Marcus' Model Railway Journey

19th September, 2025

Steam adventure this weekend at the Epping Ongar Railway​

34072 257 Squadron


This weekend (19-21st September) is the Epping Ongar Railway Southern Giants Steam Gala.

This gala sees three days of steam action, with three visiting locomotives joining 4953 ‘Pitchford Hall’.

34072 ‘257 Squadron’ visits courtesy of Southern Locomotives Ltd, and 926 ‘Repton’ will be making the visit from North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Finally, Hunslet 3781 will visit for the weekend courtesy of The Watercress Line.

926 Repton


An intensive timetable will be in operation, with trains running into the evening on Saturday.

With parking limited at both stations, the railway will be running a fleet of vintage London buses to provide connections to Epping Underground and Shenfield railway stations.

Want more out of the day? The railway is running footplate passes throughout the weekend as well as various exhibitions at Ongar station and a display of Malcom Root’s artwork.

For an additional charge, you can also travel in the Shark Brake Van, which will be attached to one of the coaching sets.


A timetable can be found by clicking here, and tickets for the weekend can be booked here.

19th September, 2025

Myfanwy diesel locomotive to visit Tanfield this weekend​

Myfanwy diesel locomotive to visit Tanfield


Myfanwy, a striking yellow and black locomotive, will be making an appearance at Tanfield Railway’s ‘Diesel Pioneers’ event this weekend (20th and 21st September).

The locomotive is usually based at the Foxfield Railway and underwent a full restoration in 2019.

This is an interesting locomotive to have at the event due to its history.

Construction on three identical locomotives, including Myfanwy, began in 1961 by W.G. Bagnall, the firm, shortly after stopping their construction.


These parts were sent off to Darlington and completed by Robert Stephenson and Hawthorns in 1962.

The work done here was less known due to each of the locomotives keeping their ‘Bagnall’ builder’s name on the front.

Myfanwy diesel locomotive to visit Tanfield


Myfanwy is the only remaining survivor and spent time at Royal Ordnance Factory at Pembrey in South Wales, and had an industrial career on the Jubilee line tube extension project in London.

Myfanwy will be joining three of Tanfield’s own diesel locomotives – Ribblesdale Cement No. 6, Tyne Improvement Commission No. 35, and Reyrolles No. 2.


Trains will run from 9 am til 4 pm, with tickets available in advance on Tanfield’s website and on the day.


“The North East pioneered commercial locomotive building. During 140-years or so the region built engines of all different shapes and sizes for railways across the globe. But Myfanwy is one of the most unusual stories.

“We’re here to celebrate the North East’s railway history, so it’s great to be able to tell Myfanwy’s story here in the North East where it was actually built … despite appearances.”

“Everyone knows the North East played a pioneering role with steam locomotives, but in reality the region also had a massive part to play in the early development of diesel and electric railway locomotives too”

Tanfield Railway General Manager David Watchman

19th September, 2025


One of Greater Anglia's new Alstom trains

19th September, 2025


A Greater Anglia train

20th September, 2025


IÉ Irish Rail 22001

RAF Tornado - Created using images

22nd September, 2025

N2 Class steam locomotive passes steam test​

N2 No. 1744 being overhauled at the North Norfolk Railway


A six-year overhaul of Gresley N2 Class No. 1744 is nearing completion, and passed its steam test in August, with a return to service planned for next spring.

No. 1744 is the oldest surviving locomotive designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, and is being overhauled at the workshops of the North Norfolk Railway at Weybourne.

Withdrawn from service for overhaul in late 2018, that has proved to be considerably more extensive and costly than expected.

The overhaul began in 2019, but both timescales and costs were impacted by the COVID-19 lockdown and the war in Ukraine.

N2 No. 1744 at the North Norfolk Railway


After 1744 was stripped down, it was soon obvious that considerably more work was required than expected.

This has led to extensive mechanical and boiler work, culminating in a final overhaul cost of around £650,000.


It was in mid-December 2024 that 1744 arrived at the North Norfolk Railway.

Since then, the two carbon steel steam pipes from the superheater header to the steam chests have successfully undergone non-destructive testing and examination, all the historic welds have undergone magnetic particle inspection, and the thickness of the pipe wall was measured with an ultrasonic thickness gauge.

1744 during an out of frame steam test last January


A hydraulic pressure test was carried out after clamping the two pipes together to form a single unit, then subjecting it to a hydraulic pressure test of 255psi, equivalent to 1.5 times the boiler’s safe working pressure.

Seventeen new washout plugs that have already been procured will now be fitted to the boiler; the superheater header is being prepared for hydraulic testing to 255psi, and all the lubrication pipework and fittings are being prepared for fitting to the locomotive during its reassembly.

Once everything has been reassembled, a final hydraulic pressure test of the boiler will be carried out, which will mark the start of the boiler’s ten-year boiler certificate.


The overhaul is initially being funded by the North Norfolk Railway, with the cost being recovered later through operation of the locomotive for a period without charge, although there is still a substantial funding shortfall to meet the final overhaul cost.

To meet this cost, the Gresley Society has launched The N2 Overhaul Completion Club to raise £100,000, with 100 people each donating £1,000 in up to eight instalments.

22nd September, 2025

Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s former colliery locomotive returns home​

Kilmersdon


This autumn, 0-4-0 saddle tank Kilmersdon will be returning home when it hauls trains on the Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton in Somerset.

