Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Exmoor Beast is a dark beer which is brewed with liberal use of chocolate and crystal malts.

The beer has the characteristics of a strong Porter, whilst retaining the typical Exmoor taste - a superb blend of malt and hops with a complex long aftertaste.

26th March, 2026

Llangollen Railway to host special celebrity ride ahead of Wales Comic Con​

Wales Comic Con 2026


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced a new partnership with Wales Comic Con, adding a twist to this year’s event at Llangollen Pavilion between 4 and 5 April 2026.

Mixing heritage travel and pop culture, the collaboration promises fans an experience that begins long before they reach the venue.

At the heart of the launch is a special ‘Red Dwarf Steam Train’ running on Saturday, 4 April.

Passengers will be joined by actor and comedian Chris Barrie, best known for his role as Arnold Rimmer.

Chris Barrie, actor for Red Dwarf’s Arnold Rimmer


During the journey through the scenic Dee Valley, Barrie will meet fans in an onboard experience designed to be as entertaining as the destination itself.

His wider career spans satire, sitcom, and film, while his personal enthusiasm for railways makes the partnership a natural fit.

Departing Corwen at 9:00 am and arriving in Llangollen 40 minutes later, the service is limited to 200 passengers.

The celebration continues on Sunday, 5 April, with a ‘Cosplay on the Trains’ theme, offering another 200 passengers a combined travel-and-entry package.

Organisers have also hinted at surprise appearances and themed moments across the day.


With celebrity encounters, immersive travel, and a festival atmosphere, the partnership aims to boost the Comic Con experience while showcasing one of North Wales’ picturesque heritage railways.


“We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the team behind Wales Comic Con to bring these exciting plans to life. Having worked with them previously, we know just how passionate and creative they are in delivering memorable events, and it is fantastic to be collaborating once again. The opportunity to welcome fans aboard a special steam service, particularly with such a well-known guest, is something truly unique for our railway and the local area.

It makes it even more special that Chris Barrie himself has a genuine love of steam trains, which adds an extra layer of excitement for both railway enthusiasts and Red Dwarf fans alike. This partnership marks the beginning of what we hope will be a strong and lasting relationship, and we are very much looking forward to working together on this and other future events that will help attract new audiences and showcase everything our railway and Llangollen has to offer.”

Dave Hennigan, Trust Manager at the Llangollen and Corwen Railway.

26th March, 2026

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway prepare for the new season​

Heitage carriage on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway


Lynton & Barnstaple Railway have released a new episode in their series ‘Steam on the Moor’.

The new episode covers the work they did over one of their work weekends on 20th – 22nd March 2026.

They carried out numerous projects to prepare the railway for the busy season ahead, including installing a new signal.

You can view the episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00utaSbjhLo


Other episodes can be watched on their YouTube channel via a playlist.

Their timetable for the upcoming season has also been released and can be viewed on their website.

26th March, 2026

World first as quantum navigation technology arrives on Britain’s railway​

GTR test train


Network Rail has announced a significant step toward a GPS-free future for Britain’s railways, with the first mainline trial of cutting-edge quantum navigation technology.

The system, known as Rail Quantum Inertial Navigation (RQINS), uses ultra-sensitive sensors to track a train’s position by detecting minute changes in motion, offering pinpoint accuracy without relying on satellite signals.

That independence from GPS could prove transformative, particularly in tunnels, dense urban areas, or locations prone to signal disruption.

It also opens the door to replacing costly trackside positioning equipment with a more resilient, lower-maintenance alternative.

RQINS Testing Equipment


The landmark trial took place on a Govia Thameslink Railway service between London and Welwyn Garden City, delivering valuable real-world data on performance in live conditions.

The project builds on earlier defence and metro-based research, pushing quantum sensing closer to widespread rail use.

Led by MoniRail in partnership with Imperial College London and QinetiQ, the initiative is backed by Innovate UK and driven by GBRX, part of a broader effort to modernise Britain’s rail network.


“Quantum sensing is one of the UK Government’s frontier technological priorities. Railways, as one of the country’s most complex operational systems, provide a powerful platform for developing and scaling these capabilities for rail and beyond.

