Marcus' Model Railway Journey

14th April, 2026

Stadler bi-mode locomotives receive approval to operate in 3 more countries​

Stadler EURODUAL locomotive


Stadler has received approval for its EURODUAL bi-mode locomotives to operate throughout Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia.

Extending approval for their use in the Balkan Region adds to other European countries where they are already approved for use, including Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, and Türkiye.

Following their approval for use in the Balkan region will allow Stadler’s EURODUAL locomotives to be used on international rail freight along the Pan-European Corridor X, which links central Europe and Türkiye via the Balkans.

EURODUAL locomotives have six axles and are bi-mode. providing both electric and diesel traction in a single unit, allowing them to operate seamlessly on both electrified and non-electrified networks.

They produce high tractive effort using a 6.2 MW electric generator and a 2.8 MW diesel engine, which makes them especially suitable for lines with mixed infrastructure, without the need to make locomotive changes.

This is particularly relevant in regions with mixed infrastructure, such as the Balkan region, where only 40% to 50% of railway lines are electrified.

A further advantage of the EURODUAL locomotives is their contribution to sustainable rail freight transport, where their high haulage capacity helps to optimise resources.

Also, local emissions are reduced through their use of advanced propulsion technology, including a Stage V-compliant diesel engine and compatibility with HVO fuels.

Class 88 locomotives operated by Direct Rail Services on their freight service between Daventry in Northamptonshire and Coatbridge in Scotland are based on Stadler’s EURODUAL design, as are the latest Class 99 locomotives, which have been authorised to operate throughout the UK.


”Its proven performance confirms its suitability for demanding freight operations. The new approvals enable additional cross-border freight services and support more efficient rail connections in Southeast Europe.”

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia

14th April, 2026

Epping Ongar Railway Release Gala Timetable​

6989 Wightwick Hall


Those attending the upcoming Epping Ongar Railway Steam Gala ‘Western Workhorses’ will be excited to hear that they can now access the full timetable.

The packed timetable brings together numerous locomotives, including 6989 Wightwick Hall, GWR Prairie No. 4144, and 2409 “King George”.

The Gala runs from the 17th to the 19th April, so make sure to get planning to ensure you get to see everything you want to.

Further information and tickets are available on their website.

14th April, 2026

Welsh Branch Line Gala was a resounding success​

GWR 3802 Heavy Freight train based in Llangollen


Over the weekend, the Llangollen and Corwen Railway held its Branch Line Gala, which was a huge success.

Over the three days, the railway saw huge attendance with passengers enjoying an amazing line-up, live music, and a pop-up bar.

The railway has thanked everyone who attended the gala, making it the success that it was.

Every station, including Llangollen, was full of happy customers


They are also hugely appreciative of the volunteers who practically ran the event and made the whole thing possible.

They are now planning and finalising their next event, which will be the 80s Diesel Weekend, taking place on 30–31 May.

Branch Line Gala Organiser – Iain Ross, with some of the key volunteers who delivered the event


Additionally, if you missed out on attending the Brach Line Gala this year, they have confirmed that it will return next year, so keep your eyes peeled later this year for tickets.


“This year’s gala has been absolutely fantastic. We’ve seen a huge number of visitors, with people travelling from all over the UK to be here. The atmosphere right across the railway has been incredible.

“The combination of four steam engines, an intensive timetable, and the range of activities on offer has really delivered something special. It’s also been wonderful to see how popular Beyer’s Bar and the brake van rides have been.

“Events like this play a huge role in promoting the Dee Valley and supporting the local economy. Above all, this has been a team effort, and our volunteers have once again been outstanding.”

Branch Line Gala organiser Iain Ross

Centenary of the Birth of Queen Elizabeth II​

Due on April 21 2026
Commemorative

My Ptolemaic Coin

14th April, 2026
Had a coin hunt today and found £2 for the collection.

2009 Charles Darwin £2 Coin​

Wednesday 15th Apr 2026

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western', I had a couple of pints of 'Abotts Reserve'.

Then we went for a walk to find some lunch. bought a couple of meals deals from Tesco's and went to the indoor market upstairs balcony to eat.

Then we ended up in 'The Gatekeeper'.

