Marcus' Model Railway Journey

9th March, 2025

Shakespeare Express steam train to run from Derby in anniversary year​

Shakespeare Express, 8 June 1985


The Shakespeare Express celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its first run this year, its anniversary coinciding with the bicentenary of the modern railway and the 186th anniversary of Derby railway station opening.

Since 1985, the Shakespeare Express has operated authentic steam-hauled journeys between Birmingham and Stratford-upon-Avon.

Last year, its route was expanded, adding two departures from Derby.

In 2025, there will be four Shakespeare Express journeys starting at Derby, calling at Burton-on-Trent, Tamworth (High Level) and Coleshill Parkway on Sunday, 27 April, 8 June (the 40th-anniversary date for the first run of The Shakespeare Express), 3 August and 26 October. Its route passes through the East Midlands and the Warwickshire countryside.

Pullman table


The Shakespeare Express, run by Vintage Trains, is a mainline train hauled by historic steam locomotives with 1960s carriages.

It will be hauled by either 7029 ‘Clun Castle’ or 5043 ‘Earl of Mount Edgcumbe’.

There are different classes of travel tickets, with different accommodation and dining.

The tickets are on sale now.

This year, the Shakespeare Express will form part of Vintage Trains’ celebrations of the two-hundredth anniversary of the modern railway.

Tourist class carriage


Derby station first opened in 1839.

The Midland Railway decided to locate its headquarters in Derby, which made the town a busy railway hub.

The Shakespeare Express is also helping to celebrate this year’s 175th anniversary of Worcester Shrub Hill railway station.

10th March, 2025

Be one of the first to ride behind steam locomotive 35005 Canadian Pacific​

Canadian Pacific on test in Ropley yard


As reported last month, the Mid Hants Railway – The Watercress Line is inviting members of the public to take a ride on board its newly-restored SR ‘Merchant Navy’ No. 35005 ‘Canadian Pacific’.

Canadian Pacific – together with two Bulleid carriages, 4211 and 1456 – has been undergoing restoration work over the last fourteen years.

The Watercress Line’s staff and volunteers have spent a total of more than ten thousand hours working on the project.

The restoration work received £1,254,400 in financial support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The locomotive will return to service later this month, hauling trains from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 March.

Hand Painted “Southern”


Southern Railway built the Bulleid Merchant Navy Class locomotive Canadian Pacific in 1941 at the Eastleigh Locomotive Works.

The team that built the loco included many women.

Recent research has uncovered stories about the women who worked at Eastleigh, when they replaced men called up for military service.

Many were dismissed when the men returned.

Southern Railway’s Chief Mechanical Engineer Oliver Bulleid designed 35005 Canadian Pacific.

The innovative design was designated for mixed traffic use, and the locomotive provided a wartime service on the South Coast route.

Canadian Pacific got its name from the shipping line which provided supplies to Britain during the Second World War.

After the war, Canadian Pacific hauled luxury boat trains, including the Bournemouth Belle, Royal Wessex and Atlantic Coast Express.

The Watercress Line’s restoration work began in 2011, and also took place at the Eastleigh Works.

The loco’s overhaul included the reconstructing the boiler, repairing the frame, and restoring intricate mechanical components.

35005 Canadian Pacific at Eastleigh


Information about Canadian Pacific’s return to service is available on the Watercress Line’s website.

“This fantastic restoration of the historic locomotive Canadian Pacific is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our partners.

“Canadian Pacific is not just a locomotive; she represents the rich heritage of British engineering and the enduring spirit of our railway community.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line

10th March, 2025

King George steam locomotive to visit Yorkshire railway​

King George at the Didcot Railway Centre


The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway has announced that Hunslet No. 2409 ‘King George’ is to visit them in June.

The locomotive will visit thanks to the Didcot Railway Centre and will visit for the Hunslet Gala.

The gala will take place between the 27th and 29th of June 2025.

King George is a 0-6-0ST and returned to steam in 2022 and is the last surviving operational 15″ Hunslet.

The gala will feature an intensive timetable with more details to be announced soon.

