Marcus' Model Railway Journey

I took Cleo out today for some shopping and just to get her out of the house for a bit of fresh air and sun.

We popped to Hobbycraft and she bought tons of wool for her crochet.

We did some food shopping at Asda and Aldi then we went to Lord & Butler to see if there was any train stuff I needed.


Here are the colours she chose: Steel Blue, Soft Green, Orange, Purple, Pink, Cream and Pumpkin.

Friday 25th April 2025



ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

Second-hand items purchased from Lord And Butler



Hornby R237 Blue Circle Cement Wagon
AIRFIX 54200 BR INTERCITY BLUE GREY MK2 2nd CLASS BRAKE COACH
AIRFIX 54201 BR INTERCITY BLUE GREY MK2 1st CLASS OPEN COACH

Hornby R237 Blue Circle Cement Wagon

AIRFIX 54200-5 BR INTERCITY BLUE GREY MK2 2nd CLASS BRAKE COACH

AIRFIX 54201-8 BR INTERCITY BLUE GREY MK2 1st CLASS OPEN COACH

From my book of 'British Railway Locomotives'
London Midland Region Coronation Class 4-6-2 No.46250 "City of Lichfield"

TNPV Stars

TNPU

28th April, 2025

Steam locomotive 35028 Clan Line is last steam train to pass Surrey and Hampshire signal boxes​

The last steam train to pass through through Haslemere


Last Saturday, 26th April, three manual signal boxes in the south of England at Farncombe, Petersfield, and Haslemere marked their imminent retirement by signalling a steam-hauled train through their area.

This was a moment of railway history as it was the last time that the signal boxes, located between Farncombe in Surrey and Petersfield in Hampshire, would signal a steam train.

The train was hauled by Merchant Navy Class No. 35028 Clan Line, on the first leg of a nine-day tour of the UK by the Great Britain XVII rail tour.

On this first day of the tour, the train travelled between London Victoria and Bristol via Haslemere, Southampton, and Salisbury.

Later this year, the signalling systems between Farncombe and Petersfield will be upgraded, and control will be transferred from the three signal boxes to the Rail Operating Centre (ROC) at Basingstoke.

The retirement of the three signal boxes is part of wider upgrades to the line between London and Portsmouth, and the replacement of the existing signalling systems by new digital signalling technology.

The upgraded signalling will make services more reliable and enable the capacity of the line to be increased to allow operation of more and faster train services.

Inside Haslemere signal box


After signalling systems from Farncombe, Petersfield, and Haslemere signal boxes have been transferred to the Basingstoke ROC, they will be decommissioned.

However, Haslemere signal box, which has been signalling trains since 1895, will still have a future as it will be converted into a small museum to be run by the Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust.

The last steam train through Haslemere was signalled by Ashley Hillier, a signaller at Network Rail, who commented that it was an honour to be part of this fantastic piece of history and to get to take part and to cherish that in his memories.

It was fantastic and he was very, very, proud.

Inside Haslemere signal box


“We are determined to preserve the Haslemere Signal Box as an educational facility for future generations to enjoy and celebrate the railway’s heritage in this year of Railway 200. We would like to thank NR for their constructive support in our endeavour, and look forward to being able to open the signal box up to the public in the very near future.”

Ken Griffiths, Chairman of the Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust

Stamps

Here are the commemorative stamps that were issued here in the UK in 1964.

Shakespeare Festival​

April 23 1964
Commemorative

Puck and Bottom (A Midsummer Night's Dream), 3d
Feste (Twelfth Night), 6d
Balcony Scene (Romeo and Juliet), 1s3d
'Eve of Agincourt' (Henry V), 1s6d
Hamlet contemplating Yorick's skull (Hamlet) and Queen Elizabeth II, 2s6d


Presentation Pack - Shakespeare Festival

20th International Geographical Congress, London​

July 1 1964
Commemorative

Flats near Richmond Park (Urban Development), 2½d
Shipbuilding Yards, Belfast (Industrial Activity), 4d
Beddgelert Forest Park, Snowdonia (Forestry), 8d
Nuclear Reactor, Dounreay (Technological Development), 1s6d


Presentation Pack - 20th International Geographical Congress, London

Tenth International Botanical Congress, Edinburgh​

August 5 1964
Commemorative

Spring Gentian, 3d
Dog Rose, 6d
Honeysuckle, 9d
Fringed Water Lily, 1s3d


Presentation Pack - Tenth International Botanical Congress, Edinburgh

Opening of Forth Road Bridge​

September 4 1964
Commemorative

Forth Road Bridge, 3d
Forth Road Bridge and Railway Bridges, 6d


Presentation Pack - Opening of Forth Road Bridge

Meanwhile....In Ireland, my Nan was selling these stamps to her customers.

