Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Mandarin​

2nd

Call​

2nd

Aylesbury​

1st

Pintail​

1st

Silver Appleyard​

1st

Shelduck​

1st

Eider​

1st

12th September, 2025

Blue Pullman HST to pass through Scotland this Saturday​

The Blue Pullman HST will be passing through Scotland this Saturday (13th September) as it heads to Inverness.

Departing Rugby at 07:13, the HST will pass through Nuneaton (07:25), Tamworth (07:49), Lichfield Trent Valley (07:59), Stafford (08:17), Crewe (08:41), Warrington Bank Quay (09:02), Wigan North Western (09:15), Preston (09:31), Lancaster (10:23), Penrith North Lakes (11:08), Carlisle (11:57), Wishaw (13:47), Lenzie (15:01), Stirling (15:49), Perth (16:25), Pitlochry (17:07), Dalwhinnie (18:03) and Inverness at 19:43.

12th September, 2025

Former island shunter returns to the Isle of Wight​

03179 in Network Southeast livery


Next month. Class 03 0-6-0 diesel shunter No. 03179, which once worked on the Isle of Wight, will be returning to the island after eight years of painstaking restoration.

Former Island 03 class shunter 03179 has been restored at a site in Northamptonshire, and now awaits final testing and finishing touches to the livery before being ready for operational service.

An agreement has been reached for it to join the Isle of Wight Steam Railway (IWSR) for an initial ten-year period.

Built at Swindon works in 1962 as D2179, it was renumbered under TOPS as 03179 and worked on the mainland until 1987, when Class 03 locomotives started being withdrawn by British Rail.

It was then transferred to the Isle of Wight for hauling engineering trains.

While on the Isle of Wight, 03179 was repainted into Network South East’s iconic livery of red, white and blue, and continued working on the Island until 1988 when it was sold and transported back to the mainland, where it continued service with private mainline operators.

In 2016, it required a full overhaul and was finally withdrawn and disposed of, having been the last Class 03 in active service.


No. 03179 fills an important gap in the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s collection and provides a much-needed and suitable diesel locomotive to maintain operations during the hot and dry spells when there is a serious risk of disruption through not being able to operate steam locomotives.

Thanks to the railway’s friends and sponsors ‘Wightlink’, 03179 will return to the Isle of Wight during October.

Over the weekend of 29th/30th November, 03179 will appear at the Island Locos Gala and Festive Ales event in partnership with South Western Railway’s Island Line.

As well as 03179, other locomotives at the gala will include diesel shunter D2554 / 05 001 Nuclear Fred, Terrier Class 0-6-0 steam locomotive W8 Freshwater, and Adams 02 Class 0-4-4 steam locomotive W24 Calbourne.

Class 03 locomotives can also be found in service with the Swindon and Cricklade Railway and the Mid-Norfolk Railway.

16th September, 2025

County Durham heritage railway to feature on BBC programme​

Testing Locomotion No.1 on the Weardale Railway, in preparation for the 200th anniversary of the first train journey, from Darlington to Stockton


The Weardale Railway has revealed that it is to feature in Michael Portillo’s new BBC2 series 200 Years of the Railways.

The episode will be broadcast tomorrow (Tuesday 16 September 2025) at 8pm, and will be available afterwards on BBC iPlayer.

The television programme will report on Wearside Railways’ role in the S&DR200 celebrations, which mark two hundred years since the world’s first locomotive-hauled passenger railway journey, on the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

Earlier in 2025, a replica of the engine that hauled that first trip – Locomotion No.1 – visited the heritage railway.

Weardale Railway’s staff and volunteers worked with the Locomotion team to run testing and trials ahead of the locomotive’s bicentenary run.

200 Years of the Railways transmission card


Weardale Railway, which earlier this year appointed its first-ever female general manager, has participated in the bicentenary celebrations in various ways, including planting 200 bulbs at each of its stations and 200 native trees and shrubs along the route.

In May, a team of fifty volunteers cleared 200 bags of litter along the Railway’s eighteen-mile line.

