Marcus' Model Railway Journey

4th April, 2026

Branch Line Society to run The North-South Connection this May​

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The Branch Line Society are inviting passengers to join its stock move, The North-South Connection, on Friday, 1 May 2026, ahead of the Welsh Dragon fixture the following day.

The HST rolling stock (2+7 formation) is expected to be running as a Class 1 train, in place of the more usual Class 5.

The movement is set to be a one-way journey, picking up from Manchester Victoria.

Following this, the ECS movement is set to follow the mainline towards Watford Junction (1:30 pm), and onto the Great Western Mainline, where the stock will be left at Reading (3:00 pm) to be prepared for the following day’s main event.

Timings are all approximate, with confirmation with Network Rail due closer to May.

Onboard passengers can enjoy refreshments and snacks from the buffet counter, which can be located in Coach F.

125 Group will be providing a selection of merchandise from Coach C.

4th April, 2026

Porterbrook’s Converted Box Wagons enter service​

MWA-C box wagons


Porterbrook’s new converted MWA-C box wagons have entered frontline service following a 14-month programme which was undertaken in Mansfield at the WH Davis Factory.

The MWA-C box wagons have been converted from seventy-six HHA hopper wagons. The MWA-C use much of the same equipment as on the former HHA hoppers, including the bogies, brake gear and system, along with other reusable components.

The new difference is the robust, stronger, durable box body design, which sits on the frames and has a greater capacity compared to the hopper wagons.

Porterbrook HQ


The project, which began in December 2024 in partnership with Heavy Haul Rail Limited, was aimed at prolonging asset life. It is expected that the box wagons will have a 30-year service life.


In their new state, the box wagons are more flexible in the duties they can perform, as they can now carry a greater variety of goods than they would have done if they were still hopper wagons.


“We are pleased to have partnered with Heavy Haul Rail Limited on this sustainable initiative, transforming these assets into market leading boxes with an important role to play delivering volume across the network for many years to come.

“This highlights our ongoing focus to drive growth in the freight industry, and support the increased movement of heavy goods and materials by rail.”

Max Ordish, Head of Freight and Commercial Projects at Porterbrook


“It is great to see these 76 converted coal wagons now delivering for customers across the UK, as part of our long-term plan to meet growing customer demand for bulk freight.  Delivering materials by rail offers significant carbon reduction and fuel savings compared to road freight because it would take 140 lorries to replace one of our jumbo heavy haul trains.

“Giving the wagons a new lease of life was not only the more sustainable option, but it also supported the local economy because they were converted at UK based firm WH Davis.”

Dave Penney, CEO of Heavy Haul Rail Limited

5th April, 2026

Steam locomotive 4709 moves into Tyseley workshop​

Chassis inside the workshop


The 4709 Group says that the chassis for No. 4709 has been relocated to the workshop at Tyseley.

The priority will be to assemble the chassis into a rolling chassis.

The assembly work for the pony truck is now nearing completion and will be finished when the wheelset is fitted.

The cylinder block and extension frames are now approaching becoming a single unit.


4709’s compensating beam is approaching completion for machining, and the new equalising beam brackets have been cast and are awaiting machining.

4709 driving wheels


The next job is to fit the buffer beam, which will allow for a new centre stay to be machined, which can then be fitted to the front end assembly.

The eccentric sheaves now need to be refurbished and refitted to the main driving wheel set.

Donor loco, 4115, only provided three driving wheelsets, so a new trailing driving wheelset will require a balance weight, which has been cast but needs lead filling before being used.

With the chassis moving into the workshop, work will proceed quickly. However, to complete the rolling chassis, £30,000 needs to be raised, and donations can be made via the 4709 website.

6th April, 2026

TV star travels on Welsh railway to publicise town’s Comic Con convention​

Chris Barrie shovelling coal


Television comedy star Chris Barrie, best known for his role in Red Dwarf and the BBC sitcom The Brittas Empire, travelled on the Llangollen Railway on Easter Saturday, 4th April, to publicise the start of Wales Comic Con.

Chris was greeted by dozens of fans at Corwen railway station as he boarded a special heritage service to travel through the Dee Valley to Llangollen, where he was to have a busy day at the Wales Comic Con convention to be held at the Llangollen Pavilion.

Chris Barrie meets Angie Turner, Corwen Station Master


Chris’s visit marked the start of a new partnership between the railway and Wales Comic Con, bringing together heritage, popular culture and tourism.

