Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Computer image of the new footbridge at Tenby station


Elsewhere in West Wales, accessibility improvements have recently been made to Llanelli station.

These made the station easier to access and more convenient, including the provision of a new footbridge with lifts, improved ramped access to platform 1, tactile paving on platforms, better emergency access, and improved CCTV and lighting.


“These track upgrades and supporting works are essential to maintaining a safe and reliable railway for passengers across West Wales, while the improvements at Tenby Station will make a real difference for passengers who rely on step-free access. We’d like to thank passengers, residents and local businesses for their patience while we carry out this important work.”

Mark Dix, Lead Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders

LNER Azuma train

12th March, 2026

NER Autocar to be included in North Yorkshire Moors Railway driver experiences​

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Driver Experience Locomotives


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has unveiled its 2026 Footplate and Driver Experiences, offering visitors an extraordinary chance to step inside the cab of a working heritage locomotive.

For the first time, enthusiasts can experience the iconic 1903 NER Autocar in a Driver Experience, adding a unique twist to this historic railway adventure.

Running on selected dates, the experiences let participants travel alongside crew between Pickering and Grosmont, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of steam and diesel operations.

NYMR Driver Experiences – New Autocar Experience


A new mixed-traction route between Pickering and Goathland, offers a shorter but equally thrilling adventure.

Each package includes footplate access, a tearoom lunch voucher, 10% off at the station shop, and a commemorative certificate.

Driver Experiences take the thrill further, letting visitors take the controls under expert supervision across 18 miles of track, starting at Pickering or Grosmont.

These sessions are designed for adults over 18 in good health, who must complete an online medical declaration before the day.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is set to host a spectacular and busy 2026 season, including Easter celebrations, the Annual Diesel Gala, the Annual Steam Gala, and traditional Pullman Dining services.

Tickets and further details for tours at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can be found online.


“Standing on the footplate of a working locomotive is something many railway enthusiasts dream about. Our footplate experiences put people right at the heart of the action, alongside the crew as they fire, drive, and manage these historic locomotives across the North York Moors. It gives people a real appreciation for the skill and teamwork needed to operate a heritage railway.”

Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at the NYMR.

12th March, 2026

Inspiration to revisit heritage railway in Shropshire​

Inspiration at its first stop in June 2025


New dates were added to the Railway 200 Inspiration Trains tour yesterday.

Featured on that list was a second visit to the Severn Valley Railway, where the train originally kicked off its tour back in June 2025.

The interactive train will visit the railway during the May half term, from the 23rd to the 31st May.

It will be located at Kidderminster station for its stay and is the perfect opportunity to learn about the past, present, and future of railways and have a go in the interactive Wonderlab.

Inside Inspiration – bridge making exercise


Entry is free; a visit slot must be booked online before visiting, with local schools also invited to visit.


“We’re absolutely thrilled to secure a rare second visit from Inspiration as it approaches the end of its remarkable journey around the UK. It proved incredibly popular when it launched its nationwide tour here at the Severn Valley Railway last June, and we know there will be huge excitement about its return. Its visit this May coincides perfectly with the half-term holiday, offering a fantastic opportunity for families and young people to come to the SVR and experience this inspiring and thought-provoking exhibition train for themselves.”

Gus Dunster, managing director of the Severn Valley Railway

13th March, 2026

Christmas train tickets launched by the Llangollen Railway​

Christmas at Llangollen


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced the exciting return of its Christmas experiences, with the 2026 festive season set to be bigger and more magical than ever before.

The 2025 season saw every Santa Special completely sold out.

This year, the railway has decided to launch ticket sales nine months in advance to ensure a greater opportunity for visitors to secure their place at this year’s enchanting festive events.

Santa Specials will take passengers on a magical journey through the beautiful Dee Valley, with minced pies, elves, and even a special visit from Santa Claus himself on his way to his grotto.

Christmas services will begin on Saturday, 28 November, with services expected to run until Christmas Eve.

Santa’s grotto in Carrog.


