Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Rosa ‘Peace’​

1st

Rosa ‘Constance Spry’​

1st

27th February, 2026

Apedale to welcome Motor Rail Mania guest locomotives this summer​

Leighton Buzzard No. 43


Apedale Valley Light Railway’s Motor Rail Mania is gearing up for an exciting weekend on June 27 – 28, with the announcement of its first two visiting locomotives.

Making the journey from the Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway are Motor Rail 8695 and 10409, better known to enthusiasts as Leighton Buzzard No. 30 and 43.

No. 43’s appearance is set to be especially notable, marking the first time in its 72-year history that the locomotive will venture beyond its home county of Bedfordshire.

Across the gala weekend, both engines are expected to haul demonstration freight and passenger services, offering visitors plenty of action. Subject to availability, they will also feature in a dedicated Leighton Buzzard-themed photo charter on the Saturday.

Leighton Buzzard No. 30


Event organisers have expressed their sincere thanks to the Leighton Buzzard team for enabling the visit, promising a memorable showcase for industrial railway fans.

27th February, 2026

UK’s first HydroShunter unveiled at Severn Valley Railway​

HydroShunter at Severn Valley, 26th Feb 2026


Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions and Severn Valley Railway have marked a significant step forward in railway decarbonisation with the official market launch of the UK’s first hydrogen-powered railway shunting locomotive.

The HydroShunter was unveiled at Kidderminster Town station on Thursday, 26 February, showcasing a practical pathway to zero-emission shunting.

The locomotive has been rebuilt in the SVR’s workshops using the body of a redundant Class 08 diesel shunter.

Rather than requiring entirely new rolling stock, the HydroShunter demonstrates how existing vehicles can be retrofitted with clean propulsion technology.


Its hydrogen and battery powertrain was delivered through a collaboration between the heritage railway and Vanguard, a West Midlands-based company specialising in hydrogen traction systems and spun out from the University of Birmingham.

Dr Alexander Burrows of Vanguard and Gus Dunster of the SVR


Guests, including representatives from mainline rail operators, attended the launch to learn more about the project’s ambition to decarbonise shunting operations nationwide.

Attendees also took part in a demonstration run along the heritage line.

The project was recently shortlisted for Innovation of the Year at the Rail Business Awards 2026, underlining its importance to the wider industry.


“This is an exciting day for the Vanguard team. To launch the UK’s first commercial hydrogen/battery railway locomotive powertrain as a retrofit solution is a great achievement and I am hugely proud of the joint project team from Vanguard and our wonderful partners at the Severn Valley Railway.

“There is already a lot of real interest from potential customers who want to benefit from zero emissions, reduced noise, and improved operating costs in a retrofit solution. We have made this investment in innovation to drive transport decarbonisation and enable railway locomotives to move to zero emissions without the need for significant upfront capital investment.”

Dr Alexander Burrows, CEO of Vanguard Sustainable Transport Solutions.


“Working on this project places the Severn Valley Railway firmly at the forefront of innovation within the heritage sector. We are proud to have helped develop a shunting solution that is emissions-free at the point of use and we are looking forward to seeing it in regular use at the railway.

“I am immensely proud of our team of young volunteers who have worked tirelessly to bring this locomotive to the advanced stage we’re seeing today. Their skill, commitment and determination demonstrate the very best of the heritage railway movement. We may be a heritage organisation, but this project shows our vision is firmly fixed on the future.”

Gus Dunster, managing director of the Severn Valley Railway.

27th February, 2026

Northampton and Lamport Railway to celebrate with Easter Egg Specials​

The Northampton and Lamport Railway (NLR) is inviting families to celebrate Easter in style with its popular Easter Egg Specials, running on Sunday, 5th and Monday, 6th April.

Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides through the Northamptonshire countryside, with departures every hour from 10 am to 3 pm on both days.

Every child travelling on the Easter Egg Specials will receive a free Creme Egg, adding a sweet treat to the experience.

Young visitors will also have the chance to meet the Easter Bunny in person and take part in a special Easter Bunny Hunt.

In addition to the train rides and Easter activities, the railway offers free on-site parking, a souvenir shop, and a buffet serving drinks, snacks, and freshly prepared food.