10th March, 2025

Ex-Transport for Wales trains to enter service with Great Western Railway this year​

Class 175


Great Western Railway has announced it is to bring into service 26 Class 175 trains to replace older diesel trains.

This is the first stage of GWR’s project to rejuvenate its regional and suburban services.

10 two-car trains and 16 three-car trains are expected to enter service in Devon and Cornwall later this year, with the entire fleet expected to be in service next year.

The Class 175s, previously in service with Transport for Wales, will be able to operate in four, five and six car formations and will be used predominantly on the Exeter St Davids – Penzance route as well as between Barnstaple and Okehampton.

The 175s will then release trains to improve performance on other areas of the network.

GWR Managing Director, Mark Hopwood, said: “The benefits of these trains will be felt by customers across the whole of the GWR network. With more trains we will have more scope to increase resilience where it is needed most, delivering the reliability our communities deserve and need.

Monday 10 Mar 2025

Freight is great! The benefits of using freight on the Wales & Borders route​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Freight is Great


Rail freight is often unfairly viewed as the second-class citizen of the railway – especially as it’s difficult to argue that almost every single one of us benefits from it in one way or another.

Do you eat baked beans or soup?

The chances are the tin in which it is packaged was produced in Wales and transported via Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route.

Do you use coins?

Again, the metal for the coins were almost certainly made in Port Talbot in Wales.

The same goes for supermarket goods, petroleum, aggregate and timber.

So many commodities that affect so many lives travel on the railway throughout the Wales and Borders route daily, underlining the huge and underrated role rail freight plays.

WATCH VIDEO:

To watch video click link: "https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/grprrgxrt8"

In Network Rail's continued support of International Women’s Day, we interviewed Jess Lippett, senior regional freight manager for Wales and Western, who said: “Not everyone uses the railway as a passenger – but we all use the railway when it comes to freight.

“If freight wasn’t moving, we’d notice pretty quickly! We’ve got containers bringing a huge amount of different supermarket goods into container terminals in Cardiff; for example, so people would quickly notice if the good were no longer available to buy, and I think a lot of that is hidden sometimes.

“Big construction jobs across the whole of the UK would come to a halt, as would major production lines, so it’s critical that we keep these freight services running. In Wales and Borders, we’re committed to growing freight, because the economic and environmental benefits are so significant.”

Such is the dedication to growing freight in Wales and Borders, significant investment was made to the rail infrastructure in and around Machen quarry, near Caerphilly, where the recent growth has been exponential.

Tata Steel, with sites at Port Talbot and Llanwern, Newport, is Network Rail’s biggest commercial freight partner in Wales, loaded with 100 loaded trains on the network in a busy week – saving 30,000 tonnes of carbon from the motorways in the process. One trainload of steel carries enough to make 1,000 new cars or 60,000 white goods.

From petroleum at Milford Haven and timber at Aberystwyth, to Welsh slate at Llandudno, the freight portfolio in Wales and Borders is diverse.

Jess added: “Wales and Borders really benefit from freight. It’s important that we build strong relationships, not only with the freight operators but with the freight end users, and that means being flexible to their individual needs and requirements.

“Rail freight is a more cost effective and sustainable way of transporting goods – every single train equates to about 129 lorries taken off the motorways, which is a mile of congestion per train.

“There’s a whole multitude of benefits to freight. These can really be split down into two main fundamental categories: economic and environmental.

“Rail freight contributes £2.5 billion to the economy every year, and 90 per cent of those benefits are actually felt outside London and the South East. When we look at the environmental factors, each train service can cut CO2 emissions by up to 76 per cent, which is hugely significant.”

Monday 10 Mar 2025

Female freight colleagues take the lead for International Women’s Day​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Western | Wales & Western


Female freight colleagues take the lead for International Women’s Day


Network Rail teamed up with freight partners to run a female-led freight train to mark International Women’s Day and inspire the next generation of women to consider a role in rail freight.

There were over 20 female freight colleagues involved in running the freight train (both on the ground and behind the scenes in operational roles) carrying limestone from Whatley Quarry in Somerset to a freight depot in Theale, Reading on Tuesday 4 March.

