Marcus' Model Railway Journey

12th May, 2025

Sussex based railway coach set to enter traffic after 32-year-restoration​

3687’s first revenue earning activity turned out to be for some static filming at Horsted Keynes. It is seen here positioned in Platform 4/5 for that work on 7 May 2025


The Bluebell Railway has reported that Maunsell ‘Hastings’ Brake 3rd No 3687 is ready for traffic, and will enter service on Saturday, 31 May.

Work to restore the coach began in 1993. For several years, the work was carried out in the outdoors, with several major tasks completed, including repairing the body frame, replacing the steel panelling, applying a protective coat of paint, recreating the partitioning, making the panelling and mouldings, and clearing and painting the underframe.

In 2019, the coach was allocated space in the carriage works.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic stopped further work being carried out for a year.

The coach then remained in storage, while the Railway did not have the time available to work underneath the vehicle.

Interior of 3687’s compartment A – the one adjacent to the lavatory compartment. Unlike the composite brakes, whose compartments are lettered from the brake end so the first class get the earlier letters, the third-class vehicles are lettered from the other end; just one of the little details that David Wigley knew about SR coaches


Since work resumed, the following tasks have been carried out:

• canvassing the roof
• adding vents and rainstrips
• applying several coats of paint
• finishing the exterior panelling in Maunsell’s mid-bronze green, including applying about ten coats of paint and varnish, and restoring ornate lining and lettering
• putting up the ceilings
• finishing all the varnishing
• trimming the seats in Green Jazz moquette
• plumbing and fitting out the lavatory compartment
• cleaning and painting the guard / luggage area
• overhauling the bogies
• renewing all the bushes in the brake system and suspension.
• modifying the suspension to accommodate the coil springs
• demodifying the vacuum brake system
• renewing the electrical system
• installing steam heaters
• upgrading piping
• overhauling and re-installing gangways and buffing gear.

A lot of volunteers have worked on the project, recently including the SR Coach Group team. Paid staff have also been involved.

Bluebell Railway’s Railway 200 logo


The mainstay of the project for several years was David Wigley, who led the small group of people who carried out the outdoor work for more than two decades.

The Bluebell Railway has announced with great sadness that David died at the end of April, and so will not have the opportunity to ride in the carriage he worked so hard to restore.

The Railway describes David as a “stalwart” of the Carriage and Wagon Department for over five decades, calling his knowledge of SR coaches “encyclopaedic”.

David joined the railway in 1971, bringing Maunsell Brake Composite 6686 with him.

The coach has been running in Bluebell’s operating fleet for many years.

David also pressed the move to bring three other SR coaches to the railway, Bulleids 2515 & 1482 and Maunsell 5644.

After he passed the running of the Hastings Brake project to others, David remained active in sorting out the final details of the coach’s interior until late 2024.

The Blubell Railway sees 3687 as “a lasting reminder of David’s dedication to our railway over so many years.”

The Railway is also working on several locomotives, including Q Class 541 and 9F 92240.

12th May, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks, she's back on the G&T's.

I popped into my model railway shop and I didn't find anything that I wanted.

We then popped into Greggs and had a couple of chicken & bacon baguettes and a couple of double chocolate muffins. Yum!!

Then we went to 'The Works' and Cleo bought some more wool for her crochet..

We then went back to 'The Great Western' and had a few more drinks.

Neo met up with us after work and we had a pint of Guinness each to toast my late Father's birthday.

Then it was the bus home, Neo took the train.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 253, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZH

The bus back from Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 267, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWR - seen here in it's old livery on November 24, 2016

13th May, 2025

Class 47 locomotive gets a new Rail Express Systems Livery​

No. 47714 with its RES livery


At the model railway show at Leeming Bar over the weekend, Wensleydale Railway revealed a new livery for one of its locomotives.

The railway has repainted No. 47714 from Anglia livery to Rail Express Systems (RES) red livery.

RES launched in 1991 and was responsible for transporting mail and parcels.

No. 47714 model in its red livery


The locomotive was purchased back in June 2024 from The Harry Needle Railroad Company, and arrived in November 2024, with the work to repair the body work and repaint beginning earlier this year.

Visitors to the model railway show got the chance to see the locomotive in the engine shed.

An overview was given by Adrian Monks, a volunteer who worked on the locomotive.

Visitors were told all about the restoration and the locomotives history.

