Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Friday 8 Aug 2025
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Essential weekend bridge work to affect rail services between Maesteg and Bridgend​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Coedtrehen bridge


Network Rail Wales and Borders will be carrying out major refurbishment work on Coedtrehen bridge near Maesteg Road over the August bank holiday weekend.

From 10pm on Friday 22 August until 5pm on Monday 25 August, our teams will be working around the clock to complete improvements to the bridge, including strengthening, painting, and resurfacing.

As a result, buses will replace trains between Bridgend and Maesteg on Saturday 23 August and Sunday 24 August.

Passengers are advised to check their journey plans in advance at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

We are working to keep disruption to a minimum and thank passengers and railway neighbours for their patience and understanding while this essential work takes place.
 
9th August, 2025

Yorkshire railway to have an industrial theme on August bank holiday​

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Wensleydale Railway's Industrial Diesel Weekend event


On August bank holiday, the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire is holding an Industrial Diesel Weekend event.

A special timetable will be in operation on Saturday, 30th and Sunday, 31st August, when passenger and demonstration freight trains will run between Leeming Bar and Scruton, and passenger trains will run between Leeming Bar and Leyburn.

Locomotives planned to be running over the weekend are:
  • Class 03 No. 03144, formerly in service with the Ministry of Defence.
  • Class 14 No. D9523, formerly in use at British Steel in Corby.
  • Class 14 No. D9513, ex-National Coal Board at Ashington in Northumberland.
  • Tyne & Wear works locomotive No. WL4, which also worked on the Channel Tunnel.
Also in operation will be the railway’s popular Class 37 locomotive No. 37250, hauling passenger services.

The weekend will feature double-headed Class 14 locomotives, brake van rides from Leeming Bar to Scruton (for over 16’s only and costing £5), and shunting at Leeming Bar to witness locomotive changes.

At Leeming Bar and Scruton, the railway’s award-winning restored station museums will be open, where visitors can step back in time.

Costumed living history interpreters will give free guided tours and explain rural railway life in the early 1900s.

Visitors should arrive at Leeming Bar station 30 minutes before their planned train departure time to allow sufficient time to visit the restored station house building, which was part-funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Refreshments with hot and cold drinks, snacks, and sandwiches, and a selection of souvenirs will be on sale in the static buffet car coach at Leeming Bar, whilst on sale in Leyburn Station’s tearoom, hot and cold drinks, snacks and confectionery, and volunteer Mandy’s ‘world-famous’ cakes.

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

The Industrial Diesel Weekend event will run each day from 9 am to 5.30 pm,

Tickets can be purchased in advance on the railway’s website or at station ticket offices on the day.


“This is the second time that we have held an industrial-themed diesel locomotive event and had our fleet of diesel shunters operating at the same time. Last year’s event was very popular with visitors and rail enthusiasts, and we anticipate similar interest this year. We always enjoy the opportunity to showcase our collection of preserved heritage diesel locomotives, lovingly restored stations, and stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery to visitors.”

Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway
 
10th August, 2025

Final journey for PCA rail wagons to Fort William as preservation looms​

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GBRf 66733 and PCA Wagons near Shotts, North Lanarkshire, Scotland


GB Railfreight has revealed that it hauled the last PCA rail wagon from Port of Blyth to ALVANCE British Aluminium’s Fort William.

PCA rail wagons are pressure-discharge wagons, which feature a distinctive inverted ‘V’ shape.

During their decades of use, they mainly transported dry bulk materials such as cement, alumina and various chemicals.

The wagons were originally designed in the 1970s and were built mainly by British Rail Engineering Limited (BREL).

They operated across the UK network, from the North East and Scotland to other regions.

The PCA wagons have been used on the railway for 37 years and, between them, have travelled 50 million miles, the equivalent of two thousand laps of the globe, 105 return trips to the Moon, or nearly halfway to Mars.

As they modernised their rolling stock, some operators have recently taken their fleets of PCA wagons out of service.

One of these was Tarmac UK, which retired its PCA wagons from its Oxwellmains works in Scotland.

