance staff later determined that the probable cause of the burning smell related to the train’s braking system.

Our investigation will seek to identify the sequence of events that led to the incident.

It will also consider:
  • the actions of those involved and anything which may have influenced them
  • London Underground’s procedures for incident response and management of out-of-course events
  • the arrangements in place to manage and control the risks of a suspected fire on a London Underground train
  • the design and maintenance of the braking system on the train
  • any underlying management factors.
Our investigation is independent of any investigation by the railway industry or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

We will publish our findings, including any recommendations to improve safety, at the conclusion of our investigation.
 
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24th May 2023

Transport Heritage New South Wales offers two special one-way steam journeys​

The member-based organisation has revealed two steam tours travelling into the Central West region of Australia with discounted prices available​

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C35 class​

Transport Heritage NSW was established back in 2013 by the government of New South Wales, Australia, in order to maintain the state's heritage rail collection whilst also supporting the larger heritage transport sector in the region.

The organisation has recently revealed that it will operate tours hauled by steam locomotives 3526 and 3642 into the Central West with seating available at reduced prices on two separate one-way transfer trips as follows:

The Blue Mountains and Lithgow Express on Thursday the 8th of June:
  • This one-way journey will see passengers able to board at Campbelltown, Westmead or Penrith for this express trip over the Blue Mountains, on to Katoomba, Mount Victoria and Lithgow.
  • Ticket prices per person start at $60 AUD.
The Bathurst Express on Friday the 9th of June:
  • This one-way journey will see passengers able to board at Lithgow for an express trip to Bathurst, which includes a 1 hour stop at Tarana for a community celebration in honour of the recent completion of a station restoration
  • Ticket prices per person start at $20 AUD.
 
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Steam Locomotive 3642​

Alongside the above steam tours, a number of return trips will take place as part of the Bathurst Steam Weekend taking place from Saturday the 10th to Monday the 12th of June, including:
  • Bathurst to Wimbledon Steam Train Rides on the 10th and 11th of June
  • Bathurst to Orange and return on Monday the 12th of June
To find out more about the one-way steam tours and further trips, please click here.
 
24th May 2023

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Independent report:​

Safety digest 03/2023: Teignmouth Boat Yard

Published: 24 May 2023

RAIB has today released its safety digest into a near miss at Teignmouth Boat Yard, Devon, 14 February 2023.

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