Now that the restoration is complete, the class 47 should be running by the end of May in the railway’s Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

No. 47714 with its model self in red livery


The event will take place from the 24th to the 26th of May, with further information to follow soon.

The event will mark the first time the locomotive has operated passenger services at Wensleydale Railway in its new livery.


“We decided to put the loco in a livery that it carried during its life on the national network and was fitting for our region. It is currently the only operational class 47 locomotive in preservation that carries the RES livery. I would like to thank all the volunteers who supported this work. They put a huge amount of time and effort into this project, and it’s great to hear that the result of the team’s hard work is being so well-received by railway enthusiasts.”

Robert Cooper-Williamson, Engineering and Operations Manager

Panavia Tornado - 35th Anniversary TTTE [2015]

These are decals for my old unit, the markings commemorating the 35th Anniversary of the Tri-Service Tornado Training Establishment.

Aircraft of the Italian Aeronautica Militare, Luftwaffe and RAF.

14 May 2025

Stadler and Amey headline sponsors for Public Transport Summit​

TfW Class 756 FLIRT at Radyr


Transport for Wales is pleased to announce that Stadler and Amey will be headline sponsors at the Public Transport Summit taking place in Wrexham later this month.

Wales’ first Public Transport Summit will take place on May 22 and 23 and is designed to bring together both Wales and England’s influential transport and business leaders.

The two-day Summit will look to unlock economic prosperity through the public transport lens.

Over the last five years, Stadler and Amey have become partners in helping deliver transformative change to the public transport network in Wales.

Stadler have provided brand-new trains to the Wales and Borders rail network in Wales and Amey have been a key partner in delivering the £1 billion electrification of the South Wales Metro.

James Price, Transport for Wales CEO said:

“We’re pleased to announce that Stadler and Amey will be the headline sponsors at our Public Transport Summit. 

"The Summit will be an opportunity to explore the future of public transport and our sponsors will be part of the discussion." 

Ralf Warwel, UK and Ireland sales director for Stadler, added:

“Stadler is delighted to be delivering 71 trains for Wales and Borders. Pioneering battery technology is an important feature on the CITYLINK tram-trains we are providing, as well as on 24 of the FLIRTs. They underscore Stadler’s commitment to green technology and promoting a decarbonised railway.

“It is an honour to be part of Transport for Wales’ summit. We salute our client, as they seek to emphasise the connection between high quality public transport and economic growth in Wales.”;

Sector Business Director for Rail at Amey, James Holmes added:

"For over 100 years, Amey has transformed the UK’s infrastructure, connecting communities, driving the economy, and improving lives. Working collaboratively with TfW and our supply chain, we have blended our whole lifecycle capabilities to design and deliver an innovative railway systems solution focused on outcomes. Transforming the Core Valley Lines into a modern, electrified metro-style service, we've created sustainable, reliable travel and extraordinary opportunities for the people of South Wales. 

"We’re delighted to sponsor the Public Transport Summit to showcase our expertise, network with leaders across the industry and help shape public transport for future generations to thrive."

TfW Photographic Print – Cardiff Cityscape​

14th May, 2025

Steam locomotive Margaret set for Brecon Mountain Railway visit​

Founder Tony Hills with his first steam loco Sybil


In June, the Brecon Mountain Railway will hold a weekend of celebrations to mark 45 years since it started running passenger trains over the former Great Western Railway line through the Brecon Beacons between Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil.

On 8th June 1980, Tony Hills, the founder of the Brecon Mountain Railway, saw his vision become reality when the railway operated its very first service, leading the way for decades of heritage steam running through the Brecon Beacons.

For the first time since the railway opened, the sight of double-heading passenger trains will grace the line between Pant and Torpantau, with two Baldwin steam locomotives, No. 1 Santa Teresa and No. 2, providing unforgettable sights and sounds as they work in harmony to Torpantau.

Also appearing during the weekend will be the quarry Hunslet steam locomotive Margaret, making a guest appearance from the Brecon Mountain Railway’s sister railway, the Vale of Rheidol Railway.

The railway suffered damage last November when Storm Bert caused a landslip that led to a temporary suspension of train services.

15th May, 2025

Newly Refurbished Class 170s Go Down a Treat​

East Midlands Railway Class 170 train


The first refurbished Class 170 is being praised by East Midlands Railways customers.