“This programme begins the process of understanding how quantum positioning could fundamentally reshape how railways work. In the future, it could reduce reliance on costly trackside positioning systems while enabling new capabilities for signalling, improved operational performance, network planning, enhanced condition monitoring and more intelligent railway operations.

“This test represents an early but important step in that development journey and demonstrates how collaboration between government, academia and industry can accelerate the development of frontier technologies.”

Toufic Machnouk, managing director of GBRX.

26th March, 2026

Welsh Railway to host Polar Express trains for first time​

The Brecon Mountain Railway plans to host the well-loved magical experience of The Polar Express for the first time.

The Christmas experience comes with souvenir golden tickets, hot chocolate and a sweet treat.

Passengers can experience a wonderful atmosphere with performances throughout, a chance to meet the characters and receive a Christmas gift.

The memory making services begin on the 13th December, with tickets going on sale on the 16th April.

Newsletter subscribers also have the opportunity to gain early access on the 15th.

Further information can be found online.

Transpennine Route Upgrade work between Huddersfield and Leeds

The Lancashire Fusilier, seen here on The Buxton Spa Express

89001 passing Leyland on its second test run from Crewe to Tebay.

52044 a preserved Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (L&YR) Class 2 steam locomotive - from the recent Gala at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

26th March, 2026

Memorandum sets out future of railways in Welsh borders​

Transport for Wales train


A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, and Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, has been published that sets out how the future of railways in the Wales and English-Welsh Borders area.

The memorandum sets out how Westminster and the Senedd will work together under Great British Railways (GBR) to achieve a simpler, better, and more integrated railway for the region.

It sets out clearly-defined responsibilities and governance for a passenger-focused railway.

In particular, there will be quicker and more joined-up decisions services travelling both within Wales and across the English-Welsh borders, resulting in more reliable services, connections, and an improvement in day-to-day service performance, as well as a commitment to provide bilingual customer information for any future rail decisions affecting Welsh passengers and communities

The agreement follows the UK Government’s commitment to an estimated £14 billion long-term vision by Transport for Wales in the future of Welsh rail, with more frequent services for passengers throughout the principality.

There will be better local decision making, with the agreement between the UK Government and Welsh Ministers setting out how they will work under Great British Railways, which will work with Transport for Wales on planning services together, and improving links between rail, bus, and active travel.

The key benefits for rail users in the Wales and Borders area include:

• Making sure decisions reflect the issues affecting passengers and communities, such as performance, reliability and local connectivity.
• Better coordination between the planning of rail services and the infrastructure.
• Ensuring that relevant customer information is available in both English and Welsh.
• There will be local input for those issues affecting passengers, so they can be resolved faster and with a better understanding of community needs.
• Transport for Wales will work with GBR to provide easier connections between rail, bus and other forms of transport.

” This agreement outlines the strong partnership between our two governments to deliver for the people of Wales. We have already seen the joint commitment to a generational investment in our railways and this agreement ensures even closer working as we deliver improved rail services for passengers.”

Ken Skates, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales

Merseyrail Train at Aintree

26th March, 2026

Great Western Railway to provide extra services for Saturday’s Cardiff rugby union matches​

Big Day Out March 2026.


Great Western Railway (GWR) has announced that it will provide more than 10,000 additional seats for Rugby Union supporters travelling to Cardiff for the double bill of rugby, when the Bristol Bears play the Harlequins at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 28 March.

The rail operator is set to run 21 extra trains to accommodate the increased demand, as fans attend both the women’s fixture, which kicks off at 12:30 pm, and the men’s game at 3:30 pm, with the final whistle expected at around 5:30 pm.

A single ticket grants access to both matches.

Passengers travelling from Bristol to Cardiff are required to book in advance, as all services are expected to be extremely busy.

Supporters are strongly advised to book ahead and leave plenty of time for travel.

Services will run from London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway, as well as connecting stations such as Yate, Yatton and Nailsea.

While reservations are mandatory for outbound services, return journeys from Cardiff after the men’s match will operate without reservations on a first-come, first-served basis, with a queuing system in place at Cardiff Central station, directly adjacent to the Principality Stadium.

