Marcus' Model Railway Journey

23rd March, 2026

Steam locomotive 60163 Tornado to join Deltic at Peterborough railway​

60163 Tornado at Wansford Yard


The Nene Valley Railway will welcome LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado and Deltic No. 55009 Alycidon later this year, and tickets are on sale now.

The events are expected to sell out quickly so the public are reminded to get tickets booked as soon as possible.

On the 4th and 5th July, Tornado will haul trains between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough, before being joined by 55009 on the 11th and 12th July.

Fancy a steam train ride and some lovely Fish and Chips?

The Fenman will run with 60163 Tornado and always proves popular.


Finally, an extra special treat will be a Driving Experience.

Both Alycidon and Tornado will be available to drive on selected dates.

All tickets and experiences can be booked on the Nene Valley Railway website.

23rd March, 2026

Hogwarts Locomotive Arrives in Essex Ahead of Gala​

6989 ‘Wightwick Hall’ at the Epping Ongar Railway


6989 Wightwick Hall has arrived at the Epping Ongar Railway ahead of their Spring Steam Gala in April.

The Hogwarts Express locomotive will be appearing in its red livery on services from the 28th March.

It will run for numerous events, including their Kids for a Quid days, Easter Eggstravaganza, and Wonderful Wizards and Fabulous Fairies.


The locomotive will appear in the gala alongside GWR Prairie No. 4144, 4953 Pitchford Hall, 3437 ‘Isabel’, and 2409 ‘King George’.


Further information on events and tickets can be found on their website.

23 March, 2026

Update on Australian steam locomotive overhaul​

Steam locomotive 3642 minus its boiler.


Australian museum group Transportation Heritage NSW has issued an update on progress toward restoring to service 4-6-0 36 Class steam locomotive No. 364.

The work is being carried out at the group’s fleet maintenance workshop at Thirlmere, 40 miles southwest of Sydney.

Built 100-years ago in 1926 for the New South Wales Government Railways, No. 3642 is one of three 36 class locomotives to be preserved.

Lifting the boiler of steam locomotive 3642


Work so far has included removing the locomotive’s boiler ready for a replacement to be installed, repairing cracks in the locomotive’s chimney, and overhauling the superheater header.

Firebox stays in the replacement boiler have also been knocked down, and the tender tank has been removed from the tender frame.

The next stage is to remove the wheelsets, so they can be overhauled, and carry out further repairs to the tender’s drag box.

Steam locomotive 3642 stripped down for overhaul


For many years, 3642 was a static exhibit at Thirlmere, but work to restore it started in 2006 and it returned to service in 20008.

Until 2018, 3642 operated shuttle trips from the Thirlmere railway museum, on mainline trips around New South Wales, and at day-out-with-Thomas events, where it took the part of Henry.

In February, Transport Heritage NSW, ran a special train with a vintage electric multiple unit to Thirlmere Museum.

Network Rail also has involvement with New South Wales, after it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Transport for NSW in February 2025 to develop rail technology to improve reliability and drive sustainability.

23rd March, 2026

Cornish Railway cancels March Diesel Day​

Class 47, 47306


Bodmin Railway have released an important update on its Diesel Day, set to take place Saturday, 28 March 2026.

During pre-event testing, an electrical fault on its Class 47 locomotive was detected.

For safety reasons, it will be pulled from service for this Diesel Day.

This means the railway will not be hosting the event this March, but do hope the electrical fault will be solved and the loco will be in working order for future service at Diesel Days.

Bodmin Railway’s steam train services are still expected to continue as usual on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

23rd March, 2026

First look at Lumo’s Class 222 trains as Lancashire HQ is launched​

The Caribbean Carnival at Preston


Lumo has revealed what their new Class 222 trains will look like, with a glimpse into the first train at Widnes as part of a private launch for their HQ in Preston, Lancashire.

The Class 222s are being refurbished at Alstom’s Widnes facility and will feature a striking new livery in Lumo’s signature blue colour.

The Class 222s were previously in operation with East Midlands Railway, and the final finishing touches are taking place ahead of being introduced with Lumo West Coast.

Class 222 in Lumo livery


Lumo East Coast has been operating for 4.5 years now between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh (later extending to Glasgow) and has proven very popular with passengers.

Lumo says it wants to bring these benefits to passengers on the West Coast with its new service.

The HQ will create around 100 jobs in Preston, and the operator partnered with Preston Caribbean Carnival for a special procession from Preston railway station to the new headquarters on Fox Street.

The route map for the new Lumo service


Each office in the HQ is named after stations the trains will serve, and has screens on the door to ‘block’ out each room for a meeting.


