Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Corwen station


The footplate experiences will begin on Sunday 3 May.


Participants will travel on the locomotive’s footplate alongside the team for a full journey along the line between Llangollen and Corwen.

They will be able to enjoy a spectacular route through beautiful landscapes, travelling past landmarks including Berwyn Tunnel, Horseshoe Falls and Llantysilio Hall.

The railway runs along the banks of the River Dee for a significant part of the journey.

The experience also includes a tour of a signal box prior to departure, a full footplate experience for part of the journey, a return trip on the train in passenger accommodation, and supervision and guidance from experienced railway volunteers.

Passengers are required to complete a medical questionnaire before taking part in the experience.

The experience costs £130 per person, and is available on both steam and diesel locos.

Proceeds will be reinvested into the Footplate Department.

Travelling on the footplate of a steam loco is on so many people’s bucket lists


“This is a truly exhilarating way to experience the railway – right at the heart of the action. Being up on the footplate alongside the team, you’re completely immersed in the sights, sounds and sheer power of the locomotive as it works along the line. You feel the heat, hear every beat of the engine and see the railway from a perspective very few people ever get to enjoy.

“The feedback from our Branch Line Gala footplate pass holders was incredible – we’ve been inundated with requests to bring this experience back. We’re absolutely delighted to now offer it as part of our regular timetable, giving more people the chance to experience the railway in such a unique and unforgettable way while taking in some of the most stunning scenery in the country.”

Matthew Carty, Head of the Railway’s Footplate Department

28th April, 2026

Norfolk railway to host busy 2026 programme of events​

A steam cavalcade on the Bure Valley Railway


Bure Valley Railway have announced a programme of memorable events for the 2026 season, offering visitors a wide range of experiences on one of the UK’s longest 15-inch gauge railways.

On Sunday, 3 May, the railway is set to host its Classics and Steam Day.

Blending steam train services with a classic car show, a range of cars, motorbikes, and agricultural vehicles will be displayed.

Vehicles can be found at both Aylsham and Wroxham stations, with steam services taking passengers along the line to enjoy both locations.

‘Everything Goes!’ is scheduled to take place between 23 and 25 May.

Guests can enjoy an action-packed display of the railway in full operation.

Bure Valley is set to showcase multiple steam and diesel locomotives, a selection of formations, rare locomotives, and a busy timetable running the length of the line between Aylsham and Wroxham.

Classic cars on display


Bure Valley Railway will also be hosting a Classics and Steam Evening on Wednesday, 3 June.

This event is intended to be a relaxed summer evening of steam, classic cars, and sunshine.

Visitors will be able to enjoy seeing a wide variety of classic vehicles, refreshments, and a BBQ.

All this against the backdrop of the steam railway.

Tickets for each event can be found online, with ‘Everything Goes!’ also returning in September and Classics and Steam Evenings expected to welcome visitors on select dates across the 2026 season.

28th April, 2026

Romic HST to visit County Durham for special services​

Romic HST No. 43094


A brand new visitor to the Weardale Railway has been announced.

On the 21st June, the railway will be welcoming The Romic Group’s legendary HST for the very first time.

The HST will be running three return services between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland, with tickets providing unlimited travel to allow visitors to hop on and off services to explore.

ROMIC Group Ltd HST Reveal MNR Oct 2025


Both Standard and First Class tickets are available, along with family options to provide as many people as possible with the experience of this uncommon sight.

Standard class is priced at £25 per adult, with full ticket information and timetable available on the railway’s website.

28th April, 2026

Llangollen Railway and East Lancashire Railway partner up to pay tribute to Charles Beyer​

Charles Beyer Life Celebrations. Mark Llewellin (left) with Keith Whitmore (right), pictured alongside East Lancashire Railway Pride Train staff.


On Tuesday, 2 June 2026, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway and the East Lancashire Railway are set to mark 150 years since the death of pioneering railway engineer Charles Beyer, with a programme combining heritage, travel and historical reflection.

Proceedings begin at 10 am with the first part of a service at St Collen’s Church, before pausing to allow attendees to board a steam service from Llangollen Railway Station at 10:40 am.

The train will then travel along the Dee Valley to Berwyn Station, carrying a specially commissioned Charles Beyer headboard, produced in partnership with the East Lancashire Railway.

At Berwyn, a commemorative plaque from the Institution of Civil Engineers will be unveiled, recognising Beyer’s contribution to engineering.

