Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Dave Shaw and Tim Pulford at the entrance to Berwyn tunnel


Work through the tunnel is still ongoing at the time of writing.

The team have made a good start and is on course to meet the planned targets, before a final inspection to allow trains to run through the tunnel once more.

While the line beyond Berywn is closed for engineering works, the Llangollen Railway will be running its Berwyn shuttle service on selected days over the winter half-term holiday, February 14th, 15th, 18th & 21st. The line will fully reopen to kick off the 2026 season on the last day of February, Saturday 28th, with the line’s first big event of the year taking place on the 10th – 12th April.
 
Monday 19 Jan 2026

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One week to go: Passengers reminded to check before travelling as vital track and viaduct refurbishment works take place in Swansea area​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Network Rail Wales


Essential railway upgrades mean buses will replace trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea for 12 days from the end of January.

From Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, and again all day on Sunday 8 February, engineers will be working around the clock to renew the railway near Landore Viaduct, close to Swansea Football Stadium.

To allow the work to be carried out safely, the railway will be closed between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea during these periods.

The work includes renewing rails, sleepers, switches and crossings, and points, as well as refurbishing Landore Viaduct, which supports the railway as it crosses the River Tawe.

These upgrades are vital to keeping the railway safe, reliable and resilient for passengers and freight services.

During the closures, Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway services into West Wales will be affected, with buses replacing trains between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea, for the duration of the works.

Key alterations
  • Rail replacement buses will run between Port Talbot – Swansea - Llanelli from Monday 26 to Friday 30 January. Arrangements will vary depending on the date of travel, particularly for customers using Gowerton. Services between Swansea and Llanelli/West Wales will resume from Saturday 31 January.
  • Great Western Railway services to and from London will start and terminate at Port Talbot, with amended timetables in place.
  • Heart of Wales Line services will operate to and from Carmarthen, with additional changes on 27 January.
  • Services between Llanelli - Carmarthen - Milford Haven / Pembroke Dock / Fishguard Harbour will run to amended timetables.
  • Swansea Station will remain open, with access to ticketing facilities, toilets and refreshments.
Additional weekend changes
  • Saturday 31 January - Sunday 1 February: Rail replacement buses will operate between Cardiff Central – Bridgend - Swansea. Maesteg - Cardiff services will call at all local stations between Cardiff and Bridgend.
  • Sunday 8 February: Rail replacement buses will operate between Cardiff – Bridgend - Port Talbot.
Passengers wre urged to check their journey details before travelling, as journey times may be longer and connections may differ from normal.

Up to date information will be available via the TfW website, the TfW app, journey planners, station notices or at nationalrail.co.uk.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “We’re carrying out vital track renewal work and refurbishing Landore Viaduct near Swansea to improve the reliability of the railway for passenger and freight services.

“To complete this work safely, we need to close the railway between Port Talbot Parkway and Swansea from Monday 26 January to Friday 6 February, and again all day on Sunday 8 February, with buses replacing trains during this time. This work has been planned well in advance, and we’ve been working closely with train operators to ensure alternative travel arrangements are in place for passengers.

“We’re sorry for the disruption this will cause and would like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete these essential improvements.”

Colin Lea, Transport for Wales Planning and Performance Director said, “These essential works by Network Rail are an important investment in making the railway more reliable for years to come.

“We know that any disruption can be frustrating, and we’re really grateful to our customers for bearing with us while this vital work is carried out.”
 
19 Jan 2026

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Travel advice for essential engineering works in Swansea area​

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TfW - football


Transport for Wales (TfW) will be trialling a direct service to North Wales from Cardiff following both World Cup play-off fixtures in March.

For the first time, a dedicated post-match 23:00 service will run from Cardiff to Holyhead, ensuring fans can return home the same night.

With both fixtures expected to be sell-outs, TfW have strengthened capacity across the network to accommodate the demand.

