Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Definitive Symbols 1966-67
1 December 1966

3d, blue - Celtic Cross
5d. bright violet - Sword of Light

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17th May, 2025

New Satellite Tech to Help Keep Train Passengers Connected to WiFi​

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A ScotRail train travelling between Crianlarich and Oban


ScotRail passengers across the network will be able to benefit from new satellite technology, helping them stay connected to WiFi.

Trains in the Scottish Highlands will see the implementation of ScotRail’s partnership with Clarus Networks, which will allow rural trains to connect to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network.

For a six-month trial, six class 158s have been fitted with the technology and will run services from Inverness to Wick, Kyle of Lochalsh, Aberdeen and Thurso.

Connectivity has been a challenge in this region; however, thanks to the partnership with Clarus Networks and the support of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scottish Futures Trust, and Scottish Government, this issue could be remedied.

Customers will be able to benefit from improved WiFi, with WiFi calling capabilities, live CCTV access, GPS tracking of trains and improved journey information.

Trains with this upgrade will feature on-train stickers and signage, and should they be successful, further trains in rural areas could be fitted with the technology.


“This technology is set to be a boost for Highland commuters and visitors, improving access to digital services – a central theme at today’s Convention of the Highlands and Islands.

“It will enable passengers to access services and apps that will make their journeys more enjoyable and more productive.

“As set out in last week’s Programme for Government, the Scottish Government places great emphasis on digital connectivity. It supports Scotland‘s economic resilience and helps everyone, regardless of location, to access improved public services and opportunities.”

Richard Lochhead MSP, Business Minister
 
19th May, 2025

Visiting locomotives announced for East Lancashire Railway gala​

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31108


The East Lancashire Railway has announced its completed lineup for the upcoming Summer Diesel Gala on the 3rd to 6th July 2025.

The East Lancs home fleet of heritage diesels will be running on the 12.5-mile heritage line alongside four visiting locomotives.

Electro-Motive 57002 ‘Winston Churchill’ and 37716 will be debuting on the heritage line.

Two ‘English Electric’ locomotives, 50008 ‘Thunderer’ and 31108, are also returning to the railway.
 
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50008 Thunderer


Along with the heritage locomotives, there will be diesel brake van rides on the 3rd and 4th of July, which will start at Bury and travel as far as Ramsbottom.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the special travel experience as part of a freight train formation and travel through both tunnels.

There are also catering add-ons for Advance Day Rover ticket holders, which have breakfast options which vary daily, as well as the ‘Irwell Fryer’ Fish and Chip train, hauled by 31108 on the 4th July.

Advance booking for these features is essential.

Terms and conditions of tickets and what you can access can be found online, with discounted advance purchase tickets available on their website.

In the next few weeks, timetables with allocations will be published and can be found online.


“The Summer Diesel Gala has always been one of the premier events in the annual enthusiast calendar and this year we are upping our game and encouraging families to come along and enjoy the atmosphere of this all-star Diesel line-up. The 2025 event is shaping up to be our best ever, with a full 4 days of running. We want to acknowledge our appreciation to LSL, Swietelsky Rail (Grindley HNRC), A1A Locomotives, and Hanson & Hall for their assistance and generosity in making their locomotives available to the many people that are planning to visit the East Lancs Railway on Thursday 3rd, to Sunday 6th July.”

Mike Kelly, ELR Chairman
 
19th May, 2025

Phase one of the Southeastern High Speed Upgrade is Complete​

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New exterior livery on class 395


Work on phase one of the refurbishment of Southeastern‘s Class 395 ‘Javelins’ has now been completed.

The last of the 29-strong class, No. 395017, re-entered passenger service this morning (Monday, May 19).

The class 395s entered service on HS1 and lines across Kent on 14th December 2009. The trains, now 16 years old, have been given a mid-life refresh and are now fully fitted, with USB charging points accessible from all seats, refitting of carpets, new seats and upholstery, energy-saving LED lighting and a new interior and exterior livery.
 
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Upgraded interior of class 395


All the work was carried out at Ashford Train Maintenance Centre in Kent, and phase two of the upgrades to these trains is already underway at the same facility.

Together with the first phase, the cost of giving the full fleet of class 395 a refurbishment, which includes 174 coaches, cost £27m, and has been delivered by Hitachi Rail and Eversholt Rail.
 
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Phase two will see the introduction of a new remote CCTV system, which will offer drivers better visibility from their seat in the cab when arriving and departing from stations.

The CCTV system can also check the conditions of the rails during travel to highlight any areas that may need addressing and maintenance in the future.

New Passenger Service Information screens will also be fitted to provide live travel information and updates to services.

While the CCTV system onboard the train can be accessed remotely, offering improved safety for passengers.

This is not only the refurbishment programme currently being carried out by Southeastern.

Their 36-strong class 376 Electrostars are also getting a midlife refresh, both interior and exterior, including a full repaint into Southeastern blue.

