Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Hornby R3778 Class 66/0 66097 in DB Cargo UK livery​

3 Dec 2025

£140 million funding approved for Cardiff Central station revamp​

CCEP North Concourse


The £140 million revamp of Cardiff Central railway station has been given the green light as funding is approved.

Improvements will include modernising the station to support long-term passenger growth, while still complementing the history and heritage of the building.

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Customers will benefit from a larger concourse to increase capacity, improvements to passenger flow and access, work to alleviate overcrowding and providing better accessibility for those with reduced mobility.

Other customer benefits include improved waiting areas, enhanced retail offerings and cycle storage facilities.

The station will remain open while the construction works are delivered.

The scheme to improve the station is being led by Transport for Wales, with the investment of up to £140 million being provided by the Department for Transport, Cardiff Capital Region and the Welsh Government - full business case proposals have now been approved by all.

As part of the continued rail transformation in Wales, the newly reinvigorated Wales Rail Board will also meet in Cardiff for the very first time today.

Vernon Everitt (current TfW Chair) is taking Chair and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates will open the meeting.

The Board will oversee the prioritisation of the rail spending review settlement, assess progress on current rail projects and identify projects for future delivery.

Following the meeting, TfW will publish ‘Today, Tomorrow, Together’ - a vision document for the future of rail in Wales later this month.

CCEP North Entrance


Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: “This is a major milestone for our ambitious plans to upgrade Cardiff Central station, a key hub on our South Wales Metro and gateway to Wales’ capital city.

“The joint £140m investment between Welsh Government, UK Government and Cardiff Capital Region will modernise and enhance the station, benefitting passengers and accommodating our ambitions for long term growth.

“The newly revamped Wales Rail Board will also meet for the first time today to discuss future projects such as this and relevant funding.

“I’m extremely pleased that Vernon Everitt will Chair the board as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise, that will help lead us into the future.”

CCEP Platform


Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “The UK Government is investing in improving rail services in Wales with new stations, faster trains and more services connecting people with the well-paid jobs we are creating across the country and driving our economic growth. 

“Our contribution to the funding of the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Station is a key part of this programme and will see Wales’s biggest station transformed to improve the experience of passengers by alleviating congestion and making the station more accessible.”

Alexia Course, Chief Commercial Officer at TfW, said: “The approval of the full business case gives us the green light to forge ahead with our plans to deliver much needed enhancements to Cardiff Central station.

“The investment of up to £140 million means we can deliver improvements to the station to make it fit for a capital city and sustain future growth, providing a better experience for our station customers.

“Working with our design and build contractor, we can now move forward with the start of construction works next year.

“The newly formed Wales Rail Board will also ensure we prioritise and identify future projects as we continue transforming travel in Wales.”

CCEP South Concourse


Cllr Huw Thomas, Leader of Cardiff Council and Deputy Chair, Cardiff Capital Region said: “This is a significant milestone for the future prosperity of Cardiff and the region, helping to deliver long-term and sustainable growth for years to come.

Cardiff has a great reputation as a destination venue for concerts and sporting events such as the forthcoming football Euros in 2028, and the improved Cardiff Central Station will increase our capacity for this considerably.”

Nick Millington, Route Director for Network Rail Wales & Borders said: “This is an exciting step forward in transforming Cardiff Central station into a modern, accessible and welcoming gateway to Wales. As a proudly owned Network Rail asset, we’re committed to ensuring it continues to serve the city and its passengers for generations to come.

“Working with Transport for Wales and our Canolog alliance partners, we’re delighted to play our part in creating a station that reflects the ambitions of the capital city – improving safety, accessibility and connections for everyone who uses it.”

CCEP South Entrance


Please note, images and virtual fly-through are shared are for illustrative purposes only and may change as designs progress.

Full details on what will be delivered through the scheme can be found here: https://tfw.wales/cardiff-central-enhancements

2025 also marks 175 years since Cardiff Central station opened.

