Marcus' Model Railway Journey

And like the Silver Dollar all the tables have different designs.

Cleo has started on her cocktails, I'm sticking to pints!

€3 for two pints!

£1.25 a pint!

Thought we'd get in on the $1 signing act.

They are real notes!!!

Is this the resident DJ!!?

This guy looked a bit lost............

The Gold Dollar Saloon.

Avenue de Filipinas, 6, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante

Next door to the Gold Dollar Saloon is this supermarket, the produce from the bakery is really good, great cakes and savouries.

Pictures taken in Benidorm 8 October 2024

Back at Surprise Attack!

Av. de Filipinas, 10, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante

An extremely original venue inspired by the 1940s.

Surprise Attack will catch you from the very first moment: pin-ups, navy style, post-war American atmosphere… you’ll have the feeling of travelling back in time!

It's even got a Spitfire mounted over the terrace!

Surprise Attack bar area.

The Surprise Attack is right next to the Hotel Presidente.

So after a few drinks in the Surprise Attack, we walked to one of our old favourites - The Silver Dollar Pub on the C. Gerona, 49, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante.

This is the older sister pub to the Gold Dollar Saloon.

They also do the signed $1 notes above the bar.

So we got two dollar notes here too.

They are original notes once again, but not like the nice crisp notes at the Gold Dollar......

So if you're ever in the Silver Dollar Pub in Benidorm, look out for these notes!

Arrived back in Wales, safe.

A little washed out from yesterdays airport delays - don't think I'll travel on a Saturday again - just too busy and they didn't seem to be able to cope.

15 Oct 2024​

Driver training progressing well for the introduction of new trains​

Driver training for Transport for Wales’ brand-new tri-mode trains is progressing well ahead of their planned introduction later this year.

TfW Class 756​

Driver training for Transport for Wales’ brand-new tri-mode trains is progressing well ahead of their planned introduction later this year.

The Class 756 trains, built by Stadler, are now regularly being seen on the network in South Wales as drivers complete their final training ahead of their introduction into passenger service over the coming months.

They have the ability to run on Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) or battery power, or as a diesel/battery hybrid.

Steve Paramore, Driver Integration Manager at TfW said: “We’ve been rolling out our driver training programme to our qualified drivers. The course involves some theory work in a classroom and an introduction to the controls of the Class 756 with the simulator.

“Then they get hands on with the vehicle, visiting the depot and driving the train like they would for passenger service. It gives them experience of the Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) and working in battery mode with the train.

“The drivers have really enjoyed the new trains and we have got a busy schedule ahead to get a good number of drivers ready so these can be introduced over the next few months.”

The Class 756 trains will initially be introduced onto the Merthyr to Aberdare loop, followed by the Treherbert line shortly afterwards.

Matt Franklin, who’s been a train driver with TfW for seven years, added: “They are fantastic, really quiet and the seating is comfortable and a big improvement on the older trains.

“It’s a game-changer and will be great for our passengers.”

Details of a launch event and media visit for the introduction of the Class 756 trains will be announced next month.

The transformation of the Core Valley Lines for the Metro has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and will enable faster, more frequent services between Cardiff and the heads of the valleys.