Attendees can then cross Chain Bridge to Llantysilio Church, where the service resumes under the direction of Father Lee Taylor, ending with a graveside tribute

Llangollen and East Lancashire Railway have joined forces to commission a brand new name plate honouring the life of Charles Beyer


A reception follows at Llantysilio Hall, Beyer’s former home, with refreshments, tours and speeches before the return journey to Llangollen.


Further commemorations are planned at Brookfield Church on Sunday, 14 June, including a morning service, afternoon talks and contributions from Michael Bailey, Robert Herpai and Anthony Dawson.

The programme will also reflect on Richard Peacock and the legacy of Beyer, Peacock and Company, co-founded by Beyer in 19th-century Manchester.

The programme also aligns with LGBT+ History Month 2026, drawing attention to lesser-known aspects of Beyer’s life alongside his engineering legacy.


“This will be a very special and fitting tribute to Charles Beyer in the place he chose to call home. The way the service moves between Llangollen and Llantysilio, using the railway itself, makes it a unique and meaningful event. It is also an opportunity to tell a fuller story about Beyer, including aspects of his life that are not always widely recognised, and to highlight the contribution of figures from what we now recognise as the LGBT community to railway history.”

Keith Whitmore, Director of the East Lancashire Railway and event organiser.

28th April, 2026

Steam locomotive 4270 to support Kent railway’s extension to Robertsbridge​

Ready to work on locomotive 4270


Rother Valley Railway has issued an update about GWR locomotive No. 4270.

Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust (RVRHT) has secured a 10-year loan of the locomotive, allowing the Trust to use the loco to help further strengthen the fleet operated by the Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR).

With the line due to be extended from Bodlam to Robertsbridge Station, the K&ESR needs a larger fleet. Last year, it agreed with its owner that Class 205 Unit No 1118 will be at the Railway for the foreseeable future.

Part of the loan arrangement for No. 4270 sees RVRHT enter into a partnership with the 4253 Locomotive Group.

Based at the railway’s Rolvenden Workshops, the Group will be responsible for the work required to return No. 4270 to service and will then oversee its use on the K&ESR.

Steam locomotive 4270


Earlier in April, 4253 Locomotive Group Engineer Henry Mowforth and director Charles Masterson joined Mike Hart of RVRHT to visit the One-to-One collection at Margate in Kent, where the locomotive is currently being displayed.

The three men met with the owners’ representatives, Locomotive Services Group Head of Steam Locomotive Engineering, Creagh, and Steam Loco Production Manager, Ben. Together, they carried out an inspection and a schedule of the condition of locomotive 4270.

The inspection confirmed that the engine is in excellent condition in general.

However, its boiler is due to be removed for a ten-yearly examination and for its boiler tubes to be replaced before it can return to operational duties.

Steam locomotive 4270


The current plan is to move locomotive 4270 to Rolvenden soon, which will enable the boiler to be removed, repaired and fitted back in the engine.

The Group’s own locomotive, former Great Western Railway 2-8-0 tank engine No. 4253, is making good progress towards entering service, so workers will be free to work on 4270’s chassis.

This will involve lubrication checks, piston and valve examinations and other tasks.

Once completed, the boiler will be refitted and the engine commissioned into service.

28th April, 2026

Biggest gala yet to be marked by guest locomotives at Lappa Valley​

Lappa Valley, near St Newlyn East, has announced a major heritage gala scheduled for 13 to 14 June, marking a significant milestone for the attraction’s operations.

For the first time, visiting steam locomotives in traffic will operate over the 15-inch gauge Main Railway, with five steam engines rostered, the highest number in the line’s history.

A key visiting locomotive is ‘Mr. Hallworth’ from Perrygrove Railway Adventure, which is named in memory of Tony Hallworth for his longstanding contribution to the heritage sector, including work with Bodmin Railway.

Spirit of Adventure


Also rostered is ‘Spirit of Adventure’, an Exmoor-built tank engine and the largest of its type constructed to this gauge.

This locomotive is also notably bigger than the resident locomotive ‘Ellie’, as it features a full-height cab, despite being built for narrow-gauge use.

The timetable will feature double-headed workings, non-stop services, and parallel running, with home fleet locomotives ‘Zebedee’,’ Muffin’, ‘Ellie’, ‘City of Truro’, and ‘Arthur’ running throughout the day.

Additional services will also be operating on the Newlyn Downs Branch, while visiting steam appears on the Lakeside Railway, with a display of miniature traction engines.