GBRf ran its final trip with PCA wagons from Fort William on Wednesday 9 July 2025, and was hauled by its locomotive GBRf 66302.

The train made a brief stop at the Port of Tyne, and then travelled on to its destination at the Port of Sunderland.

The wagons are now being decommissioned.

ALVANCE British Aluminium has begun discussions with a historical rail organisation about the possibility of donating PCA wagons.

GBRf says that the aim of this is to preserve a small part of the UK’s industrial heritage for future generations.

Their place in railway heritage is underlined by the production of PCA wagon models.

GB Railfreight runs two trains per week for ALVANCE.


“These wagons have been part of the rhythm of life at Fort William and the Port of Blyth for almost four decades. Their retirement marks a significant moment for everyone who’s worked with them. More than anything, I want to recognise the commitment of our teams, contractors and long-standing partners who kept everything running smoothly. As we look ahead to a modernised fleet and a more sustainable supply chain, we do so with real gratitude for the people and partnerships that brought us here.”

Tom Uppington, Managing Director of ALVANCE British Aluminium
 
11th August, 2025

Work to Fit ETCS to Class 66s Begins​

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DB’s Class 66 locomotive 66070 prepares to enter the depot at Toton for its ETCS fitment


Work to fit DB Cargo Class 66s with the new European Train Control System (ETCS) has started.

The work on the 9 Class 66s is being carried out at DB Cargo’s Toton Traction Maintenance Depot.

The project is an essential step in the £1.4 million East Coast Digital Programme.

The rollout of the systems will help to see in-cab signalling implemented in place of line-side signals.
 
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DB’s Class 66 locomotive 66070 prepares to enter the depot at Toton for its ETCS fitment


The East Coast Digital Programme and DB Cargo have worked with Siemens Mobility, which has been designing and installing a Trainguard 200 Onboard unit on freight trains.


“Mobilisation work had been underway at Toton for several months to facilitate the delivery of the new contract. This has seen the installation of a new load bank, wash plant and overhead cranes, as well as new accommodation to co-locate staff from Siemens Mobility on the site.

“Having recently played a significant part in the ‘first-in-class’ fitment of ETCS on one of our own Class 66 locomotives (66039), which has recently undergone dynamic testing at Network Rail’s Rail Innovation and Development Centre, we are looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Siemens Mobility to install the new technology in further locomotives,” added Neil.

“DB Cargo UK is very proud of the industry-leading role we continue to play in the delivery of ERTMS here in the UK which will deliver a more dynamic, reliable and safer railway for all those who use it.”

“It will provide much needed capacity for freight on the East Coast Main Line and other routes and this significant investment in the Class 66 locomotive is a further advancement towards securing the long-term growth of our sector.”.

DB Cargo UK’s Chief Operating Officer and ERTMS Project Sponsor, Neil Ethell
 
11th August, 2025

Mid-Sufolk Light Railway’s Extension Opens!​

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Cutting the tape at Brockford Station sending off the first train on 1st August. L to R Ian Meigh Chairman Mid-Suffolk Light Railway , Mark Pendlington Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Tony Alston, President MSLR


The Mid Suffolk Light Railway finally officially opened its highly anticipated extension on the 1st August with a Press Launch.

Following years of planning and negotiation, the long-awaited extension was given the go-ahead in February.

The launch featured guests such as Adrian Ramsay, the MP for Waveney Valley and Lord and Lady Deben.

The guests went on a steam-hauled trip along the extension, which doubles the length of the railway.
 
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‘Sir Berkeley’ departing from what will be Aspall Halt


Volunteers of the railway are now working on building a destination station at Aspall Halt, which is planned to be open for the next season.

From now until the 31st August, those visiting the beloved railway can enjoy a ride on the full stretch of the line.

While the season is coming to an end, there are still some events taking place, such as:
  • Steam Railway and Big Bus Day – 10th August
  • Steam Railway and Ipswich Vintage Motorcycle club – 17th August
  • Model Mania – 24th and 25th August
  • Everything Goes – 31st August
Further information on the remaining events and the volunteer work taking place can be found online.
 
