Marcus' Model Railway Journey

17th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 60103 Flying Scotsman to pass through Lincolnshire and Yorkshire on Monday​

60103 Flying Scotsman is back on the mainline this Monday (17th March) as it heads to the National Railway Museum in York.

Departing the Nene Valley Railway at 11:10, the world-famous locomotive will pass through Peterborough (11:30), Spalding (12:01), Ruskington (12:39), and Lincoln Central at 13:06 before heading off for servicing in the sidings.

After time in the sidings, the locomotive will return to Lincoln Central at 15:40 before heading to York via Saxilby (15:48), Gainsborough Lea Road (16:01), Doncaster (16:34) and York at 17:10 and 17:25 before heading to the National Railway Museum.

Memories of fields like this

Monday 17 Mar 2025

New lifts and footbridge open at Cwmbran Station​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders



MP Nick Thomas – Symonds was joined by members of the community to officially open the new accessibility facilities at Cwmbran station

This will provide step free access between the platforms for the first time and make it much easier for passengers with limited mobility, wheelchair users, or those travelling with luggage, bicycles, or pushchairs to navigate through the station.

Torfaen MP Nick Thomas – Symonds was joined by Rachel Heath, Wales and Borders Operations Director for Network Rail, to officially open the new accessibility facilities.

Also in attendance were members of the community and regular users of the station, which is run by Transport for Wales,

The work here was completed as part of the Access for All programme, launched in 2006 to address the challenges faced by disabled passengers and those with mobility issues.

Cwmbran was selected for the programme along with Ludlow (which recently opened earlier in February), Newtown, Abergavenny, Llanelli, and Flint.

WATCH VIDEO:

To watch video click link: "https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/r83mtkjev7"

Making stations accessible helps everyone.

It will reduce car travel therefore lowering traffic and carbon emissions.

Rachel Heath, Network Rail Wales and Borders operations director, said: “We’re truly excited to unveil the new facilities at Cwmbran.”

“It’s important to us that we make the railway as accessible as possible. By doing this, we can encourage even more people to choose the railway as their preferred way to travel sustainably. Enhancing the ease and accessibility of our stations is key to achieving this vision!”

“We can’t wait to open the new facilities at Flint, Abergavenny, Newtown, and Llanelli stations very soon.”

Nick Thomas-Symonds MP for Torfaen said: “It is vital that Cwmbran station is fully accessible to ensure everyone feels comfortable using the train to travel around the country.

I’m delighted to see this investment in Cwmbran and that the new lifts and footbridge are now operational. I’m sure residents across Cwmbran will welcome this upgrade to their local train station.”

Robert Gravelle, Accessibility and Inclusion Manager at Transport for Wales said: “We welcome this significant investment by Department for Transport to bring step-free access to Cwmbran station for the first time.

“It’s great news for our customers and another important milestone in making the Wales and Borders network accessible for everyone.”

17th March, 2025

Steam locomotive Jessie set for Embsay visit​

The Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway has announced that Hunslet No. 1873 Jessie is visiting them for their Hunslet gala.

Jessie was built in 1937 and spent its working life in Cardiff and is now preserved and based at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.

The Hunslet Gala is set to take place between the 27th and 29th June 2025.

The railway says it will be the biggest gala they have hosted in recent memory, and is certainly one to look at attending.

17th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 75069 to visit the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway​

Ex-BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 75069 seen working a Hampton Loade - Kidderminster service past Trimpley reservoir on the Severn Valley on March 1, 2025


The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway has announced that BR Standard Class 4 No. 75069 is visiting them for their Cotswold Festival of Steam.

Visiting thanks to the Severn Valley Railway, 75069 will join 34092 City of Wells at the gala alongside 6880 Betton Grange and the rest of the GWSR home fleet.

Further visiting locos are still to be announced.


Tom Willson, Chairman of the small volunteer organising committee commented: “This is a very special year not just for our railway but for heritage railways throughout the UK, as well as the national network.

“We are expecting up to ten locomotives to perform at our award-winning Cotswold Festival of Steam. And as a special Railway 200 offer we are inviting youngsters between the age of 5 and 15 to travel free (under-5s travel free anyway) – up to three with a family ticket bought for the event, on Bank Holiday Monday."