From Friday (13 March), tickets go on sale to the Llangollen Railway’s popular Sion Corn Welsh Language Christmas Experiences and the beloved Mince Pie Specials, which are set to steam ahead into 2027.

Tickets can be purchased online.


“Our Christmas trains have become one of the most magical festive experiences anywhere in the UK and every year we welcome families who return to create new memories together. Last year our Santa Specials completely sold out, which shows just how much people love the experience. By putting tickets on sale a full nine months before Christmas, we’re giving families the chance to secure their seats early and avoid missing out.”

“We’ve frozen our prices for 2026, expanded the number of services and listened carefully to feedback from visitors and volunteers. With the return of high-quality age-appropriate presents, more trains and even more festive atmosphere, we believe this will be our most exciting Christmas season yet.”

Anita Piatowska of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

13th March, 2026

Yorkshire railway welcomes National Gas Transmission staff​

Class 26 26007 on the Wensleydale Railway


Wensleydale Railway recently hosted a volunteering and staff development day for employees from National Gas Transmission (NGT).

Eight National Gas Transmission staff joined volunteers from the railway’s permanent way (P-Way) team to gain first-hand experience of working on the railway.

After a site safety briefing, the group placed trolleys onto the line and loaded ten replacement sleepers before heading east of the Wensley level crossing gates to carry out spot re-sleepering work.

Three of the railway’s volunteers led the activity, demonstrating the process of replacing sleepers before the National Gas Transmission team joined in.

With many hands on site, work progressed quickly, and five timber sleepers were replaced before the team paused for a lunch break.

National gas transmission staff at Wensleydale Railway


Following the break, steady progress continued during the afternoon, with a further four sleepers successfully swapped out.

The team also made use of the time to clear vegetation from several panels of track, helping to improve the overall condition of the line.

National Gas Transmission owns and operates Britain’s National Transmission System (NTS) for gas.

This extensive network of pipelines transports gas from entry points across the country to power stations, industrial facilities and storage sites.

It also supplies local Gas Distribution Networks, which deliver gas to homes and businesses, and connects to overseas markets through international interconnectors.


“It was our pleasure hosting a volunteering day with members of staff from National Gas Transmission. Their work directly contributed to our project to restore passenger services over the 5.5-mile section of our railway between Leyburn and Redmire that has been closed since 2020. Their support was much appreciated.”

Jon Trueman, Director and Industry Partnership Manager at Wensleydale Railway.


“The National Gas team thoroughly enjoyed the day – it was not only great fun but also genuinely educational. Wensleydale Railway’s team guidance, knowledge and enthusiasm made the experience hugely worthwhile, and everyone came away with a deeper appreciation of the work that goes into maintaining the railway. We’d certainly be open to the possibility of returning in the future and continuing to support the great work they’re doing. Thanks again for the warm welcome and excellent organisation.

Steven Porter, Assistant Project Manager at National Gas Transmission.

13th March, 2026

All Blackpool Trams suspended due to weather conditions​

Tram 001 parked up at the depot this morning


Due to severe weather conditions, all trams in Blackpool have been suspended until further notice.

Blackpool Transport say that the weather is causing damage to the overhead power lines, which means trams cannot run.

All trams will return to the depot whilst a safety check can take place.

Ticket acceptance is in place on the Service 1 bus between Fleetwood and Blackpool Town Centre, and between Blackpool and Starr Gate on Service 11.

Passengers are being advised that 1 and 11 are both experiencing cancellations due to staff sickness.

The latest travel advice is available here.

13th March, 2026

Welsh railway to recreate a rural Welsh branch line​

Pannier tank No. 7754 at the 2025 Branch Line Gala


A recreation of a rural Welsh branch line can be experienced when the Llangollen and Corwen Railway in Denbighshire holds its Branch Line Gala in April.

The weekend, from Friday, 10th to Sunday, 12th April, promises to be the busiest time for many years along the 10-mile line through the Dee Valley.

An added attraction will be a demonstration goods train, which is the first time in many years that such a train has run on the line.

