Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Neo and I walked from Cathays to Cardiff Queen Street and caught a Class 150 home.

20 June 2025

Temporary closure of Ty Glas railway station for major upgrades​

Ty Glas station


Transport for Wales will be carrying out major upgrades to Ty Glas station and its level crossing, allowing for the introduction of brand-new trains onto the Coryton line.

To deliver these upgrades, the station and level crossing will be closed from Saturday 19 July.

The level crossing will reopen following the completion of necessary safety upgrades, which TfW aim to complete as soon as possible as the crossing is well used by the local community.

Ty Glas station will be closed for a duration of 10 months and is planned to reopen in Spring 2026.

Upgrades will include a 16-meter platform extension to Ty Glas station, and essential safety enhancements to the level crossing, including replacing the floor of the crossing and creating a new pathway that leads from the station to the crossing.

This work is crucial to accommodate the new quieter electric trains that will be introduced as part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment into new trains across the network.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW said: "The temporary closure of Ty Glas station and its level crossing is a necessary step in our commitment to ensuring the safety of our passengers as we prepare to introduce brand-new tri-mode trains onto the Coryton line.

“These upgrades will not only support the introduction of our new electric trains but also bring long-term benefits to the community by improving the safety of the level crossing, which is more important than ever following the introduction of these much quieter trains.”

During the station closure, passengers will be directed to Birchgrove station, located a short walk away from Ty Glas. Those needing to cross over the railway whilst the level crossing is closed will be directed to use the Caerphilly Road Bridge.

The introduction of five brand-new Class 756 tri-mode trains onto the Coryton and Caerphilly to Penarth lines marks a major step forward in the South Wales Metro project, delivering increased onboard capacity, improved comfort, and better access from the train to the platform.

TfW would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding as they deliver these essential safety upgrades.

Further information on these upgrades and diversion routes can be found on TfW’s website found here.

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Trains times will remain the same as today for service arriving and departing Birchgrove and Heath Low Level.

'Two of a kind' by Tim O'Brien

Rescheduled from yesterday.

Train to Cardiff Queen Street was a class 150 'Super sprinter'

Train from Cardiff Queen Street to Cathays was a class 150 'Super sprinter' as well.

Neo and I walked from Cathays to Queen Street again and caught a direct train home.

23rd June, 2025

More Greatest Gathering tickets made available as Flying Scotsman visit confirmed​

Alstom has confirmed that 60103 Flying Scotsman is visiting The Greatest Gathering in August.

The locomotive, subject to operational requirements, will make its way to Derby thanks to the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations.

Alstom is also releasing an extra 2,500 tickets for each day of the sold-out festival. These will go on sale at 9am on the 27th June and will be available through See Tickets.

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam

• LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society
• LMS Black 5 (specific loco TBA) – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Furness Railway No. 20 – courtesy of The Furness Railway Trust
• Coal Tank No. 1054 – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• GWR King No. 6023 King Edward II – courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
• LMS No. 46203 ‘Princess Margaret Rose’ – courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
• BR Standard 5MT No. 73129 – courtesy of The Midland Railway – Butterley
• BR 9F No. 92214 – courtesy of the Great Central Railway
• Locomotive No. 1 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
• Midland Railway No. 1000 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
• LMS Jubilee No. 45699 Galatea – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• George England ‘Prince’ – courtesy of the Ffestiniog Railway
• Trangkil No. 4 – courtesy of the Statfold Barn Railway
• Anne – courtesy of the Perrygrove Railway
• Katie – courtesy of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• LNER A3 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations

Diesel

• BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teesside Steelmaster’ – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 No. 66301 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 60 – courtesy of DCRail
• Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
• Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 40 No. 40106 – courtesy of the Class 40 Preservation Society / Severn Valley Railway
• Class 43 No. 43159 (2+4 Formation – other powercar TBC) – courtesy of The 125 Group
• Class 33 No. 33012 – courtesy of 71A Locomotive Group
• Class 31 No. 31108 – courtesy of A1A Locomotives Ltd
• Class 57/0 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Class 26 No. 26007 – courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz
• Class 58 No. 58023 – courtesy of Edward Stevenson
• Class 20 No. 20007 – courtesy of Michael Owen
• Class 20 No. 20205 – courtesy of Michael Owen
• Class 70 No. 70008 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 42 No. D821 – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
• Class 47 No. 47715 – courtesy of Rail Engineering Solutions
• Class 67 No. 67005 ‘Kings Messenger’ – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
• Class 66 No. 66004 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 44 No. 44004 ‘Great Gable’ – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Company Ltd
• Class 66 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 37 – courtesy of West Coast Railways
• Class 23 No. D5910 – courtesy of The Baby Deltic Project
• Class 142 No. 142013 – courtesy of Midland Railway – Butterley
• Class 40 No. D213 – courtesy of Shaun Wright / Andania Engineering
• Class 43 HST Powercars x2 – courtesy of RailAdventure
• Class 37 No. D6700 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum, Great Central Railway and Heavy Tractor Group
• Class 50 No. 50035 Ark Royal – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 47 No. 47593 Galloway Princess – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 45 No. 45118 The Royal Artilleryman – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 57 No. 57003 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 24 No. D5054 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway
• Class 56 No. 56301 – courtesy of DC Rail / Cappagh Group
• Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
• Class 17 No. D8568 – courtesy of Diesel Traction Group
• Class 46 No. 46045 – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Co Ltd
• Class 57/3 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Class 55 No. D9000 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
• Class 37 No. 37418 – courtesy of Loram UK