18th March, 2025

Steam locomotive 70000 Britannia to visit the North Norfolk Railway​

70000 Britannia on March 15, 2025


The North Norfolk Railway has announced that 70000 Britannia is set to visit them this Autumn as part of the Fiftieth Finale event.

The event will take place from October 25th until the 2nd November.

More details about the event are to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

70000 Britannia visits thanks to the Royal Scot Locomotive and General Trust and Locomotive Services Group.

Poppy Line General Manager, Graham Hukins, commented “We’re delighted to have “Britannia” visiting us on the Norfolk coast, and are looking forward to welcoming her back to a part of the UK that she was once a frequent visitor to. She is due to arrive by rail via the level crossing at Sheringham – the reinstatement of which is one of the major milestones in our 50-year history."

A painting I always remembered.

Gerald Coulson - The ploughman and the sea

18th March, 2025

Progress update on sustainable travel proposals for Newport city centre​

Newport Old Green roundabout


Proposals to make major sustainable travel improvements in Newport city centre have been progressed.

The plans set out a series of improvements to Newport railway station, Queensway and Old Green roundabout, and include:

• A new public transport interchange at Newport rail station, linking rail and bus services, making the station a hub for sustainable travel.
• Highway revisions to replace Old Green roundabout, with priority access lanes for buses and simplified active travel routes which are convenient and attractive for all users.
• Opportunities to improve the public realm, including the areas around Newport Castle.

The proposals take forward key recommendations of the South East Wales Transport Commission, which are being overseen by the Burns Delivery Unit.

The unit, which is led by Transport for Wales, in partnership with Welsh Government and local authorities of Newport, Monmouthshire and Cardiff, is developing a sustainable travel network across south-east Wales.

A public consultation on the plans was held in spring 2023 with over 2,400 responses received. A summary of the responses has been published today in a consultation report.

Since the consultation closed, the partners of the Burns Delivery Unit (BDU) have been reviewing the feedback and assessing a number of proposed refinements to the plans and testing their feasibility.

The BDU partners have been working collaboratively on reviewing some of the elements of the original plans to incorporate the valuable feedback that was collated during the consultation, including how to treat the culturally significant murals at Old Green, and amending the scheme designs to incorporate comments from transport providers, and businesses involved in the night-time economy in and around High Street.

The next stage will be to continue engaging stakeholders and residents on the plans, and to secure the funding from government for the delivery of these sustainable travel improvement plans.

“Old Green is a vital part of the travel network in Newport and it is important that we get things right,” said Councillor Rhian Howells, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for infrastructure and assets.

“Should these proposals go ahead, they will make it easier for people to get around Newport and will better link Newport Castle with the city centre.”

“The informative feedback we have received from people has allowed us to refine the plans, shaping them to better serve people’s needs.

Transport for Wales Chief Transport and Development Officer Geoff Ogden said: “These proposals have the potential to significantly improve travel in Newport by providing better links between rail and bus and better routes for walking, wheeling and cycling. Helping people to travel by these types of transport will make Newport a greener and healthier place.

“We would like to thank all those that took the time to provide their feedback to the consultation and helped shape these important plans for the city.”

​

---

In 2019, the South East Wales Transport Commission, chaired by Lord Burns, investigated sustainable ways to tackle congestion on the M4 in south-east Wales.

Lord Burns found many people do not have good transport alternatives to the motorway and significant new transport options were needed.

The Burns Delivery Unit was set up in 2021 to oversee work to implement the 58 recommendations published by the commission in November 2020, all focussing on supporting people to make more sustainable travel choices.

More information on the work of the unit can be found at https://tfw.wales/projects/burns-delivery-unit

Box art from the first model kit I built in 1970.

Jarvis, William Howard (artist)

Three Hawker Hunters with RAF markings are viewed from slightly below and against a bright blue sky.
The nearest aircraft is numbered XF416 and pilot and co-pilot are visible.
Planes are flying from lower left to upper right.
Oil painting, English; 1960s

19th March, 2025

South Wales Metro: Major enhancements on the Rhymney line​

Class 231 FLIRT Sultan


Transport for Wales is excited to announce that the Rhymney valley railway line will undergo major enhancements as part of the next phase of the South Wales Metro.