Niccy Hallifax, S&DR Bicentenary Festival Director, described the Weardale Railway as “a fantastic partner in bringing the celebrations to life”, and welcomed the inclusion of the Railway in the BBC programme.

There are also other bicentennial celebrations in Bishop Auckland.

The town’s Mining Art Gallery is hosting Fuelling the Railway Revolution, an exhibition exploring the role of coal in powering the railways and the Industrial Revolution.


It features works by artists including Tom McGuinness and Norman Cornis, the latter of whom once wrote: “The railways, which are fast disappearing, are such a compelling source of pictorial art in terms of human history or any other terms for that matter.”

DMU at Frosterley station on the Weardale Railway


The Weardale Railway, which is home to the UK’s youngest train driver, is part of local regeneration charity The Auckland Project.


“It’s a real honour for Weardale Railway to be part of the BBC’s celebration of 200 years of the railways. Our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to support the bicentenary and to see the line feature on a national platform is a huge boost. This anniversary is about honouring the past, but also about inspiring future generations to discover the magic of the railways.”

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway

Tuesday 16 Sep 2025

Major signalling upgrade in South West Wales will see railway operations move to our centralised control centre in Port Talbot​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Network Rail stock photo track walkout


Phase two of the Port Talbot West resignalling project starts this month, with commissioning in November, bringing a safer, more reliable railway - with some planned rail and road closures needed to complete the work safely.

Work on phase two of the Port Talbot West resignalling project will resume later this month and continue through late October, with the commissioning of new signalling equipment planned for November.

This initiative is designed to improve the safety, reliability, and convenience of railway services for passengers and local communities.

Over the past two and a half years, there have been 59 signalling failures between Carmathen and Llanelli.

The upgraded signalling and level crossing systems, included in this programme, are intended to address these issues.

Through infrastructure improvements, safety updates, and more streamlined operations, Network Rail aims to reduce the frequency and duration of delays for both passengers and freight operators.

“This is a transformative moment for rail operations in South West Wales,” said Scott Beech, Project Manager. “By centralising control and upgrading our signalling infrastructure, we’re not only improving reliability but also laying the groundwork for a safer and more responsive railway system that better serves our communities.

"We thank passengers in advance for their patience while this vital work is carried out."

Upcoming works: Carmarthen to Pembrey​

This year’s focus includes key upgrades between Carmarthen and Pembrey, with upgrade work being completed at several level crossings in the area.

Information regarding planned closures and traffic management is as follows:

• Ferryside: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Friday 24 October to 6am on Monday 3 November. Requested access will be available during this time.
• Bertwyn (near Park Dean Holiday Park): Traffic management in place from 11pm on Friday 24 October to 6am on Monday 27 October and again from 11.30pm on Thursday 30 October to 6am on Monday 3 November.
• Sarnau: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 6am on Monday 3 November, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
• Pennybedd: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 10 November, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
• Pembrey: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 1 December, with no vehicle or pedestrian access.
• Kidwelly: Full road closure from 11:30pm on Thursday 30 October to 8am on Monday 24 November, with requested access available.

Modernising safety systems​

As part of these changes, existing signal boxes at Pembrey, Kidwelly, Carmarthen, and Ferryside will be decommissioned, and operations will move to a central hub in Port Talbot.

This approach, which has been implemented in other locations in the UK, is designed to provide quicker and more efficient management of rail traffic and address community requirements.

Safety at level crossings will be addressed by installing obstacle detectors, a system that monitors crossings and issues alerts in response to potential hazards.

Ferryside track renewal​

Network Rail will also be completing a track renewal at Ferryside, with associated level crossing closures on the following weekends:

• Saturday 27 September to Monday 29 September (Access granted over crossing)
• Saturday 4 October to Monday 6 October (Full closure to vehicles and pedestrians)
• Saturday 11 October to Monday 13 October (Full closure to vehicles and pedestrians).

During these closures, the crossing surface will be upgraded to improve safety and durability.

Passengers are urged to check before you travel at https://www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Wednesday 17 Sep 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff

We first popped into 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks.

Then we went to my model railway shop and I bought a few things.

Also popped into the indoor market to get my watch clasp fixed.