Electric

• Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
• Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
• 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway
• Class 91 No. 91101 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 465 No. 465908 James Green – courtesy of Southeastern
• Class 720 No. 720506 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
• No. 12 Sarah Siddons – courtesy of Transport for London
• Class 350 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
• Class 92 No. 92011 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 323 No. 323221 – courtesy of Porterbrook
• Class 90 No. 90040 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 85 No. 85006 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
• Class 83 No. 83012 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
• Class 730 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
• Class 87 No. 87002 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 86 No. 86101 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 86 No. 86401 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia

Hydrogen Power

• Class 799 Hydroflex No. 799201 – courtesy of Porterbrook

Coaches / Wagons

• JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
• Gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of Drax Group
• Railway 200 Exhibition Train – courtesy of GBRTT / National Railway Museum / Railway 200 Team
• LMS Saloon No. 45029 – courtesy of Transport for London
• 4 car 4TC set – courtesy of Transport for London
• Inspection Saloon 975025 ‘Caroline’ – courtesy of Loram UK

Locomotive Groups

• Front bogie and pair of driving wheels for 72010 Hengist – courtesy of The Standard Steam Locomotive Company

Other / Non-Rail Based Exhibits

• G-NLSE, a Aerospatiale AS355F2 Ecureuil II – courtesy of Network Rail
• Train Sim World Exhibit – courtesy of Dovetail Games

23rd June, 2025

Tornado replacement announced for Severn Valley Railway event​

46115 Scots Guardsman


60163 Tornado will no longer be visiting the Severn Valley Railway for their Trains Through The Ages event.

Thankfully, a replacement has been sent and now 46115 Scots Guardsman will visit thanks to David Smith and West Coast Railways Co.

The reason for the change is that Tornado is now needed on the mainline to replace another locomotive.

Joining 46115 will be Chaloner, Holy War and HydroFlex, a hydrogen powered passenger train.

Also in steam will be 4930 Hagley Hall, 1450, 13268 and a range of heritage diesels as well as the Railway 200 Inspiration train.

There’s more information, a timetable and ticket information at svr.co.uk.


Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said: ‘As one door closes, another one opens! Whilst obviously we’re sorry that ‘Tornado’ is no longer able to come to us, we’re delighted that ‘Scots Guardsman’ has been drafted in to appear at our event, and we’re very grateful to David Smith and West Coast Railways for providing such a high profile replacement locomotive.

‘This particular loco will be a big draw. It’s rarely seen on a preserved line – we believe the last time was more than a decade ago – and it hasn’t hauled any train now for two years. It’s definitely what enthusiasts would term a ‘red pen’ locomotive!

‘60163 is needed for main line tour duties, following the failure of another locomotive, and this is just one of those unavoidable situations that you encounter in heritage rail. Plus, it means we’ve got something to look forward to, as ‘Tornado’ will definitely be coming to us for a future visit.’

23rd June, 2025

Cavalcade planned as steam locomotive 60163 Tornado’s Greatest Gathering appearance confirmed​

Tornado - 29th May 2025


Another Greatest Gathering announcement! Off the back of Flying Scotsman being confirmed to attend The Greatest Gathering, 60163 Tornado has also been confirmed to attend.

