Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Friday 22 Aug 2025

Residents invited to learn more about updated plans for local level crossings in Pensarn and Prestatyn​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Prestatyn Illustration


Network Rail is inviting residents of Pensarn and Prestatyn to attend local engagement sessions to learn more about our updated plans to make a significant investment to increase the number of trains on the North Wales Coast.

The events will be held on:

• Wednesday 3 September, 3.30pm–6.30pm at The Peacock Lounge, Ty Gwyn Holiday Park, Pensarn
• Thursday 4 September, 3.30pm–6.30pm at Ty Caradoc Community Centre, Prestatyn

Network Rail is working in partnership with Transport for Wales on their Network North Wales project to increase passenger services along the North Wales Coast by 50% as part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in new train fleet.

Crossings at Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf in Pensarn, as well as Sandy Lane and Beverley Drive in Prestatyn, have been identified among the highest-risk on the Wales and Borders network.

While the level crossings are currently within national limits for safe use, the planned train service increase would pose too much of an additional safety risk to anyone attempting to cross the lines where trains travel up to 90mph.

In Pensarn alone, current usage at the level crossings mentioned has seen six near-misses, 14 incidents of misuse, and two fatalities recorded in recent years.

The proposed solution to address the increased risk at these level crossings was announced earlier this year, when Network Rail shared initial designs to close these crossings and replace them with active travel compliant, accessible, ramped footbridges.

Following local community feedback, Network Rail has now developed revised designs that reduce the visual impact of the bridges and improve accessibility, including positioning the Prestatyn bridge closer to the existing road bridge near the station.

Robyn MacNamara, senior programme development manager for Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: “As train services continue to grow, North Wales communities benefit from better connectivity, though we also recognise the increased safety challenges at level crossings. To address these together, we’re proposing closing the crossings permanently.

“We truly value the feedback we’ve received from residents, and it has shaped our updated plans in important ways. Our aim is to make these improvements as considerate as possible for neighbours and the wider community. We encourage everyone to share their thoughts online or come along to our drop-in sessions to learn more.”

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales planning and performance director, added: "We fully support these necessary safety upgrades, which are essential for us to be able to safely increase the number of train services on the line. This investment will provide better connectivity and more travel options for communities along the North Wales Coast."

More information can be found on the specific webpages included below or by contacting us via our 24-hour helpline on 03457 11 41 41, on our website or by emailing CRWales@networkrail.co.uk

• Prestatyn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/prestatyn-level-crossings/
• Pensarn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/pensarn-level-crossings/

Friday 22 Aug 2025

Two weeks to go: Weekend rail engineering works in South Wales and the Marches​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


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.

22nd August, 2025

Jinty set for Severn Valley Railway gala​

LMS Jinty 47298


The Severn Valley Railway has announced another guest for their Autumn Steam Gala.

Joining their already exciting line-up will be LMS Jinty 47298 for the four-day event running between 18th and 21st September.

This locomotive will be making its return to the SVR, appearing alongside, BR Standard Class 5 73082 ‘Camelot’, Merchant Navy 35006 ‘Peninsular and Oriental S N & Co’, and NCB No 49.

These four locomotives will join SVR’s home fleet including 7802 ‘Bradley Manor’, 4930 ‘Hagley Hall’, 75069 and 1450 operating as an Autotrain.

LMS Jinty 47298


Following its recent overhaul, GWR Port Talbot Tank 813 will be making its return, in a temporary NCB livery as No 11. 813 can be seen without its brass safety valve bonnet and cab side numbers, ahead of it being repainted in its GWR livery.

Additionally for the railways 60th anniversary, they will mount an overnight running operation on the Friday and Saturday night, putting the line in operation for a continuous 60 hours.

Further information on the Gala and advance discounted tickets can be found on Severn Valley Railway’s website.


“It’s a pleasure to announce that 47298 will be appearing at our event, particularly as it will be the first Jinty that’s run on the line since 2012. We’re extremely grateful to the East Lancashire Railway for allowing it to appear.

“For the SVR’s 60th anniversary year, we want to make sure our Autumn Steam Gala is very much one not to be missed, and part of that is putting together a guest list of locos that have never been to us before.”

Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director

23rd August, 2025

Alstom Signs Eight Year Contract With Great Western Railway​

Class 175


A Technical Support and Spares Supply Agreement (TSSSA) has been signed by Alstom and Great Western Railway.

The agreement will assist with the introduction of 26 Class 175s into service.

The £75 million agreement will run for 8 years, with Alstom delivering maintenance support from GWR’s Laira depot in Plymouth.

The first Class 175s are expected to enter passenger service later this year, operating on key routes such as those between Exeter St Davids, Penzance, Barnstaple and Okehampton.

The locomotives were built by Alstom between 1999 and 2001 and ran on Transport for Wales routes until last year.

A lease was signed by GWR for the fleet in March this year.

The 175s will boost GWR’s fleet and allow for some of their oldest locomotives to be removed from service.

This will also boost their efforts towards decarbonisation.


“We are delighted to be partnering with Great Western Railway and Angel Trains to bring the Class 175 fleet back into service. With our extensive expertise as the original manufacturer and long-standing maintainer of these trains, we are well placed to ensure their smooth reintroduction and continued reliability,”

Peter Broadley, Business Development Director at Alstom.

23rd August, 2025

Celebrations Held To Commemorate Horton Quarry Rail Link​

66791 'Settle & Carlisle 150'


To celebrate the reopening of Horton Quarry’s rail link and to mark the 150th anniversary of rail freight on the Settle-Carlisle line, Heidelberg Materials UK hosted an event yesterday.

Since 1889, the Yorkshire quarry has produced gritstone and limestone, with its rail siding having been removed in 1965.

A new terminal has now been constructed, which will allow movement in and out of the quarry, specifically to construction sites across the north west.

They worked with GB Railfreight and the Settle and Carlisle Railway Trust to organise the event, which brought together industry representatives, customers and other parties.

Attendees got to see the new rail link and witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative GBRf-Heidelberg Materials liveried locomotive, which has been named Settle & Carlisle 150.


“The first freight train ran on the Settle-Carlisle line in August 1875, and the reopening
of our rail link at Horton quarry is a perfect way to mark this anniversary,”

“The investment is part of our strategy to improve our network of rail connected
quarries and depots and to help deliver our sustainability commitments.

“Each rail movement allows us to supply around 1,650 tonnes of high-quality
aggregate across the north west of England, reducing vehicle journeys on the wider
road network and cutting associated CO₂ emissions.”

Becky Murphy, Aggregates Regional Director at Heidelberg Materials UK.

66791, Eastleigh, August 20th 2025 - following a repaint into a customer livery in preparation for its naming the following day at Horton-In-Ribblesdale on the Settle to Carlisle line.