• The NationStates server was subjected to a data breach. TNP Forums do NOT interact with the NS servers and remain secure. If you use the same password between the two sites, it is recommended you change your password.

Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Status
Not open for further replies.
17th February, 2026

Steam locomotive 6990 Witherslack Hall set for Netflix appearance​

train.jpg

Modified Hall Class No. 6990 Witherslack Hall on the Great Central Railway


A resident locomotive from the Great Central Railway will be appearing on screen with a journey on the picturesque line.

6990 Witherslack Hall will be appearing in Netflix’s new series, Seven Dials, an Agatha Christie mystery.

This isn’t the first time the railway has been featured on the big screen, featuring in The Hours, Goodnight Mister Tom, and The Crown.
 
17th February, 2026

Weardale Railway welcomes the legendary NER petrol-electric railcar​

train.jpg

Passenger service on the Weardale Railway


This winter, Weardale Railway will bring a piece of railway history to Stanhope with the return of the iconic North Eastern Railway (NER) Petrol-Electric Autocar.

Operating passenger services between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland in February and March, the Autocar will also feature in special Easter events, giving visitors a rare chance to ride this pioneering train.

Introduced in 1903, the North Eastern Railway Autocar was the world’s first passenger vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine generating electricity for traction motors.

Designed by visionary engineer Vincent Raven, it was more than 50 years ahead of its time and a direct forerunner of today’s diesel-electric trains.

Drawing on electric tram technology, Raven created a self-contained petrol-electric railcar that offered superior acceleration, hill-climbing ability, and innovative features like electric track brakes
 
train.jpg

1903 NER Autocar at Weardale Railway


After decades of service, the autocar became a holiday home before being meticulously restored to its 1923 condition.

Its modern diesel-electric power system ensures safety while retaining historic interiors and tram-style controls.


Weardale Railway staff will undertake specialist training to operate it authentically along its 16-mile heritage line between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope.

Rescued and revitalised by The Auckland Project, the railway now offers heritage experiences, including afternoon teas, wine and cheese trains, and the Santa Express, celebrating County Durham’s rich railway heritage.


“Welcoming the NER Autocar to Weardale Railway is incredibly special, and is a rare opportunity for people to step aboard a true world-first in railway history.

“This vehicle tells an extraordinary story of innovation and ambition at a time when steam dominated the railways, and we’re thrilled to be able to share that story with our visitors here in Weardale.”

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway
 
Wednesday 18th Feb 2026

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went 'The Great Western' and had a couple of drinks.

Popped into my train shop and I bought a locomotive.

It's a sad day as this will be the last time I see Robert, he is retiring and the shop will be closing in a few days,

A sad loss to the hobby.

Arrived at 'The Gatekeeper' for a few more drinks, had a a couple of pints of the 'Old Moor' porter and some food.

Also had a pint of another porter, it was called 'Dark Conspiracy', very nice.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 270, ADL Enviro200, CN64 FWU

train.jpg
 
Last edited:
An ESP production – this rich, smooth, dark ale combines great flavours from English, German and Belgian malts with a careful blend of American and Kentish hops to give a truly complex drinking experience.

1771681555935.png
1771681246501.png
 
Wednesday 18th February 2026

4917


ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

FLEET UPDATE

Today I bought a locomotive.

My final purchase from Robert at 'Cardiff Antiques' as he is retiring and the business is closing. :(


Hornby R3345 Class 66 66504 in Freightliner Powerhaul livery​


1771682474346.png
 
18th February, 2026

Seven new railway stations to be built in Wales under new plans​

train.jpg

TfW train at Wrexham General


New plans are being announced today (18th February) that will see plans for the construction of seven new railway stations in Wales announced.

The UK Government and the Welsh Government will work together to bring a more frequent service across the country.

Half a billion pounds is promised in this Spending Review and will see new stations built at Magor and Undy, Llanwern, Cardiff East, Newport West, Somerton, Cardiff Parkway and Deeside Industrial Park.

The UK Government says that this is part of a broader plan to get Britain building again, and should help support the creation of tens of thousands of jobs.

Work will start on the new stations later this year, with Magor and Undy expected to be the first of these stations to be opened.

The station at Deeside Industrial Park will help boost the Wrexham – Liverpool line for better connections to the rest of the UK.


For too long, Wales has been let down by a UK government unwilling to do the hard yards and build the future they deserve.

This government is turning the page on historic dither and delay with seven new stations, thousands of jobs, and a generational commitment to build a rail network fit for Wales’ future.

This isn’t tinkering nor sticking plasters. This is investment for the long term – and change communities will feel. This is putting Wales on the front foot and getting Britain building again.”

Prime Minister, Keir Starmer


We are now in an unprecedented position to deliver the next chapter of transformation for rail services in Wales. We have secured long-term commitments to key projects and a renewed ambition for our rail network.

Changes of this scale don’t happen overnight but they do happen when there is vision, determination, and cooperation. We’ve already proved that with the Core Valley Lines, and we are beginning to see the same momentum with Network North Wales. When you have the ambition, the commitment and the will, real progress follows – and we have all three.

First Minister, Eluned Morgan
 
Last edited:
18th February, 2026

Midland Pullman HST set for speed test run​

train.jpg


A rare opportunity is being offered to travel aboard the iconic Midland Pullman during a landmark test run between Crewe and London Euston on Wednesday, 4 March 2026.