Bristol Bears Big Day Out Queue 28 March 2026


The last services of the evening leaving Cardiff Central are as follows: 8:22 pm to London Paddington, 9:18 pm to Bristol Parkway, and 10:47 pm to Bristol Temple Meads.


“We’re delighted to support Bristol Bears fans making the trip to Cardiff for this exciting double-header. With 21 extra trains and over 10,000 additional seats, we’re ready to get supporters there and back safely.

“Booking early is essential, all trains to Cardiff require reservations and will be extremely busy. We’d encourage fans to travel early and allow extra time for the return journey, perhaps enjoying Cardiff’s atmosphere before heading home.”

Rachel Geliamassi, GWR Customer Services Director.

26th March, 2026
Had a coin hunt today and found more 50p' for the collection.

2006 Victoria Cross heroic acts​

2007 Scouting​

Fifty pence coin struck to mark the centenary of the foundation of the Scouting Movement in 2007.

2010 Girl Guides​

To commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Girl Guiding UK.

2017 Sir Isaac Newton​

When Sir Isaac Newton came to The Royal Mint, Britain's finances were approaching crisis.

Up to one in ten circulating coins were believed to be forged.

His vision of matchless quality led him to root out and prosecute notorious counterfeiters, improve assaying techniques and refine weights and measures standards.

In 1699 Newton became Master of the Mint.

After overseeing the new coinage for the accession of Queen Anne in 1702 he went on to supervise the process of bringing Scottish coinage into line with English coinage, following the Union of England and Scotland in 1707.

2018 Tailor of Gloucester​

The 2018 Tailor of Gloucester 50p coin has been issued to celebrate one of Beatrix Potter's most loved children's tales, 'The Tailor of Gloucester’.

Struck by The Royal Mint, this is the first UK coin to feature Tailor of Gloucester.

It is part of the third series of Beatrix Potter 50ps after the 2016 and 2017 issues proved to be extremely popular with coin collectors.

The reverse design features the Tailor of Gloucester designed by Emma Noble while the obverse features the fifth definitive portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.

2019 Sherlock Holmes​

2019 sees the 160th Anniversary of the Birth of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

This Sherlock Holmes 50p coin was issued by The Royal Mint to commemorate the event.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born on 22nd May, 1859.

The author is best known for creating Sherlock Holmes.

Conan Doyle wrote over 50 stories featuring the detective.

In 1893 he killed off Sherlock Holmes so he could have more time to write about other topics.

Public outcry led him to bring Homes back to life in The Hounds of the Baskervilles in 1901.

27th March, 2026

Welsh Railway to run vintage shuttle bus service for gala​

Small Prairie No. 4555


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway is hosting its Branch Line Gala between the 10th and 12th April.

For this special event, they have announced that they will be linking the railway with the national rail network with a “Ruabon Rail Replacement” shuttle.

They will be using a classic Bristol VR bus to provide the free connection, which will run in time with arrivals and departures to create an enjoyable day without concern about getting back home.

It’s not an event to be missed with over 50 train services, vintage vehicles, live music and a range of food and other attractions across the days.

The Railway will be using a Classic Bristol VR bus as the Ruabon Rail Replacement


The gala will see Small Prairie No. 4555 return to the Dee Valley and Pannier Tank No. 1369 make its debut at the railway.

These fantastic locomotives will join their home fleet, including Pannier Tank No. 7754, No. 3802, and Class 14 diesel D9525.

Additionally, there are footplate passes available to book to make the day even more memorable.

Further information and announcements will be made soon, which can be found on their website.


“This Gala is all about recreating the magic, variety and authenticity of a classic rural branch line. The addition of the ‘Ruabon Rail Replacement’ shuttle strengthens that vision by making it easier for people to connect directly from the national network and become part of the experience from the moment they arrive.

“We are also delighted by the strong interest shown so far in our footplate passes, which provide an unforgettable perspective on heritage railway operation. With a superb mix of visiting locomotives and our own home fleet, plus further announcements still to come, this is shaping up to be our most ambitious Gala yet and a true celebration of everything that makes this railway special.”

Iain Ross, organiser of the Branch Line Gala