“This is a real milestone for us. It’s the first time we’ve welcomed visiting steam locomotives onto our 15-inch gauge railway, and seeing five in steam at once will make for an incredibly exciting weekend.

“Having Mr. Hallworth here is especially meaningful. Tony was a huge part of the Cornish railway community and a personal friend and mentor to me. Bringing the locomotive named in his memory to Cornwall feels like a very special homecoming.”

Ben Harding, Operations Director at Lappa Valley

28th April, 2026

Had a coin hunt today and found a 50p for the collection.

JEMIMA PUDDLEDUCK 50p - 2016 Beatrix Potter coin

Wednesday 29 Apr 2026

Cambrian line upgrades this May to prepare for new trains and improve reliability​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Four-car-train on Cambrian line


Passengers are advised of temporary service changes while Network Rail carries out essential infrastructure improvements ahead of new trains entering service later this year.

Rail passengers travelling between mid-Wales and the Borders this May are encouraged to plan ahead, as essential engineering works will affect services between Aberystwyth, Shrewsbury, Llandrindod and Hereford.

Network Rail will carry out infrastructure improvements on the Cambrian line between Shrewsbury, Aberystwyth and Machynlleth from Friday 8 May until Friday 22 May.

Services between Llandrindod, Hereford and Shrewsbury will be affected on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May

The work is important to prepare the Cambrian line for the introduction of Class 197 trains on the Cambrian line later this year, and will help maintain a safe and reliable railway for both passenger and freight services in the future.

The programme of work has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, with the line set to fully reopen in time for the May half term.

The work will include:

• Track renewal at Montgomery
• Level crossing renewals at Llanidloes Road, Caersws and Llanbadarn Fawr
• Bridge refurbishment work in Shrewsbury
• Land and drainage improvements near Dol-y-Bont, Fronfraith and Llanbadarn
• General maintenance and vegetation management across multiple locations

Gwyn Rees, Programme Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “These essential upgrades will help us maintain a safe and reliable railway for passengers and freight services across mid Wales and the Borders. We’ve carefully planned this work to minimise disruption, wherever possible, with the line due to fully reopen in time for the May half term.

“We’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these important improvements.”

During this period TfW has organised rail replacement buses to ensure customers can continue to travel, including dedicated services to support local schools and colleges along the affected routes.

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales, said: “We know this will be a disruptive period for customers travelling across mid-Wales and the borders, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience while these essential improvements are carried out.

“With different sections of the railway closed on different days between 8 and 22 May, it’s really important that customers travelling between Aberystwyth, Pwllheli, Shrewsbury, Hereford and Llandrindod plan ahead and check their journey before travelling, using our website or app.

“These upgrades are a vital step towards introducing our brand-new Class 197 trains on the Cambrian line later this year, which will bring improved comfort and capacity for customers.”

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The following rail services will be affected from Friday 8 to Friday 22 May.

Friday 8 May

• The 19:50 Machynlleth to Aberystwyth and 21:50 Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth services will not run and will be replaced by rail replacement buses.

Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May

• Buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury, with Cambrian services from Birmingham terminating at Shrewsbury and services from Pwllheli and Aberystwyth terminating at Machynlleth.
• Buses will replace trains between Hereford and Shrewsbury. Trains from Cardiff and West Wales will terminate at Hereford, and services from Manchester and Holyhead will terminate at Shrewsbury.
• Buses will replace trains between Llandrindod and Shrewsbury along the Heart of Wales Line. Trains from Swansea and Carmarthen will terminate at Llandrindod.
• Train services between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth/Pwllheli will run as normal.

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 May

• Buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Shrewsbury.
• Train services between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth/Pwllheli will run as normal.

Wednesday 13 to Saturday 16 May

• Buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth/ Pwllheli. Trains from Birmingham and Shrewsbury will terminate at Machynlleth.
• Rail services will continue to operate between Machynlleth and Tywyn, however onward rail replacement buses from Tywyn will not directly connect with the rail timetable. Customers are advised to connect between rail and replacement bus services at Machynlleth.

Sunday 17 to Friday 22 May

• Buses will replace trains between Machynlleth and Aberystwyth.
• Cambrian Coast rail services between Birmingham/Shrewsbury and Pwllheli will operate as normal.

29th April, 2026

Whitby steam trains return delayed​

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley departs Grosmont, North Yorkshire Moors Railway


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that a delay to the work on Bridge 42 has meant that a full reopening date has been announced.