The special journey will mark the first time the High Speed Train (HST) operates at 125mph on a non-stop run along this route.

The return leg from Crewe to London Euston will form part of an official test programme assessing the potential for sustained 125mph line speeds for HST services.

Travelling on the West Coast Main Line, the train will pass via Stafford, Rugby and Milton Keynes before arriving in London Euston at 12:55.


Following a scheduled departure at 14:05, the service will complete its return journey to Crewe as part of this significant operational evaluation.
 
train.jpg


The test represents an important step toward potential line speed enhancements for HST operations, while offering passengers the chance to experience high-speed main line running in a unique and historic setting.

First class seating is available (non-dining) at tables of 2 or 4, starting at £179pp.

A limited selection of private window seating for two is available at a supplement of £20pp.
 
19th February, 2026

Third visitor announced for Chinnor Diesel Gala​

train.jpg

31128 departs Whitby


The Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway have announced the third visitor for their Annual Diesel Gala.

Appearing alongside Class 26 ‘26043’ and a Class 66 will be Class 31 ‘31128’ ‘Charybdis’, visiting courtesy of Richard Goodyear.

The gala takes place on the 20th-22nd March, with the visitors joining residents 37227, 97808 (08825), D1501, D2069, and 47715.

There will also be brake van rides and driver experiences available during the gala.

Visit their website to book tickets, with an early bird offer running.
 
19th February, 2026

Great Western Railway set to provide additional capacity ahead of Wales v Scotland Six Nations match​

train.jpg


Great Western Railway is set to provide additional services for fans heading to the Six Nations match at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, 21 February.

Fans commuting to the Wales v Scotland match are being asked to reserve seating for pre-match travel, to ensure safe and timely travel.

Great Western have 27 train services for the match ahead of the 16:40 kick-off.

Post-match, a queuing system will be in place at Cardiff station to assist in a smooth boarding and onward commute.

With the final whistle at 18:30, 23 trains will operate towards Swansea and the South-West of England.

Transport for Wales will also be running increased services in anticipation of the Six Nations match.

Fans are being reminded that the services may be busy, so to plan in advance of travel and ensure pre-match seating reservations are made.

A total of 50 Great Western Railway trains will be running on the day, providing almost 25,000 seats for passengers.


“We’re delighted to be laying on significant extra capacity for what promises to be a really important Six Nations clash at the Principality Stadium.

“We’d urge fans to plan ahead and secure their seats early to avoid disappointment. Please allow sufficient time to make your journey and remember that trains will be extremely busy leading up to kick-off and immediately following the match.

“There are a number of other sporting fixtures also taking place on Saturday – so please check your journeys beforehand.”

GWR Customer Services Director, Rachel Geliamassi.
 
19th February, 2026

HST power car arrives ahead of Nene Valley Diesel Gala​

train.jpg

HST power car No. 43048 “T.C.B Miller MBE” in its Midland Mainline livery


Wansford Motive Power Depot (MPD), on the Nene Valley Railway, had an exciting arrival yesterday.

In its new Midland Mainline Livery, HST power car No. 43048 “T.C.B Miller MBE” arrived.

It’s on loan from the 125 Group and will be making its debut on the railway at their diesel gala next month.

Their gala runs on the 7th and 8th March and will also feature a Class 66 and other locomotive subject to availability.


Further information on the gala can be found online.
 
19th February, 2026

Mark 4 coaches enter preservation with new deal​

train.jpg

In temporary warm storage at a secure site


Beacon Rail and 225 Preservation CIC have reached an agreement that sees two Mark 4 coaches enter preservation.

The two Mark 4 coaches are Pullman Open coaches and were withdrawn in November 2025.

The coaches are 11412, which entered service back in 1989 as 11209, and 11426, which entered service in 1991 as 11252.

The two coaches have benefited from investment in their working lives and are in excellent condition.
 
1771685503131.png

Interior of 11426 when in service


The CIC notes that these are unique coaches as they are fitted with pressure ventilation, which was designed to accommodate passengers who wanted to smoke on board.

The coaches were withdrawn in November as part of a reduction in the length of LNER 225 sets from 9 to 7 coaches to boost acceleration to keep up with the new timetable.

Initially, the coaches will remain in warm storage at a secure location; however, 225 Preservation CIC has goals to acquire further coaches and return them to operational condition.
 
train.jpg

Mark 4 coaches enter preservation


“Not only were these among the last British Rail standalone inter-operable ‘carriages’ built, but we also believe they are the last specially designed smoking coaches built in Europe.”

Ben Denton-Cardew, Managing Director of 225 Preservation CIC


“We would hope that by acquiring a pair of vehicles now, we can build resources, expertise and funds before the remainder of the fleet is retired in years to come. This project was turned around rapidly in just four months, and we are very grateful to the teams at Beacon Rail, Swietelsky UK, and RSS for their patience, kindness and support.”

Jacob Baldwin, Marketing Director of 225 Preservation CIC
 

NEW GB STAMPS ISSUED TODAY​

Hornby Model Railways​

February 19 2026
Commemorative

Designed by The Chase
Size 41mm (h) x 30mm (v)
Printed by Cartor Security Print
Print Process Lithography
Perforations 14.5 x 14
Gum PVA

No.1 locomotive, GNR (1920)​

1st

train.jpg
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top