Small Prairie No. 4555


As well as travelling in vintage carriages, passengers can travel in a train of freight brake vans, giving them the chance to view the spectacular Dee Valley from the open verandas that typify such vehicles.

During the railway’s close season, some of the railway’s freight wagons were restored by the railway’s Youth Group and its younger volunteers.

Throughout the three days, visitors can hop on and off the trains at the beautifully restored stations at Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, or Carrog, where they will be able to photograph passing trains, enjoy a walk, or sample refreshments in a station tea room or a local pub.

At Llangollen, visitors can tour the engine shed, and on Saturday evening, there will be live music on Llangollen Station with folk superstar Chris Greve and Friends.

Throughout the weekend, there will be a strong Great Western feel to the event, which will feature four steam and one diesel locomotive with strong connections to the Great Western, with four built in the GWR works at Swindon and one built in Glasgow to a GWR design.

Locomotives scheduled for the weekend are:

• 1366-class Pannier Tank No. 1369, which will be this engine’s first visit to the line.
• Small Prairie No. 4555, visiting the line for the first time since 1964.
• The railway’s resident 0-6-0 pannier tank No. 7754.
• Heavy freight 2-8-0 No. 3802.
• No. D9525, a Class 14 diesel-hydraulic, which has been at the railway for a year but is now leaving for pastures new.

0-6-0 pannier tank No. 1369


Tickets include unlimited travel.

Further information and booking details are online at https://llangollen-railway.co.uk/branchline-gala/.

In June, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway is hosting the Llangollen Garden Railway Festival, one of the UK’s largest model railway events.


“Getting the timetable out to the public is a major milestone after confirming our impressive loco line-up. We are all very excited and very busy behind the scenes getting everything ready for the biggest event at the railway in recent years. The strong Great Western theme is particularly poignant as the event will take place just a couple of weeks after the 40th anniversary of the closure of famous Swindon Works, where 4 of the locomotives taking part in the event were built. We can’t wait to the see the railway busy with people enjoying the spectacular show of trains and other attractions.”

Iain Ross, Event Organiser for the Branch Line Gala

Merchant Navy Class Pacific No. 35005 Canadian Pacific

13th March, 2026


The Class 15 Preservation Society has opened a new fundraiser for its CoBo Appeal.

It began a drive for donations last September.

It runs its appeals through Facebook, which means that they are time-limited, and the most recent appeal’s time has now expired.

But with more money still needed for the HSTVEE8 Engine overhaul on locomotive D5705, the Society has launched a new appeal.

The previous Co-Bo Appeal (Continued) Facebook Fundraiser has been replaced with the Co-Bo Appeal (Final Push).

Supporters who wish to donate to the work need to use the new fund appeal from today (Friday 13 March).

The work is being carried out at Bury on the East Lancashire Railway.

D5705 at Bury Bolton Street during the photo charter


Locomotive D5705 is the sole survivor of the twenty ‘Co-Bo’ Class 28 diesel locomotives.

‘Co-Bo’ (or ‘Bo-Co’) is the nickname of the Metro-Vic Class 28s.

It derives from its unusual wheel arrangement, with a ‘Bo’ (two axled) bogie at one end and a ‘Co’ (three axled) bogie at the other end.

All five of the locomotive’s axles are powered via traction motors.


The Class 28 locos were built under the Pilot Scheme for diesel locomotives, which was part of the British Railways 1955 Modernisation Plan.

D5705 was withdrawn from service in 1968, and by the following year, the whole class has been withdrawn.

D5705 survived being scrapped because the BR Research Division wanted to use it.

After this, it was converted into a Carriage Heating Unit as TDB 968006.

The locomotive has been in preservation since 1980.

It spent several years in Matlock before moving to the East Lancashire Railway.

Metropolitan Vickers Class 28 D5705 in the yard at Baron Street, East Lancashire Railway June 2023


Since September last year, the Class 15 Preservation Society has raised £12,000, a figure it describes as “phenomenal” and which is nearly three-quarters of the £16,680 that it has been quoted for the works.


A large amount of the money has been received since February’s Condor photo charter.

The Society is hopeful that this latest appeal will raise the remaining money and welcomes donations of any amount, large or small.

13th March, 2026

Welsh steam locomotive set to be renamed for Mother’s Day​

Lady of Llangollen will be the name of the loco for Mothers Day Weekend


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced that its Great Western freight locomotive No. 3802 will be temporarily renamed ‘The Lady of Llangollen’ for the weekend’s Mother’s Day celebrations.

The event forms part of a wider Women of the Railway programme, honouring both historic and modern figures linked to the Dee Valley.

Among those celebrated are the famous Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, whose remarkable story remains central to the identity of Llangollen.

Modern railway contributors are also in the spotlight, including Mandy Towers, Station Master at Llangollen Railway Station, and Anita Piatkowska, who helps make the on-board experience truly memorable.

For both of these ladies of Llangollen, their leadership and passion reflect the community spirit at the heart of the heritage railway.

The train will be renamed the Lady of Llangollen for Mothers Day weekend


Visitors can enjoy steam-hauled services running between Llangollen and Corwen throughout the weekend, as well as witness the locomotive’s special renaming.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea trains have already sold out, highlighting the popularity of the railway’s heritage experiences, but the opportunity to book a slot throughout the year is still possible.


“Mother’s Day is always a very special occasion on the railway. There is something truly magical about enjoying afternoon tea on a heritage train as it travels through the Dee Valley. It is lovely to be part of creating those memories for families, and I am proud to be helping deliver such a special experience. Mother’s Day weekend provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution women have made, and continue to make, to the story of Llangollen and the success of the railway. Renaming No. 3802 as ‘The Lady of Llangollen’ reflects both our heritage and the family spirit that is so central to our organisation.”

Anita Piatkowska

Plym Bridge under works

Plym bridge in the middle of the work

14th March, 2026

DB Cargo UK and Plasmor honour the late Anthony Slater​

Colleagues from Plasmor and DB Cargo UK pictured at the naming of 66186 in honour of the late founder of Plasmor, Antony Slater.


In tribute to the late Anthony Slater, founder of the Plasmor Group, DB Cargo has named one of its British Rail Class 66 locomotive engines in his honour.

Locomotive 66186 was officially named during a ceremony at Plasmor’s Great Heck factory.

The site holds particular significance for the company, as it was here in 1986 that Plasmor first began transporting its concrete products by rail.

Over the past four decades, DB Cargo UK has been an important part of Plasmor’s supply chain, supporting the nationwide distribution of its products by rail.

That partnership will continue following a new five-year contract awarded to DB Cargo UK.

Under the agreement, the freight operator will run up to six trains per week from Great Heck to Plasmor’s distribution terminals in Biggleswade and Bow until the end of 2031.

DB Cargo UK’s Chief Commercial Officer, Roger Neary (left) presents the Chairman of Plasmor, Julian Slater, with a commemorative nameplate in front of the newly-named 66186.


Naming the locomotive recognises Antony Slater’s lasting contribution to the company and highlights the long-standing relationship between Plasmor and rail freight.


“It has been an honour to work with the Slater family and their colleagues at Plasmor over the past four decades, providing a safe and reliable solution to their everyday transport needs.

“With the recent signing of a new five-year contract, we thought that naming one of our locomotives after one of the company’s founders was a very fitting way to demonstrate the depth of our relationship.

“We wish everyone at Plasmor the very best for the future!”

Roger Neary, DB Cargo UK’s Chief Commercial Officer .


“Our longstanding strategic partnership with DB Cargo UK evidences a 40-year commitment to sustainable distribution into London and the South East.

“A single daily train to our depots at Biggleswade in Bedfordshire and Bow in East London negates the need for 50 HGV movements. My father Antony was always innovating and DB’s naming of the Class 66 locomotive in recognition of his foresight is a proud moment for my family and for Plasmor.”

Julian Slater, Chairman of Plasmor.

14th March, 2026

Stadler to supply seven more FLIRT Akku units to Austria​

Stadler FLIRT Akku train for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)


Stadler has secured an order from Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) for seven FLIRT Akku battery-electric multiple units as a continuation of its investment in emission-free regional transport.

The trains will be manufactured at Stadler’s factory at Bussnang in Switzerland, with delivery scheduled for 2028, and provide ÖBB with an estimated annual saving of around 500,000 litres of diesel fuel.

Front view of Stadler FLIRT Akku train for Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)


With their battery-powered propulsion units, the new trains will allow emission-free operation on non-electrified lines, and from 2029 will start replacing existing diesel trains in Lower Austria, including on the Kamptalbahn and Erlauftalbahn lines.

ÖBB first placed an order with Stadler for up to 120 FLIRT Akku units when it signed a framework agreement in July 2023.

Two call-offs have since been implemented: the first was for 16 vehicles for the Kamptalbahn, and the second call-off is now underway.

The units are fitted with hybrid-capable drive technology, allowing them to be powered either from overhead lines or on fully battery-electric power using the onboard battery.

Main features of the FLIRT Akku units include seating capacity of 160, barrier-free boarding, multi-purpose areas for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles, power sockets, and USB-C ports.

As well as showing annual savings of 500,000 litres of diesel for the seven new FLIRT Akku units, there will also be a reduction in CO2 emissions of about 1,200 tonnes annually, equivalent to about 300 single-family homes.


In 2024, Stadler signed an agreement with Danish train operator Lokaltog A/S for 14 FLIRT Akku trains with an option to supply ten additional units.


“The FLIRT Akku shows how modern technology and sustainable mobility go hand in hand. We are very pleased with the trust placed in us by ÖBB and that we can continue our successful collaboration”.

Ansgar Brockmeyer, Stadler Head of the Division Marketing & Sales

15th March, 2026

Loram’s newest rail grinder finishes ETCS testing level 2​

Loram RGC ETCS Enabled


Loram’s next-generation RGC rail grinding machine for Network Rail has completed testing for ETCS Level 2, making it the first on-track machine in the UK to operate with in-cab digital signalling and ETCS capability.

The machine, RGC01, is the newest rail grinder delivered by Loram to replace an older rail profile treatment and remediation unit.

It is equipped with an ETCS system supplied by Hitachi Rail and has recently undergone successful trials on Network Rail’s test tracks at Tuxford and Melton Mowbray.

The two-year project covering design, integration and system enablement involved collaboration between Loram’s team in the United States, Loram EMEA’s production, testing and commissioning team based in Derby, and partner organisations including Hitachi Rail, Aegis and TÜV.


“Loram’s world leading rail grinding technology plays a discreet but essential role in supporting a safe and reliable railway. Our Derby based team has successfully completed the integration and testing of ETCS on RGC01, demonstrating our capability to install the latest signalling technology to specialist vehicles as well as support increasing customer demands for fitment to a range of passenger and freight fleets.

“I’d like to thank all our partners for working alongside us to deliver this project within tight timeframes and to budget, as well as members of NR’s East Coast Digital Programme for sharing their ETCS operational experience which proved invaluable to our team.”

Lee Tinney, Manager Director of Loram EMEA.

15th March, 2026

Somerset and Dorset Railway announce 2026 event program​

2026 Events Line-up Poster.


The 2026 season at the Somerset and Dorset Railway begins on Easter Sunday, 5 April, with trains returning to service at Midsomer Norton South Station.

The railway has scheduled a range of events and experiences for visitors of all ages, from family-friendly days to enthusiast-focused activities.

The season opens with Easter at the Station on 5 to 6 April, featuring an Easter Hunt for children, a possible appearance by the Easter Bunny, and the RMB Buffet serving Cream Teas and light refreshments.

Locals’ Day on 12 April is set to offer discounted access to train rides, the signal box, the museum, and a WW2 pillbox.

May highlights include a 1940s Home Front weekend on 3 to 4 May, complete with displays and re-enactors, and a prehistoric-themed event on 24 May featuring baby dinosaurs.

The calendar also features Midsomer Summer, a Heritage Day and Gala in September, and seasonal Halloween and Santa trains.

Standard Running Days provide a chance to experience the charm of a 1950s-60s county station.

15th March, 2026

Alstom to supply 153 new trains to Portugal’s national railway​

Alstom's new Adessia train for Portugal.


Alstom has secured a €1.03 billion contract to supply 153 Adessia Stream trains to Portugal’s national train operator, Comboios de Portugal (CP).

A contract for 117 Adessia Stream trains was signed in October 2025 and has now been extended to include an additional 36 trains, as well as bringing forward the original delivery schedule to start in 2029.

Representatives from Alstom and CP at the signing ceremony


The contract for the new trains has been the result of an increase in passenger demand and the need to modernise the existing rolling stock.

A new fleet, comprising 98 of the new trains, will be created to improve suburban services in the Lisbon, Porto and Cascais areas, and the remaining 55 trains will be used to improve regional services.

The trains will be designed specifically for the Portuguese railway network, and compared with existing trains, they will provide improved comfort, accessibility, and Wi-Fi.

They will be constructed at a new 20,000-square-metre train manufacturing facility that Alstom will build at Matosinhos, in the Porto region, equipped with modern production technologies, and constructed in partnership with Portuguese civil works company DST.

New Alstom manufacturing site in Portugal


About 300 jobs will be created in the new factory, including in engineering, technical, and skilled trades roles, with 15% reserved for young unemployed, long-term unemployed, and people with disabilities.

Bruno Florence, Alstom´s Project Director for CP, commented that renewing the regional and suburban fleet is a key priority for CP, and this contract addresses operational needs while aligning with Portugal’s broader objectives for capability building, sustainable mobility, industrial development and job creation.

Alstom already has an Engineering and Innovation Centre in Portugal, and is supplying signalling, safety, and control systems for a new Metro line in the city of Porto.


“This project supports CP’s vision to deliver more reliable and accessible rail services for passengers while preparing the network for future demand. This partnership will also deliver long-term impact by strengthening local capabilities, creating new employment opportunities and contributing to the sustainable development of Portugal’s railway sector.”

David Torres, Managing Director of Alstom Portugal

15th March, 2026

Extensions to Delhi’s metro network opened for operational service​

New train for Delhi's Metro Lines 7 and 8


Operational service has started on the extended Lines 7 and 8 on the Metro system in India’s capital, Delhi.

The new trains for the Metro extensions were constructed by Alstom, as well as the design and installation of the signalling system. Line 7 is called the Pink line, and the extension provides connections with three other Delhi Metro lines: the Yellow, Red, and Pink Lines, and runs from Majlis Park to Maujpur.

It will eventually be a circular route around Delhi, and will be India’s longest metro line capable of unattended train operation.

Alstom’s Urbalis Flo signalling system, a Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system designed to operate trains with Grade of Automation (GOA) 4, driverless features, will control the trains for the Line 7 extension.

Line 8, the Magenta line, has been extended from Majlis Park to Deepali Chowk, with plans in place for a future extension to RK Ashram and Janakpuri.

Alstom also has a €312 million contract to supply 312 cars for Phase IV of the Delhi Metro.

These are all being built by Alstom at its state-of-the-art facility in Sricity, Andhra Pradesh, and are designed for driverless operation, with a maximum speed of 95 kph and a normal operating speed of 85 kph.

They will supplement more than 800 metro cars that Alstom has already supplied to the Delhi Metro network in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)

Alstom has also recently secured a 10-year maintenance contract for Delhi Metro Lines 1 and 2 at DMRC’s Badli depot.

This includes comprehensive annual maintenance of the trains, machinery, plant systems, and housekeeping.

Elsewhere in Delhi, the company provided train control and signalling systems for the Red, Yellow, Green, Violet and Pink Lines during Phases I, II and II of the Metro rollout.


“We are honoured and proud to be a long-standing partner of DMRC through its journey of becoming one of the world’s largest metro networks today. Together, we are committed to providing a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel experience to commuters and the Magenta and Pink line extension will truly enhance DMRC’s neural metro network connectivity in the region”.

Olivier Loison, Managing Director, Alstom India