Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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A convoy of five Class 68s on their way to Leicester L.I.P at Nuneaton, 13/2/26;

They were: 68 024 (formerly "Centaur"), 68 019 ("Brutus"), 68 016 ("Fearless"), 68 025 ("Superb") and 68 017 ("Hornet").

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Knottingley Photo Charter.​

On Saturday night I joined one of the fantastic charity photo charters run by Chris Gee at Northern Diesel Photo Charters, this time at Knottingley TMD.

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Hunslet South Jn 22.02 26​

185140+185118 on the 1P29 Manchester Vic to Scarborough

195010+195025 on the 1Y23 1509 Leeds to Nottingham

802219 on the 9M14 1402Newcastle to Liverpool LS

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Wednesday 25th Feb 2026

Marcus & [strike]Cleo[/strike] Neo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

Cleo stayed home tod and allowed Neo and myself some Father and Son time together

We went the indoor market and had lunch, a very filling Tonkatsu Sando!

Then is was onwards to 'The Gatekeeper' and I had a couple of pints of 'Old Growler'

Popped past my train shop, now sadly closed. :(

Had a look in a couple of shops.

Arrived back at 'The Gatekeeper' for a few more drinks.

Then onto 'The Botanist', a very nice venue, we had a cocktail each.

Thought we'd try 'Be At One' for a couple more cocktails, but they had a private booking so we went next door to 'NQ64' and had two cocktails each and played some arcade games.

We got hungry again and had some chicken boxes from 'Popeyes'.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 264, ADL Enviro200, CN64 FWM
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NQ64

the Cardiff venue is a must-visit. Armed with an artillery of retro-consoles and gaming-themed cocktails, this is a quirky spot for work parties, dates and nights out with mates alike.

Expect walls illustrated with neon graffiti and vibrant furnishings throughout the venue.

For those who want a taste of nostalgia, make a beeline for their exhaustive collection of 80s and 90s arcade games.

Alongside these, they have old school consoles, including N64s and PlayStations.

NQ64 has placed itself firmly as THE retro arcade bar to visit, with the venue boasting a bar stocked with loads of great beers (craft and local are their speciality), wines, spirits and a cocktail menu that draws inspiration from their favourite old school classic arcades and consoles.

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25th February, 2026

Flying Scotsman and railway veteran reunite after 40 years​

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Alan Newman with Flying Scotsman


On Friday, 20 February, a railway veteran of 64 years, who once commanded the world-famous Flying Scotsman, returned to the footplate after over 40 years during a public display of the locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street.

As crowds gathered on platform 4 to catch a glimpse of the historic engine, many families took the opportunity to board the iconic train during its three-day visit. Alan Newman, 79, was invited to bring the locomotive into the station before spending the afternoon greeting guests.

Approaching 80, Alan’s career in railways spans an impressive 64 years.

He began at age 15 in 1962 and has since held roles as a fireman, driver, instructor, traction inspector, station manager, and in national operational positions.

Still active in the industry as a Duty Control Manager for Chiltern Railways, Alan drove the Flying Scotsman on Sunday luncheon specials between London Marylebone and Stratford-upon-Avon between 1986 and 1987.
 
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Alan Newman with Flying Scotsman


The Birmingham visit was part of a tour organised by Vintage Trains, which operates steam excursions throughout the year.


“Alan has had a long and distinguished career in rail and he is a credit to Chiltern Railways.

“It was wonderful to see Alan supporting the public visiting Flying Scotsman at nearly 80 years of age. The popularity of Flying Scotsman was evident last week as so many families were out to visit the locomotive at Birmingham Moor Street.”

Tony Baxter, Operations Director at Chiltern Railways.
 
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Alan Newman (pictured right) working on a steam train in 1967


“I was proud to return to Flying Scotsman 40 years after driving it in the eighties. Seeing so many families excited to see the train brought it all back and really shines the railway in a positive light.

“The enthusiasm from the general public to see historic locomotives such as Flying Scotsman makes me proud to have worked in this industry since 1962.”

Alan Newman, from King’s Sutton, Northamptonshire.
 
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