11th August, 2025

Europhoenix stables Class 37 at Manchester Piccadilly for Stockport blockade​

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37901 on a thunderbird mission


Europhoenix have stabled Class 37 No. 37901 at Manchester Piccadilly for the Stockport blockade to provide support to Network Rail and other operating companies.

A train crew are assigned to the locomotive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the work to assist operating companies if a loco / unit breaks down.

Europhoenix is well known for assisting companies with unit ‘drags’ or acting as thunderbirds when a unit or freight train breaks down on the mainline.

The 37 is in a heritage livery, appearing in British Rail Trainload Freight ‘Metals’ livery, and is the sole surviving Mirlees-powered Class 37.

The locomotive is on public display when not out on Thunderbird missions.
 
Monday 11 Aug 2025
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Weekend rail engineering works in South Wales and the Marches​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Newport Station


Network Rail Wales and Borders will be undertaking essential engineering works across key sections of the railway between Hereford, Newport, and Shrewsbury from Saturday 6 September to Monday 8 September, and again the following weekend (13 and 14 September).

This vital work will continue to keep the railway running safely and efficiently for passengers and freight.

The works taking place include:
  • Track and drainage upgrades at St. Julian’s (Newport) and Tram Inn (Hereford)
  • Drainage and level crossing maintenance between Cwmbran and Maindee
  • Earthworks and drainage at Little Stretton (Church Stretton to Craven Arms)
  • Points (the component that allows trains to move from one track to the other) renewal and signalling work at Panteg and Pontypool
  • Vegetation management improving
To carry out these improvement and maintenance works safely, multiple sections of the railway will be closed during the weekend. These are:
  • Newport, via Hereford, to Shrewsbury
  • Maindee to Cwmbran, Pontypool and Panteg
  • Sutton Bridge Junction (Shrewsbury) to Bromfield, Craven Arms and Church Stretton
Replacement bus services will run between Newport and Shrewsbury, serving all intermediate stations.

Passengers are advised to check before they travel at: www.nationalrail.co,uk

We thank passengers for their patience while we carry out these vital improvements to keep the railway running safely and reliably.
 
12th August, 2025

A Legacy of Innovation, Speed and Elegance – Sir Nigel Gresley Celebrations​

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150th Anniversary Sir Nigel Gresley Celebrations


Back in 1963, the life and work of Sir Nigel Gresley were honoured through the creation of the Gresley Society Trust.

They have now announced that in 2026, they will be hosting a year-long celebration which will mark 150 years since the birth of the engineer.

From designing locomotives such as the Flying Scotsman and Mallard, Gresley’s name and work continue to inspire across the railway world.

The celebration, entitled “A Legacy of Innovation, Speed and Elegance”, will be hosted in collaboration with Doncaster City Council and other railway organisations.

It will see a series of events hosted to commemorate his life and work.

An event in the form of a Symposium and Gala Dinner is planned for June 2026.

It will feature respected speakers who will explore his history and achievements.
 
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Gresley Statue


The event will be 1930s themed, with menus inspired by famous LNER locomotives such as ‘The Coronation’.

Tickets vary depending on member status, and spaces are limited.

They have made an application to the Heritage Fund to help support the celebrations, which include:
  • A plaque is to be installed at Doncaster on Gresley’s birthday
  • An exhibition
  • A short film
  • and much more!
Further information on the celebrations can be found here.

Registrations for the symposium and dinner need to have a completed RSVP by the 30th of April 2026.


“Sir Nigel Gresley’s visionary designs, from the world-famous Flying Scotsman and record-breaking Mallard through to the streamlined trains of the 1930s, transformed the railway industry and continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide. This 150th anniversary celebration is a fitting tribute to his legacy of innovation, speed and elegance, bringing together our members, partners, and the wider railway community to honour his remarkable contributions.”