The trial will take place for the following fixtures:
  • Thursday 26 March: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Tuesday 31 March: Wales v Italy or Northern Ireland
While TfW has consistently provided post-event travel to Wrexham and Chester in recent years, extending a direct line to Holyhead late at night provides fans with confidence to support the national team without the need for overnight accommodation.

This service has been made possible following customer feedback and close collaboration with Network Rail to agree on adjustments to planned engineering work, an extension of signal box opening hours and additional resourcing for train crew and fleet.

Georgina Wills, Customer Delivery & Events Planning Manager said: “We’ve listened to our passengers, and we know that getting home to North Wales following a late kick-off has been a challenge in the past.

“By working with our partners at Network Rail, we are proud to trial this direct 23:00 service to Holyhead to ensure fans get home safely.

While this is currently a trial, we want to see it succeed and encourage fans to take advantage of the service and travel with us.”

Rachel Heath, Operations Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders Route said, “We’re pleased to be working closely with Transport for Wales to help make this trial service possible for football fans travelling to and from North Wales.

“By adjusting planned engineering activity, extending signal box opening hours and ensuring the right resources are in place, we’re supporting safe and reliable late-night travel following major national events.

“This collaboration shows how we can respond to feedback and make the railway work better for passengers when demand is highest.”

Macsen Jones, FAW Fan Engagement Executive, added: “We are pleased that TfW has chosen to trial this service. Throughout fan consultations and feedback, this route has been consistently identified as one that would greatly assist supporters in returning home to North Wales after matches.

“We value TfW’s collaborative approach and their commitment to working with us to ensure fans enjoy a positive and seamless travel experience when attending games.”


26 March 2026: Wales v Bosnia and Herzegovina at Cardiff City Stadium

31 March 2026: Wales v Italy / Northern Ireland at Cardiff City Stadium

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20th January, 2026

Half price tickets at Gloucestershire railway​

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Avon Valley Railway


Avon Valley Railway is encouraging people to visit the railway this upcoming half-term by offering half-price tickets.

Visitors can enjoy a scenic journey as a perfect way to spend the holiday.

The offer applies to the following dates:
  • Sat 14-Feb,
  • Sun 15-Feb,
  • Wed 18-Feb,
  • Sat 21-Feb and
  • Sun 22-Feb
Passengers can take advantage of free parking at Bitton Station and take a round trip, taking around 50 minutes.


The Bitton Station Buffet and Gift Shop will also be open throughout.

Half-price tickets will go on sale soon on their website.
 
20th January, 2026

Steam locomotive 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier set for Yorkshire railway gala​

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45407 The Lancashire Fusilier


The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway has announced that LMS Black 5 No. 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier will be visiting them for their upcoming Spring Steam Gala.

The locomotive visits thanks to Ian Riley.

45407 will arrive late on the eve of the Gala and will make a departure not long after the Gala finishes as it has railtour duties to complete.

45407 joins other visiting locos, 5029 Nunney Castle and 34046 Braunton for the gala alongside the KWVR home fleet.

Tickets for the gala are available now, and the timetable is getting a few tweaks, but should be available soon.
 
20th January, 2026

Nene Valley Railway to run HST at upcoming gala​

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The Nene Valley Railway has announced that it will run an Intercity high-speed train (HST) with power cars 43045 and 43048, complete with an on-board bar, at its Diesel Gala from Thursday 5 until Sunday 8 March.

The standard-gauge heritage railway in Peterborough has previously announced that the weekend will feature a GBRf Class 66, which will be visiting to help raise funds for Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital.

This will be VP185 power car 43048’s first visit ever to the Nene Valley Railway, and it will be available for driving experiences, another first, appearing in its new 125 Group livery.
 
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43048


The Railway describes March’s gala as an “exciting mix of visiting and home-fleet locomotives, intensive services, and a wide range of attractions across the railway.”