I had a two pints of 'Monkey Wrench', a pint of 'Red Feather' and my last pint was 'Exmoor Gold'.

We had our dinner there, Cleo had pizza and I had 15 chicken wings.

After all that we caught the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 268, ADL Enviro200, CN64 FWS

The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 557, ADL Enviro200, CN17 BGZ

15th April, 2026

Cornish China Clay to be transported by rail to Staffordshire with new GB Railfreight contract​

66787 at Largin Viaduct in Cornwall


A two-year contract has been signed between Imerys and GB Railfreight that will see Cornish China Clay transported by rail to Staffordshire.

The Kaolin, which is mined in Cornwall, is a raw material used in manufacturing paper, cosmetics, paint and pharmaceuticals.

The train will be loaded with the material and will travel from the mine to Fowey Docks and Cliffe Vale in Staffordshire.

The contract will reduce congestion on the local rural roads.


“We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Imerys, supporting the movement of critical local volumes and reinforcing our ambition to grow rail freight in the South West. We look forward to delivering our market‑leading service to Imerys for at least the next two years.”

“In addition to transporting kaolin, we provide seasonal treatment services to help keep the rail network operating reliably for both passenger and freight services, including Belmond’s Britannic Explorer, across the region. This will see an increased number of ‘blue’ trains operating from 2026 and beyond in the area.”

“Looking ahead, we see strong growth opportunities in emerging markets in the South West and are committed to being the leading rail freight operator in the region”.

Carl Kent, Sales Director at GB Railfreight

15th April, 2026

Nottinghamshire railway nears completion of locomotive pit​

The new locomotive servicing facility at Ruddington


A new locomotive servicing facility and loco pit being constructed at the headquarters of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) at Ruddington in Nottinghamshire is nearing completion.

The final stage is the construction of a new locomotive servicing pit, where concrete is being poured around it.

The pit has been designed to provide maintenance teams plenty of level space to service the locomotives they are working on.

Included in the design of the pit are air, water, and power supplies, which have long enough connections for the cleaning and preparation of the largest steam locomotives that run to the centre from the main line.

A vote of thanks has been expressed to all who contributed towards its construction, and suitable commemorative bricks will be installed shortly.

The servicing pit, as well as the revamped and rewired running shed, will be put to good use when the world’s most famous steam locomotive, Flying Scotsman, and A1 Class Peppercorn Pacific No. 60163 Tornado visit Ruddington on Saturday, 23rd May.

Both locomotives will arrive via the Midland Main Line connection in mid-May, and both operate trains on the nine-mile-long railway, and also appear on static display.


Tornado will also operate during the Model Railway Exhibition weekend on the 16th and 17th May 2026, and Flying Scotsman will be on static display during the weekend.

Before then, there is a Steam Running Day with a Fish and Chips option this Saturday, 18th April, and a Model Railway Exhibition on the weekend of Saturday, 16th, and Sunday, 17th May, when Tornado will also be operating, and Flying Scotsman will be on static display.

Construction of the new running shed follows the construction of a carriage shed in 2024.

15th April, 2026

Two Derby sites remain as possible GBR Headquarters​

GBR Logo


The location of the new headquarters for the newly nationalised Great British Railways (GBR) has taken a step closer to being revealed.

With its long association with building, manufacturing and overhauling rolling stock, which continues to this day, it was announced in 2023 that Derby would be the base of GBR’s new HQ.

Of the original five potential sites across the capital of Derbyshire, the list has now been shortened down to just two.

Of the two remaining sites, one is ‘Midland House’, an existing railway building right opposite Derby station, while the other is ‘Becketwell’, which is currently a brownfield site earmarked for redevelopment in Derby’s city centre.

GBR Train Livery


At present, DfTO (Department for Transport Operator), made up of former Train Operating Companies networks that have already returned to the Government’s public sector, and Network Rail, are jointly operating the UK’s rail network during this transition period.

Their current Headquarters is also situated in Derby at ‘John Ellis House’


GBR’s new HQ will consolidate the work of 17 different companies under one organisation, which will operate, maintain, and improve Great Britain’s railway network as a whole.