Starting at the end of March 2025, TfW will deliver an intensive 8-month programme of engineering work that will transform and electrify over 15km of railway line.

Brand-new trains (Class 231s) were introduced to the Rhymney valley line in 2023 as part of TfW’s £800 million investment into brand-new trains across Wales.

These further infrastructure improvements will enable electrified trains (Class 756s) to be introduced to the line, delivering faster, greener and more accessible transport to the communities of South Wales.

To deliver this intensive 8-month programme of work safely, there will be periods where the railway line will be closed and rail replacement services in operation to keep passengers moving.

This includes two 6-week closures from 12 April to 23 May and 19 July to 31 August.

TfW encourages all passengers travelling on the Rhymney line to check before they travel.

WATCH VIDEO:

To watch video click link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_2T7eKeaHU



Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW said: "We are excited to embark on our transformation programme to upgrade the Rhymney line as part of the South Wales Metro project, aimed at transforming public transport in South Wales.

"We'll be carrying out major infrastructure improvements on the line, including the installation of Overhead Line Equipment to electrify the line and upgrades to local railway stations.

"We appreciate the patience of our customers and neighbours living near the railway as we carry out these upgrades. We understand that rail closures and engineering work may cause disruption for those who rely on our services and for those living close to the tracks and would like to urge all customers to check before traveling during this period.”

For further information please visit on upcoming rail closures, please visit: Train disruption | Rail works | Transport for Wales

---

Rhymney valley infrastructure works will include:

• Electrification: Installing Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) to electrify the line.
• Enhanced Infrastructure: Upgrading railway fencing and cutting back overgrown vegetation.
• Tracks and Signalling upgrades: Comprehensive upgrades across the line, including track lowers to enable electrification.
• Station Improvements: Upgrades at Rhymney station, including enhanced station sidings where the new trains will be stored.

Planned Rail Closures & Engineering Works

To facilitate these extensive upgrades to over 15km of railway from Caerphilly to Rhymney, several railway closures are planned between March and October 2025.

Closing the line from Rhymney to Caerphilly will allow teams to work 24/7, delivering transformative work more efficiently throughout the 8-month programme.

Importantly, this schedule allows some of the noisiest work, including piling, to take place during the day in certain locations.

Closures on the Rhymney line will take place sporadically between March and October 2025, including:

• Mid-week evening engineering Works: from 7pm on Mondays to Thursdays.
• Weekend Closures: Several Saturday and Sunday closures throughout the year.
• Extended Closures: Two 6-week closures from 12 April to 23 May and 19 July to 31 August.
• 2-Week Closure: One 2-week closure from 18 October.

A full list of planned rail closures on the Rhymney line by month is available on TfW’s website.

Due to the number of planned rail closures, TfW recommend that all passengers travelling along the Rhymney line check before they travel using TfW’s journey checker tool.

Keeping passengers moving

During these rail closures, TfW will provide bus services to match train schedules, ensuring seamless connections between bus and rail at Caerphilly station.

Buses will run every 15 minutes between Caerphilly and Bargoed, and every 30 minutes between Bargoed and Rhymney.

More information on rail replacement bus stops can be found on TfW's website.

Rail services will run as normal for major events and concerts at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

19th March, 2025

Engineering work to affect journeys – check before you travel​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders



Cardiff Central to Bridgend

Passengers are urged to check before they travel from Saturday 29 March to Friday 4 April while essential engineering work takes place between Cardiff Central and Bridgend.

As a result all journeys between Cardiff Central and Penarth; Cardiff Central and Barry Island and Cardiff Central to Bridgend (via Barry) will be affected.

While the work is in progress, a bus service will replace trains between Cardiff Central and Penarth/Barry Island/Bridgend via Barry all week.

For more information, please visit www.tfw.wales

New track, sleepers and points will be replaced over a period of 172 hours, using 12 engineering trains to get the work completed as efficiently and safely as possible.

As well as renewing sections of the railway, teams will also be working hard to complete other tasks including vegetation management, examinations of structures along the track such as bridges and retaining walls, as well as removing graffiti and litter in various locations.

By collating lots of work during one closure, disruption will be kept to a minimum for passengers and people who live close by.