Trains will continue to operate between Pickering and Goathland only and Grosmont and Whitby will not be served.

The bridge will be complete and reopened on the 23rd May 2026, and will see Pickering to Whitby trains resume on the 1st June 2026.

The delay is due to further work being needed after initial excavation work.


“Work to prop Bridge 42 continues at pace and substantial progress has been made; however, initial excavation work and test results have shown that further work is needed than initially anticipated, which has extended the programme of works.

“With complex work of this nature, it is not unusual for the schedule of work to be under constant review, and we are keeping our customers, volunteers and staff informed. After discussions with our engineering partners, we have decided to move the publicised re-opening date of Bridge 42 to May 23rd and the full line from Pickering to Whitby will open on June 1st, when our special event ‘Day out with Thomas’ (May 23rd to 31st) concludes.

“The revised date reflects the additional work needed and provides a realistic timeframe within which to complete work to the required standard.”

Laura Strangeway, CEO of the NYMR

29th April, 2026

Network Rail reminds passengers of May Bank Holiday engineering work​

Network Rail is reminding passengers of upcoming engineering work during May.

Most of the UK rail network is set to run as normal across May; however, there will be disruption in several key areas during the early May Bank Holiday from 2 to 4 May.

On the East Coast Main Line, junction rebuilding at Tollerton in North Yorkshire will replace trains with buses between York and Darlington, alongside a limited service from Northallerton.

Full train services are expected to resume on Tuesday, 5 May.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade begins major works between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds.

Work through May and June includes the installation of overhead line equipment for future electric train services, alongside a new bridge, as well as track and station enhancements.

New track being installed during engineering work


Liverpool Lime Street station will be closed on Sunday, 3 and Monday, 4 May, to allow for the installation of new signalling systems in the Edge Hill area.

The work forms part of wider efforts to improve reliability and capacity on the approach to the station.


On the West Coast Main Line South, track renewal work near Willesden and Primrose Hill will lead to reduced services in and out of London Euston.

There will also be no London Overground services between Euston and Kilburn High Road during these works.

Travel is set to return to normal by Tuesday, 5 May.

In south east London, engineering activity around Lewisham to improve signalling, alongside the installation of a new footbridge at Hither Green, is set to close London Charing Cross station throughout the bank holiday weekend.

London Cannon Street will also be closed on Sunday.

During this period, services will be diverted to London Victoria and London Blackfriars before normal timetables are reinstated on Tuesday, 5 May.


“There is no ‘right way’ to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services. Those extra days with fewer travellers give us an opportunity to do longer projects that we couldn’t do in a normal two-day weekend or overnight. 

“So while most of our railway is open as usual over the bank holidays this May, there are some major exceptions and we also have two major projects getting underway in Yorkshire and between Newport and Bristol that passengers should be aware of.  “

Anit Chandarana, Network Rail’s group director, System Operator.

Eastbourne Station

29th April, 2026

Vintage Trains announce mainline steam journeys for 2026​

5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe crossing Harringworth Viaduct in 2017


Vintage Trains has unveiled a series of mainline steam journeys for 2026, continuing to provide memorable railtours with its fleet of historic locomotives.

Among locomotives used by Vintage Trains, the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe is credited with achieving the highest recorded power output for the class on the Settle and Carlisle line, while Clun Castle has replicated demanding Western Region schedules, including a 1964 Devon banks ascent and non-stop running from Bristol to London Paddington, as well as a precise recreation of a 1965 farewell-to-steam itinerary.

7029 Clun Castle


The 2026 programme includes ‘The Golden Hind’ to Plymouth on 23 May, hauled by Western Champion, running non-stop between Slough and Plymouth.

On 12 June, ‘The Cathedrals Express’ to Newcastle will see Clun Castle make the first Castle class arrival at the city’s station.

‘The Mayflower’ on 12 September features double-heading by Clun Castle and Earl of Mount Edgcumbe over the Devon banks, before the latter’s withdrawal for wheel maintenance.

The Birmingham-based charity marks more than sixty years of activity, during which its locomotives have established what its chairman describes as an “unmatched performance record in preservation”.


“We have been fortunate to run several signature trains in this 60-year period which have taken our Castle locomotives over some beautiful scenic routes, to interesting destinations, and on these journeys, they have delivered some spectacular performances. No one else can do this.”

Michael Whitehouse, Vintage Trains chairman.

29th April, 2026

Discounted Thomas the Tank Engine tickets at Yorkshire railway​

Day out with Thomas!