The Railway is planning for the following locomotives to appear at the Gala, but warns that this is subject to operational availability:

• Class 66 (66xxx) – visiting courtesy of GBRf
• Peak Class 45041
• Class 14 No. 14029
• DL83 Sentinel (Saturday)
• Barabel Sentinel (Sunday)
• Pacer 143602 (Saturday)
• Swedish Railcar No. 1212 / 1987 (Sunday)
• HST 125 set

Other attractions at the event will include: Ale on Rail available from our buffet cars; a Saturday evening Beer Train; hot and cold food at Wansford Refreshment Room; Wansford Gift Shop and Second-Hand Bookshop open all weekend.

The Miniature Railway will be running, and the Miniature Railway shop will be open, with a large selection of Stuart Black Locomotive Cards in stock.

Other highlights include Keith’s Railwayana, the Nene Valley Railway charity shop, and trade stands including B&E Models.
 
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Wansford station


The heritage railway, which will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary next year, runs between Peterborough Nene Valley and Yarwell Junction, a distance of 71⁄2 miles (12.1 km).

There are stations at each terminus, and there are three further station stops between them: Orton Mere, Oveerton and Wansford.


Enthusiasts can book their HST Driving Experience with 43048 via this web page.

Tickets are available for the Diesel Gala here, and tickets for the Evening HST Beer-Ex are available here.
 
20th January, 2026

GB Railfreight names locomotive​

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From left to right; Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services, GBRf, Graeme Jolly, Chairman of Branch Line Society, Kev Adlam, Fixtures Secretary of Branch Line Society


Last month, on the 19th December, the Branch Line Society was honoured through a locomotive naming ceremony.

GB Railfreight named the locomotive as part of a festive charter at Newcastle station.

Since 2015, the group have raised £1.5 million for numerous charities, including Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity.

They ran a Christmas charity charter that raised £1,200 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, GB Railfreight’s official charity partner.
 
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GBRf names locomotive 57306 ‘Branch Line Society’ at Newcastle Station


To celebrate the group’s contribution, locomotive 57306 was named ‘Branch Line Society’ in a special ceremony attended by Graeme Jolley, Chairman of the Branch Line Society and Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight.


“The Branch Line Society has championed the enjoyment and understanding of Britain’s railways for generations. Dedicating locomotive 57306 in their name is our way of recognising the positive impact they make through charitable activities, and strengthens the relationship between the two organisations.”.

Ian Grey, Head of Rail Services at GB Railfreight
 
20th January, 2026

Inspiration set to visit Swanage Railway in February​

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Inspiration Firth of Forth Burntisland


Next month, the Swanage Railway is set to see a visit from the Railway 200 Inspiration Train.

The interactive train has just finished its visit to Crewe, where it was visited by Pete Waterman, who received a model version of the train.

The train tours via the East Lancashire Railway, Upminster, and four locations across the Greater Anglia network before it arrives in Swanage on the 16th February.

The special four coaches remain at Swanage until the 18th February and will be open from 10 am until 4 pm each day.
 
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Corfe Castle station


The train is free to visit with a valid Swanage Railway ticket and will be located at Corfe Castle station.

Those visiting are advised to visit by train as there is no parking at the station.

Information on tickets can be found online.

Those who can’t attend this location can visit other tour stops in 2026 or take advantage of the virtual tour.


“We’re absolutely thrilled to be welcoming the family-friendly ‘Inspiration’ Railway 200 exhibition train to the Swanage Railway as part of its tour of Britain.

“Railways have played such an important role in shaping communities and connecting people with this exhibition bringing that fascinating story to life in a way that’s fun and accessible for all ages. It’s a real privilege for the Swanage Railway to host something so special and historic celebrating our rich heritage and the exciting future of rail travel.

“A fun, free and fascinating way to learn about the past, present and future of the railways, there will be something of interest for everyone – whether you are a railway enthusiast or just curious about an important British innovation that changed the world.

“We look forward to the Railway 200 exhibition train inspiring Swanage Railway visitors of all ages”

Swanage Railway Chief Executive Officer Abbie King
 
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