- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Metrolink Tram on Cross St, Manchester City Centre
Marcus' Model Railway Journey
- Thread starter Marcus Antonius
- Start date
- Status
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Exterior of Watford station with Metropolitan line car c1927
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Croxley Green station exterior c1936
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Croxley Green station sign c1922-1923
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30th October, 2025
Virgin to move ahead with cross-Channel plans
The Office of Rail and Road has said that Virgin can move ahead with its cross-channel train services and can plan to use Temple Mills International Depot.
Virgin will operate the trains using 12 Avelia Stream trains from Alstom.
The service is on track to launch in 2030, with services running from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal.
Virgin also has ambitions to expand across France and into Germany and Switzerland.
Virgin has also confirmed that if either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International stations are reopened, then services will stop there.
Leading the project will be Phil Whittingham, who is a former Managing Director of Virgin Trains.
With this decision, the ORR has also rejected Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia’s plans.
“The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route. Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
“Virgin and Alstom have a history of driving innovation and change in the rail industry, and delivering for passengers. We are thrilled to partner with Virgin once again for this exciting new venture. This collaboration not only strengthens our longstanding relationship but also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability, customer experience and technological excellence.”
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Europe Region President
“With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700mn in private sector investment and stimulating growth. While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access and International
East London train depot approval for Virgin Trains’ Cross-Channel service
Virgin to move ahead with cross-Channel plans
The Office of Rail and Road has said that Virgin can move ahead with its cross-channel train services and can plan to use Temple Mills International Depot.
Virgin will operate the trains using 12 Avelia Stream trains from Alstom.
The service is on track to launch in 2030, with services running from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord, Brussels-Midi and Amsterdam Centraal.
Virgin also has ambitions to expand across France and into Germany and Switzerland.
Virgin has also confirmed that if either Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International stations are reopened, then services will stop there.
Leading the project will be Phil Whittingham, who is a former Managing Director of Virgin Trains.
With this decision, the ORR has also rejected Evolyn, Gemini and Trenitalia’s plans.
“The ORR’s decision is the right one for consumers – it’s time to end this 30-year monopoly and bring some Virgin magic to the cross-Channel route. Virgin is no stranger to delivering award-winning rail services, and just as we have successfully challenged incumbents in air, cruise and rail, we’re ready to do it again. We’re going to shake-up the cross-Channel route for good and give consumers the choice they deserve.”
Sir Richard Branson, Founder of the Virgin Group
“Virgin and Alstom have a history of driving innovation and change in the rail industry, and delivering for passengers. We are thrilled to partner with Virgin once again for this exciting new venture. This collaboration not only strengthens our longstanding relationship but also reinforces our shared commitment to sustainability, customer experience and technological excellence.”
Andrew DeLeone, Alstom Europe Region President
“With this decision we are backing customer choice and competition in international rail, unlocking up to £700mn in private sector investment and stimulating growth. While there is still some way to go before the first new services can run, we stand ready to work with Virgin Trains as their plans develop.”
Martin Jones, Deputy Director, Access and International
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Exbury Christmas train pic artists impression
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Exbury Gardens Steam Railway Father Christmas
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Rebranded Metrolink tram
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
30 Oct 2025
View attachment 7932
TfW Llandudno
Transport for Wales will be hosting Railway 200’s flagship exhibition train, Inspiration, at Llandudno station from 15–18 November 2025.
This unique event marks Wales’ only stop on the train’s nationwide tour celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway this year.
Railway 200 is a national bicentenary programme that honours the railway’s rich history while inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals to shape its future.
The Inspiration train will have visited 60 locations across the UK by the end of the year, and TfW are excited to bring this experience to the heart of North Wales.
Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration is the only exhibition train of its kind on the UK rail network, featuring four immersive carriages:
Wales played a pivotal role in the origins of the modern railway.
From Richard Trevithick’s early locomotive experiments to the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, the world’s first fare-paying passenger line, our industrial heritage helped spark a transport revolution.
Alex Fortune, Senior Project Manager at Transport for Wales, said: “We’ve collaborated across the rail industry and communities to deliver events celebrating rail’s past, present and future.
“Inspiration’s visit is a proud culmination of that work, and we’re thrilled to welcome it to Llandudno.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, added: “This special exhibition train is set to become a new, national visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain.
“It will excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire them to take a fresh look at the railway, as part of its anniversary celebrations.”
Free tickets to board the train are available now for visits between 15–18 November.
Booked visits begin at 10am daily, with last entry at 4pm and the train closing at 5pm.
Visits are expected to last up to one hour.
To book and learn more, visit www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration.
For details on the wider Railway 200 programme, visit www.railway200.co.uk.
TfW to welcome Railway 200’s ‘Inspiration’ Exhibition train to Llandudno
TfW Llandudno
Transport for Wales will be hosting Railway 200’s flagship exhibition train, Inspiration, at Llandudno station from 15–18 November 2025.
