Marcus' Model Railway Journey

10th May 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Eurovision and industrial action travel advice​

Transport for Wales (TfW) is reminding passengers of the importance of checking for the latest travel information with industrial action and major events taking place this week.

The train drivers’ union ASLEF has announced strike action on Friday 12 May, while The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) has announced strike action at 14 Train Operating Companies on Saturday 13 May.

TfW is not involved in industrial action but some of its services are likely to be extremely busy as a result of the severely-reduced timetable put in place by other operators.

Friday 12 May
Transport for Wales services will run as timetabled however the following routes will be busier than usual:

• Carmarthen - Swansea - Bridgend - Cardiff Central - Newport - Severn Tunnel Junction
• Gloucester - Cheltenham
• North Wales - Chester - Crewe - Manchester
• Shrewsbury - Birmingham International

Chester Races 10-12th May
Services to/from Chester will be very busy, particularly on Friday 12 May when industrial action will affect other operators.

Saturday 13 May
Due to disruption affecting other train operators, some TfW services will be busier than usual and the following TfW services will be disrupted:
Before 07:00 and after 19:00

• Gloucester open for services between 07:00 - 19:00 only. Services will originate/terminate at Lydney outside of these hours.
• Wolverhampton open for services between 07:00 - 19:00 only. Services will originate/terminate at Birmingham New Street instead of Birmingham International outside of these hours.
• Warrington Bank Quay, Crewe, Stockport, Runcorn, Birmingham International open for services between 07:00 - 19:00 only.
• Manchester services will originate/terminate at Shrewsbury instead of Manchester Piccadilly outside of these hours.
• Birmingham services will originate/terminate at Birmingham New Street instead of Birmingham International outside of these hours.
• North Wales services to Manchester will terminate at Chester instead of Manchester Piccadilly. Pick up / set down only at Stockport all day.

Eurovision in Liverpool
TfW will be running an hourly service between Chester and Liverpool Lime Street between the hours of 07.00 and 19.00 on Saturday 13 May.

After 19.00 there will be an hourly service to Liverpool South Parkway where passengers can change for Merseyrail services into central Liverpool.

This is due to there being no dispatchers after 19.00 at Liverpool Lime Street due to the industrial action.

10th May 2023

New Stadler Tyne and Wear Metro train completes its first test run​

As part of the detailed preparations to get the Tyne and Wear Metro's new trains ready for entering service at the end of this year, one of the trains has successfully completed its first test run on the network.

The testing is the latest phase of the £362m new Metro fleet programme and took place during the early hours of the morning on a section of line between South Gosforth and Monkseaton.

Nexus, the public body that owns and manages the Tyne and Wear Metro, has reported that the new train had performed well.

46 of the new Stadler Class 555 Metro trains are on order, and before entering customer service they are undergoing a period of testing and driver training.

They feature a comfortable, air-conditioned, open-plan layout, with a sleekly modelled interior, that sets new standards for accessibility.

The new trains were designed following customer consultation, and include modern features such as charging points and an automatic sliding step at every door that make travel easier for Metro's 50,000 wheelchair passengers, as well as people with children's buggies, luggage or bicycles.

Major Projects Director at Nexus, Cathy Massarella, said: “We're really pleased to say that our new Metro train has completed its first test run out on the network and performed really well.

“This a considerable period of detailed testing to get the trains ready for our customers. Further test runs will be taking place over the coming weeks and months.

“It was a proud moment for us to see the train leave the depot at Gosforth and join the mainline. There were no glitches to report.

“The first test was from South Gosforth to Monkseaton and then back again. Other test runs will be taking place on different parts of the network.

“Our customers, employees, specialist user groups and trade unions helped to design the new trains as part of a far-reaching consultation exercise that received 23,000 responses. We are getting a bespoke design from Stadler, with a sleek modern appearance, inside and out.

“These trains will have to go through a phase of rigorous testing on our network, and all our drivers will need to undertake a period of train handling experience during the implementation phase of the project.

“Once the trains are in service they are going to be transformative for our customers and our workforce in terms of comfort, quality and reliability.”

WATCH:
Video from Four Lane Ends of the new Metro's first test run.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

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Claudius Oblasser, project manager for Stadler, commented: “The runs taking place last night mark the beginning of a rigorous programme of testing to interrogate the safety and performance of the entire fleet. Scores of tests will be carried out over the coming month to make sure it's ready for passengers. They will cover every aspect of the train's design, from the power supply and braking systems to digital passenger information boards and CCTV cameras. We're pleased to have got to this point in the production process, which brings the fleet one step closer to entry into service.”

