Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Metrolink Tram on Cross St, Manchester City Centre

Exterior of Watford station with Metropolitan line car c1927

Croxley Green station exterior c1936

Croxley Green station sign c1922-1923

30th October, 2025

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

Exbury Christmas train pic artists impression

Exbury Gardens Steam Railway Father Christmas

Rebranded Metrolink tram

30 Oct 2025

TfW to welcome Railway 200’s ‘Inspiration’ Exhibition train to Llandudno​

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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.

Visitors will also discover how Transport for Wales works with partners across the sector, including a spotlight on Network North Wales.

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.

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• 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

Thursday 30 Oct 2025

Railway closure in South West Wales this weekend for major signalling upgrade​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

Ferryside level crossing

Carmarthen signal box

I remember this advert from many years ago........

British Railways Advert - HST v Class 37 Police Car!!​

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This is the famous advert made for British Railways that featured numerous HST power cars and at one point one of them being flagged down for speeding by the Police liveried Class 37.​

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

www.youtube.com

I may have to order this new locomotive from Hornby.

R30435TXS Hornby OO Gauge RailRoad - BR - Class 37 - '37093' Police Livery​

31st October, 2025

Piston failure puts steam locomotive 7812 Erlestoke Manor on the sidelines​

7812 Erlestoke Manor


The Erlestoke Manor Fund has released an update after 7812 Erlestoke Manor was absent from the recent WSR Autumn Steam Gala.

The loco was absent because the loco was awaiting inspection and steam testing after a fix was implemented for a washout plug thread defect.

Thankfully, the repair was successful and the loco entered traffic on the 21st October.

Unfortunately, on the 22nd October, 7812 suffered from a piston failure whilst working out of Bishops Lydeard, which means it is now out of service.

Operational and mechanical investigations are underway to find the cause of this failure, and repairs have already commenced.

The loco has now moved to Minehead. More information will be released at a later date.

31 Oct 2025

‘The Great Book of Wales’ – new book to be written from Wales’ trains​

Jon Gower


A new book mixing travel with culture, natural history with human history, myth and legend – a true exploration of Wales through its rail network, will be written over the coming months.

Transport for Wales has partnered with former BBC arts and media correspondent Jon Gower to deliver the exciting new project, which will involve him using the Wales and Borders rail network and Wales’ bus network to travel the country and tell its story.

Jon, who has over 40 books to his name will work as an ‘author in residence’ for Transport for Wales and bring the public transport network alive through stories, tales, and history.

‘The Great Book of Wales’ will be published in late 2026 by the H’mm Publishing Foundation – a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising the profile of the arts and culture in peoples’ lives.

James Williams, Head of Media at TfW said: “Storytelling has always been at the heart of Welsh culture and our rail and bus networks have many tales to tell.

Spanning throughout the country and into the Borders, our public transport network connects communities, towns and people.

“Travelling on our new trains and buses, Jon will explore Wales and weave together interesting stories about what he’s seen and who he’s met along the way.

“We’re looking forward to working with Jon, promoting Wales and our public transport network, and helping create ‘The Great Book of Wales’.

Jon Gower added: ‘I am simply delighted to be working with Transport for Wales in this way, gathering stories as I travel the length and breadth of the network, by train and bus.

“I guess my special qualification is that my father, Des was a railwayman and so was his brother Derek and I spent a lot of time as a child on and around trains.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work in Wales for all of my adult life and it never fails to amaze me that just when you think you know this small country well you’ll be reminded there’s a discovery to make around every corner.'

Ali Anwar, Director of the H’mm Foundation said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work in partnership with Transport for Wales and Jon Gower on this new and very exciting project. We will collect these amazing stories, histories and accounts of a very special country and publish them in ‘The Great Book of Wales’.”

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Jon Gower’s most recent books include ‘The Turning Tide: A Biography of the Irish Sea’; ‘Raider,’ a portrait of NFL legend Raymond Chester and ‘Birdland: A Journey Around Britain On the Wing.’

1st November, 2025

Class 47 locomotive to visit the South Devon Railway​

47715 at The Greatest Gathering in Derby


The South Devon Railway has announced that Class 47 No. 47715 will be visiting them for their Diesel Gala this month.

47715 will be working trains on both the 8th and 9th November, and visits thanks to Rail Engineering Solutions.

This will mark the first visit of a Class 47 to the South Devon Railway in a number of years.

The 47 will join Class 56 locomotives 56045 and 56103 in visiting from DCRail as well as Class 04 D2246, Class 04 D2271, Class 25 D7612 and Class 33 33002 at the gala.


A working timetable is now available to download, and tickets can be bought on the South Devon Railway website.


Recently outshopped in striking new RES livery, this Class 47 will be a popular addition to the event. This will be the first visit in many years of a Class 47 to the South Devon Railway.

SDR Spokesperson

I won an award!

An Avanti train arriving at Penrith

Cleo shows off her new nail varnish on one hand.

3rd November, 2025

Class 99 locomotives authorised for use in the UK​

GBRf 99001 in testing at Crag Mill Loop near Belford


The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has given GB Railfreight’s Class 99 fleet Authorisation for placing into service.

This means that the new bimodal fleet meets all the safety, accessibility and environmental standards, as well as meeting technical compatibility.

The Class 99s were part of a £150 million investment, and they were developed with Beacon Rail and Stadler.

These new trains are able to operate on routes which have been electrified and those which have yet to be electrified, meaning that they have quite a range while also being more environmentally friendly.

99001 hauled the 6E86 sand train from Peterborough to Doncaster


This will also be a huge step in decarbonisation within the industry, as they also run on renewable fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), while also creating a more resilient network.

The Class 99s first left for a test track in January, with the first one arriving in the UK just a few months later.

This authorisation is just the next step in the process now that they have been put through their paces to prove they meet standards.

In early 2026, the first revenue-generating service will run with the Class 99s, followed by them operating Britannic Explorer services from 2027.


“Receiving ORR authorisation is another huge step forward for the Class 99, and we’ve been deeply encouraged by the numbers the 99001 and 99002 have been posting in testing over the past few weeks. The Class 99 will set a new benchmark for sustainability, performance and safety. And we cannot wait to get them out on the network for our customers early next year.”

Liam Day, Asset Director of GB Railfreight