Female freight staff from freight operator Freightliner rostered, drove and controlled the train on the day, while female teams from freight company Mendip Rail planned the journey.

Network Rail’s female signallers helped the train along the route.

And female operatives from construction company Heidelberg Materials loaded the train in the quarry and unloaded the limestone in the depot.

The industry-wide effort to ensure women led on this operation demonstrates the vital role females play on the railway.

The female-led freight train comes five years after Network Rail worked with train operator Southeastern to run an all-female passenger train to celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2020.

WATCH VIDEO:



To watch video click link: "https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/1sstbjgnt7"


The idea for the freight train was the brainwave of Jess Lippett, a senior route freight manager at Network Rail. Jess is passionate about inspiring the next generation of females to consider a career in rail freight.

Jess said: “The rail freight industry is essential to our daily lives. It keeps our supermarkets stocked, our builders building, and our medicines moving. But what many don’t realise is that the future of this vital industry is being shaped by a diverse group of professionals – including women who are leading the way.

“This is more than just a celebration; it’s a statement of the tremendous impact women are having across the sector. From the signallers and controllers working behind the scenes to the train drivers, operatives and ground staff, women are at the forefront of rail freight – leading the charge in ways that ensure the industry’s future is as inclusive as it is successful.”

The aim of the project was to showcase the variety of roles available (and associated with) the rail freight industry, highlighting the number of positions already filled by women and to inspire the next generation of women to consider a role in rail freight.

Over a third of management positions at Network Rail are currently held by women.

Alice Bulpin, a senior strategic planner at Network Rail and a co-lead of Network Rail’s gender equality employee network Inspire, said: “Although women may represent a smaller proportion of the industry, we are still vital to the running of the railway, and it is important that we have a diverse workforce.

“International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing women that we have in the industry and also the chance to inspire the next generation that this is an industry for everyone.”

10th March, 2025

Class 58 locomotive set for The Greatest Gathering​

No.58023 at Bewdley North


Class 58 No. 58023 is set to visit The Greatest Gathering in August.

The locomotive will be on display over the three day event and visits thanks to Edward Stevenson.

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.


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

Diesel

• BR Class 37 – 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

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

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

11th March, 2025

Extra trains for Wales v Kazakhstan.​

Class 197 - Chester station


Extra trains are being put on to allow Welsh football supporters to get home from a key World Cup qualifier this month.

Wales take on Kazakhstan in their first match in group J on Saturday 22 March at 19:45 in Cardiff, hoping to book a place at the 2026 World Cup finals.

To support the event, Transport for Wales is running additional trains to north Wales from Cardiff and also extra trains to support the Wrexham v Stockport match in League 1 on the same day.

Supporters from north Wales got a further boost as pre-planned engineering works that weekend have now been moved.

Network Rail were planning to deliver three pieces of work between Shrewsbury and Wrexham over the course of that weekend, meaning anyone traveling down to Cardiff would be faced with a rail replacement detour.

The work had been pre-planned back in 2023 but the fixtures were only confirmed at the start of this year.

Transport for Wales’ Customer Delivery and Special Events Planning Manager Georgie Wills said:

“We know just how important major sporting, music and cultural events are to the economies we serve.

“Working with the FAW we know that supporters from North Wales are increasingly coming to rely on our services to get down to Cardiff and back which is a testament to the improvements made over the past 18 months. So once again we’ve been able to run some extra trains to support those who want to travel home after the game, above what is in our standard timetable.

“This one was more challenging as the fixtures were only confirmed at the start of the year and Wales could just as easily been playing away.

“But we’ve got a fantastic relationship with Network Rail and I’m delighted that we could work together to find a solution.”

Additional trains are also being run to support both the Wales and Wrexham matches.

Nick Millington, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders route director, said:

“Our partners at Transport for Wales asked us to move our engineering work to accommodate the significant number of Wales football supporters looking to get to and from North Wales for the match against Kazakhstan in Cardiff.