Joining the special event was Scottish boyband, Just the Brave, who have over 5,000,000 likes on TikTok and entertained the invited guests at the new HQ.

Inside the new Lumo HQ in Preston


Tickets for travel from July 2026 are on sale now with prices starting from £29.90 between London Euston and Stirling.

Sir Mark Hendrick, the MP for Preston, attended the launch and welcomed competition on the WCML.

Closer detail of the new Lumo livery on the Class 222


“This is a significant moment for both Lumo colleagues and the people of Preston as we countdown to officially launching our new West Coast service.

“We’re excited to be investing in our new base in Preston which is creating jobs and supporting the local economy. We’re looking forward to becoming a part of the community here, already forging some brilliant partnerships, with the Preston Caribbean Carnival team helping us to open our HQ here in real style.

“We can’t wait to begin this new service in the coming months, offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London.”

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access

24th March, 2026

First locomotive announced for Peak Rail’s Twin Peaks Diesel Gala​

Peak Rail's Twin Peaks Diesel Gala 2026 announcement of visiting loco Class 08 08573


Peak Rail has announced the first locomotive set to appear at its Twin Peaks Diesel Gala, taking place on Friday, 10 and Saturday, 11 April 2026.

Class 08 No. 08573 will join the event lineup, which is already shaping up to be an exciting occasion.

Recently returned to service by RMS Locotec in Chesterfield following an extended period of repairs, 08573 will visit Peak Rail for shakedown runs and testing ahead of entering service on hire.

Visitors can look forward to an intensive timetable featuring both passenger and freight services, a Driver for a Fiver experience, and an onboard bar.


The working timetable, along with details of the connecting bus services, will be released soon once the full locomotive lineup has been confirmed.

Gala tickets and further information on Peak Rail are available online.

Glasgow Central station work

Glasgow central signals

24th March, 2026

East Kent Railway Easter Hunt tickets now on sale​

Wittersham Road station on the Kent & East Sussex Railway


The East Kent Railway are expecting to bring Easter fun to families with Easter Hunt tickets now on sale.

Each ticket provides visitors with a hunt map and a chocolate treat, with the opportunity to meet and greet with the Easter Bunny themself.

The railway will be running the Easter Hunt on the 4th, 5th, and 6th April at 10 am, 12 pm and 2 pm on all three days.

The Easter Bunny will appear at various times throughout the day: 11:30 am, 1:15 pm, and 2 pm.

East Kent Railway East Hunt Poster 2026


The railway will also be open to visitors between 10 am and 4 pm each day, offering free entry and parking.

Visitors can enjoy the East Ken Railway’s café, woodland, and the opportunity to ride on its miniature railway.

24th March, 2026

Northern Belle partnering with Moët & Chandon​

6201 Princess Elizabeth


Passengers on the 1930s Pullman-style Northern Belle train are now offered a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.

The sparkling debut coincided with the train’s recent journey from London to the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

In 2026, Moët Hennessy will work with the Northern Belle to enhance each voyage with exclusive experiences, bespoke activations, and signature touches.

Both partners note that the collaboration focuses not just on products, but on creating memorable experiences.

Northern Belle Champagne Lunch


Luxury is set to be expressed through the finer details: the crystal glassware, the care given to each course, and the scenic views from the Pullman windows.


The Northern Belle and Moët Hennessy seek to deliver elegant journeys and memorable experiences.


“It was a runaway favourite among our passengers and turned out to be a real winner – even with those punters who lost out to the bookies.

“What makes this collaboration truly exciting is everything that surrounds it. “

David Pitts

24th March, 2026

Branch Line Society announce The Paxman Quarrier rail tour for April 2026​

56045 in its BR Blue livery


The Branch Line Society has announced details of its upcoming rail tour, ‘The Paxman Quarrier’, scheduled to run on Sunday, 26 April 2026, in partnership with national freight operator DCRail.

Following a near-successful attempt in July 2025 to reach Tytherington Quarry, the Society has confirmed it will “go again” in 2026, with renewed optimism of completing the sought-after journey to the end of the line.

The tour also coincides with a significant milestone in British railway history: the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Class 56 locomotives to the UK.

To mark the occasion, participants will experience a high-mileage, fast-paced itinerary featuring a DCRail Class 56, expected to be its only mainline rail tour appearance of the year.


A Class 57 locomotive will haul the train into London Paddington at 8:00 am, where the Class 56 will take over for the main leg of the tour.

The route will follow the Great Western Main Line with scheduled pick-ups at Reading, Bristol Parkway, and Bristol Temple Meads.