11th May 2023

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

Marcus's Garden

Here's a Bottlebrush flower bud forming.

Looking forward to seeing the unusual bright red flowers.

Another view of the Crab Apple blossom.

You can see one of Cleo's wind chimes hanging in the tree.

Bottlebrush flower bud, again.

A view of one side of the garden.

My neighbours wall is on the left.

11th May 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Beyonce at the Principality Stadium travel advice – update​

Passengers travelling from the South Wales Valleys to attend the Beyonce concert are advised to allow extra time for their journey as replacements buses are in operation on Wednesday (17 May).

Due to over-running engineering works as part of the South Wales Metro transformation, there will be no trains north of Pontypridd (Treherbert and Merthyr Tydfil Lines) and Mountain Ash (Aberdare Line) all day on Wednesday.

This will impact passengers travelling to/from the Beyonce concert at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium. Journey planners on the TfW and other websites will be updated from Saturday 13 May to reflect the latest changes.

Please visit www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail.

Replacement buses will be in operation on these routes, with changes for rail services at Pontypridd and Mountain Ash.

Ticket acceptance has also been agreed with Stagecoach for the below services:

• T4 Merthyr – Pontypridd
• 60/61 – Aberdare to Pontypridd
• 120-130 – Treherbert – Pontypridd
• 132 – Pontypridd - Porth

A spokesperson for Transport for Wales said: “Unfortunately our planned engineering work is over-running while we complete all the necessary checks to allow the infrastructure to be reopened safely.

“We understand the extension of rail replacement buses that are currently in place will be frustrating for passengers, especially with a major event taking place in Cardiff on Wednesday.

“It is important customers familiarise themselves with the rail replacement timetables to get to the event and home safely afterwards. We also have ticket acceptance in place with bus operators and customers are advised to make use of these where possible.”

Engineering work on the Merthyr Tydfil Line will continue until at least Thursday 18 May and on the Aberdare Line (north of Mountain Ash) until Sunday 21 May.

The Treherbert Line is currently closed until February 2024 for major transformation work.

For further information please visit www.tfw.wales

11th May 2023

UK Government to take over TransPennine Express franchise​

The Transport Secretary has this morning announced that the TransPennine Express franchise will not be renewed.

The Operator of Last Resort has been drafted in and will take over the running of the TPE network from the 28th May 2023.

The decision comes after months of disruption for TransPennine Express passengers, which has seen a decline in confidence for passengers who rely on the TPE network to get to work, see family etc.

The Department for Transport bas worked with TPE to improve services, including a recovery plan in February.

Whilst some improvements have been seen in the past few months, it has been decided that to see performance levels that passengers deserve, the franchise needs a reset.

The Department for Transport recognises that some of the problems are matters that are out of its control, including a backlog of training for drivers, as well as ASLEF's decision to withdraw rest-day working.

The DfT has also confirmed that its decision to bring it under government-control and with the OLR is only temporary and there is a full intention to return it to the private sector.

No changes to timetables, services or tickets will be seen under the Operator of Last Resort.

The Government has been drafted in before, taking over the Northern network as well as the then Virgin Trains East Coast network (now LNER)

Transport Secretary, Mark Harper said: “In my time as Transport Secretary, I have been clear that passenger experience must always come first. After months of commuters and Northern businesses bearing the brunt of continuous cancellations, I've made the decision to bring Transpennine Express into Operator of Last Resort.

“This is not a silver bullet and will not instantaneously fix a number of challenges being faced, including ASLEF's actions which are preventing Transpennine Express from being able to run a full service – once again highlighting why it's so important that the railways move to a seven-day working week.

“We have played our part, but ASLEF now need to play theirs by calling off strikes and the rest day working ban, and putting the very fair and reasonable pay offer to a democratic vote of their members.”

Reacting to the Government's decision to bring TransPennine Express services under government control, Transport Committee Chair Iain Stewart MP said: “Stripping TransPennine Express of its contract is absolutely the right call. The Rail Minister told us in January that the company's record was ‘unacceptable', and there was no realistic expectation it would improve, unlike with Avanti where demonstrable progress was being made. We also heard about extensive use of so-called ‘p-coding' – where if a service was removed from the timetable as late as 10pm the evening before it wouldn't appear in the cancellations data.