This was just the start of the collaboration, with more joint events between Wales Comic Con and the Llangollen and Corwen Railway planned for the future.

Chris has also been invited to attend the railway’s Branch Line Gala next weekend, when a full programme of steam and diesel services will be operating, so that visitors to the convention can travel on the railway as part of their Comic Con experience.

Chris Barrie meets volunteers who work at Corwen Station


During his time at the railway, Chris met some of the volunteer crews and stepped onto the footplate to discover first-hand what it is like to be on a working steam locomotive.

Chris commented that he had a fantastic time on the railway, and it was great to meet so many fans.

It was something special to be on the footplate, shovelling coal and experiencing a real working steam engine, and he gave a huge thank you to everyone for such a memorable experience.


“It has been absolutely fantastic. It was so great to welcome Chris Barrie to the railway. He was a brilliant guest – a great sport and incredibly knowledgeable about steam trains. You could really see his passion for heritage railways, and it meant a lot to both our volunteers and the fans who came along to see him.”

Paul Bailey from the Llangollen Railway, who welcomed fans at Corwen Railway Station

6th April, 2026

Amtrak to upgrade its oldest station in Pennsylvania​

Lewiston Station


Amtrak is to carry out substantial improvements to Lewistown Station in Pennsylvania, the oldest station served by Amtrak.

Upgrading Lewistown Station is set to begin on Tuesday, 7th April, and will include:

• A boarding platform to improve passenger access to trains.
• Updated LED lighting and signage for better visibility and improved safety.
• Better access to the station through a new passenger drop-off zone and two parking bays compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Upgraded waiting room and toilet facilities.
• A new air conditioning system in the station waiting area.

Lewistown also houses the extensive collection of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society.

Dave Evans president of the society and owner of the station building, commented that the society supports the updating of the oldest remaining Pennsylvania Railroad train station.

Lewistown is one of 134 station designs and 68 station construction projects being funded by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.

Together, they form Amtrak’s ADA Stations Program to provide accessibility, with a target completion date of 2029, using funds provided by Congress through the Federal Railroad Administration.


Across the Amtrak network, 19 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the twelve months ending 30th September 2025.

Another 50 stations are expected to be completed by 30th September this year, with a forecasted investment of $311 million.

Kevin Moore, board member of Western Pennsylvanians for Passenger Rail, added that Lewistown will enjoy more rail travel options with Amtrak’s plans to double the frequency of its Pennsylvanian service beginning in Fall 2026.

These station improvements will ensure the safe and continued use of this valuable historic building.

As well as its programme of station improvements, Amtrak is introducing a fleet of new trains that will provide greater comfort, reliability, and more contemporary amenities, and more dining options on its long-distance trains.


“As Amtrak continues modernizing stations across the country, improving the customer experience remains at the heart of our efforts. The station and platform enhancements at Lewistown will create a more welcoming and functional environment for those traveling with us for years to come.”

Dr David Handera, Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility


“Since 1849, the Lewistown station has prominently shaped the transportation network of railroads, roadways and historic canals in the Keystone State, from a bustling trade center to an essential hub for freight and passenger rail in Rural Pennsylvania. This transformative investment in one of the nation’s oldest depots will honor the legacy of Lewistown and improve overall access, safety and accommodations in anticipation of the second Pennsylvanian passenger train this year.”

Senator Judy Ward, Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee

Cleo's Flower Arranging

7 Apr 2026

Ty Glas railway station reopens following major upgrades​

TfW Ty Glas


Transport for Wales (TfW) has reopened Ty Glas railway station following the completion of a major programme of work to modernise the station and enhance safety for passengers and the local community.

While the level crossing reopened to the public in October 2025 following essential safety improvements, work has continued at the station to deliver the remaining upgrades.

The key upgrades include:

• Platform extension: Ty Glas station platform has been extended by 16 metres
• Safety Enhancements: A renewed crossing surface with a safer route linking the station to the crossing.
• Accessibility: The upgrades now facilitate, level boarding, making the station more accessible for passengers.

With the necessary work complete the station reopened on 4 April to customers travelling on the Coryton line.

These upgrades are essential to enable TfW’s new electric Class 756 tri‑mode trains – part of the Welsh Government’s £800 million investment in new trains that were introduced to the Coryton line last year – to stop at Ty Glas for the first time.