The £23 million transformation of their Class 170 fleet is being carried out to improve customer experience.

The refurbished train includes new seats and tables, along with charging facilities.

The East Midlands Railway have installed new flooring and a passenger information system.

Newly Refurbished Class 170


Featuring renewed toilets and a dedicated bike storage area, even the interiors got a new look.

Customers have shared their thoughts on the train, which went into service in April and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

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Customer reviews included that of Kieran, who travelled from Derby to Matlock and said, “I’m loving these new trains. They are lush. The seats are fantastic and the tables are amazing.” Nina, who did the reverse journey of Kieran, said, “I got a little bit of a shock when we came on because it’s very, very fancy – with lots of places, power points, and sockets on the table, which was unexpected. So yeah, I really love it.”

The fleet of 44 Class 170s operates services across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

This refurbishment is part of an East Midlands bigger £60 million project, which will also see the refurbishment of their Class 158s and Class 360 trains.


“The arrival of our first refurbished train into service is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for EMR – one that puts customer comfort and experience front and centre.

“It’s brilliant to hear such enthusiastic feedback from our customers. We’ve worked hard to deliver a modern, welcoming environment on board – from upgraded seating to power sockets and improved information screens – and it’s clear those changes are being noticed and appreciated.

“And this is only the start. More refurbished trains will be joining the fleet throughout the year – transforming journeys across the region and setting a new standard for rail travel with EMR.”

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway

15th May, 2025

Steam locomotive 34046 Braunton to pass through Dawlish this Saturday​

Bullied West Country Light Pacific 34046 ‘Braunton’ passes Oldmixon on April 30, 2025


34046 Braunton is set to visit Dawlish this Saturday (17th) as it hauls The English Riviera Express.

The tour starts at Woking with LSL diesel power. Departing at 05:56, the tour will pass through Guildford (06:05), Haslemere (06:27), Petersfield (06:44), Havant (07:05), Cosham (07:18), Fareham (07:29), Eastleigh (07:48), Salisbury (08:54), Westbury (Wilts) (09:25) and Taunton at 10:23, where steam power is attached.

34046 will depart at 10:23 and will pass through Exeter St Davids (11:34), Dawlish Warren (11:52), Newton Abbot (12:16), Paington (12:34) and Kingswear at 13:15.

After time in Kingswear, the train will depart at 16:35 and will pass through Paington (17:21), Dawlish (17:52), Exeter St Davids (18:18), Tiverton Parkway (18:51), Taunton (19:48 – diesel hauled from here), Westbury (20:35), Salisbury (21:18), Eastleigh (22:04), Fareham (22:30), Cosham (22:42), Havant (22:57), Petersfield (23:14), Haslemere (23:32), Guildford (23:57) and Woking at 00:10.

16th May, 2025

Better connections, greater reliability and improved accessibility from updated TrawsCymru route​

TrawsCymru T3


Transport for Wales (TfW) is delighted to announce significant enhancements to its T3 bus service between Wrexham and Barmouth.

TfW and the bus operator have worked together to make a series of key changes to the timetable and route, which will improve the overall reliability and its connections with other services, as well as providing a more accessible service for all.

The changes come as a direct result of valuable feedback received from passengers during engagement sessions held in Dolgellau, Bala, and Corwen last November

The key changes being made are:

• Llanwuchllyn: Whilst T3C services will continue to serve Llanuwchllyn, T3 services will now serve the top of Llanuwchllyn (Ysgol O M Edwards) in both directions ensuring safer access to the T3 for residents in the area.
• Sunday Service: Communities in Llanuwchllyn, Cynwyd, Llandderfel, and Llandrillo will have a T3C service on a Sunday, providing transport links for leisure, work, and social needs. This is being introduced on a trial basis.
• Improved Hospital Access: All journeys will now serve Maelor Hospital in Wrexham, ensuring increased access to healthcare appointments and medical services.
• School Transport: Monday to Friday the 16:32 from Barmouth will add stops in Llanuwchllyn, Cynwyd, Llandderfel and Llandrillo to give Coleg Meirion Dwyfor students a direct journey home.

These changes will take effect from 29 June 2025.

Gethin George, Programme Manager – Bus Network Development at TfW said: “We listened to feedback from our passengers and have acted to improve the issues that were raised.
“Public feedback is important to us and helps us refine and shape our services.