Nick Millington, Network Rail Wales and Borders route director, said: “We are working really hard to improve train service punctuality and this essential work is a part of our commitment to do that.

“We recognise there is never a good time to close the railway, but we have planned the renewals to minimise disruption as much as possible.

“I would like to thank passengers for their patience and urge them to check their journeys before travelling.”

19th March, 2025

Midland Pullman HST to visit Wales, England and Scotland this Friday!​

Midland Pullman Cardiff Central to Carlisle on February 4, 2023


The Midland Pullman HST is to depart from South Wales this Friday as it heads to the Highlands of Scotland.

On the 21st March 2025, the HST will depart Swansea at 07:00 and will pass through Neath (07:11), Port Talbot Parkway (07:20), Bridgend (07:34), Cardiff Central (08:13), Cwmbran (08:44), Abergavenny (09:00), Hereford (09:27), Leominster (09:41), Ludlow (09:54), Church Stretton (10:11) and Shrewsbury at 10:34.

After picking up passengers at Shrewsbury, the HST will continue on its journey via Wrenbury (11:03), Crewe (11:15), Warrington Bank Quay (11:33), Preston (Lancs) (12:06), Penrith North Lakes (13:10), Carlisle (13:53), Lockerbie (14:23), Wishaw (15:11), Coatbridge Central (15:39), Maryhill (16:08), Dalmuir (16:28), Helensburgh Upper (17:32), Garelochhead (17:47) Arrochar and Tarbet (18:11), Ardlui (18:32), Crianlarich (18:52), Upper Tyndrum (19:06), Bridge of Orchy (19:26), Rannoch (19:50), Tulloch (20:27), Spean Bridge (20:44) and Fort William at 20:59.

19th 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 couple of pints of 'Killanny Red', a very nice Irish ale, Cleo was being good and stuck to her cups of tea.

I popped into my model railway shop and bought a road vehicle for Ethnon Rail.

Then we went around the indoor market where Cleo spotted a silver pendant she liked, she said I could buy it for her if it's still there next week for our wedding anniversary.

We bought a couple of Chinese Pears to eat at home, haven't seen those for a while.

For lunch, we went to McDonalds, we enjoy fast food at times.
After that we returned to the 'The Great Western' and I had a few more pints of 'Killanny Red'.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 257, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZN - seen here on March 6, 2025

The bus home was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 251, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZF - seen here on September 20, 2024

I really enjoyed this ale.

Luckily they had some left over from Monday.

Second-hand Road Vehicle For The Ethnon Rail Project

CORGI OOC 97850 DIECAST BRISTOL L5G BUS MERTHYR TYDFIL 1:76

I can remember my first air experience flights very well.

We didn't wear a 'bone dome' [helmet] in those days [1970's], just a headset.

The parachute which was fastened to you so tightly meant you couldn't walk upright. Lol

You sat on it in the aircraft.

This painting brings back the memories.

Teenage Dreams of Flight - de Havilland Chipmunk​

For many aspiring pilots the first tentative steps to achieving their dream was to join the Air Training Corps.

In years past a great number of these cadets would take their first flights in a single engined aircraft in the ubiquitous de Havilland Chipmunk.

I am sure this wonderful painting holds fantastic memories for many of us.

Thursday 20 Mar 2025

GWR warns of significant disruption to some routes for the next two Sundays, including Mother’s Day​

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


Passenger at departure board


Network Rail is completing planned engineering works along the mainline between Didcot and Swindon which means GWR trains will need to use alternative routes to serve Bristol and South Wales.

There is also planned engineering works in the Paddington area until 0930, and then only half the tracks will be available for GWR, Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express trains.

This means there is a significant reduction to the train service along major routes and this has led GWR to advise customers to consider travelling on alternative days for the next two Sundays.

This coming Sunday, due to engineering work no trains will operate between London Paddington and Reading before 0930.

After 0930 a significantly reduced, amended timetable will be in place for services between London and Bristol Temple Meads, and South Wales.

Before 0930 services will start from or terminate at Reading, where customers will be able to change for Elizabeth line services to Ealing Broadway where they can change for the London Underground network.  

After 0930 only one train an hour will serve Bristol and South Wales, operating on a diversionary route from Reading to Bath, before continuing to Bristol Temple Meads; Bristol Parkway; Newport and Cardiff.