The Class 756 fleet has already played a key part across the Core Valley Lines, delivering strong performance by averaging over 90% reliability over the past six months.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW, said: “Reopening Ty Glas station marks the end of a major programme of work and the beginning of a safer, more modern travel experience for our customers.

“These upgrades were essential to support our quieter, faster accelerating electric trains and to ensure the safety of the many people who use the level crossing each day.”

"We’d like to thank the communities along the Coryton line for their patience and understanding throughout the closure”.

The completion of these works represents a significant step forward in the ongoing transformation of the South Wales Metro, and TfW is pleased that customers can now benefit from the new Class 756 trains at Ty Glas station for the first time.

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The Class 756 trains bring increased capacity, improved comfort and better accessibility, featuring level boarding between the train and the platform

7th April, 2026

Norfolk steam locomotive given Scottish look​

WD 2-10-0 No, 90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment.


Former War Department ‘Austerity’ steam locomotive, 2-10-0 No. 90775, The Royal Norfolk Regiment has been given the livery carried by its classmates in British Railways service from 1948 until 1961.

During their BR days, WD 2-10-0s in the range Nos. 90750 to 90775 were allocated to Grangemouth and Motherwell sheds in Scotland, with their number and shed plates painted in a ’Scottish blue’.

That is the same colour it now displays, with the repainting carried out by two M&GN Society volunteers.

It also carries a 65F Grangemouth shed plate, which was loaned to the M&GN Society by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society.

The Royal Norfolk Regiment is the largest locomotive owned by the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway (M&GN ) Society, and was named The Royal Norfolk Regiment in September 2017.


Although it is currently owned by the M&GN Society, it was originally owned by the Essex Locomotive Society, which loaned it to the North Norfolk Railway in 2003, where it has been operating ever since.

This will be the last year for some time that it will be in operational service, as its boiler ticket is due to expire on 5th September.

During World War II, 12 Austerity 2-10-0s, including 90775, were supplied to the Ministry of Supply in December 1943 and sent to the Middle East.

In October 1945, British military authorities in Egypt declared that 90775, along with 15 other Austerities in store in the country, were surplus to requirements, and were sent to Greece for use by the Hellenic State Railways.

Among their duties were hauling the Istanbul express between Thessalonica and Pithion and the Athens to Yugoslavia International express between Thessalonica and the Greece/Yugoslavia border.


In August 1984, the Greek vessel Empros shipped 90775 back to Ipswich Docks.

90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment was one of the locomotives that The North Norfolk Railway used as part of its 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day.

A few years ago, 90775 The Royal Norfolk Regiment hauled the North Norfolkman dining train, where the North Norfolk Railway was hosting a black tie and tiara dinner to raise funds for the establishment of a memorial in Norfolk in memory of the 97 soldiers, mostly from The Royal Norfolk Regiment, who were massacred in 1940 in Le Paradis, northern France.

7th April, 2026

Llangollen and Corwen Railway prepares to host its Branch Line Gala 2026​

GWR Pannier Tank No 7754


Llangollen and Corwen Railway are set to host its 2026 Branch Line Gala this April. Between Friday 10 and Sunday 12, visitors can enjoy a busy three-day programme of entertainment, steam, and diesel.

Visiting engines to the 2026 Gala include GWR Small Prairie No. 4555, appearing on the line for the first time in over 60 years, GWR No. 1369, the only surviving example of its class, and Class 14 D9525, which will make its final appearance at Llangollen during the event.

These are set to operate alongside home fleet locomotives No. 3802 and No. 7754.

Entertainment will run throughout the weekend, including live music and a concert on Saturday at 6 pm featuring Chris Greve, Richard Powell and John Hughes.

Food, drink, craft stalls and the Station Master’s marquee will be available at Llangollen, while all stations along the line will be open with additional attractions.

1369 class 0-6-0 pannier tank


Footplate rides will also be available in limited numbers, allowing visitors to experience locomotive operations firsthand.

Demand for these is expected to be high, so pre-booking is advised.

The Llangollen and Corwen Branch Line Gala offers stunning views of the Dee Valley, with historic stations including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.


“This year’s Branch Line Gala is shaping up to be something really special. It really showcases our amazing railway, right up the line, with activity at every station and a fantastic atmosphere throughout. This three-day spectacular is delivered by our incredible volunteers, who work tirelessly to bring the railway to life. There really is something for everyone, whether you’re an enthusiast or just looking for a great day out. Across the weekend, there will be plenty of food and drink available, and our Station Master’s marquee at Llangollen will be at the heart of the action, creating a real festival feel.”