The locomotive visits thanks to the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and will appear on the 1st and 2nd August only

Alstom are planning a steam cavalcade, where Tornado will be joined by 60103 Flying Scotsman and 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam

• LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society
• LMS Black 5 (specific loco TBA) – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Furness Railway No. 20 – courtesy of The Furness Railway Trust
• Coal Tank No. 1054 – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
• GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• GWR King No. 6023 King Edward II – courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
• LMS No. 46203 ‘Princess Margaret Rose’ – courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
• BR Standard 5MT No. 73129 – courtesy of The Midland Railway – Butterley
• BR 9F No. 92214 – courtesy of the Great Central Railway
• Locomotive No. 1 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
• Midland Railway No. 1000 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
• LMS Jubilee No. 45699 Galatea – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• George England ‘Prince’ – courtesy of the Ffestiniog Railway
• Trangkil No. 4 – courtesy of the Statfold Barn Railway
• Anne – courtesy of the Perrygrove Railway
• Katie – courtesy of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
• LNER A3 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations
• LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado – courtesy of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust

Diesel

• BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teesside Steelmaster’ – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
• Class 66 No. 66301 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 60 – courtesy of DCRail
• Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
• Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
• Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
• Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
• Class 40 No. 40106 – courtesy of the Class 40 Preservation Society / Severn Valley Railway
• Class 43 No. 43159 (2+4 Formation – other powercar TBC) – courtesy of The 125 Group
• Class 33 No. 33012 – courtesy of 71A Locomotive Group
• Class 31 No. 31108 – courtesy of A1A Locomotives Ltd
• Class 57/0 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Class 26 No. 26007 – courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz
• Class 58 No. 58023 – courtesy of Edward Stevenson
• Class 20 No. 20007 – courtesy of Michael Owen
• Class 20 No. 20205 – courtesy of Michael Owen
• Class 70 No. 70008 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 42 No. D821 – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
• Class 47 No. 47715 – courtesy of Rail Engineering Solutions
• Class 67 No. 67005 ‘Kings Messenger’ – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
• Class 66 No. 66004 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 44 No. 44004 ‘Great Gable’ – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Company Ltd
• Class 66 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 37 – courtesy of West Coast Railways
• Class 23 No. D5910 – courtesy of The Baby Deltic Project
• Class 142 No. 142013 – courtesy of Midland Railway – Butterley
• Class 40 No. D213 – courtesy of Shaun Wright / Andania Engineering
• Class 43 HST Powercars x2 – courtesy of RailAdventure
• Class 37 No. D6700 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum, Great Central Railway and Heavy Tractor Group
• Class 50 No. 50035 Ark Royal – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
• Class 47 No. 47593 Galloway Princess – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 45 No. 45118 The Royal Artilleryman – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 57 No. 57003 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 24 No. D5054 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway
• Class 56 No. 56301 – courtesy of DC Rail / Cappagh Group
• Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
• Class 17 No. D8568 – courtesy of Diesel Traction Group
• Class 46 No. 46045 – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Co Ltd
• Class 57/3 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
• Class 55 No. D9000 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
• Class 37 No. 37418 – courtesy of Loram UK

Electric

• Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
• Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
• Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
• 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway
• Class 91 No. 91101 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
• Class 465 No. 465908 James Green – courtesy of Southeastern
• Class 720 No. 720506 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
• No. 12 Sarah Siddons – courtesy of Transport for London
• Class 350 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
• Class 92 No. 92011 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
• Class 323 No. 323221 – courtesy of Porterbrook
• Class 90 No. 90040 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 85 No. 85006 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
• Class 83 No. 83012 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
• Class 730 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
• Class 87 No. 87002 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 86 No. 86101 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
• Class 86 No. 86401 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia

Hydrogen Power

• Class 799 Hydroflex No. 799201 – courtesy of Porterbrook

Coaches / Wagons

• JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
• Gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of Drax Group
• Railway 200 Exhibition Train – courtesy of GBRTT / National Railway Museum / Railway 200 Team
• LMS Saloon No. 45029 – courtesy of Transport for London
• 4 car 4TC set – courtesy of Transport for London
• Inspection Saloon 975025 ‘Caroline’ – courtesy of Loram UK

Locomotive Groups

• Front bogie and pair of driving wheels for 72010 Hengist – courtesy of The Standard Steam Locomotive Company

Other / Non-Rail Based Exhibits

• G-NLSE, a Aerospatiale AS355F2 Ecureuil II – courtesy of Network Rail
• Train Sim World Exhibit – courtesy of Dovetail Games
• Thomas the Tank Engine: An Unlikely Fandom Premiere

23rd June, 2025

Secondary Class 14 to Attend Kent and East Sussex Railway Diesel Gala​

Class 14 D9551


This July, the Kent and East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) will be hosting its summer Diesel Gala.

They have already announced some of their visiting locomotives, including ‘Thumper’ and ‘Royal Oak’.

They have now announced their third guest locomotive, Class 14 D9551, which will be the second ‘Teddy Bear’ in its lineup.