“The work between Shrewsbury and Wrexham was planned to take place between Saturday morning and Monday morning.

“However, we have been able to move some of it to Sunday morning between 1am and 9.30am, and the rest until February 2026.

“It’s not always possible to move such work but in this instance we were able to accommodate the request and we are happy to assist TfW’s plan to run additional services on Saturday night and Sunday morning.”


Network Rail had planned to carry out work at three sites between Shrewsbury and Wrexham between 12.50am on Saturday 22 March and 5.15am on Monday 24 March.

The work involved tamping ballast at Croes Newydd, drainage work at Weston Rhyn, and level crossing work at Leaton Level Crossing in Pimhill.

Some of the work will now take place between 1am and 9.30am on Sunday 23 March. The rest will be carried out in February 2026.

The additional services running are:

Saturday 22 March

22.20 from Cardiff Central to Chester (additional)

17.17 from Wrexham General to Holyhead (retimed & strengthened to support event end)

17.48 from Wrexham General to Birmingham New Street (strengthened to support event end)

Sunday 23 March

11.08 from Cardiff Central to Chester (additional). There is a connecting service to the North Wales coast.

11th March, 2025

GB Railfreight starts new freight service to Wales​

GBRf 66783 being loaded at the Port of Bristol


GB Railfreight has begun operating a new freight service for Tata Steel UK.

The service will run from the Port of Bristol at Portbury to the steelworks at Port Talbot.

GBRf will move the imported steel slabs until the end of 2027, when a new three million tonne-per-year Electric Arc Furnace is due to be commissioned.

To minimise downtime, the Bristol Port Company is supposed to provide the service by allowing the use of their battery-powered lifting magnets, which will be used to lift the slabs of steel.


“We are always looking for innovation and ways to improve our own productivity and to provide industry-leading service for our customers. Innovations such as the new lifting magnets from Bristol Ports help us achieve this. It’s fantastic news that we’ll be moving steel for Tata for the next two years as they prepare to transition to low carbon steelmaking.”

Alex Kirk, Commercial Director of GB Railfreight

11th March, 2025

Final warning of disruption ahead of £15m project in Wales​

Transport for Wales Class 158 No. 158826 at Barmouth


Passengers are being warned of upcoming disruption to Cambrian Line trains with engineering work set to begin in around a weeks time.

£15m will be invested into the railway, with bridge, track and drainage renewals set to be completed.

Buses will replace trains:

• Between Newtown and Aberystwyth from Monday 17 March until 9am on Friday 21 March
• Between Machynlleth and Pwllheli from Monday 17 March until 9am on Friday 21 March
• Between Shrewsbury and Machynlleth from 6pm on Friday 21 March until Wednesday 2 April

During the 16 days the line is closed, Network Rail engineers will be completing a range of work, including:

• Track renewals: Replacing the existing, life-expired track at sites between Machynlleth and Dovey Junction, and between Machynlleth and Caersws.
• Track maintenance: Carrying out essential maintenance of the track at multiple sites, including between Shrewsbury and Welshpool, and between Caersws and Newtown.
• Embankment strengthening: Stabilising the embankment next to the railway near Talerddig by installing rock netting.
• Bridge renewals: Refurbishing a railway bridge wall at Glantwymyn, between Machynlleth and Caersws.
• Vegetation clearance: Teams will cut back trees and hedges that are either diseased or overgrown and could pose a significant threat to the railway at various sites between Shrewsbury and Aberystwyth.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway for a significant amount of time, but we have planned this essential work to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“To maximise efficiency and minimise future disruption, we have brought forward and included work that was scheduled to take place over the next two years.

“The scale of the work being carried is significant, with £15 million and thousands of hours of work being invested into improving the Cambrian line.

“We would like to thank passengers for their patience – and urge them to check their journeys before they travel.”

11th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 4953 Pitchford Hall set for Swanage Railway visit​

4953 Pitchford Hall


The Swanage Railway has announced that 4953 Pitchford Hall is set to visit them for the first time as part of their Spring Steam Gala.

The three-day gala, taking place between the 28th and 30th March 2025, will see a busy timetable with both passenger and freight trains running between Swanage and Norden via Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle.