The 30-strong class 707 City Beams are also having fully accessible toilets fitted due to public demand.


“We are committed to delivering better journeys for our customers, and the refurbishment of our flagship high-speed fleet is a vital part of our programme.

I’m really pleased that we have successfully completed the first interior refresh phase of this project but there is still more to come.

We’re adding a new passenger information system in all 174 carriages, which will give the most up-to-date travel advice for their journeys, as well as enhanced CCTV for customer safety and comfort.

To complement all the great work on the inside of the trains we’re also wrapping the exterior in a sleek, newly designed livery. Look out for them across our network over the coming months.”

Southeastern’s Engineering and Major Programmes Director, Mark Johnson
 
19th May, 2025

Summer tours announced for steam locomotive 60163 Tornado​

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60163 Tornado at Hellifield on its test run


The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust has announced upcoming tours for 60163 Tornado.

The A1 has recently returned to mainline service and will be operated by West Coast Railways for these tours.

A variety of destinations are available for Tornado on the tours, which will be promoted by Railway Touring Company.

The tours that the A1 will operate are:
  • The Royal Duchy (Bristol Temple Meads – Par) on the 25th May 2025
  • The Jolly Fisherman (London Kings Cross – Skegness) on the 14th June 2025
  • The White Rose (London Kings Cross – York) on the 12th July 2025
  • The Royal Duchy (Bristol Temple Meads – Par) on the 27th July 2025
  • The Waverley (York – Carlisle) on the 3rd August 2025
  • The Atlantic Coast Express (London Waterloo – Exeter St Davids) on the 16th August 2025
  • The Royal Duchy (Bristol Temple Meads – Par) on the 31st August 2025
 
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20th May, 2025

Update on steam locomotive No. 4709​

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GWR Swindon original drawing of spring for 47XX main driving axle


The 4709 Group has released an update on work taking place at Tyseley.

Recently, work has gone from single steps to solid progress being made.

Work has focused on getting 4709 wheeled as soon as possible.

Work orders have now been issued for: compensating beam machining, brake hanger bracket refurbishment and preparation to fit spring hanger brackets.

The group has also issued work orders for the manufacturing of eight springs, a complete smokebox and an equalising beam bracket.

Each of these jobs will move 4709’s pony truck and front end towards completion.

With delivery times varying on these products, work will now start on mounting the horn guides for the four driving axles.

A considerable amount of measuring and aligning is needed when mounting the horn guides but when finished later this year, the group hope to see 4709 mounted on its wheels for the first time.
 
20th May, 2025

Class 57 and Pendolino to operate special railtour​

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57307 at Alstom


The Branch Line Society have created a special trip ahead of ‘The Greatest Gathering‘ event.

Thanks to the support from DRS, Alstom and Avanti West Coast, they are able to take a rare trip.

Ticket holders will be able to travel on a Class 57 hauled Class 390, which will not be just any West Coast Main Line drag.

The train will connect to the Works, where passengers can alight for the gathering.

Subject to availability, the formation will include 57307 hauling 390119. The train will run on the 31st of July and will be a key part of the Railway 200 story.
 
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57307 at Alstom


There will be a buffet car serving light refreshments, a raffle, and passengers will receive a souvenir ticket and brochure.

The ‘Thunderbirds are go’ Creighton-Ward Explorer train will see Thunderbird 1 (First Class) in a limited capacity, so early booking is essential.

Thunderbird 2 (Standard Class) is plentiful and can still be booked.

The train sets off from Crewe around 14:50 and will arrive at the Works in the evening at 17:15 (subject to change).

Tickets purchased will allow you to connect to Derby Litchurch Lane Works, with early bird access to the Alstom site before the main event opens to the public on the following day.

This allows for a guided access tour, where passengers will be able to take photos with fewer people around.

Ticket holders will also be able to ride on the Works’ 1.6km long test track.

Tickets are available for booking now, and further information can be found online.
 
20th May, 2025

Class 33 and 37 locomotives to visit the North Yorkshire Moors Railway​

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37688


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced that a Class 33 and 37 locomotive will be visiting them for their Annual Diesel Gala.

The gala will be held on the 12-15th June 2025 and will provide an intensive timetable for visitors to enjoy.

BR Class 33 No. 33202 Dennis G Robinson and Class 37 No. 37688 will be visiting for the gala.

The locomotives, visiting thanks to the Mid Norfolk Railway and D05 Preservation Ltd / Locomotive Services Ltd respectively.

These will join Class 55 No. 55009 Alycidon and Class 50 No. 50021 Rodney as well as the home fleet of Class 37 No. 37264, Class 47 No. 47077 North Star, Class 31 No. 31128 Charybdis.

For more information and to book tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk/dieselgala.
 
21st May, 2025

Uber and Gemini Trains announce plans for Channel Tunnel train services​

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Uber has announced plans for a cross-channel train service through a new co-branding partnership with Gemini Trains.