Following a comment made by George Cole, who said, “We’ve built The Great Bear, now we’re going to build a ‘Teddy Bear’!”, Class 14s have since been known to enthusiasts as ‘Teddy Bears’.

Class 14 D9551


The locomotive is visiting courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway and the SVR Class 14 Company Limited.

The SVR Class 14 Company Limited team can be found at the gala on Tenterden Town Station at a sales stand, which will feature new merchandise.

It will join its fellow Class 14 D9504 ‘Jon Grimwood’ along with Class 03 D2023, Class 08 08359, and Class 20 20087.

Further details on the Gala, which runs from the 18th July until the 20th July and how to book tickets can be found on K&ESR’s website.

23rd June, 2025

Flying Scotsman Returns to the West Somerset Railway​

LNER Class A3 No 60103 "Flying Scotsman" (in BR Green livery) about to depart Cardiff Central with Cardiff Central to London Paddington on 7 June 2023 as part of The Flying Scotsman centenary tour.


From Monday, 28th June, the West Somerset Railway will see its first trains hauled by a special, world-famous locomotive.

The ‘Flying Scotsman’ will be running services between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead on the following dates:

• 29th June
• 30th June
• 1st July
• 2nd July
• 8th July
• 9th July
• 10th July
• 11th July
• 12th July

From the 26th and 27th June until the end of its visit, when the locomotive is not in service, visitors can enjoy a chance to prebook tea and visit on its footplate at Bishops Lydeard.

Several trains are already sold out; however, there are some tickets still available, and for those who miss out on daytime services, there are some evening round-trip services running.

There is also an option of a pre-bookable late tea or a full three-course meal on the evening trips.

Flying Scotsman


Trains will be running at the line’s 25 mph speed limit so that passengers can enjoy the view during their journey.

During days when the locomotive is running services, it will not make any stops between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, and stations will be closed to non-ticket holders.

This is to prevent extra crowding and safety concerns.

On the 3rd, 5th and 6th July, a normal timetable will be operating.

The West Somerset Railway has thanked the National Railway Museum, of which the locomotive is part of, for allowing the locomotive to return to the railway.

Bookings can be made online or over the phone on 01643 870103, which is open Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Ethnon's Number One Fan by Tsuskia

Lol

I love this....

TfW Custom Illustration – Welsh Seaside​

24th June, 2025

Lineup for The Watercress Line’s Diesel Gala​

D821 Greyhound


On Friday, 11th July until Sunday, 13th July, the Diesel Gala will be making a return at The Watercress Line.

They have an intensive timetable planned, with a range of resident and visiting locomotives planned to make this year’s event bigger than ever.

Across various stations and onboard trains, visitors will be able to join in on the new Real Ale and Cider Festival.

For the gala, they have announced four visitors:

• Class 50 50008 ‘Thunderer’ – Visiting courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail Services Solutions Ltd.
• Class 52 D1015 ‘Western Champion’ – Visiting courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group.
• Class 42 D821 ‘Greyhound’
• Class 46 46045 – Visiting courtesy of the Peak Locomotive Company Ltd.

50008 Thunderer


Joining the visiting locomotives will be the resident fleet of locomotives, including:

• Class 08 D3462 (08377)
• Class 20 D8059 (20059)
• Class 20 D8188 (20188)
• Class 47 47579 “James Nightall GC”

On static display, locomotives will include Class 08 08032 (13044 / 3044), Class 08 08288 “Phoenix”, and Class 50 50027 “Lion”.

There will be a Drive a Diesel experience available at Medstead Station serving the Gala, and there will be society and locomotive stands at Ropley Station.

Further information and booking can be found online.


“Our wonderful Diesel Gala will be a celebration of preservation, heritage and the people who made it possible. We’re delighted to welcome these wonderful visiting locomotives, and proud to honour the Plymouth Laira team.

“From diesel trains to real ale and hands-on thrills, it’s a must for railway fans and families alike. Whether you’re a heritage railway enthusiast or just fancy a great day out with something a little different, we can’t wait to welcome you.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line

Tuesday 24 Jun 2025

Late-night buses to replace trains during engineering works between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Network Rail Wales


Passengers are advised to plan ahead as essential rail maintenance will affect services between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead from late Monday 14 July to early Friday 18 July 2025.

To minimise long-term disruption and maintain safety, Network Rail (Wales and Borders) will carry out overnight engineering works at multiple locations along the route.

