Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway

778 at Pages Park

22nd November, 2025

Thermal Imaging Cameras installed on South Western Hotshot train​

Camera to check the track


Following Southeastern’s successful use of thermal imaging cameras to detect track defects before they become serious.

South Western Railway (SWR), which is also part of DFTO, are also getting on board with the idea.

Similar cameras have now been fitted to a Class 450 Electric Multiple Unit, which now bears the name ‘Hotshot’.

Hotshot logo on a Class 450 EMU


The cameras, which have been funded by Angel Trains, have been fitted to the four-car unit and can pick up any track defects in frontline service and alert appropriate engineers to resolve the issue.

This has the potential to reduce delays to other trains.


Hotshot has two cameras, one facing forward on the front of the train monitoring the running rails, and another one lower down, which records the condition of the third rail and the pick-up shoe gear, which draws power to operate the train.

Forward-facing camera on Hotshot


While the idea of using Thermal Imaging Cameras to check the state of rails in Britain is not new, applying such cameras to regular passenger trains is becoming more commonplace.

As Hotshot travels across the South Western Railway Network, it will provide minute-by-minute information on the conditions of the rails.

Hotshot being fitted with cameras


Until now, the unit has been on a preliminary trial, where it has prevented 2,500 minutes of delays after detecting a track fault in the Ashtead area earlier in the summer.


‘Hotshot’ is about to commence a full 12-month trial right across the SWR network under the management of Angel trains working in collaboration with Network Rail, One Big Circle, dg8 design and Siemens.

If it’s successful, more Class 450 EMUs will also be fitted with similar cameras, allowing them to record more parts of the network at once as they go about their journeys in Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset.


“This Government is fundamentally reforming how our railways are run – creating a network that works better for the people and freight using it.

The cutting-edge technology that the integrated South Western Railway is trialling is key to achieving this and will serve as an example of the kinds of smart investments publicly owned rail companies can implement to improve services for passengers.

Upgrades like this will prevent disruption and reduce delays – supporting growth, jobs and homes as part of the Government’s plan deliver an efficient and reliable railway.”

Rail Minister Lord Hendy
“We’re proud to be supporting the introduction of this technology on passenger trains. Continuous monitoring of the infrastructure offers real value in helping deliver a more reliable railway for passengers. This has been made possible by working closely with our customers and suppliers to deliver a fully integrated solution.”

Barry Fox, Head of Product Management at Angel Trains

Stadler NS FLIRT train

A FLIRT driver’s cab

Under the night sky at Peak Rail

24th November, 2025

Striking Blue Pullman HST to pass through Oxfordshire on its way to Scotland​

Midland Pullman HST


The Blue Pullman HST is set to pass through Oxfordshire this Wednesday (26th November) as it heads to Edinburgh.

Departing Oxford at 06:03, the HST will pass through Banbury (06:34), Leamington Spa (06:56), Warwick Parkway (07:10), Dorridge (07:24), Solihull (07:32), Birmingham New Street (07:56), Wolverhampton (08:22), Stafford (08:48), Crewe (09:13), Preston (Lancs) (10:06), Carlisle (11:38), Lockerbie (11:59) and Edinburgh at 13:19.

After time in Edinburgh, the HST will depart at 16:00 and will pass through Slateford (16:09), Carlisle (17:21), Preston (Lancs) (18:58), Crewe (19:41), Stafford (20:30), Wolverhampton (20:51), Birmingham New Street (21:40), Solihull (22:04), Dorridge (22:11), Warwick Parkway (22:25), Leamington Spa (22:41), Banbury (22:59) and Oxford at 23:28.

Steam on the Lappa Valley Railway

09001

24th November, 2025

Preserved Merseyrail unit runs from 3rd rail power for first time​

507001 being shunted towards the Litchurch Lane test track


Merseyrail electric multiple unit (EMU) 507 001 broke new ground on Tuesday, 18th November, when, for the first time since being preserved, an energised 3rd rail supplied the power.

No. 507 001 had the honour of carrying Queen Elizabeth II when she opened the Merseyrail network, and last January, ownership of the unit was passed to the Class 507 Preservation Society.