Cleo wanted to do some clothes shopping so we popped into a couple of shops, she eventually bought a dress and I bought her a pair of slipper boots.

Then we went to 'The Gatekeeper' for a few drinks.

They had one of my favourite beers on tap there, 'Theakstons Old Peculiar', so I enjoyed a few pints of that.

We had a meal there as well, then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 541, ADL Enviro200, CN17 EYL

The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 266, ADL Enviro200, CN64 FWP

Wednesday 17th September 2025



ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

FLEET & ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Today I bought a - second-hand - Class 101 DMU, another Prestwin silo wagon, X2 BR 20 ton Brake Vans, X2 Shunters Wagons and a Sheep Wagon.

Hornby R3146 Class 101 BR Blue/Grey 3 Car Set​

Hornby R125-Silo Twin Silo Wagon B873001 in BR bauxite​

17th September, 2025

Talyllyn Railway holds successful Heritage Weekend​

First Waggon Hauled since 1946


On the 13th and 14th September, the Talyllyn Railway held its Heritage Weekend.

The weekend celebrates the railway’s history as well as the area’s history, including the slate industry.

The theme this year heavily focused on the railway’s original role, which was transporting slate.

The weekend saw the first slate waggon moved by horse since 1946, when it was a common sight.

Horse-drawn waggon


Friday and Saturday had talks about Tom Rolt, writer and preservationist, which were given by the railway volunteers

The trains running over the event also had a heritage theme, and Saturday saw trains run into the night with a focus on the Talyllyn and Corris Railways in the pre-preservation era.

They featured original carriages from both Talyllyn and Corris, along with original waggons from the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and the Gunpowder van that was newly reconstructed.

Sunday focused on the early preservation years, with a diesel locomotive taking tipper wagons up the line, and the original carriages were again in use.

If you missed out this year, the Heritage Weekend will be returning again next September.

17th September, 2025

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Celebrates Railway 200 This September​

Locomotives 3850 and 7903 pose at Toddington with the ‘Railway 200’ headboards


On the 27th and 28th of September, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR) is celebrating Railway 200.

The event named ‘GWSR: Past, Present, and Future’ allows visitors to explore the history of the area’s railway and how it could be shaped in the future.

Attendees will also be able to catch a glimpse ‘behind the scenes’ to see what the railway’s volunteers get up to and how they keep the line running.

Long service awards, which are awarded to volunteers who have dedicated 40 years of service to the railway, are also being presented on the 27th by Sir Timothy Laurence GCVO, CB, President of the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust (GWRT).

Sir Tim Laurence at the Winchcombe signal box


The range of exhibits will allow you to get hands-on and learn about how the railway is run, including locomotive maintenance and signalling.

A photographic display featuring some magnificent images which tell the history of the line will be at Toddington; additionally, the steam and diesel locomotive departments will be open for footplate opportunities.

The Carriage and Wagon department will also be open at Winchcombe, and Gotherington will have a Victorian theme to reflect the early days.

An intensive service will be running across the weekend, so don’t miss out on tickets.


Further information on the event and bookings can be found here.


“Volunteering is both fulfilling and rewarding, providing opportunities to offer a meaningful contribution in maintaining the safety and operational success of our wonderful railway.

“Our volunteers are knowledgeable and very friendly. They’re keen to explain how the railway works. This is a rare opportunity to discover more about not just how the advent of the successful Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825 spawned the national and international railway network we know today, but how we manage our historic locomotives and rolling stock as well as maintain the ‘permanent way’ and our stations.

He added, “Heritage railways such as the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway carry between them some 5 million passengers per year, contributing around £600m to the economy – not just in terms of train ticket sales, but catering, retail and other income. They are vital for not just preserving our transport history, but supporting local tourist economies too.”

Philip Young, Chairman of the charitable Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Trust

Wednesday 17 Sep 2025

Essential engineering works: Buses replace trains during rail works between Rhyl and Llandudno Junction​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Standard image various works


Replacement bus services will operate between Rhyl and Llandudno Junction across three weekends, from the end of September, while Network Rail carries out essential works.