“A range of factors were at play – TPE was among train operators who failed to recruit enough drivers during and after the pandemic, despite having their revenue guaranteed by the Department for Transport and knowing they have an ageing workforce. Upgrades to railway lines have also caused disruption. The change of management won't resolve all of these problems overnight, and a deal needs to be reached with the union Aslef on rest-day working, pay and conditions. I will be asking for details about how the Department plans to deliver the better service that passengers deserve.

“Commuters in the north can now hope for gradual improvements but a lot of work will be needed to get services back on track.”

The RMT's General Secretary said “First should now also lose its failed Avanti West Coast contract as part a return of all our railways to public ownership.

“With other parts of our railway already nationalised this decision should now mark the beginning of end for rail privatisation which has brought nothing but chaos for passengers.

“However, it is disappointing to hear Transport Secretary Mark Harper saying that he intends to return TPE to the private sector despite the shambles the service has become,” he said.

Commenting on Transport Secretary Mark Harper's announcement that Transpennine Express' contract will not be renewed at the end of this month, Andy Bagnall, Chief Executive of Rail Partners, said: ‘The decision not to extend TPE's contract is very disappointing. Passengers need reliable services, but the operator's issues were complex and largely beyond their control, especially in the context of industrial relations.

‘It is essential that the Secretary of State delivers on his promise to return this contract to the private sector, which needs to be done at pace to secure the benefits that competitive tendering and private sector innovation deliver for customers and taxpayers.'

11th May 2023

Railfuture calls for updates on Marston Vale Line services​

Railfuture, the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for passengers and freight, has asked the Department for Transport and London Northwestern Railway to provide regular updates on the progress of restarting the train service on the Marston Vale Line between Bedford and Bletchley.

The last passenger service on the line ran on 1st December last year, since when buses have replaced train services on the line.

The services stopped after Vivarail Class 230s which previously operated services on the line were pulled from service after the manufacturer went into Administration.

Other operators use class 230s, but it was only on the Marston Vale line that Vivarail was responsible for their maintenance.

Services are operated by London Northwestern Railway, and based on its most recent update, Railfuture says that:

• The timescales for the arrival of replacement rolling stock at Bletchley are now becoming clear, and three Class 150 trains are being transferred from Northern Trains for use on the route later this year.
• Although the duration of the training programme for drivers and conductors is reasonably clear, there are risks to their completion due to holidays over the school summer holiday and ongoing industrial action.
• There is uncertainty over the implementation of maintenance arrangements, as staff are still being recruited, which means that both the start dates and amount of training needed are still unknown.

Stephen Sleight, Transport Team Leader (Rail), Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership said, “The Marston Vale Line is a lifeline for the communities along it. Many local people rely on the Marston Vale Line for access to education, work, and leisure, particularly students at Kimberley College, Bedford College and Milton Keynes College. I regret it has not been possible to reintroduce the Class 230 units, which were customised for the Line. I look forward to services resuming at the earliest possible opportunity in the Autumn”.

Phil Warner, Chair of BBRUA (the Bedford to Bletchley Rail Users Association) commented “We were annoyed by the decision to withdraw the Class 230s which are continuing to be used by other operators. I am greatly concerned by the continued lack of a definitive timescale presented by London Northwestern for re-introduction of trains; there has already been slippage as an autumn return of trains was mentioned but now a full service is not expected until the New Year.

“We really need at least peak time trains to return to the Marston Vale in time for the Autumn School Term at the start of September otherwise its use by large numbers of school students may be a lost for ever.”

11th May 2023

April’s rail passenger numbers reach a record post-Covid high​

During the month of April, national rail passenger figures reached a record for post-Covid with a daily average of 98.3%.

The figures were published by the Department of Transport (DfT) last Wednesday, 10th May.

They also showed that on 14 days in April, passenger figures were at 101% to 106%, pre-Covid, and on only four days, which were the first four days of the month, were they less than 90% (88%).

Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Association, commented: “The return to rail has clearly gathered significant pace in recent months. According to DfT data we are now seeing average daily passenger levels on the UK rail network of over 98% of pre-Covid levels, in just 14 months since pandemic restrictions started to be lifted.

“This is despite widespread industrial action and poor service levels on some routes in recent months, and it should be noted is in comparison with 2019-20 levels, the second highest year of UK passenger numbers on record.