“We’re committed to delivering reliable and accessible services that meet the needs of our communities and will continue to engage with passengers across the TrawsCymru network.”



Passengers can find more information and check the updated timetable online or download the TrawsCymru app to plan journeys, purchase tickets, track the bus and find out their carbon savings.

16th May, 2025

New technology support rail freight industry​

GB Railfreight inter-modal freight service


A new company which will offer expertise in enhancing the efficiency of the rail freight industry has been launched by the University of Hull.

The company, named Railwhere, has seven years of research and innovation behind it from the University’s Logistics Institute.

It will offer new technology that will support rail freight operators in delivering more at a lower cost and with fewer emissions.

Working with Network Rail and Freightliner, the Logistics Institute and Lampada Digital Solutions (a subsidiary of the university) have developed software which will allow more carbon and fuel-efficient operations.

They have gained recognition for their work in building a more sustainable choice for businesses.

Within the partnership, which also features Innovate UK, Aether Limited and the University of Derby, they have restructured transporting quarried stone from the Medips to London.

Longer trains will now be running to transport additional goods in fewer days, which will be more fuel efficient and free up resources.

The work they have done has won the ‘Sustainability and Safety’ and ‘Rail Freight Project of the Year’ awards.

Lampada and Network Rail also earned the ‘Rail Team of the Year’ award for implementing and developing an application used by planners to optimise train weights.


“I am delighted to be leading a team whose expertise brings transformational technology to the rail freight industry. We build intuitive software that empowers the rail freight industry to plan smarter, operate cleaner, and make better-informed decisions.

“Our software has proved its value and is now seen to be of strategic importance by our customers. In a time of economic uncertainty and significant environmental challenges it is more important than ever to make good decisions based on accurate, fast and accessible analysis.

“The launch of Railwhere signifies our confidence that this business will be well received by the industry, can build on its successes and partnerships and will contribute to a stronger and greener rail network.”

Railwhere Director Barrie Louw

16th May, 2025

10 Year Anniversary for Yorkshire Wolds Railway​

The Yorkshire Wolds Railway


Opening to the public 10 years ago, the Yorkshire Wolds Railway will soon be celebrating its anniversary.

On Sunday, 25th May, the railway is inviting visitors to join in a day of free travel at the Fimber Halt site.

The first meeting to discuss the opening of the railway was held on the 10th October 2008, from which came the site access, fundraising and permissions.

After raising £24,000, construction and preparation could be started for their opening on the 25th May 2015 by Sir Tatton Sykes.

Members of the YWR with plans in 2012


Since its opening, it has been entirely volunteer-run and has continued to be passionate about restoration and preservation.

Over the years, they have welcomed thousands of visitors who have enjoyed train rides and trips into the visitor centre to gain a glimpse into East Yorkshire‘s rail heritage.

The railway always welcomes any new people wanting to get involved, whether that be as a member, making a donation, or as a volunteer and getting hands-on.

Timetable information and how you can get involved can be found on their website.


“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved over the past ten years. This anniversary is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the amazing support from the local community and all visitors who keep the railway running. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone who have been part of our journey and we thought offering free travel as a thank you for the day was a great way to do that. Visitors will also be able to see progress on the UK Shared Prosperity Funded Visitor Centre and Working Facility along with the many improvements to the site including the new shop”.

Phil Robson, Financial Director

16th May, 2025

The Rail Trolley Trust acquires more Wickham Trolleys​

Wickham Prototype Target Trolley at Stonehenge Works


The Rail Trolley Trust has reached an agreement with the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway to acquire a Wickham Prototype Target Trolley.

The trolley was built by Wickham at Ware in Hertfordshire in 1938 as a 2-foot gauge vehicle, and was first based at Lydd in Kent.

After being declared surplus by the army, it was preserved at The Museum of Army Transport at Beverley in East Yorkshire.

When that museum closed, a member of the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway provided storage for it.

The trolley is a valuable addition to the Trust’s collection, and will play an extremely important part in telling the story of the development of Wickham Target Trolleys.

Wickham Prototype Target Trolley at Stonehenge Works


After collection from Stonehenge Works on the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway, it was moved to the Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway, where Trust volunteers will restore it, with the Trust having all the parts needed to return it to operational condition.