For the upcoming Bank Holiday, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is launching a special flash sale from the 1st to the 4th of May.

The sale will allow visitors to save 20% when visiting for the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll Tour (running on the 23rd-27th and 29th-31st May).

Those planning to visit can access the offer by entering MAY20 at checkout.

Both standard and special Thomas services will be running across May, allowing visitors to hop on and off services and explore.

Full information on the Day Out With Thomas: Let’s Rock, Let’s Roll event can be found on their website.

Aylesbury Station

165014 at London Marylebone

Chiltern Explorer at Birmingham Moor Street

29th April, 2026

Nine diesel locomotives to head to Swanage for Gala​

Class 33 D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RN on the Swanage Railway


The Swanage Railway’s upcoming Diesel Gala and Beer Festival is set to feature nine locomotives.

The event runs from the 8th to the 10th of May, with the beer festival being held at Corfe Castle station.

The intensive timetable is set to be a huge hit with visitors, and will also mark the first time Class 58 diesel locomotive No. 58 023 operates between Furzebrook and the River Frome since 2005.

Visiting locomotives (subject to availability) include:

• Class 20 No. 20 066 courtesy of Shaun Wright.
• Class 26 No. 26 007 courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz.
• Class 37 No. 37 607 courtesy of Swietelsky.
• Class 45 No. 45 041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ courtesy of the Peak Locomotive Company.
• Class 58 No. 58 023 ‘Leicester Depot’ courtesy of Ed Stevenson.
• Class 73 No. 73 119 ‘Paul Taylor’ courtesy of GB Railfreight and subject to availability.
• A mystery locomotive courtesy of GB Railfreight.

45041 “Royal Tank Regiment”


Additionally, the 1966 Class 438 ‘push-pull’ 4TC four-carriage set No. 428 will be visiting courtesy of London Transport

1960s Class 33 diesel-electric No. D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’ and 1960s Class 33 diesel locomotive No. 33 053 will also appear at the gala

in the evening ‘Beerex’ diesel service will run between the festival and Swanage on both the Friday and Saturday.

Further information on the gala and festival, including tickets, can be found on the railway’s website.


“It will be very special to see – and hear – Class 58 diesel locomotive No. 58 023 operate between Furzebrook and the River Frome since it hauled gas trains from the Wytch Farm oilfield gas terminal at Furzebrook to the national railway network before the terminal closed in 2005.

“A lot of detailed organisation by a small team of enthusiastic Swanage Railway volunteers and staff goes into planning the diesel gala with planning beginning four or five months before the event,”

Event organising team member and Swanage Railway volunteer Dan Bennett

Track workers installing new lines at Willesden Junction

Euston Station concourse

29th April, 2026

One Night Only Flying Scotsman and Tornado Dining Experience in Nottinghamshire​

60103 Flying Scotsman


At the end of this month, the Great Central Railway is hosting a fundraising event while offering guests the opportunity to see Flying Scotsman.

The Reunification fundraising evening takes place on the 28th May and features dining, steam travel and a chance to be up close to Flying Scotsman.

The one-night-only service will be hauled by Tornado, and guests will return to Ruddington engine sheds for part of the event.

Guests will dine next to Flying Scotsman and have the opportunity for photos and footplate access.


The event will have live entertainment, a raffle and an auction with BBC correspondent Tom Ingall in attendance.

Any money raised will go to reunifying the railway, and they are welcoming donations of any size.

Tickets for the unique event are priced at £145 and can be found on their website.


“We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer something this special. The Flying Scotsman is a true icon of British engineering, and the chance to dine right alongside it is something very few people will ever experience.”

Andy Fillingham, Chairman of Great Central Railway, Nottingham

29th April, 2026

Had a coin hunt today and found a couple of £2 coins for the collection.

400th anniversary of the King James Bible

First published in 1611, the King James Bible is an English translation of the Christian Bible for the Church of England.

It is widely regarded as one of the most important books ever published in the English language for its influence on the nature of protestant worship as well as English culture.

The reverse design of this £2 coin features the first words from the book of John - 'In the beginning was the Word'.

2015 The Magna Carta £2​

The Magna Carta was an agreement which in 1215 forced King John to adhere to the ancient laws and customs by which England had previously been governed.

Literally translated as ‘Great Charter’ it laid the foundations for modern democracy and the rights of English citizens and is still cited in many legal cases to this day.

The reverse design of this medieval-style £2 coin features King John holding a quill and flanked by two noblemen.