This work is part of a major programme to maintain and improve the safety and reliability of the railway in North Wales.

The work will take place between Saturday 27 - 29 September, Saturday 4- Monday 6 October and Saturday 11- Monday 13 October.

It includes:

• Improving long-term stability and safety inside Penmaenrhos Tunnel.
• Bridge maintenance at Pensarn Bridge, which carries the railway over Abergele station.
• Wall and bridge inspections in the Abergele to Colwyn Bay area.

Works are taking place from 01.50am on Saturday mornings until 04.35am on Monday mornings on the 27–29 September.

A Network Rail spokesperson said, “The upcoming engineering works are a key part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and dependable railway. These improvements are essential to ensuring the network remains resilient and continues to meet the needs of passengers and communities well into the future.”

Network Rail would like to thank passengers, local homes and stakeholders for their patience while we undertake this essential work.

Passengers are advised to check www.nationalrail.co.uk/journey-planner for the latest travel updates.

18th September, 2025


Class 377 train at Rochester

18th September, 2025

West Somerset Railway to celebrate express locomotive development​

5029 'Nunney Castle'


Between the 17th and 19th of October, the West Somerset Railway is holding its Autumn Steam Gala.

The Gala will celebrate 60 years of express steam locomotive development, featuring locomotives dating from the 19th and 20th centuries.

London and South Western Railway “T3” Class number 563, making its first visit to the railway in nearly a century, and 5029 “Nunney Castle” will both feature at the event.

The pair side by side at this event will highlight how far the design of steam locomotives has changed in the last few decades.

Apart from this pair, other steam locomotives will take part in the Gala, with other guests to be announced soon.

Further information and tickets can be found here.

18th September, 2025


ScotRail trains at Glasgow Queen Street Station

19th September, 2025

Archaeologists discover Scotland’s oldest standard gauge railway​

How the waggonway would have looked.


Archaeologists in Scotland have discovered a standard gauge railway that is over 200 years old, and may be the earliest standard gauge railway in Scotland.

The archaeologists, from the Waggonway Heritage Group, have been excavating the Tranent-Cockenzie waggonway, which was built in 1722, and is thought to be the first railway in Scotland.

Built to transport coal from pits at Tranent to fuel salt pans on the coast at Cockenzie, it also played a crucial role in the Battle of Prestonpans in September 1745.

Negative imprint of the rails and sleepers in the soil


In 1849, a short branch was built to connect the waggonway to the North British Railway.

The southern section of it served Fleets Colliery, which remained operational with steam locomotives until 1959, when it closed.

Afterwards, the National Coal Board used it as a wagon store.

A large part of the area was bog and marsh, forcing the engineers who built the waggonway to ‘float’ it across the marsh on a timber raft, in the same way George Stephenson did when he built the Liverpool & Manchester Railway over Chat Moss over 100 years later.

Excavating the cobbled horse-track between the rails


Originally built of wood and horse-drawn, the archaeological team found evidence of the waggonway in the ground as wet- and mineralised-wood, which was sufficiently well preserved to show how the rails and sleepers were joined together and secured with wooden dowels called trenails.

In 2021, trenches were dug that revealed the existence of the waggonway, but what surprised the archaeologists was that it was approximately standard gauge of 4ft 8in.

Dating evidence suggests a date of around 1775, making it probably the earliest standard gauge railway in Scotland, the next contender being Carron Ironworks, dating to 1810.

The earliest example of standard gauge in England is thought to be the Willington Waggonway, dating from 1785-6.


Last May, the Stockton and Darlington Railway announced the launch of its Trail of Discovery, which includes Skerne Bridge, the oldest railway bridge still in continuous use, and a section of the original track still visible from the Brusselton Incline.


“Coming as it does during Railway 200, the discovery of the earliest standard gauge railway in Scotland, on what is considered to be the first railway north of the border, is remarkable. It shows how railways originated before the steam age, and how standard gauge, which is so often associated with George Stephenson goes back well before his time as time. It is a fantastic piece of archaeology which asks a lot of questions: on which side of the border does standard gauge originate, for example?”

Anthony Dawson, early railways historian and archaeologist