Kilmersdon is an R3 Class locomotive built in 1929 by Peckett & Sons, in Bristol, for the Somerset coalfields.

Although it is owned by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, it normally operates on the Watercress Line in Hampshire.

Kilmersdon was originally owned by the National Coal Board and spent most of its working life at Kilmersdon Colliery near Radstock, just a few miles from Midsomer Norton.

Kilmersdon in Ropley Yard on the Watercress Line


After the colliery closed, the National Coal Board agreed that it should go to the Somerset & Dorset Railway Museum Trust, and in 1973, it was moved by road to Radstock.

In 1983, Kilmersdon spent time on the West Somerset Railway, and was usually to be found shunting at Washford, but also made occasional runs along the full length of the line.

By 2021, Kilmersdon was due for an overhaul, which took place in the Mid Hants Railway’s workshops at Ropley.

On weekends from October to Christmas, Kilmersdon will be the star of the Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton’s autumn steam season, where it will make nostalgic journeys through the Mendips with its whistle again echoing through the valleys.

Kilmersdon passing colliery incline drum shed on 16th July 1969


At Halloween, there will be a choice of trains, with Kilmersdon offering a more relaxed ride through the steam-filled countryside, whilst a Haunted DMU will provide a spooky experience.


In December, Kilmersdon will star in the Santa Express services where carriages will be decked in festive finery, the scent of mince pies will permeate the air, and Santa will be in his grotto handing out gifts to the little ones.

22nd September, 2025


Avanti West Coast Evero train on the Ribblehead Viaduct

22nd September, 2025

New livery for DRS Class 68 locomotive​

68007 with 30 Years of DRS wrap


Direct Rail Services (DRS) was formed in 1995 and has celebrated 30 years of revolutionary work in the rail freight and nuclear industry.

What was previously a small and niche operator has now transformed into a well-known and respected company.

Earlier operations saw them focus on specialist freight services before moving into broader logistics.

These specialist services and safe transportation of nuclear material have covered millions of miles over the years.


Some key moments in their 30-year history have included the first intermodal services, the First nuclear service, and Kosovo Train for Life

To celebrate the 30th anniversary, a ceremony was held at Kingmoor depot in Carlisle on Sunday, 21st September.

During the ceremony, a “30 Years of DRS” locomotive wrap was unveiled, which was placed on 68007, complete with a new nameplate.


“DRS started with just seven employees, with the sole purpose of moving spent nuclear fuel, and has grown to a company of over 400 staff members and diversified into many different markets over the years.

“It now boasts some of the biggest names in retail as customers but remains committed to its core function of ensuring nuclear material is transported safely, securely and reliably.

“I was thrilled to be able to unveil this nameplate in the presence of everyone who makes this company such a fantastic place to work.”

Gottfried Eymer, DRS Rail Managing Director

22nd September, 2025

No. 778’s Last Appearance At The Leighton Buzzard Railway​

No. 778


An event at the Leighton Buzzard Railway on the 26th October will be Baldwin 10-12-D 4-6-0T WDLR No. 778’s last appearance in steam before withdrawal.

It will appear at the railway’s end-of-season Halloween Jamboree alongside LBR-based Chaloner, together with Kerr Stuart ‘Wren’ 0-4-0ST Peter Pan and De Winton 0-4-0VBTs Taffy

No. 778 has been running on the Leighton Buzzard Railway since it was restored in 2007; however, its boiler ticket expires at the end of November, when it will go for overhaul.

Donations will be open to help with the cost of the overhaul.

For your chance to see this loco beforehand, you can book tickets online.


“We aim to ensure the overhaul of No. 778 is undertaken as rapidly as possible,”

“The Leighton Buzzard Railway, a line built with WW1 surplus equipment and opened in 1919 with its extensive collection of WW1 era locomotives and stock is the perfect home for No. 778 and doubtless will remain so into the foreseeable future. Our loco has been pulling LBR trains since 2007 and the trustees hope the required overhaul can be completed as quickly as possible to enable that to resume. The one factor which could hold up its return is available finance so any help people can contribute would be hugely appreciated by the trust and the railway.”

Greensand Railway Museum Trust chairman, Cliff Thomas.

22nd September, 2025

French shipping company acquire Freightliner UK​

CMA CGM, a French shipping company, has announced that it has acquired Freightliner UK and includes the rail and road operations as well as the Freightliner brand.

CMA has confirmed that Freightliner will remain a standalone operator but says that it supports CMA’s shift from road to rail.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in early 2026.

Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the CMA CGM Group, said: “The acquisition of Freightliner, a leading rail freight operator, strengthens our intermodal presence in the United Kingdom, a strategic market for CMA CGM. It enables us to connect sea, rail and road more efficiently, delivering better solutions for our customers. It is also a concrete step in expanding lower-carbon transport options, supporting both their needs and the decarbonisation of global trade.”


Commenting on the divestment, Tim Shoveller, Chief Executive Officer of Freightliner Group, said: “This transaction marks an exciting new chapter for Intermodal and Heavy Haul, allowing each to focus on their distinct markets under separate ownership. The Intermodal business will become a stand-alone business within CMA CGM’s portfolio, with opportunities to collaborate with other arm’s length CMA CGM companies. Heavy Haul will continue its growth journey in the bulk materials sector under a new brand with a clear focus on strengthening its position as a key freight operator. Our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality leadership and operational teams, and we have robust plans in place to ensure a smooth transition of ownership.”