Derby station


Before either ‘Midland House’ or ‘Becketwell’ is decided upon as a final location, factors such as economic and regeneration value, environmental and social impacts on the respective local areas will need to be addressed and taken into consideration.

A final decision of the location of Great British Railways new Headquarters will be announced later in 2026.


“Derby will be the heart of Great British Railways and with these shortlisted locations, we’re one step closer to bringing highly-skilled jobs to a city already brimming with rail industry history and talent.

“We’re working with local partners and teams around the country to design an organisation that will put passengers front and centre, driving jobs, growth and innovation in the Midlands and beyond.”

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy
“This is an important step forward on our journey to GBR, and we are excited to be working with longstanding partners in Derby, as we come together to create a centre of excellence which will play a key role in the future of the entire railway industry.

“Having lived and worked in Derby for 18 years, it is an excellent location for a national transport organisation like Great British Railways, with all its rail heritage and strong industrial base.”

Jeremy Westlake, Chief Executive for Network Rail

15th April, 2026

Experience the thrill of driving a train through the Yorkshire Dales​

Wensleydale Railway Class 142 Pacer


The Wensleydale Railway, based at Leeming Bar in North Yorkshire, is offering budding engine drivers the chance to experience driving a full-size train.

The experience will include sitting in the driver’s seat of a Class 142 Pacer, finding out how the different controls work, and driving the train through the stunning Yorkshire Dales countryside.

The Driver Experience Day is being held on Thursday, 30th July, starting at 9.30 am.

On the day, the participant will meet the team, get to understand their roles, and then take the controls while an experienced driver explains how to drive and what the controls do.

After the initiation, the experienced driver will drive the train from Leeming Bar station to Bedale, before the budding driver takes over for a 20-mile return trip, passing through the amazing scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.


Enroute, the train will stop at six beautifully-restored stations between Leeming Bar and Leyburn stations, with the trainee controlling the train’s speed, braking, and acceleration.

At Leyburn, the experienced driver will perform shunting moves before the guest drives the train back to Bedale.

Refreshments will also be provided before or after the experience.

As well as the experience day on 30th July, there are other opportunities to drive a train on the Wensleydale Railway, including Class 14, 33, 37, and 47 locomotives, and a Class 121 ‘bubble car’ diesel multiple unit.

Experiences can be shared with friends, where one person drives both ways, or one person drives to Leyburn and the other drives back to Bedale.

Full details of the experiences are online at https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/driver_experiences/.

The Wensleydale Railway is holding regular events throughout the summer, including its popular Model Railway Show on Saturday, 9th and Sunday, 10th May, and the annual Home Fleet Diesel Gala 2026 over the spring bank holiday weekend from Saturday, 23rd to Monday, 25th May 2026. Both events are being held at Leeming Bar station.

16 April, 2026

Class 20 locomotive on long term loan at Swanage Railway ahead of upcoming gala​

Class 20 20066


Next month, from the 8th to the 10th of May, the Swanage Railway will be hosting its Diesel Gala and Beer Festival and even has a connecting railtour.

There are exciting visitors set to attend, with the most recent announced being Class 20 20066, visiting courtesy of Shaun Wright.

It will join other visitors: Class 26 26007 – courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz, Class 37 (37607 requested) – courtesy of Swietelsky, Class 45 45041 “Royal Tank Regiment” – courtesy of Peak Loco Company, and Class 58 58023 “Leicester Depot” – courtesy of Ed Stevenson.

26007


20066 visited the festival last year, and due to its popularity, it will remain at the railway until May 2027.


Additionally, it will operate “Beerex” trains on Friday nights (Saturdays will be operated by Class 26 26007) and operate Driver Experiences.

Tickets and further information can be found on their website.

16th April, 2026

New bridge allows Kent based railway to reopen this weekend!​

Spa Valley Railway in action


Following a fundraising appeal and events, such as their Ale Festival, the Spa Valley Railway is able to reopen this weekend.

The railway will reopen on 18th April following the successful installation of a new bridge at Broom Lane.

The railway is deeply appreciative to everyone who has supported the appeal, as the repairs would not have been possible without them.