Iain Ross, Branch Line Gala Organiser.

7th April, 2026

No grounds for appeal by Stadler against losing SBB contract​

Stadler double decker train


Stadler has lost its appeal against SBB for signing a framework contract with Siemens for the supply of 200 double-decker trains.

An appeal was submitted to Switzerland’s Federal Administrative Court on 27th November 2025.

The basis for the appeal was that Stadler could not understand on what grounds the court awarded the contract to Siemens.

The court has handed over documents relating to the contract, and although heavily redacted, they only partially restore transparency.

They make clear that in evaluating the tenders, SBB exercised its discretion to award the contract to Siemens.

Stadler lodged its appeal so that the Federal Administrative Court, as an impartial body, could conduct an independent review.

The court proceedings provided Stadler with some insight into the decision, but it wasn’t as transparent as it had hoped, since many tender documents were totally redacted.

That meant Stadler was unable to gain insight into the substance of the case and could not discover crucial evidence about the contract award.

Court documents show that SBB, in evaluating the bids, had exercised its discretion in awarding the contract to Stadler.

That is despite SBB opting for a train that is new and has not yet been tested.

In comparison, Stadler’s tender specified a double-decker train, of which 153 are already in service with SBB, and are among the most reliable in its fleet, having been operating them on its network since 2012, and over 700 are in operation in 14 countries.


Stadler has concluded that, because there is very little information on which to pursue its appeal, it has no grounds to continue the legal proceedings, and today, Wednesday, 7th April, it duly withdrew its appeal.


“We continue to regret the decision, but must accept it on the basis of the information available to us. Stadler is focusing on continuing its long-standing and successful cooperation with SBB.”

Peter Spuhler, Stadler Chairman of the Board of Directors

7 Apr 2026

TfW teams up with 225 Group and Branch Line Society for charity rail tour through Wales​

67029 at Onibury


Transport for Wales (TfW) has partnered with the 225 Group and Branch Line Society to run a special one-day charity rail tour on a Mark 4 train to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society and Railway Children.

The “Gerald of Wales” will depart Holyhead on Saturday 25 April at 07:08, travelling along the North Wales coast and continuing through the scenic Welsh Marches to Newport and Swansea, before returning via the same route in the evening.

Passengers can also join at stations along the North Wales main line including Chester and Crewe.

The journey offers the opportunity to travel between Chester and Crewe on a Mark 4 hauled by a Class 67 locomotive, a route not usually operated by these trains.

The tour is also planned to operate on lengths of track not regularly covered by passenger trains including freight loops, through lines and the ‘Leckwith Loop’ between Ninian Park and the South Wales Mainline.

TfW’s new Spring/Summer menu will be served celebrating the very best of Welsh produce.

Standard Class customers will have the option to purchase a freshly prepared breakfast or an evening meal package, crafted by our onboard chefs.

First Class passengers will be treated to a full cooked breakfast on the outward journey with a specially curated menu showcasing premium Welsh ingredients available on the return trip, including:

• Grilled Wye Valley asparagus
• Dewi Roberts lamb served with Caerphilly champ
• A macerated strawberry and honey Marches trifle

All profits from the excursion will be donated to Railway Children and TfW’s 2026 charity of the year Alzheimer's Society.

Standard Class tickets are priced at £99 for adults and £79 for under-18s, with First Class Dining available at £225 for adults and £205 for under-18s. Discounted fares are available for Branch Line Society and 225 Group members as well as TfW staff.

Tickets can be booked online via the Branch Line Society website - BLS - Online booking form

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This service will be a Class 67 with Mark 4 Carriages

The "Gerald of Wales / Y Gerallt Gymro" name is synonymous with services linking North and South Wales”

The locomotive 67029 is popular amongst followers of the class 67s and has been requested for the day, subject to operational constraints.

Class 67 diesel locomotive, number 67029 named "Royal Diamond".

East Somerset Junction track work

New sleepers at East Somerset Junction

Track replacement East Somerset Junction April 26

Dawn shot of signalling improvements Carnforth Easter 2026

Aerial shot of signalling gantry renewals at Carnforth Easter 2026

Engineers on track with GWR train passing by