After a short break in Bristol, the train will proceed towards Yate before branching off to the highlight of the day: Tytherington Quarry in South Gloucestershire.

The quarry is a nationally significant source of limestone, producing around 1.8 million tonnes of aggregate annually.

After reversals near Bristol, the train will head north via St Philips Marsh depot before continuing through Bromsgrove, avoiding central Birmingham, and re-joining the mainline near Water Orton.

The route will then continue east through Nuneaton, Leicester, and Peterborough, before concluding at London King’s Cross, with an additional set-down at Stevenage.


The itinerary includes several rare and unusual track sections, a hallmark of Branch Line Society tours.

These include traversing the Rhubarb Curve, visiting Bristol East Depot, and passing through Bristol Kingsland Road.

Subject to operational requirements, DCRail aims to provide a second locomotive to assist in the Bristol area, while GB Railfreight will operate the train and supply the Class 57 support locomotive.

Timings to be confirmed with Network Rail closer to the tour date.

Approximate timings for ‘The Paxman Quarrier’ are as follows:

Outbound: Ealing Broadway (07:50), London Paddington (08:20), Reading (09:01), Swindon (TBC), Bristol Parkway (10:17), Bristol Temple Meads (Break 10:32-11:13), Bristol Parkway (TBC), Yate (TBC), Tytherington (TBC).

Return: Yate (TBC), Bristol Parkway (TBC), Bristol East Depot (TBC), Bristol Kingsland Road (TBC), Bristol Temple Meads (Break 14:41-15:04), Bristol West Jct (TBC), St Philips Marsh HST Depot (TBC), Bristol Parkway (TBC), Cheltenham Spa (TBC), Kings Norton Arrive/Departure Line (TBC), Landor Street Jct (TBC), Water Orton (TBC), Nuneaton (TBC), Leicester (19:30), Melton Mowbray, Peterborough (20:46), Stevenage (21:42), London Kings Cross (22:16).


In keeping with the Society’s charitable ethos, all profits from the tour will be donated to Martin House Hospice.

Passengers can also take part in a charity raffle and enjoy onboard amenities, including a hand-pulled real ale bar and a buffet serving hot food, drinks, and snacks.

Tuesday 24 Mar 2026

Major milestone reached as £8.3m accessibility upgrades progress at Tenby station​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Tenby AfA temporary bridge install


Passengers at Tenby station to benefit from step-free access between platforms as upgrades move into next phase

Network Rail, alongside contractors AmcoGiffen, is delivering major accessibility upgrades at Tenby station through the UK Government’s Access for All programme.

The scheme will provide step-free access to both platforms via a new footbridge and lifts, making it easier for disabled passengers, as well as those travelling with pushchairs or heavy luggage, to move around the station independently.

Tenby AfA temporary bridge install- March 2026


This March, teams safely removed the existing footbridge, using a 220 tonne and 60 tonne crane, and installed a temporary walkway, allowing passengers to continue moving between platforms while construction of the new accessible bridge gets underway.

The milestone was marked by a visit from a group of local schoolchildren, who had the opportunity to watch the crane operation up close and learn more about careers in engineering.

Tenby old bridge removal- March 2026


To accommodate the new footbridge and lifts, teams had to relocate and recommission significant signalling and telecoms equipment, as well as install new platform ducting and reroute cabling which will support the upgraded infrastructure.

Over the coming months, Network Rail and its contractors will progress work to install the new step-free facilities at Tenby station, with completion expected in autumn 2026.

The improvements at Tenby form part of Network Rail’s wider commitment to creating a more accessible railway across Britain.

Since 2006, the Access for All programme has transformed more than 200 stations, helping to remove barriers and support more inclusive travel.

Tenby AfA local school visit


Theo Smith, Senior Portfolio Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders said, “This is an important milestone for Tenby and the local community, bringing us closer to a station that everyone can use with confidence.

“I’d like to thank our teams and partners who worked safely and efficiently to deliver this stage of the project on time - helping us minimise disruption while we carried out the next phase of these major improvements.

“We’re very grateful to passengers and residents for their patience as we continue to invest in a safer, more accessible and reliable railway for Wales and Borders.”

Tenby AfA local school visit - March 2026


James Gough, Customer Operations Director at Transport for Wales said, “It’s fantastic to see real progress being made at Tenby. The community and many visitors who pass through this station deserve safe, convenient access to both platforms which is why we were delighted when funding for this project was confirmed, and we’re looking forward to seeing the long-term benefits it brings.”

Tenby AfA digital mock up

Tenby AfA digital mock up