Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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May 22 2025
Commemorative

Mr Beaver leads the children to his house​

1st

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22nd May, 2025

Railway line closed after train and tractor crash in Herefordshire​

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First picture of train crash at Orleton, Herefordshire


Transport for Wales is assisting the emergency services after a train hit a vehicle near Leominster.

Train services cannot run, which means that services between Cardiff Central and Manchester Piccadilly / Holyhead are cancelled or severely delayed.

Police were called to a level crossing north of Leominster at around 10:40 am.

It is expected that the line will be open by 7 pm, but the disruption will last until the end of the day.

A Transport for Wales spokesperson said that ’emergency services are currently dealing with a serious incident in the Leominster area’ and for safety reasons, the line is closed.

Six people are currently thought to be injured but police say that the injuries are not thought to be serious.

The British Transport Police said:

“British Transport Police were called to a level crossing north of Leominster, Herefordshire, at 10.40am today (22 May) following reports that a train had struck a tractor and trailer.

Officers are in attendance, alongside officers from West Mercia Police, paramedics and fire service.

Currently six individuals are being assessed by paramedics with injuries that are not thought to be serious.

Enquiries are ongoing into the full circumstances leading up to the incident.”
 
Thursday 22 May 2025

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Joint Network Rail (Wales and Borders) and TfW statement: Re Leominster collision​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

The 08:30 Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central service has hit a trailer at a farm crossing between Ludlow and Leominster, and this will cause disruption along the Marches line for the remainder of the day.

Our immediate priority was the safety of our customers and colleagues. All passengers have been successfully moved from the site.

Disruption is expected until the end of the day and we're advising everyone to check before they travel at journeycheck.com/tfwrail/

Ticket acceptance is in place with Northern, Avanti, GWR, Cross Country, West Midlands Railway, and on the X24, X3, 21 and 23 provided by Stagecoach.

However, owing to a separate and unrelated incident, road transport will not call at Craven Arms or Church Stretton.
 
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The Chronicles of Narnia​

May 22 2025
Commemorative

The Minisheet features 4 x 1st Class Stamps with original illustrations by Pauline Baynes:
Mr Beaver leads the children to his house; The children and the beavers call for Edmund; The White Witch takes Edmund captive; The battle between Aslan and the White Witch.

Miniature Sheet First Day Cover​


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23rd May, 2025

North Wales to see Metro-Like train service as part of new plan​

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A Class 756 electric tri-mode train on the South Wales Metro


A new plan to deliver a new public transport network across North Wales has been unveiled.

A multibillion-pound project to introduce Network North Wales has been launched and will see metro-like services.

These services will run on the North Wales mainline, the Marches line (Chester to Wrexham) and will see a new direct link between Wrexham and Liverpool.

This project will allow people to connect with people, jobs and leisure activities, all boosting the economy.

The plan was unveiled earlier today by the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates.

He announced it at Wales’ first Public Transport Summit in Wrexham, where he declared “Metro is go”.

People will see more frequent trains with increased rail connections and bus routes.

More trains and buses will be electrified, and more stations will be renewed and made more accessible.

They will also make ticketing systems easier to use and introduce pay-as-you-go.

Changes are already planned for the next 12 months, with further plans made three years ahead, and plans heading into 2035.

To begin the delivery of this project as soon as possible, the Welsh Government has already invested £13 million.



“We now have the best possible partnership in place to deliver Network North Wales.

UK Government, local government, Transport for Wales and English local authorities are working with us to deliver this bold programme of work to better connect communities, with more rail and bus services and greater integration, new stations, new transport routes, new trains, new buses, new technology.

A network of public transport services that will include cross-border turn-up and go bus and rail services, extending the Northern Arc from Hull to Holyhead.

With unprecedented partnership across governments, across borders and across the north, we have the opportunity to turn dreams into reality, to deliver on an enduring vision for what our a public transport network should look like.

Most importantly, we have an opportunity to deliver the principal purpose of public transport – to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.

We have already delivered significantly for South Wales with the South Wales Metro. Building on the £800m investment in new trains, the majority of which are already serving the North Wales region, now is the right time for North Wales to get the same level of ambition.

More services. More new trains. A better railway for North Wales.

And delivery at an unprecedented pace.

This is a long term vision, which begins now with real changes. Including the roll out of Pay as You Go, – the tap on tap off deployment most of us only experience in London. Improved stations, increased services and an additional integrated bus service are all part of immediate changes over the next 12 months.