An event is taking place on 4 December to celebrate the station’s unique history, heritage and cultural significance, while looking forward to the station’s exciting future.

The planned enhancements will better enable the station, which is owned by Network Rail, to form part of an integrated transport hub in the city centre, known as Metro Central, which will enable accessible, better connected and sustainable ways to travel, as well as supporting a vibrant and diverse economy and providing an iconic gateway to Wales.

The transformative work in Metro Central is being delivered through the Canolog alliance, a partnership of public sector organisations working together to transform travel in the heart of Cardiff.

The Canolog alliance will work collaboratively to deliver transformational change to transport in Cardiff and the wider region to improve connections between bus, rail, walking, wheeling and cycling and encourage sustainable travel.

The scheme will enhance Cardiff Capital Region’s principal transport hub, encouraging public transport use which will help to improve air quality and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.

It’s the gateway Metro station for the Core Valley Lines network, which is undergoing transformation works through the South Wales Metro.

BAM Nuttall has been appointed as the design and build contractor ahead of the start of construction works next year following a tender.

The station will remain open while the construction works are delivered, following planning approval earlier this year.

Wednesday 3 Dec 2025

Railway closure this weekend for essential upgrade work between Llandudno Junction and Blaenau Ffestiniog, with further non-disruptive winter maintenance planned.​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Blaenau Ffestiniog


The programme of work will allow engineers to safely carry out track renewal, drainage works and vegetation management to keep vital North Wales services running reliably during bad weather.

The line will be closed from 23:00 on Saturday 6 December until 0600 on Monday 8 December, giving engineers uninterrupted access to complete a series of drainage, vegetation management and track renewal activities.

Buses will replace trains all day on Sunday 7 December between Llandudno and Llandudno Junction/Blaenau Ffestiniog, and passengers are advised to check their journey before travelling at nationalrail.co.uk.

Work taking place this weekend

From 23:00 Saturday to 06:00 Monday, engineers will carry out:

• Drainage work at Flint (Saturday night - 8.30am Sunday)
• Vegetation and flailing work from Tyn-y-Morfa level crossing to Llandudno Junction (Saturday - 8.30am Sunday)
• Drainage improvements at Mochdre station (Saturday - 8.30am Sunday)
• Track component renewal at Llandudno Junction (8.30am Sunday - 4am Monday)

This programme of work will help reduce flooding, improve track condition and maintain safe, reliable journeys for passengers.

Further signalling upgrade work later this winter

In addition to this weekend’s closure, Network Rail will continue a wider programme of essential signalling renewals between Llandudno Junction and Bangor across several weekends between December 2025 and February 2026.

Trains will continue to run during this time so that passengers can still make their journeys with minimal disruption.

Transport for Wales Class 197 at Llandudno Junction


Scheduled dates:

Some work must take place overnight or during weekend closures when fewer trains are running, and teams will work hard to minimise noise and disruption where possible.

Passengers travelling during the affected dates should:

• Plan ahead and check before travelling at nationalrail.co.uk.
• Allow extra time for journeys where rail replacement buses are in operation.

170273 at Long Eaton

East Midlands Railway Class 170 train

Close up of new Aurora train

3rd December, 2025

Luxury train to pass through Scotland on its way to York this Friday​

Class 47 and the Statesman at York


The York Christmas Statesman is running this Friday, 5th December 2025, taking passengers from Scotland to York.

Hauled by two Class 47s, the train will depart Perth at 05:46 and will pass through Gleneagles (06:04), Dunblane (06:19), Stirling (06:29), Larbert (06:49), Cumbernauld (07:05), Motherwell (07:29), Carluke (07:45), Carstairs (08:00), Lockerbie (09:16), Carlisle (09:55), Ribblehead (11:11), Keighley (11:54), Shipley (12:02), Castleford (12:44), Church Fenton (13:34) and York at 13:51.