Gemini Trains will be responsible for operating the trains, whilst Uber will co-brand the service with passengers able to book tickets through the Uber app.

The train service will run between London, Paris and Brussels via the Channel Tunnel.

It is expected that the service will run with 10 newly designed trains.


“We’ve seen amazing momentum since we began launching new modes of transport in the UK, and this collaboration with Gemini Trains is our latest step in how we’re helping people get where they want to go. We’re excited about the opportunity to bring our brand to the iconic Channel Tunnel journey.”

Andrew Brem, General Manager, Uber UK


“Innovation and value are at the very heart of what we do so it’s really exciting to be teaming up with Uber, an instantly recognisable global brand which has revolutionised the travel industry. Now passengers will be able to enjoy the same value and comfort on brand new ‘cutting edge’ trains at the touch of a button”.

Adrian Quine, CEO, Gemini
 
21st May, 2025

RES-liveried Class 47 to star at Wensleydale Railway gala​

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Home Fleet Diesel Gala locos


This coming weekend, the spring bank holiday, the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire will hold a three-day Home Fleet Diesel Gala from Saturday, 24th to Monday, 26th May.

To be held at Leeming Bar Station, three locomotives from the railway’s home fleet will operate a special timetable between Leeming Bar and Scruton, and to Bedale, Finghall Lane, and Leyburn.

Plans are for services to be operated by Class 47 No. 47714, Class 37 No. 37250, and Class 33 No. 33035.

This will be the first time that 47714 will have hauled passenger services since it was repainted with its new livery.

After arriving at the Wensleydale Railway in November last year, work started on repairing the bodywork, followed by repainting earlier this year into a new red ‘Rail Express Systems’ (RES) livery.

The official unveiling of 47714 at the railway’s annual model railway show, held on 10th and 11th May.

The Rail Express System was launched by British Rail in 1991, principally for transporting mail and parcels, including the travelling post office trains, and also for operating the Royal Train and charter train operations, which were previously the responsibility of InterCity.

The static buffet car coach at Leeming Bar will be serving hot and cold drinks, snacks and sandwiches, and souvenirs, whilst refreshments will also be available at Bedale Station and in the tearoom at Leyburn Station where, as well as hot and cold drinks, snacks, and confectionery, volunteer Mandy will have her world-famous cakes on sale.

The station gift shop will also be open, selling a wide selection of railway books, memorabilia, and gifts.


“we revealed the new livery of our class 47 diesel locomotive to visitors at our recent model railway show. The RES livery choice has proven very popular with railway enthusiasts and our home fleet diesel gala will be the first time that they can see this classic diesel locomotive operating on our railway and take a trip being it. Come and join us for 3 days of diesel action behind 3 classic heritage diesel locos!”

Nick Keegan, Wensleydale Railway Marketing and Fundraising Manager
 
21st May, 2025

Salt and Pepper Shaker tour to visit Goole​

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Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Unit


On Saturday, 19th July, there will be the chance to travel in a Hastings six-coach Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMU) on the Branch Line Society‘s “The Salt and Pepper Shaker” rail tour from Hastings to Goole.

Departing from Hastings at 06.10, the tour will pick up at Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, Bromley South, Willesden Junction High Level and Peterborough on its way to Goole in East Yorkshire, where it will go on to explore the rare track of Goole Guardian Glass, Selby Potter Group, and Brayton Sidings.

Other unusual track will also be covered to and from Goole, such as Goole Up and Down Goods Loops.

There will also be a photo stop at Rawcliffe, four miles west of Goole. Scheduled return time at Hastings is 22.02.

Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Units (DEMUs) incorporated diesel generators at each end, and were specially designed with narrow bodies for the challenges of operating between London and Hastings via Tunbridge Wells because of the unusually narrow tunnels on the Hastings line.

The train will have a buffet service provided by Hastings Diesels Limited, and there will be a sales stand and raffle, with proceeds going to Martin House Children’s Hospice.

More information about the tour and to book tickets is online at https://www.branchline.uk.
 
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Hastings Diesel Electric Multiple Unit


The Branch Line Society regularly donates profits from its rail tours to Martin House Children’s Hospice.

Last year, they included a rail tour from Derby to Wembley with DCRail locomotives, and two Star Wars-themed tours in May, appropriately titled the Shedi tour and May the Fourth be With You.

Martin House is a Children’s Hospice at Boston Spa near Leeds in West Yorkshire.

As well as volunteers from the Branch Line Society, it has a fundraising team made up of colleagues from DB Cargo and Network Rail, who each year give up many hours of their own time working tirelessly to raise much-needed funds for the hospice.
 
21st May, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!


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

I popped into my model railway shop and I found a item to buy.

Then we went to Debenhams and Cleo bought some more wool.

We had a couple of Chicken & Bacon baguettes at Greggs for lunch.

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

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 541, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 EYL
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