These works include:

• Tunnel inspections and rail testing
• Stoneblowing – a process where small stones are blown under the track to fill gaps and keep it correctly aligned, ensuring a smooth and stable ride
• Ongoing drainage and ditch maintenance to improve resilience against adverse weather

These upgrades are critical to ensuring the line remains safe and reliable, particularly ahead of the busy summer holiday and ferry travel season via Holyhead.

Rail replacement buses will operate between affected stations from 11pm to 7:45am each night during the works.

For the latest travel updates, please visit www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail.

From my book of 'British Railway Locomotives'
BR Standard Class 4, 4-6-0 No.75000

25 June, 2025

GB Railfreight starts operating trains to North Yorkshire quarry​

GBRf 60087 at Horton Quarry


Since 1965, there has been no rail movement in and out of Horton Quarry in Ribblesdale, North Yorkshire, until now.

GB Railfreight operated the first freight train into the Quarry, which is owned by Heidelberg Materials UK.

The Quarry, which produces limestone and quality gritstone for surfacing, has been open since 1889 and recently had a new rail terminal constructed.

The new terminal will be tested for two weeks to ensure it remains operational.

Once completed, it will allow the Quarry to distribute materials across the North West.

GBRf Wagons being loaded at Horton Quarry


They plan to have regular rail freight services resuming for the first time in six decades.

This plan is part of GB Railfreight’s aim to increase sustainable freight practices and its transport across the region.

A fully laden freight train can take 129 lorries off the road, significantly reducing the need for road haulage and reducing pollution caused.


“Re-utilising sites like Horton Quarry are essential to growing rail freight – doing so makes our roads safer and improves air quality. Getting trains running from the Quarry again is testament to the hard work of many and I am delighted that GB Railfreight are running this service for Heidelberg Materials.”

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer

25th June, 2025

New Northern Conductor Takes First Trip with Her Dad Driving​

Ella and Daniel Phillips on their first trip out together


Newly qualified conductor, Ella Phillips, recently took her first trip since becoming qualified with driver, Daniel Phillips, her father.

18-year-old Ella and 50-year-old Daniel ran the 6:04 am service from Skipton to Bradford Forster Square on the 11th June.

Ella, from Baildon, completed three months of training with Northern after leaving college and was pleasantly surprised by her first service.

After showing her dad her first day schedule, they both realised that they would be on the first three services together.

Ella, Donna and Daniel Phillips together after the first trip


Northern station supervisor Donna Phillips greeted her husband and daughter at Bradford after travelling on the train from Shipley.

Both her parents are incredibly proud of her and are pleased that her first trips went smoothly.


“I couldn’t believe it, we thought we might be put together on a random day, but not on my first shift.

“It was a bit nerve wracking thinking that if I mess up my dad will be watching. But I also knew that if anything went wrong and I needed help, he would be there. He’s a really good person to work with.”

“I love my job. I like that it keeps you on your toes and every day is slightly different. I’m not stuck in the same place, doing the same thing, every day.

“I’m the youngest at the depot in Skipton but we all have a laugh and everyone makes me feel comfortable.”

Ella Phillips

Wednesday 25 Jun 2025

Passenger disruption expected as renewal works carried out between Shrewsbury and Crewe​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Passengers at Shrewsbury Station


Major railway renewal work between Shrewsbury and Crewe will be taking place from 1am on Saturday 19 July to 4am on Monday 21 July.

This work includes the replacement of track, sleepers, and ballast (stones on which sleepers are laid), as well as infrastructure improvements near Nantwich, Wrenbury, and Tilstock.

To enable these essential safety and reliability upgrades, the railway line between Prees and Crewe will be closed in both directions throughout the weekend.

During this time all trains between Shrewsbury and Crewe will be diverted via Wrexham General and Chester, terminating at Crewe.

A rail replacement bus service will serve intermediate stations between Shrewsbury and Crewe.

A shuttle train service will operate between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, and a reduced shuttle service will also run between Chester and Crewe.

Road closures will also be in place at Nantwich and Shrewbridge level crossings, with several level crossings operating under local control to facilitate safe access for engineering teams and machinery.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Check the latest travel information at www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail

For more updates and to sign up for notifications, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/sign-up

25th June, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks, Cleo is still drinking Vodka Raspberry Crush with lemonade.

I had a couple of pints of 'Abbott'.

I popped into my model railway shop afterwards and I found a few items to buy.

Then we went shopping for some more bedding and Cleo bought herself some dresses and trousers.

We then went to 'The Gatekeeper' and had an all day brunch with extra black pudding.

The meal came with a discounted drink so I had a pint of 'Porettti'

Back to the 'The Great Western', then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 261, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWJ