Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Metrolink Tram on Cross St, Manchester City Centre

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5 Mar 2026

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Transport for Wales to trial new crowd management for final Six Nations fixture​

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Cardiff Queen Street


Transport for Wales (TfW) will trial a new post match crowd management approach for the upcoming Six Nations fixture aimed at improving the match day experience for fans and prepare for major works at Cardiff Central.

Wales take on Italy in the final home game of this year’s Six Nations campaign on Saturday 14 March with fans heading home on Valleys and Vale services now directed to Cardiff Queen Street station instead of Cardiff Central.

The rear of Cardiff Central station will soon be redeveloped as part of the station enhancements project and Cardiff Crossrail programme, meaning the space previously used for post-match queuing will no longer be available.

While the trial means a longer walk for some fans, the move to Cardiff Queen Street comes with its benefits, including individual route queues designed to get passengers home sooner, shorter waits, faster boarding and engaging customer information, all designed to improve the customer experience.

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Cardiff Queen St Matchday Travel


Georgina Porter, Customer Delivery and Events Planning Manager for Transport for Wales said: “We’re preparing for the £140 million redevelopment of Cardiff Central station and looking at the best ways to get people home on event days

“This event gives us the perfect opportunity to work with our customers to test a smarter, more targeted approach to moving large numbers of fans out of the city.

“Keeping Cardiff Queen Street open for Valleys and Vale services allows us to ease pressure on Cardiff Central station, distribute passenger flow more effectively and get people home sooner.

“These changes give us the opportunity to engage with our customers more effectively on the day, with teams on the ground making sure everyone gets to the right place. We’ll continue to adapt our plans based on what we learn from the trial.”
 
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Cardiff Queen St Post Event Map


To save time at the station, fans are reminded to have a valid ticket before travelling and are encouraged to use the contactless pay as you go system across the South Wales Metro network or use the TfW app.

TfW recognise that this represents a change for passengers and ask that all passengers continue to check before travelling and remain respectful to our frontline staff who are there to help everyone get home safely.

Accessibility assistance will continue to be available at Cardiff Central for both mainline and Valley passengers.

For more information visit - Six Nations 2026 | Transport for Wales
 
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  • The trial forms an important part of TfW’s preparations for the Cardiff Central Enhancements project and the future Cardiff Crossrail programme. As these major works progress, arrangements of this kind will be required more regularly.
  • Mainline queues will remain on Cardiff Central Square including Ebbw Vale with Valley and the Vale queues now at Cardiff Queen Street.
  • Cardiff Queen Street will remain open for the Wales v Italy fixture on Saturday 14 March
  • Cardiff Bus Interchange will close in line with road closures (12:30 – 21:00) with bus services operating from satellite locations.
On platforms it will be:

Platform 5 – Bargoed, Caerphilly, Rhymney, Coryton, Ystrad Mynach

Platform 4 – Pontypridd, Treherbert, Merthyr Tydfil

Platform 3 – Aberdare

Platform 2 – Cardiff Bay, Barry Island, Penarth, Bridgend
 
6th March, 2026

Railbus to run on Suffolk railway for first time as steam loco arrives in time for Easter​

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R2 class 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotive No. 1370, May


The Mid- Suffolk Light Railway has lots of locomotives moving around this year, with a wide variety to be spotted running services.

Departures include Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank engine No. 2315, which arrived at the railway in summer 2025; however, it suffered a significant mechanical failure and will now be heading for repairs in Somerset.
 
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Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 saddle tank engine No. 2315 getting ready to leave Middy


Ahead of their season start around Easter, R2 class 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotive No. 1370, May will arrive, on loan from the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre.

No. 1370 will start the season alongside Hudswell Clarke 0-6-0 engine Illingworth, who will depart for refurbishment.

The East Anglia Railway Museum is loaning a Railbus to the railway in June, which will mark the first time a Railbus operates at the railway.
 
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Railbus Number E 79963


Lastly, following its complete overhaul and new boiler certification, Class Y7 No. 953 will return to service in the summer, alongside No. 2315, which will return by August.

Further information on the railway’s 2026 plans can be found on their website.


“This is a very important arrival at the railway. Despite the original Middy being a completely steam operated only railway, up to the closure of the line in 1952. This railbus demonstrates what might have been, as it operated on the branch line of the region in the 1960s.

“Our visitors will this June therefore have the opportunity to experience what might have been, as they take a trip to Aspall Halt aboard E79963 and speculate that this is what the Middy would have been like if it had survived into the 1960s.

John Durrant the Mid-Suffolk railway’s Locomotive Manager
 
6th March, 2026

Four visiting locomotives announced for Severn Valley Diesel Gala​

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55009 Alycidon


The Severn Valley Railway has announced four visiting locomotives for its Spring Diesel Festival, which will run from Thursday, 14th May until Sunday, 17th May 2026.

A Class 67 will visit thanks to DB Cargo, marking the first 67 to appear at an event.

Also visiting will be Hymek D7018, visiting courtesy of the Diesel Electric Preservation Group, a Class 57 courtesy of West Coast Railways and Class 55 No. 55009 Alycidon courtesy of the Deltic Preservation Society.

These visitors will join the home fleet to operate an intensive timetable throughout the weekend.


More announcements will be made as soon as final details are confirmed.
 
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West Coast Railways Class 57 No. 57314


“This year’s Spring Diesel Festival perfectly captures what makes the Severn Valley Railway such a special place for diesel enthusiasts. By bringing together main line performers that rarely work timetabled services here with much-loved heritage machines, we’re creating a truly varied and authentic diesel spectacle.

“We’ve been delighted by the reaction to this year’s guest announcements. Revealing them one by one has really built momentum, and it’s been fantastic to see so much enthusiasm online for the different classes and the sheer variety that will be in action.

“As always, our spring diesel event will feature an outstanding blend of preserved favourites and modern traction. We’re extremely grateful to our main line colleagues and preservation partners for their continued support in allowing us to host these locomotives. Together with our extensive home fleet, this will give visitors the chance to experience a remarkable cross-section of diesel traction – and to put in some serious mileage over the four days.

“There are still more announcements to come once final details are confirmed. Naturally, all appearances remain subject to availability.”

SVR managing director Gus Dunster
 
6th March, 2026

Bodmin Railway set to celebrate Mother’s & Ladies Day with discounts and afternoon tea​

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30587 on a goods train


Bodmin Railway is celebrating Mother’s & Ladies Day in style this Mothering Sunday (15 March 2026).

Ladies visiting the heritage railway will be treated to half-price tickets with the opportunity to enjoy a one or two-hour scenic heritage railway journey through the stunning Cornish countryside and picturesque woodland.

Fresh afternoon tea in the Bodmin Railway’s vintage carriages is also on offer, making the experience even more special.
 
6 Mar 2026

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New timetable to deliver boost to North Wales and summer services in West Wales​

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Transport for Wales will introduce one of the most significant timetable changes for North Wales in a generation this May (from 17th).

West Wales will also benefit from extra trains on busy, holiday routes and on Sundays over the summer to support the local tourism economy in the region.

The changes will increase the number of rail services on the North Wales Coast Line by around 50%.

Delivered through the wider Network North Wales investment programme, these changes mark a major step in improving rail capacity, reliability, and connectivity across the region, supporting growing demand for sustainable travel and stronger community links.

From 17 May 2026, customers will benefit from a completely redesigned timetable covering all routes north and west of Shrewsbury and Crewe (excluding services between Wrexham and Bidston).

The new structure introduces a standard hourly pattern, meaning some trains will run at the same time each hour to make journey planning easier.

The changes will deliver a significant increase in train frequency and capacity between Chester and Llandudno Junction, one of the busiest sections of the Wales and Borders rail network.

They are also an important step in preparing for the rollout of phase one of Pay as you Go (PAYG) in North Wales this year.

The first phase of the rollout, which goes live on 18 May, includes 15 stations from Wrexham General – Bidston.

TfW is pleased to be bringing PAYG to North Wales following its incredible success in Southeast Wales, delivering the same value and convenience to the people of North Wales.

Because of this major timetable change, some direct journeys will no longer operate, however the timetable is planned so customers will still be able to make longer journeys by easily changing trains at key hubs like Chester and Llandudno Junction.

Customers are strongly advised to check their journey before travelling, as calling patterns are also changing and trains may stop at different stations than before.

This is especially important for anyone making connections with other train operators, who may also be adjusting their timetables.

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North-Wales-Routes-Changes-ENGLISH


Key changes

North Wales coast and borders
  • Trains from Manchester Airport to Llandudno will now serve Holyhead instead, improving links to Northwest England and enhancing ferry connections to Ireland from Manchester.
  • The separate Wrexham - Chester and Chester - Crewe hourly services are being combined into one through service.
  • The Liverpool - Chester service will be extended to Llandudno, offering new direct travel opportunities.
  • The Birmingham - North Wales service (including from Birmingham International Airport) - currently every two hours - will operate to and from Llandudno Junction, not Holyhead.
  • A new service pattern will improve commuting options to Holyhead and Bangor, supporting local employment and economic growth.
  • Valley station will become a compulsory call on all relevant services, helping to give customers greater confidence in travelling from this stop.
West Wales

There will also be extra trains on busy, holiday routes such as between Carmarthen and Tenby until September, and extra trains on Sundays in August and September.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “This is fantastic news for passengers.

“Alongside a generational £14bn investment in Welsh rail, new trains and a fare freeze, the new timetable change is another huge improvement for public transport.

“This amounts to almost a doubling of TfW services on the North Wales Coast Line and vitally important additional trains on busy holiday routes across West Wales.


Colin Lea, TfW Planning and Performance Director said: “This is a once‑in‑a‑generation transformation for rail services in North Wales.

"By increasing capacity, improving frequencies, and simplifying the timetable, we’re creating a more reliable and connected network that better serves the needs of our customers and communities.”


For full details and to plan your journey, please check before you travel by visiting www.tfw.wales and enter journey details for a date from 17 May.

Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “We’re really pleased to have supported the introduction of enhanced services for communities along the North Wales Coast and into the North of England.

"Improving connectivity is vital, and this uplift will make it easier for people to travel, while strengthening links between regions.”
 
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  • Network North Wales is a long-term investment vision to deliver an integrated, high frequency public transport network for North Wales, connecting people to jobs, opportunity, community and a better quality of life. - Network North Wales | Transport for Wales
  • Across the UK rail industry there are two major timetable changes each year in May and in December as part of the national biannual railway timetable change coordinated across Great Britain.
  • TfW runs more than 1,000 passenger services per day Monday-Saturday. · To view the changes from 17 May, visit - https://tfw.wales/service-status/timetables
  • The new timetables are now in journey planning systems ahead of the change on 17 May, so customers can search for train times after this date to see what they’ll be. · Details of TfW services can now be found on our website via www.tfw.wales, previously known as ‘Journey Checker’.
  • TfW will be hosting station roadshows and printed information will be available before the change to highlight the changes to as many customers as possible.
  • TfW have been making the larger ‘request stop’ stations around Wales permanent stops over the last few timetable changes and this has included stations such as Kidwelly, Ferryside, Deganwy, Conwy, Llanfairfechan, Penmaenmawr and Llanfairpwll.
  • Bidston is not a TfW station however a TfW platform validator is available at the station to enable PAYG use
  • Network Rail have closed two of Wales’ highest-risk level crossings in Prestatyn since March to enable these changes - Accessibility and safety boost for Prestatyn community as work set to begin on new station footbridge
 
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6 Mar 2026

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Customer and Rail performance improvements for Transport for Wales​

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ORR train


Recent statistics from Transport Focus, the Office of Road and Rail and the UK Customer Satisfaction Index all reveal improvements in customer satisfaction and rail performance for Transport for Wales.

Transport Focus recently scored TfW at 91% in overall passenger satisfaction in their recent national survey which ranks them fourth among train operators in the UK.

Passengers also scored 91% for TfW trains with considerations around crowding, personal safety and cleanliness.

Additionally, they achieved a six-percentage point rise in punctuality from 82 per cent to 88 per cent, the biggest quarter-on-quarter improvement of any rail operator.

Recent statistics from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) indicate a 5.5 percentage point improvement in rail performance, making TfW the most improved operator for the third consecutive period within the UK (11th out of 24 overall).

Cancellations have seen a 3.6 percentage point improvement, making TfW the second most improved operator (15th out of 24).

Transport for Wales has invested over £800 million into brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network and is in the final stages of completing the £1 billion South Wales Metro.

The Core Valley Lines network – part of the South Wales Metro, which is owned and run by Transport for Wales has seen rail performance figures of over 90% on average for the past six months.

UK Customer Satisfaction Index (UKCSI) figures also reveal that the TfW score has increased from 67.1 in January 2025 to 72.5 in January 2026, again indicating improvements in customer satisfaction.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: “I am delighted with the progress TfW has made in transforming rail services across Wales to deliver an improved customer experience.

“These latest figures show that our commitment and investment to improving rail services across Wales is clearly paying off. New trains, more regular and reliable services and now fares frozen, keeping the costs down for passengers, along with record investment in developing the South Wales Metro is helping us move in the right direction.

“And with the UK Government’s £14bn generational investment in our railways there are more exciting times to come.”

Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer for TfW said: “These recent statistics from Transport Focus, ORR and UKCSI demonstrate that our investment into our rail services is now positively impacting our rail performance and the customer experience.

“Figures from these three separate external bodies all tell a story of improvement in rail performance and customer satisfaction.

“Brand-new trains to our network improve the rail experience for our customers with better seating, information screens and general comfort, but they also provide us with more resilience allowing a more punctual and connected network.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our excellent colleagues and the teams across TfW who live and breathe our values daily and are consistently improving the experience for our customers.

"Whilst it’s great to see improvements, we know there is much more to do. We’ll keep challenging ourselves to make things even better for our passengers this year."


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7th March, 2026

Severn Valley Railway offering a special Mother’s Day​

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Families looking to treat Mum this Mother’s Day can enjoy a relaxed and memorable day out at the Severn Valley Railway, with a combination of great food and steam travel.

The day can begin with lunch at the Tea Room at Kidderminster Station, where every mum who purchases a main meal will receive a complimentary Eton Mess dessert.

Visitors can then board the 2:15 pm steam service for a scenic return journey to Bridgnorth, enjoying views of the beautiful Severn Valley from the comfort of a heritage carriage.
 
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Along the way, there’s also the chance to stop at The Engine House Visitor Centre for the Spring Gift Fayre featuring local traders.


The train returns to Kidderminster at 5:30 pm, leaving time to round off the day with a drink at the King and Castle pub, right on the station.

Whether visitors come for lunch, the train journey or the full experience, it’s a lovely way to make Mum feel special.
 
7th March, 2026

The Llangollen & Corwen Railway to host annual Classic Transport Weekend this summer​

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Llangollen and Corwen Classic Vehicles


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has confirmed the return of its popular Classic Transport Weekend on 4-5 July 2026, with vehicle entries now open.

Owners of classic cars, motorcycles, trucks, tractors and buses are invited to exhibit at one of the Dee Valley’s standout summer heritage events.

Glyndyfrdwy station will once again host the main display, alongside a busy timetable of steam, diesel and heritage railcar services running across the line.

Day Rover and Two-Day Rover tickets include unlimited train travel between Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen, with a free vintage bus service linking Glyndyfrdwy and Corwen throughout the weekend.
 
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Llangollen and Corwen are hosting a classic vehicles weekend


On Saturday evening, Party on the Park returns with live music from 7 pm at Glyndyfrdwy, plus free shuttle trains from Llangollen and Corwen.


“We are absolutely delighted to officially open the vehicle entry form for 2026. The Classic Transport Weekend is all about celebrating transport heritage in every form, and the quality and variety of vehicles that attend each year is what makes the event so special.

“We encourage owners to submit their entry forms early. Glyndyfrdwy becomes a fantastic display arena, surrounded by trains arriving and departing throughout the day, and it creates a truly unique atmosphere. We are looking forward to welcoming both returning exhibitors and first-time entrants for what promises to be another superb weekend.”

George Walker, one of the event organisers.
 
7th March, 2026

Great Western Railway launches celebration of folklore with Sir Michael Morpurgo​

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Sir Michael Morpurgo with GWR's World Book Day statues


Rail operator Great Western Railway (GWR) has launched a campaign to celebrate and preserve regional folklore, marking World Book Day with a new collection of myths and legends from the South West and Wales.

The book, Line to Legend Land, is introduced by former Children’s Laureate Sir Michael Morpurgo, who has also written an original new story, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey. Set in a Cornish harbour, the tale follows the life-saving bond between a fisherman’s son and a dolphin.

Published a century after the original Legend Land series was completed, the new edition features 11 traditional stories retold for modern readers by Gloucestershire writer Brad Brookes.

The collection revisits myths rooted in landscapes across the region, from the mountains of Snowdonia, where the young wizard Merlin reveals two battling dragons, to the legendary clash between giant brothers Goram and Vincent, said to have shaped the cliffs of the Avon Gorge.
 
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GWR’s 2026 World Book Day Statues


To mark the launch, Great Western Railway will install five life-sized statues of mythical characters at stations across its network, including London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, before touring locations such as Cardiff Central railway station and St Ives.

The initiative also includes an online travel guide encouraging families to explore the real locations behind the legends.