It contains infrastructure priorities that have been agreed by UK and Welsh Governments, and re-confirms our long-held objective to electrify lines.

This vision should outlast any single Minister, Government or economic and political circumstances. Working together, we’ll deliver our ambitious plans that take us to 2035 and beyond.”

Ken Skates
 
23rd May, 2025

Vale of Rheidol Railway given approval to operate Brecon Mountain Railway services​

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Loco No.2 on the Brecon Mountain Railway


In 2023, the Vale of Rheidol Railway announced its negotiations to acquire the Brecon Mountain Railway (BMR).

Following the negotiations, the Vale of Rheidol Railway submitted a Transport and Works Act Order on the 20th January 2025.

This submission has now been approved by the Welsh Ministers on the 19th May.

The successful application allows the Vale of Rheidol Railway the authority to operate the BMR.

This is subject to the completion of the sale of the BMR to the Railway.
 
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Brecon Mountain Railway diesels


This acquisition was set in motion to ensure the BMR’s long-term future.

The merger was designed to secure the legacy of Tony Hills and Peter Rampton, who were business partners and built the BMR.

By sharing resources, they will see increased financial benefits and make the two railways more efficient.

Additionally, due to the expanding operations, there will be new job openings, and they will be able to enhance visitor experiences across both railways.

The two railways will continue as separate entities but will work in unison.
 
23rd May, 2025

Arrest made after Herefordshire rail crash​

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The British Transport Police say that an arrest has been made following a collision between a train and a tractor/trailer yesterday.

The incident happened at a level crossing north of Leominster, Herefordshire, around 10:40 am yesterday.

West Mercia Police, the British Transport Police, paramedics, and the fire service all attended, and two people were treated for injuries that were considered not to be serious.

Crash info: https://forum.thenorthpacific.org/topic/9195683/post-10725208

Since the incident, a 32-year-old man from Bromyard has been arrested on suspicion of endangering safety on the railway.

Police say enquiries are ongoing.
 
23rd May, 2025

Two more steam locomotives are off to The Greatest Gathering​

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Two more steam locomotives are off to The Greatest Gathering in Derby.

First up is Midland Railway No. 1000, visiting courtesy of the National Railway Museum. The team at The Greatest Gathering say that the locomotive has already arrived in Derby!

Next up is the world’s first steam locomotive to run on a public railway, Locomotion No. 1, which is also visiting courtesy of the National Railway Museum.

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
  • GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • GWR King No. 6023 King Edward II – courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
  • LMS No. 46203 ‘Princess Margaret Rose’ – courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
  • BR Standard 5MT No. 73129 – courtesy of The Midland Railway – Butterley
  • BR 9F No. 92214 – courtesy of the Great Central Railway
  • Locomotive No. 1 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
  • Midland Railway No. 1000 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teesside 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
  • Class 20 No. 20007 – courtesy of Michael Owen
  • Class 20 No. 20205 – courtesy of Michael Owen
  • Class 70 No. 70008 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 42 No. D821 – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
  • Class 47 No. 47715 – courtesy of Rail Engineering Solutions
  • Class 67 No. 67005 ‘Kings Messenger’ – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
  • Class 66 No. 66004 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 44 No. 44004 ‘Great Gable’ – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Company Ltd
  • Class 66 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 37 – courtesy of West Coast Railways
  • Class 23 No. D5910 – courtesy of The Baby Deltic Project
  • Class 142 No. 142013 – courtesy of Midland Railway – Butterley
  • Class 40 No. D213 – courtesy of Shaun Wright / Andania Engineering
  • Class 43 HST Powercars x2 – courtesy of RailAdventure
  • Class 37 No. D6700 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum, Great Central Railway and Heavy Tractor Group
  • Class 50 No. 50035 Ark Royal – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 47 No. 47593 Galloway Princess – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 45 No. 45118 The Royal Artilleryman – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
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
  • Class 350 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
  • Class 92 No. 92011 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 323 No. 323221 – courtesy of Porterbrook
  • Class 90 No. 90040 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 85 No. 85006 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
  • Class 83 No. 83012 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
  • Class 730 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
  • Class 87 No. 87002 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 86 No. 86101 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
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
  • LMS Saloon No. 45029 – courtesy of Transport for London
  • 4 car 4TC set – courtesy of Transport for London
Other / Non-Rail Based Exhibits
  • G-NLSE, a Aerospatiale AS355F2 Ecureuil II – courtesy of Network Rail
 
23rd May, 2025

Staff from West Midlands Railway Excited for Birmingham Pride​

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West Midlands Railway Pride


Ahead of this weekend’s Pride event in Birmingham, West Midlands, Railway Staff have spoken about what Pride means to them.