4953 visits thanks to the Epping Ongar Railway and joins other visiting locomotive, 41313, which is visiting thanks to the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Other locomotives from the resident fleet include T3 No. 563, U Class No. 31806, Battle of Britain No. 34070 Manston and Battle of Britain No. 34072 257 Squadron.

With a wide range of steam locomotives in operation on passenger and demonstration freight trains – from the 1890s to the 1950s – as well as bracing brake van rides, this year’s Spring Steam Gala will be an exciting spectacular not to be missed.

“It will be thrilling to watch and ride behind a 1920s Great Western Railway express ‘Hall’ class locomotive running on the Swanage Railway for the first time while the Ivatt tank will take passengers back to the 1960s and the final years of Swanage branch line steam trains,” added Alex who is a volunteer Swanage Railway driver and a director of the Swanage Railway Trust.

Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Alex Atkins

11th March, 2025

Watch: New Multi-Angle Camera System on test with Network Rail helicopter​

MACS fitted to Network Rail helicopter


A new camera system is being tested on a Network Rail helicopter.

This system will allow the Air Operations team to detect faults in the surrounding landscape that could potentially disrupt train services, enabling them to address any issues before anything major happens.

The powerful Multi-Angle Camera System (MACS), which is attached below a Twin Squirrel helicopter, is equipped with a Hi-res camera capable of creating 3D maps, laser surveys and infrared images.

Capable of taking several images, the system can cover and analyse several miles of the railway network in a single shift.

A close-up of the MACS pod on the helicopter


The system is being tested at the Rail Innovation and Development Centre near Melton, which suffered a major landslip on the line over a year ago.

The helicopter has flown along the 13-mile route on several occasions while the camera system has sent back images to engineers, giving them a view of the route in increasable detail.

The Multi-Angle Camera System has been put through its paces.

It has used the onboard laser to create a “point cloud” made up of 300 points per square metre, which can create a complete 3D model of the railway in incredible detail, including all structures from bridges, pylons, overhead wires and mileposts, through to the local terrain around the track sides.

The equipment inside the MACS pod


This system can digitally remove trees and buildings from the images to give a better view of the surrounding landscape and to detect any failures that could eventually lead to potential disruption to rail services.

Three onboard RGB cameras can take 150-megapixel images, which are geometrically corrected (orthorectified).

A fourth camera can take near-infrared images, which can detect the health of lineside trees and bushes.

The system links all images and onboard instruments to provide accurate real-time data.

The equipment will help Network Rail not only better understand the local geography around the rail network but use the equipment to upgrade the existing fleet of drones so they can produce the same quality images and 3D maps without using the helicopter.

Network Rail plans to roll out MACS nationwide; thus, all regions will be able to use this equipment.

WATCH VIDEO:



To watch video click the link: "https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/x6mnw9zywl"
“Passengers and freight customers deserve a reliable railway and the best way to provide that is to know as much about our network as we can, to spot problems before they happen and maintain it to the highest standards. We have brilliant colleagues who are able to work wonders but they can’t be everywhere on the 20,000 miles of track we look after. The MACS is one of the ways we can help them by giving them the best data we can.”

Sean Leahy, from Network Rail Air Ops

11th March, 2025

Steam locomotive Willy set to visit the Kent and East Sussex Railway​

Willy at the Swindon and Cricklade Railway


The Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR) has announced a second guest locomotive for its Dwarves of Steam Gala on the weekend of Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th April.

Kerr Stuart No.3063 Willy, an 0-4-0 Well Tank, will appear with Bagnall No.2572 Judy and three of the railway’s own locomotives: Peckett No.1631 Marcia, Southern Railway No.2678 Knowle, and Hunslet No.469 Hastings.

They will show how some of the smallest locomotives of the steam age have strength and versatility.

Willy before repainting with a red livery


The two guest locomotives, along with the three from the railway’s fleet, will operate an intensive two-train service between Tenterden Town and Wittersham Road stations.

