Marcus' Model Railway Journey

5th February, 2026

Brake Van Ride to mark ‘first’ at East Lancashire Railway​

Small Engines Gala Brake Van Rides


The East Lancashire Railway is hosting its Small Engines Gala on the 21st and 22nd February.

On the 21st, there will be brake van rides, hauled by 4002 ‘Arundel Castle’ Top and tailed with 32 ‘Gothenburg’ from Bury to Rawtenstall.

This is an exclusive brake van ride as it marks the first time that 4002 has taken passengers to Rawtenstall.

Tickets for the brake van rides will be going on sale soon and will be limited.


Further information will be available on their website.

5th February, 2026

Victor steam locomotive to return to Somerset after four decades​

Bagnall 0-6-0ST No.2996 ‘Victor’ to return for the 50th Anniversary


As part of their 50th anniversary event, the West Somerset Railway has announced that after many years, Bagnall 0-6-0ST No.2996 ‘Victor’ will return for the celebrations.

After nearly four decades, Victor will be returning on the 28th and 28th March thanks to a sponsorship from the West Somerset Railway Association.

The locomotive will be recreating the first public service down to the minute, along with other recreations, including milestones from their early days.

It will join resident locomotives: WSR Mogul 2-6-0 no.9351, GWR Manor 4-6-0 no.7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’, Class 35 Hymek D7017, and Class 115 DMU.


Victor’s private owner, Mr M. A. Maher, The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway and the West Somerset Railway Association have all supported this visit, which will be extended to allow for it to appear that the railways’ Spring Steam Spectacular in May.

Further information on the anniversary weekend can be found here.

5th February, 2026

Harry Styles Themed London North Eastern Railway Service this June​

LNER Together Train


London North Eastern Railway has announced that it will be running a one-off Harry Styles-themed train to mark the concert at Wembley on the 12th June.

The ‘Together, Together Train’ will depart Edinburgh Waverley at 8:30 am and travel south.

The journey will involve surprises and limited edition merchandise to help make it not just about the destination.

The Taylor Swift and Oasis equivalent of this went down a treat with customers, prompting them to do it again.


Tickets are on sale now with further details to follow.


“Bringing our ‘Together’ Pride train to celebrate Harry Styles’ ‘Together, Together’ tour feels like the perfect match. Both are rooted in inclusivity, joy and bringing people closer, and we’re proud to help fans travel in the spirit of what Harry’s shows are all about.

“It’s a great reminder that rail, and music, have the power to connect people – not just to places, but to each other. From Edinburgh to London, and all the stops between, we want fans to feel the excitement build because when you’re heading to Wembley, ‘as it was’ just isn’t good enough.”

Stuart Thomas, Communications Director at LNER

Class 66 No.66555 - proving that rail transport is more efficient, than road.​

Class 66 No.66555 passing through Belper Station at a leisurely pace with its long load of aggregate.

807007 forming the 16.43 Liverpool Lime Street to Euston service today

Found in my change today..........

Ethnon