Families whose children do not eat chocolate are encouraged to inform the railway in advance, and a suitable substitute will be provided.

Easter Egg Specials 2025 Poster


Tickets for the Easter Egg Specials can be booked online via the North Norfolk Railway’s website.

The railway notes that in the unlikely event the scheduled steam locomotive is unavailable, services will instead be hauled by one of its vintage diesel locomotives, ensuring the experience goes ahead as planned.

27th February, 2026

Two locomotives set to visit Ravenglass for Northern Rock’s Golden Jubilee Gala​

Sian


Between 2 and 4 May, two guest locomotives from the Whistlestop Valley are set to visit the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, for Northern Rock’s Golden Jubilee Gala.

‘Sian’, in her signature maroon livery, is a familiar face at Ravenglass, having previously called the line home, and is a frequent visitor.

Built by Guest Engineering & Maintenance Co Ltd, as an Ernest W. Twining design, for the Fairbourne Railway in 1963, she was acquired in 1994 by the Sian Project Group.

Katie


Joining ‘Sian’ will be her sister locomotive, ‘Katie’.

Built in 1954 for the Dudley Zoo Railway, Katie enjoyed a long tenure at Fairbourne before joining Whistlestop Valley.

Recently overhauled, the locomotive last visited Ravenglass in 2015.

ScotRail train on the West Highland Line

A recent picture on here showed 35023 (Holland Africa Line) Not to be confused with sister namesake Holland America? (35022).

27th February, 2026
Had a coin hunt today and found some more 50p's for the collection.

2016 Battle of Hastings​

2018 Mrs Tittlemouse 50p​

27th February, 2026

Severn Valley Railway to support new multi-sport challenge this summer​

Arley station on the Severn Valley Railway


The Severn Valley Railway is supporting a brand-new multisport challenge, Steaming Down the Valley, at the Severn Valley Country Park, set to take place on Saturday, 6 June 2026.

Hosted by Shropshire Council and organised by local volunteers, the event invites participants to race alongside the heritage railway by land or water.

Competitors can choose between a 5km or a 10km off-road run, beginning to the tune of a steam train whistle, at the historic Country Park Hall.

Runners will follow woodland paths and riverside trails, with the 5km finishing at Arley railway station and the 10km returning to the start point.

For those more interested in watersports, a paddle sports race will launch from Miner’s Bridge, with canoeists, kayakers, and paddleboarders invited to sign up to chase the steam locomotive downstream to Arley.

2857 in the sun in a dining car train on the Severn Valley Railway


Race HQ at Severn Valley Country Park will be offering refreshments at No.92 Coffee Lounge.

All finishers are set to receive medals and goody bags. Early booking is recommended due to limited places.


“We’re thrilled to be supporting Severn Valley Country Park for the return of Steaming Down the Valley. The heat is on, and not just in the firebox! We’ll be sure to get our steam locomotives in tip top shape to give the participants a run for their money, from platform to podium!”

Lewis Maddox, Visitor Engagement Manager at the Severn Valley Railway.


“This stretch of the Severn Valley is a great area for a scenic, off-road run. Add to that the thrill of racing against a steam train, and it’s going to be a race you don’t want to miss. I would urge people to enter early to avoid disappointment.”

Edward Andrews, Parks and Countryside Manager at Shropshire Council.

27th February, 2026

Severn Valley Railway to hold Branch Line event this weekend​

Crossing Falling Sands viaduct, 7802 'Bradley Manor'


The Severn Valley Railway is to hold a Branch Line Weekend this weekend (28th February and 1st March 2026) to showcase what the line might have looked like back in its hey day.

The railway will also be celebrating 35 years since the arrival of the first DMU with an intensive timetable and a number of locomotives and units.

The weekend will see a Class 101 DMU operate alongside a Class 108, 1450 on auto trains, 7714 and 7802/75069, which will operate on Saturday and Sunday only, respectively.

The hidden gem that is Eardington station will be open with Lampman talks and 23 trains stopping at the station.

Timetables and tickets are available by clicking here.

Alstom trains and signalling enter service in India​

The Meerut Metro trains will be India’s fastest urban metro