Two sets of carriages will be used, one formed of three Victorian four-wheeled carriages and one with two larger 1960s bogie carriages.

Services will run from 10.00 and 16.00 on both days. Return journeys from Wittersham Road will see the locomotives’ pulling power tested as they ascend a steep incline between Rolvenden and Tenterden Town.

Rolvenden is the site of the railway’s locomotive shed, and passengers can alight there to go behind the scenes in the shed to view restoration work being carried out on the railway’s most powerful steam locomotive, Great Western Railway 2-8-0 tank No.4253.

Tenterden Town station


Willy, built by Kerr, Stuart & Company in 1918, spent all of its working life at the National Shipyard at Chepstow, which was taken over by Fairfield-Mabey Ltd, who dismantled the shipyard.

In 1982, Willy went for restoration to the Flour Mill at Bream in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

After restoration, Willy returned to steam in 2012 and has visited a few preserved lines and acted as the works’ shunter.

It later received an overhaul and repainted into its current red livery; it hauled trains on the Swindon and Cricklade Railway during the 2024 season.

The second guest locomotive appearing at the Gala will be Bagnall No.2572 Judy, which was built in September 1937 for use at Par Harbour in Cornwall.

It was planned to name the locomotive Chough after the distinctive species of Cornish bird, but Bagnall thought the name was rather strange, so they delivered it to Par without a nameplate.

Judy finally received its nameplates sometime after 1955.

Judy was withdrawn in 1969, and with sister locomotive Alfred gained celebrity status as they were unusually small, and were some of the last working steam engines in Cornwall.

They also inspired the Rev. W. Awdry to immortalise them as Bill and Ben in his Thomas the Tank Engine books.

Rapido Trains UK is currently producing an OO gauge model of Judy, which will be available at the end of this year.

The railway celebrated its 50th anniversary last year with a three-day Diesel Gala in April.

12th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 1054 set to visit the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway​

No. 1054 at Keighley


The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway has announced that LNWR Coal Tank No. 1054 will be visiting them in 2025.

Visiting courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society, the locomotive will be running at the Vintage Road and Rail Day as well as the Back to the 40s event in June

1054 is usually based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and actually was meant to be scrapped before the Second World War – but due to demand for a locomotive, 1054 was kept in service to support the war efforts.

More information on 1054’s visit will be confirmed soon.

12th March, 2025

Class 37 locomotive to visit The Greatest Gathering​

Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teeside Steelmaster’


Its time for another announcement from the team at The Greatest Gathering.

Rail Operations Group are to send Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teeside Steelmaster’, subject to operational requirements

The locomotive will be on display over the three day event and visits thanks to Edward Stevenson.


The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.


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

Diesel

• BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teeside 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

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

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

12th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 45212 to pass through Northampton tomorrow​

45212 speeds north through Arksey on the 1Z12 Kings Cross-York the 'Valentine's White Rose on February 15, 2025


45212, fresh from repairs in Rugby, will be heading to Southall tomorrow (13th March 2025).

Departing Rugby Carriage Sidings at 16:45, the locomotive and its support coach will pass through Rugby (16:56), Long Buckby (17:14), Northampton (17:51), Milton Keynes Central (18:11), Tring (18:32), Watford Junction (18:46), Wembley Central (19:01), Acton Main Line (19:40), West Ealing (19:53) and Southall at 19:59.

12th March, 2025

Where to see steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley in Yorkshire tomorrow​

60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on January 30, 2025



60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will pass through Yorkshire tomorrow as it heads to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Departing the Crewe depot at 07:01, the locomotive will pass through Crewe (07:18), Warrington Bank Quay (07:53), Leyland (08:17), Preston (Lancs) (08:23), Carnforth (08:55), Bentham (09:18), Long Preston (09:54), Hellifield (09:56), Keighley (10:51), Apperley Bridge (11:02), Leeds (11:19), Church Fenton (11:42), Thirsk (13:05), Eaglescliffe (13:35), Thornaby (13:40), Gypsy Lane (13:53), Nunthorpe (13:58), Battersby (14:17), Glaisdale (15:38) and Grosmont at 15:48.