After time in York, the return journey will depart at 16:15 and will head back to Scotland via Castleford (16:47), Shipley (17:22), Skipton (17:56), Garsdale (19:18), Carlisle (20:20), Lockerbie (20:48), Carstairs (21:59), Carluke (22:12), Motherwell (22:23), Cumbernauld (22:45), Larbert (23:01), Stirling (23:13), Dunblane (23:23), Gleneagles (23:41) and Perth at 23:59.

Train on the Looe Valley Line

3rd December, 2025

Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway receives new unit​

Class 313 EMU arrives at Cynheidre


The Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway (LMMR) has a new addition of Electric Multiple Unit Class 313 no. 313201.

The first of three cars arrived at the railway on the 25th November with the other two rriving yesterday (2nd December).

The unit, owned by the 400 Series Preservation Group, was the only Class 313 to be in operational condition and was operating under 3rd rail power earlier this year.

The unit also made an appearance at The Greatest Gathering in August.


It will be at the railway with Class 315 EMU no. 315856 until a permanent home is found.

4th December, 2025

Steam locomotive 60163 Tornado set for East Lancashire Railway visit​

A1 No. 60163 Tornado stands at Skipton ready to depart for Appleby


The East Lancashire Railway’s Mike Kelly has announced that 60163 Tornado will be visiting them for their Legends of Steam Gala in 2026.

It will be the third Legends of Steam Gala to take place on the East Lancashire Railway, following a popular 2025 gala, where 61306 Mayflower stepped in for Tornado.

This year’s event will take place between the 10th and 12th April 2026, and more details will be announced soon.

Tornado is currently at its Darlington home, but will soon be moving down to Tyseley to haul a Vintage Trains Christmas excursion.

4th December, 2025

Next week to see Inspiration at London Paddington​

Railway 200 touring exhibition train Inspiration at Paddington


The Railway 200 Inspiration train spent last week at the West Somerset Railway and is getting ready for its next stop – London Paddington.

Inspiration is in its last three stops of its 2025 tour and will arrive in Platform 8 on Monday, 8th December.

People can visit the interactive train and experience each carriage, including Railway Firsts and the Wonderlab on Wheels, until 13th December.

Exhibition stands will also be at the station, with staff on hand to answer questions about the history of railways and plans for the future.

Inside Inspiration – bridge making exercise


There may also be a special guest appearance from Paddington Bear.

Tickets are free; however, demand is expected to be high, so it’s best to book in advance, which can be done online.

Should you miss this stop, there is a virtual tour available, and some dates for 2026 have been announced.


“We’re delighted to be hosting Railway 200’s Inspiration train in the run up to Christmas, adding to the festive magic at London Paddington and celebrating two centuries of train travel in Britain.

“We’ve worked closely with colleagues across the industry, including at GWR and Transport for London, to bring this anniversary to life. Our partners at the STEAM Railway Museum in Swindon and Reading Museum, Reading, have kindly shared their archives with us for this event and both museums are well worth a visit to learn even more about how train travel shaped Britain.

“Our region is home to Brunel’s iconic railway and we look forward to sharing that history with visitors from across the country. A number of our stations marked significant birthdays in 2025, with both Reading and Bristol Temple Meads turning 185 in this 200th anniversary year. With such a rich railway history, we’re proud to celebrate Railway 200, and look forward to seeing what the future brings.”

Marcus Jones, Network Rail’s Western route director

4th December, 2025

First Aurora train runs in passenger service to London​

New Aurora train


East Midlands Railway and Transport UK launched their inaugural Aurora train yesterday.

The first of their £400 million fleet departed Sheffield yesterday at 7 am with its very first customers heading towards London.

Inside the new Aurora trains


The fleet includes 33 bi-mode trains, which will help reduce carbon emissions by 66 per cent, utilising the Midland Main Line upgrades.

The fleet provides more seats and more comfortable journeys, and when the whole fleet is in service, there will be a 46% increase in total seats.

It has numerous features added to improve the passenger experience, including extra legroom, an enhanced Wi-Fi system, charging points, extra storage space, and seatback tables.

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“Today is truly a landmark moment for rail travel across the East Midlands and South Yorkshire.