Another Wickham trolley of interest to the Trust is a Wickham Type 8S Trolley built in 1948 to 3-foot gauge for Bord na Móna’s Clonsast Bog in Co. Offaly, Ireland.

At one time, it was known to be at the North Wales Tramway Museum’s storage base at Tal-y-Cafn, where there was a short line of 1’3” gauge, where it was fitted with batteries and an electric motor for Overhead Wire Powered operation.

Type 8S Trolley


The Trust has now acquired the surviving parts of the trolley, and in late March, they were transported to Andrew Briddon Locos’ site at Darley Dale in Derbyshire, before being moved again in mid-April to the Trust’s site at the Tanat Valley Light Railway.

Type 17 Trolley


Another vehicle acquired by the Trust is a Type 17 / 17A Trolley & Target Trolley built in 1946 to 3-foot gauge for the North British Aluminium Co. at Fort William in Scotland.

In 2005, it was converted to a 2W-2 petrol mechanical locomotive but is now an unpowered flat trailer comprising the chassis of a Wickham Type 17A Trolley mounted on a 2-foot gauge wheeled chassis of a Wickham Target Trolley.

Last year, three Wickham trolleys were moved to Keighley Bus Museum where they will be restored, and dismantled remains of a Type 17 Wickham Trolley were moved to Kirby Stephen East on the Stainmore Railway.

From my book of 'British Railway Locomotives'
BR Standard Class 5, 4-6-0 No.73001

Stamps

Here are the commemorative stamps that were issued here in the UK in 1966.

Burns Commemoration​

January 25 1966
Commemorative

Robert Burns (after Skirving chalk drawing), 4d, Robert Burns (after Nasnyth portrait), 1s3d

Presentation Pack - Burns Commemoration, Pack 9

Regional Wilding Definitive - Wales​

February 7 1966
Definitive

Ultramarine, 4d

Regional Wilding Definitive - Scotland​

February 7 1966
Definitive

Ultramarine, 4d

900th Anniversary of Westminster Abbey​

February 28 1966
Commemorative

Westminster Abbey, 3d
Fan Vaulting, Henry VII Chapel, 2s6d

Presentation Pack - 900th Anniversary of Westminster Abbey, Pack 10

Landscapes​

May 2 1966
Commemorative

View near Hassocks, Sussex, 4d
Antrim, Northern Ireland, 6d
Harlech Castle, Wales, 1s3d
Cairngorm Mountains, Scotland, 1s6d

World Cup Football Championship​

June 1 1966)
Commemorative

Players with Ball, 4d
Goalmouth Melee, 6d
Goalkeeper saving Goal, 1s3d

Presentation Pack - World Cup Football Championship, Pack 11

British Birds​

August 8 1966
Commemorative

Black-headed Gull, 4d
Blue Tit, 4d
European Robin, 4d
Blackbird, 4d

Presentation Pack - British Birds, Pack 12

England's World Cup Victory​

August 18 1966
Commemorative

Cup Winners, 4d

British Technology​

September 19 1966
Commemorative

Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope, 4d
British Motor-cars, 6d
SR N6 Hovercraft, 1s3d
Windscale Reactor, 1s6d

Presentation Pack - British Technology, Pack 13

900th Anniversary of Battle of Hastings​

October 14 1966
Commemorative

Battle of Hastings, 4d X6 (strip)
Norman Ship, 6d
Norman Horsemen attacking Harold's Troops, 1s3d

10 days before my 5th Birthday!..........​

Christmas 1966​

December 1 1966
Commemorative

King of the Orient, 3d
Snowman, 1s6d

1966 Meanwhile In Ireland..............My Nan was selling these stamps to her customers.

50th Anniversary of Easter Rising
12 April 1966
Commemorative

3d. James Connolly 3d, Thomas J. Clarke
5d. P. H. Pearse 5d. “Marching to Freedom”
7d. Eamonn Ceannt 7d, Sean MacDiarmada
1s.5d. Thomas MacDonagh 1s.5d. Joseph Plunkett.

50th Death Anniversary of Roger Casement (patriot)
3 August 1966
Commemorative

Roger Casement
5d, black
1s. red-brown

Europa
26 September 1966
Commemorative

Europa “Ship”
7d. emerald and orange
1s.5d. emerald and light grey

750th Anniversary of Ballintubber Abbey
8 November 1966
Commemorative

Interior of Abbey (from lithograph)
5d. red-brown
1s. black