Since then, volunteers have been working to prepare it for its next preservation milestone, a return to 3rd rail operation.

507001 after a successful day of testing


The test drive using 3rd rail power took place at Alstom’s test track in Derby, where 6,000 visitors had boarded the unit during August’s Greatest Gathering, where they could take a tour underneath the unit and sit in the driver’s seat.

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Once the society became the owner of the unit, they didn’t want it to remain as a static exhibit.

Since The Greatest Gathering, where 507 001 was only on static display, volunteers have been testing the on-board systems to prove the train is safe to operate.

The historic moment came at 1.30 pm when the brakes were released, and for the first time since being preserved, the power controller was set to draw power, and the train travelled at 5 mph along the whole length of the test track.

This was followed by further tests of the traction and braking systems, with speed being gradually increased to 20mph, which gave 507 001 the accolade of being Britain’s fastest preserved EMU.

The drive to preserve a Class 507 unit came in September 2023.

Eight weeks later, a group of determined individuals decided to form the Class 507 Preservation Society.

An inaugural meeting was held in November 2024, and just two months later, Angel Trains donated 507 001 to Class 507 Preservation Ltd for a token sum of £1.

Robert Hampton, Chairman of the Class 507 Preservation Society, commented that the test track run proves our determination that 507 001 will not be ‘stuffed and mounted’ but preserved as a living, working train.


“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have operated 507 001 under its own power on the test track at Derby. The support afforded to us by Alstom’s operations team and all the staff at Litchurch Lane has been fantastic. Whilst on the test track, the test team drivers reported that the train performed well, although they were slightly bemused by our old train, which features both a power and a brake handle – in stark contrast to the state-of-the-art traction that they drive on a day-to-day basis. Our own team of engineering and operations specialists worked collaboratively with Alstom for this to happen, and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts.”

Jake D’Arcy, Alstom’s Head of Operations

24th November, 2025

Train fares to be frozen to assist with Cost of Living​

Yesterday, the Chancellor and Transport Secretary announced that there will be a freeze on rail fares.

Millions are set to benefit from the freeze on season tickets, peak returns and off-peak returns between major cities.

They are aiming to help reduce the cost of living, and as transport costs make up around 14% of household spending, this should help reduce costs.

Those commuting on some of the busier routes, with flexi season tickets, a commuter travelling to work fr three days can save:

• £175 each year for travelling between London and Woking
• £7 each year for travelling between Leeds and Bradford
• £315 each year for travelling between London and Milton Keynes

The new Railways Bill will create Great British Railways, which will be a publicly owned company that will improve standards and provide better value for money.


Next week at the Budget I’ll set out the fair choices to deliver on the country’s priorities to cut NHS waiting lists, cut national debt and cut the cost of living. That’s why we’re choosing to freeze rail fares for the first time in 30 years, which will ease the pressure on household finances and make travelling to work, school or to visit friends and family that bit easier.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves

Avanti West Coast Macclesfield Art Trail

24th November, 2025

London Northwestern Passengers invited to take the White Ribbon Pledge​

White Ribbon Day


London Northwestern Railway is taking part in White Ribbon Day (25 November), a pledge to end violence against women and girls.

Hundreds of passengers travelling with the operator are expected to take part in the pledge and speak up about violence during White Ribbon Day and the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 Nov – 10 Dec).

The operator will be at different stations across its network to raise awareness of the White Ribbon Charity.

Those visiting Milton Keynes, Bedford, Watford Junction, Bletchley and St Albans can take part in the pledge, which is a personal commitment to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women and girls.


At Milton Keynes, there will also be a White Ribbon exhibition promoting the ‘We Speak Up’ theme.


“As the company’s White Ribbon lead, I am passionate about advocating for an end to violence against women and ensuring our female passengers feel safe travelling by train.

“We’ve taken part in White Ribbon Day for multiple years, but this year we’re going one step further by expanding our initiative and hosting awareness raising events throughout the UN’s 16 Days of Activism. We hope that by encouraging our customers to open up about their role as allies, we can help to create a safer railway for everyone.”

Matthew Bradley, head of stations at LNR