Philip Benham MBE, FCILT, Chairman of The Gresley Society Trust
 
12th August, 2025

LMS10000 project buys two more English Electric power units​

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Motor delivery for LMS 1000 project


The Ivatt Diesel Recreation Society, which is recreating the iconic diesel-electric locomotive LMS 10000, has announced that it has bought two English Electric 16SV power units.

A contractor who was dismantling a military base in Lincolnshire offered the motors to the reconstruction project.

One of the motors has run for 1500 hours, and the Society had the opportunity to witness it running, which it described as doing so “very nicely”.

The second motor has not been commissioned from rebuild, and has run just 74 hours.

Because of this, the Society was able to buy it for a nominal sum.
 
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Motor being delivered to LMS 10000 project


The Society reports that the two units give it “the long-wished-for goal of having a reserve historical unit and many spare parts”.

Both of the units are now in dry storage.

It is still pursuing buying another 16SV, which is currently in a separate military base.

Earlier this year, a Dutch locomotive group, Werkgroep 1501, donated traction motors to the LMS 10000 project.

The original London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) No. 10000 was scrapped in 1968, which was before the preservation movement began to include historically important diesel locomotives.

Along with its twin loco No. 10001, No. 100000 was a forerunner of many current British mainline diesel locomotives.

The locos were designed by H. G. Ivatt, the last Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS, who worked closely with English Electric.

They were built in 1947/48 at Derby Works.

Many of their parts and concepts are still in use on the railway network today.
 
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Motor being delivered to LMS 10000 project


The Society reports that the two units give it “the long-wished-for goal of having a reserve historical unit and many spare parts”.

Both of the units are now in dry storage.

It is still pursuing buying another 16SV, which is currently in a separate military base.

Earlier this year, a Dutch locomotive group, Werkgroep 1501, donated traction motors to the LMS 10000 project.

The original London Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) No. 10000 was scrapped in 1968, which was before the preservation movement began to include historically important diesel locomotives.

Along with its twin loco No. 10001, No. 100000 was a forerunner of many current British mainline diesel locomotives.

The locos were designed by H. G. Ivatt, the last Chief Mechanical Engineer of the LMS, who worked closely with English Electric.

They were built in 1947/48 at Derby Works.

Many of their parts and concepts are still in use on the railway network today.
 
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The two motors


The Society, which exhibited its work at The Greatest Gathering held recently, is reminding supporters that it was able to afford to buy these two motors because of the donations that they make, and is thanking them for doing so.

It still needs to raise further funds to pay for future development of the project, which includes design acceptance and bodywork.

It plans to launch a new fundraising drive once the final designs for the rebuild have been approved and costed.

As the project enters its construction phase, the Society is inviting people to get involved and to donate, both of which they can do by visiting the LMS1000 website.
 
12th August, 2025

North Yorkshire Moors Railway suspends steam services due to wildfire​

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37688 Great Rocks


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has suspended steam operations until further notice, following a wildfire at Harwood Dale.

The fire at Harwood Dale is outside of the NYMR route but is still within the North York Moors National Park, so the railway has made the decision to stop steam services to reduce pressure on the fire service.

Services will still run but will now operate with a heritage diesel locomotive instead.

An NYMR Spokesperson said “We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. Our heritage diesel fleet will continue to run scheduled services.”
 
12 Aug 2025

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Scenic Heart of Wales service shows continued improvement​


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One of the most picturesque rail routes in the UK has shown consistent improvement in performance and reliability for passengers this year.

The latest figures for the Heart of Wales line, which connects Swansea with Shrewsbury via Llandrindod Wells, show that the reliability rate of services along the route stood at 97.5% between 22 June and 19 July.

During this period, 283 services were scheduled to operate and 276 services ran.

There were seven cancellations.

Punctuality of these services arriving within 3 minutes of their advertised time also increased to 81.2% up from 64% at the beginning of the year, bringing reassurance and an overall better experience to local passengers and day travellers.

Since January 2025, the reliability of trains run on this line has consistently been above 90%.

The Heart of Wales line travels through some of Wales’s most breath-taking landscapes, including rolling hills and beautiful rural villages.