Birth Bicentenary of Wolfe Tone (revolutionary)

13 April 1964
Commemorative

Wolfe Tone, 4d Black
Wolfe Tone, 1s.3d Ultramarine

New York World's Fair

20 July 1964
Commemorative

Irish Pavilion at Fair, 5d. blue-grey, brown, violet and yellow-olive
Irish Pavilion at Fair, 1s.5d. blue-grey, brown, turquoise blue and light yellow-green

Europa

14 September 1964
Commemorative

Europa “Flower”, 8d. olive-green and blue
Europa “Flower”, 1s.5d. red-brown and orange

Tornado, RAF Marham by Tim O'Brien

29th April, 2025

Clun Castle and Bahamas to visit Devon with The Mayflower​

45596 'Bahamas', LMS Jubilee Class on October 5, 2024


Vintage Trains is running a steam enthusiast’s dream train on the 6th September (Saturday).

A special double-headed express, named ‘The Mayflower’, will run a round trip from Bristol to Plymouth.

The tour will explore the South Devon Banks unassisted.

Named after a short-lived British Railways Western Region Express, ‘The Mayflower’ will be hauled by 45596 ‘Bahamas’ and 7029 ‘Clun Castle’.

Starting at Birmingham New Street, the tour will initially be hauled by a diesel locomotive, making a few stops before its arrival at Bristol Temple Meads.

LMS Jubilee Class 4-6-0 No. 45596 "BAHAMAS"


This is where the rare, mainline steam experience begins, reimagining the golden age of steam that you won’t want to miss out on.

Both Clun Castle and Bahamas will attach themselves to the front of the train at Bristol and haul the train unassisted to Plymouth and back over the challenging gradients across South Devon.

7029 Clun Castle emerges from a tunnel


Passengers will have numerous dining options, including a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner in Pullman.

Within First Class, the treats continue across the day, featuring an Afternoon Tea.

Tourist passengers will also be able to pre-order bacon rolls and afternoon teas, with a buffet with light refreshments available as well.

Full English in Pullman Carriages


Booking is advised as soon as possible for this picturesque opportunity. Information on how to do that can be found on their website.


“We are delighted to bring back ‘The Mayflower’ for a second year, following its incredibly successful introduction in 2024. Like last year, we are sure this will a highlight for enthusiasts and the public alike, especially with a Castle and Jubilee being paired together this year. We would like to thank the Bahamas Locomotive Society for allowing us use of their locomotive once again and look forward to another brilliant run with her, in what will be one of her final mainline runs in 2025.”

Alex Knudsen, Sales & Marketing Manager at Vintage Trains.

29th April, 2025

Train named after British Rail manager to appear at Swanage Railway gala​

4VEP 3417 Gordon Pettitt Corfe Castle


One of the trains starring at the Swanage Railway‘s Diesel Gala and Beer Festival will be four-carriage Class 423 4VEP electric multiple unit No. 3417 named after Gordon Pettitt, a former senior British Rail manager.

Gordon Pettitt officially opened Harman’s Cross station in 1989 as part of the project to reopen the line from Swanage to Corfe Castle in Dorset.

Sadly, Gordon died in March this year, aged 90.

Gordon Pettitt opening Harman’s Cross on 4th March 1989


Now in its eighteenth year, the Diesel Gala and Beer Festival will be held from Friday, 9th to Sunday, 11th May, with the Beer Festival being held at Corfe Castle station and operated by Purbeck Kitchens.

On all three days, an intensive train three-train service will operate between Swanage and Norden, calling at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross stations.

Locomotives scheduled to appear include:

• Class 20 No. 20 066 courtesy of Shaun Wright.
• Class 45 No. 45 108 courtesy of the Peak Locomotive Company.
• Class 47 No. 47 715 courtesy of Rail Engineering Solutions.
• Class 50 No. 50 008 Thunderer courtesy of Hanson & Hall Rail.
• A Class 56 courtesy of Colas Rail.
• Class 69 No. 69 007 Richard Trevithick courtesy of GB Railfreight.
• Class 73 No. 73 128 Kent & East Sussex courtesy of GB Railfreight.

Gordon Pettitt opening Harman’s Cross on 4th March 1989


One of the Swanage Railway’s own locomotives running during the gala will be Class 33 No. D6515 Lt Jenny Lewis RN, which hauled the last train through Broadstone to Wimborne after the line was closed completely in May 1977.

On Thursday, 8th May, a special preview event with the theme of Network South East, the 1980s and early 1990s British Rail sector, will see trains running between Swanage, Corfe Castle and Norden hauled by Class 47 and Class 73 heritage diesel locomotives, 4VEP electric unit No. 3417 Gordon Pettitt, one of the Swanage Railway’s resident steam locomotives/ Gordon Pettitt will be pulled or pushed by a locomotive.

Full details of the festival, including timetables and fares can be found on the Swanage Railway website at www.swanagerailway.co.uk.

Gordon Pettit will be one of the attractions at ‘The Greatest Gathering’ celebrating Railway 200 in August.

