Apedale announces two special guest locomotives ahead of June Motor Roll Mania
60S364, 'Campbell's'
Apedale Valley Light Railway has unveiled two guest locomotives set to appear at its Motor Rail Mania event on June 27-28, adding to an already interesting event lineup for enthusiasts and families attending.
On loan from Golden Valley Light Railway, Motor Rail No. 8739 (1942) and No. 60S364 (1968) will showcase evolving eras of railway design.
Nicknamed ‘Pioneer’, 8739 features a distinctive rebuild with a Deutz air-cooled engine and rarely hauled passengers, aside from a brief stint in Nuneaton.
Meanwhile, ‘Campbells’, No. 60S364, reflects post-war advances, similar in size but far more powerful, with roots in industrial service near Barrow Hill.
Organisers have also thanked sponsors for enabling the locomotives’ transport.
CAT UK and DB Cargo sign new 7-year contract for Jaguar Land Rover car train service
DB Cargo Class 66 on a freight train
DB Cargo UK has signed a seven-year contract with CAT UK to transport finished vehicles from Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant in Merseyside to the Port of Southampton.
Teams in Cheshire, the West Midlands and Hampshire currently run around three weekly services between Merseyside and Southampton, with an aim to expand operations and increase freight journeys.
Jaguar Land Rover has invested hundreds of millions towards Halewood’s future and output of the next generation of electric vehicles manufactured in the UK.
Brand new Range Rover being inspected before loading for rail freight transport
The deal underscores rail freight’s reliability and sustainability, cutting CO2 emissions by around 76% versus road.
With major EV investment at Halewood, output and rail volumes are set to rise.
“It’s a real honour to play a continuing role in the transportation of such an iconic British brand. We have worked with CAT UK, formerly STVA, for more than two decades, helping them to move high-value automobiles across the UK and Europe for both import and export.”
Telford Steam Railway to host special guest diesel locomotive this weekend
English Electric Preservation Group's Class 08 No. 08784
Telford Steam Railway have announced a guest locomotive to visit the line on Sunday, 12 April.
On its first heritage services of 2026, Class 08 No. 08784 will be on loan to Telford from the English Electric Preservation Group, giving visitors a unique one-day-only opportunity to ride, diesel-hauled, along the railway’s 1 in 40 gradients behind this special guest.
The Telford Steam Railway will be running five services hauled by 08784 for passengers on the day.
Visitors can also enjoy home favourites running at the site, including the narrow gauge steam tram ‘Thomas Telford’ and a model railway exhibition