The campaign will support Farms for City Children, the charity founded by Clare and Michael Morpurgo, as it marks its 50th anniversary.


Folklore is the lifeblood of our landscape; it’s how we connect the earth beneath our feet to the imagination in our heads. Living in Devon, I have always felt a profound connection to the stories that haunt these hills and coasts.

“A century ago, the original Legend Land series invited families to find magic in their journeys, and I am thrilled to help GWR revive that spirit. By retelling these ancient stories – including the addition of my own, The Miracle Dolphin of Mevagissey – we aren’t just looking back at the past; we are ensuring that the giants, dragons, and mermaids of our heritage continue to live on in the hearts of children today.”

Sir Michael Morpurgo.
 
7th March, 2026

First Great Eastern livery unveiled for Class 315 DMS!​

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Class 315 DMS in First Great Eastern livery


The AC Multiple Unit Society has announced a partial repaint of 315856’s DMS carriage, No. 64571.

The carriage, which is based at the Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway in South Wales, has been partially repainted into First Great Eastern livery

The work was an objective of Project Yellow Submarine, which will see a series of weatherproofing work carried out on the vehicle’s roof and body.

64571’s repaint was carried out in secret to avoid any risk of overpromising but shows a bold change to the vehicle and also forms part of the ‘315 at 45’ celebrations to mark the anniversary of 315856 entering service in February 1981.


315856 originally entered preservation in 2023 under the Class 315 Preservation Society, but due to financial reasons, the Clacton Express Preservation Group merged with the C315PS to form the ACMU Society CIC.

The first chance the public will get to see the vehicle will be at the LMMR’s Open Day on Saturday, 14th March 2026.


“We are absolutely delighted to showcase the fresh new look for the leading vehicle of our preserved Class 315 in its new First Great Eastern livery. This partial repaint work will provide a strong foundation for the unit’s continued life in preservation, and is a scheme which strongly resonates with many of our younger members.”

Lakshman Pathak, Class 315 Project Lead


“We are delighted to support the ACMU with this important project and they have worked very hard to achieve this. We are sure that the new livery will attract more interest to the group and to the railway as a whole.”

Mark Thomas, LMMR Chair
 

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2022​

  • Celebrate the life and legacy of Britain’s longest-reigning monarch
  • Struck to honour Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
  • Personally approved by the monarch, the first definitive coinage portrait of His Majesty The King features on the obverse of the coin
  • The reverse design features a design created for the 1953 coronation crown coin in poignant tribute to Her Majesty

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8th March, 2026

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group reports positive Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) tests​

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DAK demo train


The ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has revealed that winter testing, using a demo train, has confirmed that Digital Automatic Coupling is highly robust.

The award-winning Group describes Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) as “a key technology for the future of European rail freight transport”.

It automates the coupling process, connecting freight wagons mechanically and pneumatically (via compressed air lines for the brakes).

DAC replaces the manual screw coupling method, which is physically demanding and takes time.

DAC also includes continuous power and data lines.
 
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DAK ice crystals


The DAC demo train enables ÖBB Rail Cargo Group to test the DAC under real operating conditions, and to develop and prepare it for series production.

Carrying out tests in Austria during winter – with temperatures as low as -15C, freezing rain and fresh snow – also enabled the Group to confirm that DAC works well in extreme weather conditions.

The demo train underwent intensive technical preparations, including integrating coupling systems from different manufacturers.

It was then put into operation, which enabled testing of the interaction of mechanics, electrics and data transmission.

The testing aims to help make the automatic coupling mechanically and pneumatically reliable, and in addition, to ensure that data and energy can be transmitted digitally along the length of the freight train.
 
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DAK snow


The tests took place at Schwarzach-St. Veit station in Salzburg’s Pongau region, and focused on repeated mechanical coupling, electrical uncoupling via a button, and how well the air and data connections functioned.

The train was parked in Böckstein for ten days, which simulated longer idle periods, which are common in rail freight operations.

Snow penetrated all the train’s relevant components, which enabled the Group to identify potential weak points.

The Group, which is expanding the freight services that it runs, describes the preliminary results of the winter tests as “thoroughly positive”.


“The tests provide valuable insights for the further development of the technology and confirm that we are on the right track towards a Europe-wide standardised Digital Automatic Coupling. Each individual test series brings us a decisive step closer to a practical and robust solution for European rail freight transport. Close cooperation across Europe and joint implementation of this key technology are crucial to achieving success.”

Bettina Castillo, CEO of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group
 
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