Trains will resume between London Paddington and Reading, but services will be reduced as only two out of four tracks will be available.

Services to destinations elsewhere across the GWR network will continue to operate as planned.

GWR operations director Richard Rowland said: “We're sorry for the impact this work will have on journeys between London and Bristol and South Wales. We advise customers to change plans if possible and only travel on Sunday if absolutely necessary.

“This works means that we are only able to run very few trains on this route and those that will run will be really busy.”

As well as significantly busier trains, journeys will also take much longer.

Services may also be cancelled or delayed at short notice.

To help customers, those who have already bought tickets on the route affected for Sunday 23 March will be able to use them on Saturday 22 March or Monday 24 March, or you can claim a full refund at GWR.com/Refunds, according to the usual terms and conditions of the ticket type.

The closure of M4 between Bath and Bristol will also affect the train operator’s ability to provide replacement bus transport, and there will be no buses between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

Replacement buses will operate between Didcot Parkway and Swindon; Reading and Swindon; plus Bath Spa and Swindon.

After 0920 train shuttle services will operate between London Paddington and Reading/Didcot Parkway.

The track renewal works continue the weekend of 29/30 March, and once again a very limited service can operate between London Paddington and Bristol/South Wales.

Replacement buses will however be able to run between Swindon and Bristol Parkway.

Those travelling are advised to travel the day before or after and to only travel on this route on Sunday if absolutely necessary.

Our first family car was a black Morris Minor.

My Father bought it second-hand for £25.

I can still smell the red leather seats.

Drawing of a Morris Minor

Thursday 20 Mar 2025


UPDATE FROM THE TRAIN SHED.
Well, today I managed to get some work done on the baseboard extension project.

I had some wood offcuts that were perfect for using as supports for the Goods Yard baseboards.

They just needed to be marked out for position and drilling to fasten to the existing baseboards.

There are four supports to be produced.

In the picture below you can see two supports already fitted and the other two are on the bottom right of the image.

The first two supports fitted.

The attached supports as seen from underneath the baseboard.

Another view of the Goods Yard area.

The two Goods yard baseboards are visible in the foreground and background.

All four baseboard supports fitted.

Next job will be to attach legs to the Goods Yard baseboards and then fit to them to main layout baseboards.

21st March, 2025

Third guest announced for SVR Spring diesel festival​

Rail Adventure's HST powercars 43468 & 43480 are confirmed for the SVR's Spring Diesel Festival


The Severn Valley Railway has confirmed the third visitors to its 2025 Spring Diesel Festival.

A pair of Rail Adventure HST power cars, 43480 and 43468, will be attending the festival along with previously announced class 66 and class 70 diesel locomotives from Freightliner.

The four-day event is to take place between 15 and 18 May.

It will play host to a wide range of Diesel Motive power which will be in operation, including a showcase of variety and designs across numerous classes of motive power from past to present.

Members from the home fleet will also be in service, consisting of classes 17, 20, 33, 37, 40, 42, 50 and 52.

A Class 70 from Freightliner will join the SVR guest roster


Over the course of the festival, tours will be available to the public to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the Traction Maintenance Department and the Carriage Shed at Kidderminster, which will need to be booked in advance on the Fifty Fund stand situated on the station concourse.

With a major landslip on the line between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth earlier this year, trains will not be able to run the whole length of the line as work to repair the landslip carries on.

A Freightliner Class 66 will also appear at the Diesel Festival


‘Our spring diesel event will once again showcase the best of both worlds. We’re fortunate to enjoy superb support from our main line friends who so generously allow us to host their locomotives. Alongside the SVR’s comprehensive home fleet of diesels, this will be an opportunity to see a wide range of diesel traction, not to mention clocking up some miles too.

And, we have more up our sleeves, with further heritage and main line visitors to announce once everything’s agreed. Of course, the usual caveats apply to all locomotives, which will attend subject to availability.

All in all, it’s shaping up to be another headline event. We’ve worked very hard to ensure an exciting and intensive timetable along the 12 miles of our line that we’re currently able to operate on, and this includes evening services on the Friday and Saturday nights.