Gordon Pettitt at the opening of Harman’s Cross on 4th March 1989


“We are delighted the 1967 4VEP electric multiple unit Gordon Pettitt will be taking part in our diesel gala as it’s an important piece of almost 60-year-old history and a poignant tribute to the highly respected former British Rail Southern Region general manager from the 1980s who officially opened the Swanage Railway’s new Harman’s Cross station in 1989. A life long railwayman described as a gentle and decisive reformer, Gordon Pettitt was surprised and delighted to have the unit named after him. Owned by the Bluebell Railway in Sussex – and cared for by the Southern Electric Traction Group – the unit has been restored and maintained to a high standard.”

Dan Bennett, event organising team member

29th April, 2025

Eurostar responds to regulator’s report into capacity at Temple Mills International depot​

Eurostar emerging from a tunnel


Following a consultation by the Office of Rail and Road into capacity at the Temple Mills International depot, Eurostar is calling for a big picture plan and investment to allow an increase in international rail travel.

Eurostar calls for the regulator, industry, and government to work together on a long-term plan for international rail that encourages private investment in new facilities beyond Temple Mills and the growth ambitions of all operators.

Whilst the report confirmed some space could be created at Temple Mills, it was insufficient to accommodate all potential operators.

The report also didn’t consider Eurostar’s plans, including operating more services, purchasing up to 50 new trains, investing in new facilities at Temple Mills, and working with London St Pancras Highspeed to enlarge St Pancras International.

Along with other operators, Eurostar’s expansion equates to around 100 trains and billions of pounds of investment.

This ambitious growth plan demonstrates the potential of international rail for customers and the UK economy, but it cannot happen unless the depot infrastructure is in place to meet the demand.

Alongside Temple Mills, Eurostar proposes several options in Kent and East London that could be suitable, and also encourages other operators to invest in new facilities.

Two key areas are highlighted in Eurostar’s response:

• Eurostar’s growth plans have not yet been considered. By investing billions of pounds in new trains, stations and facilities, Eurostar will create more seating capacity and operate more frequent services. Upgrading Temple Mills is crucial, as it is the only UK site where Eurostar trains are maintained and stored. The report did not take into account Eurostar’s growth plans, including its investments in Temple Mills.
• A long-term plan for international rail infrastructure is required, which should include options other than Temple Mills. A clear national strategy is needed for the UK to support international rail, which could include making use of other depots such as Southeastern’s and Hitachi’s Train Maintenance Centre at Ashford, freight facilities at Dollands Moor, Singlewell depot, Ripple Lane, the HS1 chord, and Fawkham Junction, and new facilities could be built elsewhere in East London. Demand for international rail and sustainable travel is at an all-time high, and the UK cannot afford to fall behind.

In 2024, Eurostar carried 850,000 more passengers than in 2023, with a total for the year of 19.5 million.


“We support competition and growth through international rail, but without serious investment in infrastructure to create more room, we risk not fulfilling the massive potential of sustainable European travel. This is an enormously positive problem to solve as the demand and the willing is there. Eurostar wants to help find solutions. What’s needed now is a big picture vision and investment by any operator who wishes in new depot facilities at Temple Mills and beyond. Eurostar stands ready to collaborate with the Government and the regulator on a framework that will unlock private investment, grow sustainable travel, and deliver world-class rail services for more passengers.”

Gareth Williams, Eurostar’s General Secretary

29th April, 2025

Network Rail signs £850m autumn and winter train contract​

Rail head treatment train (RHTT)


Network Rail has signed a 5-year deal with GB Railfreight to run Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs).

These autumn and winter treatment trains help keep tracks clear and ensure detritus doesn’t delay services.

Detritus is when loose leaves fall off the trees on nearby land and fall onto the tracks, and when trains pass over them, they create a slippery ‘mulch’ that can stop the train from gaining traction either when accelerating or braking.

These services will run from August 2025 until 2030, with a possibility for extension.

The services include leaf blasting and weed killing, as well as anti-ice and snow ploughing trains.

The £850 million contract has optional three-year extensions available.

There are six revamped vehicles that will ease the pressure on other overhead line vehicles.

During the contract length, it is likely that further vehicles will be added as technology advances.

Multi-Purpose Vehicle in sidings at Swanage


The Multi-Purpose Vehicles will apply anti-ice fluid to and weed spray to the tracks.

Within the autumn months, they will water jet leaf litter from the rail head and apply an adhesion modifier.

Both GB Railfreight and Colas will manage the treatment trains based on the circuits they run.

Network Rail has previously invested in Rail Head Treatment Trains and Multi-Purpose Vehicles to help keep trains running in 2024.


“Running trains reliably and safely in autumn and winter is a tough challenge and we rely heavily on specialist operators and equipment. Leaves on the line get crushed under train wheels and leave a material like black-ice on tracks, which can cause signals to fail and trains to slide. Ice on live rails can cause trains to stall and we all know the disruption that heavy snow can cause.

“These contracts with established hauliers see our fleet of treatment trains maintained and run well for the next five years at least, providing passengers and freight customers with a reliable service whatever the weather.”

Network Rail’s supply chain delivery director Adam Southern