12th March, 2025

London Underground locomotive set for Greatest Gathering appearance​

No. 12 Sarah Siddons


The latest announcement for The Greatest Gathering is No. 12 ‘Sarah Siddons’

The locomotive will be on display over the three-day event and visits thanks to Transport for London

The Greatest Gathering is set to take place this August to celebrate 200 years of passenger railways.


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

Diesel

• BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teeside 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

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

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

12th March, 2025

Plans to be submitted for a future modernised Cardiff Central railway station​

Cardiff Central station northern booking hall


Brand new images show what Cardiff Central could look like after an investment programme of up to £140 million to enhance the station.

The full business case for the proposed improvements at Cardiff Central station was submitted at the end of last year and planning documents will be submitted soon.

The delivery of the scheme is subject to planning and full business case approval.

Transport for Wales is leading the scheme to revamp Wales’ busiest railway station and the new visuals provide a future glimpse of how the station could look.

Cardiff Central station - western subway


The proposed improvements will modernise the station and support long-term passenger growth, while still complementing the history and heritage of the building.

There will be a focus on alleviating overcrowding and congestion and enabling better accessibility for those with reduced mobility.

Plans include a larger concourse to increase capacity, improve passenger flow and access through additional gate-lines, and help customers link up with other ways to travel.

Other customer benefits include improved waiting, retail and cycle storage facilities.

Cardiff Central station - southern entrance


Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, said: “Today, we’ve revealed images which show what Cardiff Central could look like as part of plans to enhance the station.

“The investment of up to £140 million means we can deliver improvements to Cardiff Central to make it fit for a capital city and sustain future growth.

“The proposals for the station form part of a wider significant investment going into transforming transport in central Cardiff, including ambitious regeneration plans.

“We’ve submitted the full business case for the scheme and we’ll soon be submitting the planning documents, and if this is approved, we can progress with the delivery of the enhancements.”

Cardiff Central station - platform buildings


The Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh Government will provide up to £140 million for the enhancements.

The Welsh Government has provided significant investment for transport improvements in Wales, including £800m to deliver a brand-new fleet of trains.

Passengers are already seeing the benefits with faster, more frequent services and cheaper tickets through 'tap-in-tap-out' available across 95 stations.

Cardiff Central station - northern entrance and new platform 0 building


Please note, images shared are for illustrative purposes only and may change as designs progress.

A decision on the full business case is expected in autumn 2025.

Enabling works, which are needed at the southern side of the station to enable TfW to carry out the full construction works, are expected to begin later in 2025.

Full details on what will be delivered through the scheme can be found here: https://tfw.wales/cardiff-central-enhancements

Cardiff Central station - southern entrance


The planned enhancements will better enable the station, which is owned by Network Rail, to form part of an integrated transport hub in the city centre, known as Metro Central, which will enable accessible, better connected and sustainable ways to travel, as well as supporting a vibrant and diverse economy and providing an iconic gateway to Wales.

The transformative work in Metro Central is being delivered through the Canolog alliance, a partnership of public sector organisations working together to transform travel in the heart of Cardiff.

Cardiff Central station - eastern subway


The Canolog alliance will work collaboratively to deliver transformational change to transport in Cardiff and the wider region to improve connections between bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling and encourage sustainable travel.

The scheme will enhance Cardiff Capital Region’s principal transport hub, encouraging public transport use which will help to improve air quality and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

It’s the gateway Metro station for the Core Valley Lines network, which is undergoing transformation works through the South Wales Metro.

5th March, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

After arriving in Cardiff Centre we started off in 'The Great Western' and I had a few of pints of festival ales, Cleo was on her Gin & Tonic.

I popped into my model railway shop and bought another loco for Ethnon Rail.

Cleo is on about starting her crochet again so we looked for some books for her use as guides.

After that we went on to the 'Gatekeeper' and I had a couple more pints.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 266, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWP - seen here on March 8, 2025

The return bus home from Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 270, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWP - seen here on March 8, 2025

Wetherspoons Beer Festival Wed 5 – Sun 16 Mar