“Encouragingly, these numbers are regularly now surpassing 100% and are being registered on all days of the week, whether weekends or working days including Mondays and Fridays. Coupled with reports that revenues are now above 90% of pre-Covid levels, it is clear that rail travel – whilst not back to where it was pre Covid – is clearly heading in the right direction. Establishing Great British Railways as soon as possible should help the industry break above that 100% revenue level in a reasonable timeframe too.

“All of this is a positive reminder to the Government and the Treasury that railway capacity in the UK needs to grow and be funded – both the classic network and major projects like HS2 – now and in the future, if we are to deliver the connectivity, levelling-up, decarbonisation and economic growth agenda of the Government in the months and years ahead.”

11th May 2023

STATION CAT SPOT

Tess loves curling up in this flower pot.

The lovely Lulu came to see me while I was relaxing on the garden furniture.

12th May 2023

More Rolling Stock Ordered for ETHNON RAIL

I saw these and I couldn't resist them............

At last some old GWR 6 wheel coaches.

12th May 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Well, I've started work on 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 GWR 4-4-0 County Class 'County of Radnor'

12th May 2023

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

Marcus's Garden

Cleo loves her little signs around the garden.

Just can't get enough of seeing Bluebells can you?

Close-up of one of the Weigela flowers.

Close-up of Azalea flower buds.

The flowers, when they're out, are scented as well

The Azalea plant itself.

One of the Hosta plants in leaf.

I first came across this plant when I travelled to Italy.

It's now one of my favourite plants in the garden, always cheers me up.

It's called Fleabane.

Here is a picture of one of my plants starting to develop it's flower petals.

12th May 2023

STATION CAT SPOT

Tess loves this spot on the wall.

Hey, Tessie!

13th May 2023

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

Marcus's Garden

Developed petals on Fleabane flower.

Herb Robert (Geranium robertianum L)

This plant is found all over my garden

My close-up of the flower shows the beauty of this considered weed.

Here's a close-up of the flower buds of our Laburnum Tree.

Otherwise called the 'Dingly Dangley Tree' by Cleo.

14th May 2023

Sevington Shoeboxes to run from Tonbridge to Nottingham on 11 June​

Class 73, 73202

The Branch Line Society will run an unusual locomotive-hauled excursion from Tonbridge in Kent to Nottingham on Sunday 11 June, raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society,

Highlights include Sevington loop, Cranmore DGL, Otford Up Loop, Kew East curve, Wembley EuFOC and Harringay Curve.

All accommodation will be First Class, and passengers will have the opportunity to guarantee a table for two. A Buffet Car will serve hot and cold drinks, snacks and light refreshments.

This charter will be operated by GB Railfreight as part of its 2023 fund-raising programme.

It will feature a pair of Class 73's to Wembley, and a GBRf Class 66 or 69 from Wembley to Nottingham, with Mk 2 coaching stock.

The Society has requested former Gatwick Express Class 73s 73202 and 73212, but this will be subject to availability and operational requirements. The Class 73s are expected to lead on departure from Sevington Loop.

There will be a charity raffle, with all proceeds donated to Alzheimer's Society.

Indicative times and routing for this one-way trip:

Tonbridge P1 (PU 10.45) – Paddock Wood P2 – Cranmore DGL – Headcorn P2 – Ashford – Sevington Loop (RM) – Ashford P1 (PU 11.45) – Maidstone East Through Line – Otford Up Loop – Swanley – Bickley – Kent House P1 – Brixton Jn – Factory Jn – Clapham Junction P6 (PU 13.30) – New Kew Jn – Kew East Jn – Acton Canal Wharf – Willesden No 7 Jn – Wembley EuFOC (RM / loco change) – Kensal Green Jn – Gospel Oak – Harringay Curve – Stevenage – Huntingdon – Fletton Jn Dn Slow – Peterborough P5 (SD 17.00) – Helpston Jn – Tallington – Grantham – Bottesford – Nottingham P6 (SD 18.30)

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

14th May 2023

Alstom and Danish State Railways unveil full-scale model of IC5 train carriage​

Alstom and Danish State Railways (DSB) have revealed a full-size model of the new IC5 Coradia Stream trains.

The model was unveiled in the presence of Flemming Jensen, CEO of Danish State Railways (DSB), Emmanuel Henry, Managing Director of Alstom in Denmark, and other stakeholders.

In April 2021, Alstom and DSB signed a framework agreement, worth €2.6 billion for the supply of one hundred Coradia Stream trains, along with fifteen years of full-service maintenance.

To facilitate the design and manufacturing process, Alstom has produced a 1:1 scale model of the new IC5 train.