We may still be dealing with a significant landslip between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth, but it’s not dampened our determination to go all out for this event.’

SVR’s Managing Director, Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster.

21st March, 2025

Bahamas to meet dinosaurs at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway this Easter​

Jubilee Class No. 45596 Bahamas on August 1, 2021


Although heritage railways are celebrating Railway 200 this year, during April, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is going back many millennia.

From 5th -21st April, families visiting the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can take part in a prehistoric adventure with a host of dinosaur-themed activities and heritage railway experiences.

To add to their enjoyment, Jubilee Class No. 45596 Bahamas will visit the railway for the very first time.

Baby raptor


There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including meeting baby dinosaurs, digging for fossils, and snapping a selfie in a giant dinosaur egg.

The railway is putting on the activities as part of its contribution to its Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the UK.

Steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway


Other activities during April include a Star Gazing on 4th April at The Outstation, Stape where the Whitby and District Astronomical Society will hold an evening of stellar exploration at one of the best night sky viewing locations in the North York Moors.

On Saturday, 5th and Sunday, 6th April, a Big Science Show will be held in the classroom at Pickering Station Classroom where children and adults can witness jaw-dropping experiments, learn fascinating facts, and take part in hands-on science activities.

As part of Railway 200, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway has recently opened a 200 Trail that visitors can enjoy while visiting the line.

“This Easter, we’re thrilled to bring families an experience that combines the magic of heritage rail travel with the excitement of the prehistoric era. From meeting baby dinosaurs to digging for fossils, there’s so much for visitors of all ages to enjoy. With this event taking place during Railway 200 makes it the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible history of rail travel while making unforgettable memories.”

Charlotte Hawes, Events & Guest Experience Manager at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

21st March, 2025

Historic steam locomotive returns after restoration​

35005 Canadian Pacific departs Ropley


After 14 years of extensive restoration, Merchant Navy 4-6-2 No. 35005 Canadian Pacific has returned to steam on The Watercress Line.

In spotless ex-works condition, the loco was greeted by a tumultuous round of applause as it pulled into Alresford Station in front of VIPs Watercress Line staff and volunteers on March 19 as it arrived for its naming ceremony.

A succession of speeches commenced before the nameplate was unveiled by Eilish McGuinness, The National Lottery Heritage Fund CEO, and Deputy High Commissioner for Canada in the UK, Robert Fry.

Canadian Pacific’s nameplate unveiled the launch ceremony


Amongst those who also attended the launch ceremony was Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay; Lord Faulkner of Worcester, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Heritage Rail; AVM Richard Lacey CBE LVO, President of The Watercress Line and Stephen Evans CMG OBE, Chair of the Watercress Line Heritage Railway Trust.

Those lucky enough to get a reserved seat boarded the train as Canadian Pacific headed out on its first passenger service since post-restoration.

At Ropley, 35005 passed children from Binstead Primary School, enthusiastically waving flags who had turned out to witness the occasion.

At the end of the journey, Alton station had been given a nostalgic 1940s feel with appropriate music and re-enactments to commemorate the early part of that decade that the engine was built.

35005 passes children from Binstead Primary School at Ropley


The overhaul of Canadian Pacific has taken volunteers and Watercress Line staff over 10,000 hours to not just complete the locomotive, but to also restore Bulleid coaches No. 4211 and No. 1456.

Without the donation of £1,254,400 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the restoration would not have been possible.

Canadian Pacific’s launch event is taking place over 4 days from 20 – 23 March, giving members of the public a chance to ride behind this locomotive for the first time in over 15 years.

“The story of 35005 Canadian Pacific is one of resilience and hope in the teeth of adversity.

The launch was a fitting testament to the enormous endeavour of our volunteers, staff and funders and I am delighted that their perseverance was recognised with such a wonderful day.”

Rebecca Dalley, CEO of The Watercress Line

21st March, 2025

Wrestling In Cardiff



My son, Neo, and I went to watch the wrestling in Cardiff.

We took a train into Cardiff and walked about a mile to meet up with our wrestling friends at the 'Pear Tree' pub.

Watched a great night of wrestling!

Seeing a different side to some of our favourite wrestlers.

Different promotions have wrestlers acting as a 'face' and others have them playing a 'heel'.