The route offers not just a means of transport but an experience, attracting customers from near and far and acting as a lifeline for work, education, and leisure.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales Ken Skates said: “Delivering better transport is a priority for this government and I’m pleased to see this encouraging improvement on the Heart of Wales line.

"It’s good to see improvements in the experience of passengers and I’d like to thank all those involved in delivering this.”

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales said: “These figures are encouraging and reflect the work we and our partners at Network Rail have been doing to deliver a consistently reliable train service.

“We recognise the importance of the service to those communities along this line and that there have been times recently where our service hasn't been to the standard expected by customers.

“Whilst it’s pleasing to see performance improving and heading in the right direction, there are still improvements to be made”.

The improved figures are thanks to the hard work of our staff and Network Rail partners who maintain the track and trains with exceptional dedication.

It’s also a result of the passion of all those involved in our Local Railways and Community Rail initiatives, who work closely together to improve the railway experience across Wales.

  • Local railways is a joint initiative with industry partners Network Rail and BTP, working together to improve the overall rail experience in localised locations.
  • TfW currently collaborates in three Local Railway initiatives: West Wales, Cambrian, and North Wales.
  • Examples of recent Local Railways work include:
- Deep clean of Llandrindod station

- Successful introduction of new active travel class 153 trains

- Trial additional Sunday services during high summer

- Siting a new container on the Northbound platform at Llandrindod which allows rapid access to essential materials without requiring a block of the railway line, reducing delays and signaller workload thus increasing reliability

- Our Community Rail partnerships aim to showcase the best our Wales and Borders network has to offer through events, projects and community conversations.

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13 Aug 2025
Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a drink.

I had my usual pint of Abott's and Cleo had a double rasberry vodka crush.

I popped into my model railway shop afterwards and bought a couple of things.

Then we bought lunch from 'Greggs', a couple of baguettes and went to Cardiff Castle grounds to eat them.

Then we did a little window shopping and ended up in the 'Gatekeeper' where we had some dinner and a few drinks.

I tried a new beer called 'Gone Fishing', very nice, so I had three pints of that! Lol

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was a Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 440, Yutong E12 ⚡, CK24 AWN
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Wednesday 13th August, 2025

4917


ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

FLEET AND ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Today I bought a second-hand locomotive and wagon set and a couple of fuel tanker sets.

Hornby R2669 Train Pack with Class 08 diesel shunter and 3 wagons (Railroad Range)​


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13th August, 2025

Reliability improves on Heart of Wales Line​

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Modified Class 153


Transport for Wales has been working on its Heart of Wales line, which connects Swansea to Shrewsbury.

The picturesque route has since shown a consistent improvement in its reliability.

The reliability has increased to 97.5% between 22nd June and 19th July, which means that of the 283 services scheduled, 276 ran.

The services which ran all arrived within 3 minutes of their scheduled time.

Punctuality has therefore increased from its previous 64% at the beginning of the year to 81.2%.

Since the beginning of the year, services have remained consistent with over 90% reliability.

Not only does this make journeys more enjoyable for existing customers, but it will also encourage more people to utilise the line for leisure.
 
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“These figures are encouraging and reflect the work we and our partners at Network Rail have been doing to deliver a consistently reliable train service.

“We recognise the importance of the service to those communities along this line and that there have been times recently where our service hasn’t been to the standard expected by customers.

“Whilst it’s pleasing to see performance improving and heading in the right direction, there are still improvements to be made”.

Colin Lea, Planning and Performance Director at Transport for Wales
 
August 14 2025

Current UK Stamp Commemorative issued today

Monty Python​

The main set of six stamps celebrates the unforgettable characters and sketches from Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the iconic British comedy series that redefined television humour. Each stamp features a vibrant montage of scenes and cut-out illustrations, perfectly capturing Monty Python’s unique blend of wit, satire and absurdity.

Designed by Common Curiosity
Size 60mm (h) x 30mm (v)
Printed by Cartor Security Print
Print Process Lithography
Perforations 14.5 x 14.5
Gum PVA

Terry Gilliam as A Man with a Stoat Through his Head​

1st

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