This unique event marks Wales’ only stop on the train’s nationwide tour celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway this year.
Railway 200 is a national bicentenary programme that honours the railway’s rich history while inspiring the next generation of STEM professionals to shape its future.
The Inspiration train will have visited 60 locations across the UK by the end of the year, and TfW are excited to bring this experience to the heart of North Wales.
Curated in partnership with the National Railway Museum, Inspiration is the only exhibition train of its kind on the UK rail network, featuring four immersive carriages:
- Railway firsts – Showcasing landmark moments in rail innovation.
- Wonderlab on Wheels – Hands-on engineering exhibits to test visitors’ skills.
- Your railway future – Exploring hidden careers in rail and encouraging future talent.
- Partner zone – A flexible exhibition space that highlights industry collaboration.
Wales played a pivotal role in the origins of the modern railway.
From Richard Trevithick’s early locomotive experiments to the Swansea and Mumbles Railway, the world’s first fare-paying passenger line, our industrial heritage helped spark a transport revolution.
Alex Fortune, Senior Project Manager at Transport for Wales, said: “We’ve collaborated across the rail industry and communities to deliver events celebrating rail’s past, present and future.
“Inspiration’s visit is a proud culmination of that work, and we’re thrilled to welcome it to Llandudno.”
Emma Roberts, Programme Manager for Railway 200, added: “This special exhibition train is set to become a new, national visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable experience for hundreds of thousands of people across Britain.
“It will excite, enlighten, entertain and inspire them to take a fresh look at the railway, as part of its anniversary celebrations.”
Free tickets to board the train are available now for visits between 15–18 November.
Booked visits begin at 10am daily, with last entry at 4pm and the train closing at 5pm.
Visits are expected to last up to one hour.
To book and learn more, visit www.railway200.co.uk/inspiration.
For details on the wider Railway 200 programme, visit www.railway200.co.uk.
- 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, inspired by the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825, a journey that changed the world forever. Under the banner of Railway 200, nationwide celebrations are planned throughout the year, showcasing how the railway shaped Britain and the world and how its pioneering pedigree continues today and is shaping tomorrow.
- Supported by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Inspiration is expected to welcome over 200,000 visitors across the UK, including thousands of schoolchildren.
- Find out more: Railway 200 is here | Transport for Wales
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Thursday 30 Oct 2025
Ferryside signal box - levers
Buses will replace trains from Friday 31 October through the weekend between Carmarthen and Swansea as Network Rail switches the route over to new safer and more efficient digital technology
Rail passengers are advised that the railway will be closed between Carmarthen and Swansea on Friday 31 October, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, while Network Rail engineers carry out major signalling upgrade works designed to modernise train control systems, improve train reliability and enhance safety across the region.
Railway closure in South West Wales this weekend for major signalling upgrade
Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & BordersFerryside signal box - levers
Buses will replace trains from Friday 31 October through the weekend between Carmarthen and Swansea as Network Rail switches the route over to new safer and more efficient digital technology
Rail passengers are advised that the railway will be closed between Carmarthen and Swansea on Friday 31 October, Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November, while Network Rail engineers carry out major signalling upgrade works designed to modernise train control systems, improve train reliability and enhance safety across the region.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Kidwelly box old signalling components
The upgrade, part of phase two of Network Rail's Port Talbot West resignalling project, represents a significant step forward in the transition to digital signalling technology.
Over the past two and a half years, there have been 59 signalling failures between Carmarthen 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.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Pembrey signal box
As part of the work this weekend:
- Four traditional signal boxes at Pembrey, Kidwelly, Ferryside and Carmarthen Junction will be retired, with train operations moving to remote digital control from Port Talbot.
- Level crossing enhancements will be delivered at four sites, including new barriers, enhanced obstacle detection systems and refreshed road markings to boost safety for road users and passengers.
- On-site attendants will be in place at Kidwelly, Bertwyn and Ferryside level crossings until December/January while commissioning of the new equipment takes place. Similar systems have already been successfully introduced at Duffryn and Llanelli station.
- The Pembrey relay room adjoining the former signal box will be demolished as part of the decommissioning works.
- Semaphore signals - the traditional arm-style indicators - will begin to be removed this weekend, with remaining structures to be dismantled and repurposed within the region over the coming months.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Ferryside signal box
“These works mark 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.”
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Ferryside signal box interlocking system
These works form part of Network Rail’s ongoing programme to strengthen rail infrastructure, improve safety standards, and support more reliable journeys for passengers across the Wales and Borders route.
Additional line closures between Swansea and Carmarthen are planned for Sundays 16 and 23 November to complete the final stages of the upgrade.
Buses will replace trains while this work is carried out and passengers are encouraged to check before they travel via National Rail Enquiries.
Network Rail apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks passengers and local communities for their patience and cooperation during these essential improvements.
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Ferryside level crossing
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
Carmarthen signal box
- TNP Nation
- Ethnon
- Status