“At 7am, the very first train in Transport UK and EMR’s brand-new £400 million Aurora fleet departed Sheffield for London St Pancras – marking the start of a new era for Intercity travel on our network.

“With more seats, legroom and luggage space, as well as enhanced Wi-Fi, passenger information and the ability to run on electric, these new trains will transform the service we can provide.”

Will Rogers, Managing Director for East Midlands Railway

4th December, 2025

Direct London to Germany train service makes major step forward​

Eurostar new trains Note: Final design and livery not confirmed


A major step forward has been made that could see direct trains from London to Germany.

Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn have confirmed plans to bring the connection and have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding, signalling the intention to explore options to operate trains between London and German cities such as Cologne and Frankfurt.

The service is set to start in the early 2030s, using Eurostar’s new double-decker Celestia fleet.

Journey times could be around 4 hours to Cologne and 5 hours to Frankfurt, providing a more sustainable alternative to flying.


This forms the UK Government’s plan to boost international rail connectivity and deliver more travel options for passengers.


“This brings us one step closer to a new rail link that will put Britain at the heart of a better-connected Europe and paves the way for increased trade, tourism and investment.

“From establishing pioneering cross-continent routes to freezing domestic rail fares for the first time in 30 years, transport is just one of the many ways this Government is investing in international relationships to cut the cost of living back home.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer
“We’re thrilled to kick off this partnership with DB. It’s a big step towards making travel between London and Germany more sustainable and effortless. By combining Eurostar’s cross-channel know-how and new fleet with DB’s strong presence in Germany, we’re creating a whole new level of connectivity and convenience for our customers.

“This partnership will help continue to power Eurostar’s growth and bring us closer to our goal of carrying 30 million passengers across our network.”

CEO Eurostar Gwendoline Cazenave
“Europe is coming together ever more closely by rail. In cooperation with Eurostar, we also want to bring Germany and the UK closer together at high speed. We are convinced of the great potential of such a direct connection.

“However, this project also shows that new cross-border long-distance services are often only possible through partnerships like this, due to complex framework conditions.”

DB-Vorstand Personenfernverkehr Michael Peterson

4th December, 2025

Freightliner operates first Hydrogen train to Nottinghamshire​

First hydrogen delivery by rail


Freightliner used a Class 66 and a Class 93 locomotive to operate the first hydrogen-loaded train on Britain’s rail network, marking a major step forward.

The gas containers were transported from Doncaster to Network Rail’s Test Tracks site in High Marnham as is the first shipment of Hydrogen by rail.

Currently, Hydrogen is transported by road but this first operation showcases that the rail network is ready to become a hydrogen distribution system.

The site at Tuxford runs to High Marnham, which sits adjacent to HyMarnham Power, the UK’s largest hydrogen production facility that is operated by GeoPura and JG Pears.


“Rail is the greenest form of long-distance transport, and we, as an industry, are working hard to decarbonise transport and achieve net zero. For 200 years the railway has connected communities and major industry across Britain. Today, the railway has the potential to be a strategic hydrogen distribution network in the future, as it has been for energy for many years.

“By bringing together rail and energy innovators here at Test Tracks in Tuxford, we’re accelerating Britain’s journey to net zero and showing how rail and energy sectors can work together to deliver sustainable transport and energy distribution.”

Leevan Finney, Network Rail’s engineering services director


“Today’s event at Tuxford Test Tracks highlights the significant opportunities rail offers for the UK’s future. Freightliner is proud to be the first Freight Operating Company to transport hydrogen on the rail network. Leveraging our extensive expertise, we safely and securely move a wide range of bulk materials and hazardous goods for our customers.

“Rail is already the most sustainable choice for long-distance freight, producing 76% fewer carbon emissions compared to diesel road transport.”

Dave Penney, Managing Director, Rail Services & Heavy Haul at Freightliner

70000 Britannia

Trains at Manchester Victoria station

Trams and train at Manchester Victoria station