The train operator will have its biggest presence yet at Birmingham Pride, and will be acting as a sponsor.

During the event, there will be over 25 staff members taking part in the parade.

Pride starts on Friday, 23rd May, with the annual Pride Parade leaving Centenary Square on Saturday, 24th May at 12 pm.

Below are what some of the employees had to say:


“I’m really pleased to be heading up the parade march for London Northwestern and West Midlands Railways along with colleagues across our business. We are marching to show that as a company we strive to be inclusive and be active allies. With our other inclusion groups, we are committed to making our company welcoming, inclusive and diverse, just like the communities we serve every day.

“We want to stand with the whole community to say that everyone is loved, and love comes in all shapes and sizes. As this year’s theme says, love has no limits.”

Ryan Mason, Aspect LGBTQ+ Inclusion Group lead at West Midlands Railway


“For me, Pride is about celebrating the unique and beautiful family I have and embracing my identity and the identity of my family. It is important for my wife and I to be proud of who we are, and to teach our child to be proud too. I want to be part of building a supportive community and provide strength for others to be able to live and work without fear and judgement.”

Hannah Cotton-Diederich, accessibility strategy and projects manager at West Midlands Railway


“For me, the idea of Pride isn’t just members of the LGBTQIA+ community being okay and proud of their own identity – it’s the coming together as a collective community to support each other.”

James Rogers, social media manager at West Midlands Railways
 
23rd May, 2025

Class 91 locomotive named as part of 225 Day​

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Swallow nameplate being prepared in Neville Hill Depot


LNER had decided to celebrate their InterCity 225 fleet and almost 40 years of powering along the East Coast Main Line with a 225 Day.

Across the years, the reliable fleet has carried generations of customers, clocking up millions of miles.

They have previously worked alongside InterCity 125 High Speed Train and have transported people all over to events, gatherings and holidays.

For 225 Day, LNER had named one of its Class 91 locomotives, 91106, ‘Swallow’.

This special name is a nod to Intercity who used a swallow to represent their message.
 
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LNER InterCity 225


The celebrations took place on the 22nd of May, where a service left Leeds at 12:45 and headed to London King’s Cross.

Special guests were invited from across the railway industry, where they could enjoy an onboard museum created by Tim Dunn.

Those invited included Paul Varley, who is an LNER Onboard Customer Experience Host from Leeds.

He joined LNER in 1979, making him one of the longest-serving members of the LNER.

He has also worked onboard the 225s since their introduction.


“These trains are so special to me, I feel like I was born on them. Together, we have shared a lifetime, and I have so many memories from being onboard them. One of my fondest recollections was regularly welcoming Sir Fred Trueman who used to travel all the time with us in our restaurant cars.

“I was here when these trains were introduced, and it was great being trained up on them. We knew they were brilliant trains from the moment they were brought in. They are magnificent. A pleasure to
work on.”

Speaking of his memories, Paul Varley
 

The Chronicles of Narnia​

May 22 2025
Commemorative

The collector sheet features the 10 stamps from the stamp set by by Keith Robinson with matched labels featuring original illustrations by Pauline Baynes.
Note: As is standard, the Collector Sheet is printed on Self-adhesive paper. This is different from the set of stamps.

Collector Sheet​

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23rd May, 2025

North Norfolk Railway Releases Early Bird Tickets​

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Locomotive 13809 steams through Kelling Cutting hauling the line’s set of 1920s LNER coaches


Early Bird tickets have been released by North Norfolk Railway for some of its upcoming events.

There will be returning favourites and dining trains with new additions, such as their ‘Golden Years’ event, which will celebrate their 50th anniversary.

‘The Golden Years’ event will run over the weekend of 26th and 27th July and will see live music, classic vehicles and an intensive timetable of diesel and steam-hauled trains.

The event will recreate different eras, and those who book before the 30th June can receive 20% off tickets.
 
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War Department locomotive 90775 hauls a goods train into Holt Station


Across some of their summer events, such as the Festival on Rails (23rd to 28th August) and their Summer Steam Gala (29th to 31st August), visitors can get an Early Bird ticket, getting them 20% off the standard price if they book before 31st July.

Other events, such as their returning Steam Back to the Forties event (20th to 21st September), visitors can take a magnificent trip back, and for those who book before July 31st, they can enjoy a 25% discount.
 
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