Broom Lane Bridge (before)


Trains are now able to safely travel along the line, and to celebrate, visitors will be able to enjoy unlimited travel all day across the upcoming weekend.

Additionally, children aged 15 and under can travel for free with a fare-paying adult.


The railway is opening with a bang, with numerous special not-to-be-missed events this week.

This includes:

• Proper Pie & Mash – Saturday 18th April
• The Kent Cheese Train – Saturday 18th April
• Fish & Chip Lunch – Sunday 19th April

These specials can be found on their website, along with further information.

The railway has two years to pay the money owed for the new bridge, so their fundraising page is still live, and they are grateful for donations of any size.


“We are so excited to be opening again after only being able to offer a limited service between Tunbridge Wells West and High Rocks stations while the new bridge was installed. The new bridge with installation has cost £500,000. We want to thank our supporters and volunteers without whom we would not have been able to complete this project which was vital to ensure the railway was able to stay open for all to enjoy into the future. We have two years to pay the remainder of the money owed for this project and hope that people visit us to help us raise the additional money required or donate on our fundraising page.”

Jonnie Pay, General Manager at the railway

16th April, 2026

Llangollen based Class 104 to move to Leicestershire​

Class 104 at Llangollen


After 33 years of operation, Birmingham RailCar Workgroup has announced that the three-car Class 104 will be moving on to pastures new.

The operating set, made up of M50454 and M50528, was withdrawn from service for repairs, however, Llangollen Railcars (custodians of the set) have said that they do not have the resources to undertake the repairs, so have terminated the custodianship.

BRCW have now announced that the operating set will now take up residence at the Great Central Railway, with the set under the custodianship of Renaissance Railcars.

M50447, which is a spares donor vehicle, is now on its way to the North Norfolk Railway where it will provide parts for the restoration of M50479.


Finally, BRCW wish to thank Llangollen Railcars for their assistance in the relocation arrangements, as well as the maintenance and operation of M50454/M50528 for the past 33 years, bringing pleasure to many thousands of passengers over the years. It’s been (literally) quite a ride, and the sound of the set ascending Berwyn Bank will be much missed. Both parties wish each other well for the future with our respective contributions to railcar preservation.

BRCW Spokesperson

16th April, 2026

Steam Driver Experiences at Peak Rail​

Eustace Forth No.15


Peak Rail is reminding visitors of their Steam Driver Experiences.

There are two slots left for April for visitors to step onto the footplate and take charge of a full round-trip hauling freight.

Those on the footplate will be guided by the expert crew at the railway, with an opportunity to bring family and friends who can ride in the guard’s van.

Visitors will also receive a commemorative certificate signed by the driver they spend the journey with.

They have slots available from 9:30-11:30 on the 18th and 25th, with tickets costing £480.

Further information on the experiences can be found on their website.

16th April, 2026

Severn Valley Railway gets Financial Conduct Authority approval, marking milestone in One Railway project​

Pannier tank 7714 is at the platform with a train for Highley while GWR Hall 4930 and USA 2-8-0 are in the loco yard.


The Severn Valley Railway has had its plans to convert its company into a charitable community benefit society.

The Financial Conduct Authority have approved the plans, in what is seen as a key step in the One Railway project.

The organisation will be named Severn Valley Railway Society Limited.

The railway says that the One Railway project will create a more resilient structure that is better suited to operating in todays environment.


The project is set for completion on the 31st May 2026


“We are absolutely delighted, and hugely relieved, that the FCA has approved our application. This is a significant milestone for the One Railway project and follows a great deal of detailed work to meet the regulator’s requirements.

“The approval allows us to move forward with confidence. The name Severn Valley Railway Society Limited is clear, appropriate and a fitting nod to our origins.”

“This has always been a complex project, and as ever, the detail has been critical. Now that we have regulatory approval, our focus turns to delivering the final stages of the transition. There is still important work to be done, but we are confident in our ability to achieve it.

“This is a moment of real progress for everyone connected with the railway; our members, volunteers, staff and supporters. It represents another important step in ensuring the Severn Valley Railway is fit for the future, while remaining true to its heritage.”

Charlie Wright, director of Severn Valley Railway (Holdings) Plc and leader of the One Railway project