Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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14th April, 2026

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

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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​

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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​

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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.
 
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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
 
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

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15th April, 2026

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

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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​

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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​

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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.
 
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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.
 
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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​

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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.
 
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16 April, 2026

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

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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.
 
16th April, 2026

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

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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.
 
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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​

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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​

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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.
 
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16th April, 2026

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

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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
 
17th April, 2026

Revised timetable on the East Lancashire Railway today​

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60163 Tornado on the East Lancashire Railway


The East Lancashire Railway has unfortunately suffered a track defect, resulting in all standard services between Bury and Rawtenstall being cancelled today.

A revised service will run throughout the day between Bury and Heywood.

Departures from Bury will run at 10:30, 12:00, 13:30, and 15:00.

Departures from Heywood will run at 11:05, 12:35, 14:05, and 15:35.

The fault is being assessed, and customers are being contacted.

An update will be released later today on whether services over the weekend will be affected.
 
17th April, 2026

Restoration of two of Brunel’s historic landmarks set to take place in Bath​

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The Sydney Gardens footbridge in Bath


Great Western Railway is reminding rail passengers travelling through Bath to plan ahead, as Network Rail begins major restoration work on two historic Brunel structures later this month.

At Sydney Gardens, the historic footbridge will undergo grit-blasting, structural steel and masonry repairs, a full repaint, and replacement of its timber deck over a three-month programme.

Engineers will also carry out repairs and surveys at the Grade II-listed eastern portal of Box Tunnel.

To enable the work, scaffolding will be installed during planned possessions of the line between Bath Spa and Chippenham across consecutive weekends: 25 to 26 April and 2 to 4 May.

These closures will also support track renewals at Bathford and drainage upgrades in Corsham.
 
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Box Tunnel portal


Rail replacement buses will operate between Bath Spa and Chippenham or Westbury, with tickets accepted on local First Bus services between Bath and Trowbridge or Frome.


Services between London Paddington and Bath Spa will divert via Bristol Temple Meads, not calling at Chippenham, though some services will continue to serve the station outside of Sundays.

Passengers, including those travelling to the TCS London Marathon on Sunday, 26 April, are advised to check journeys in advance and allow additional time.


“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause but the work planned will help us to maintain our train services in the area for years to come.

“Rail replacement services are planned for those stations affected and ticket acceptance is in place on some local bus services in the area as an alternative.

“It’s important that customers are aware these alternative travel arrangements could make journey times much longer, so please plan ahead.”

Oana Apetroaie, GWR Station Manager for Bath Spa and Chippenham.
 
17th April, 2026

Steam locomotive 4709 – update released​

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4700 Class 2-8-0 No. 4700


The project to construct a new Churchward 4700 Class 2-8-0 No. 4709 has moved forward with orders being placed for a pair of vacuum reservoir tanks and the front and rear drawhooks.

The orders were placed after the chassis of 4709 was moved into the workshop at Tyseley in Birmingham.

The pair of vacuum reservoir tanks is being purchased from the team at the 2874 Trust, which is restoring for operational service ex Great Western Railway 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive No. 2874, and were from an order that the 2874 Trust had recently placed.

They were available almost immediately and have already been delivered to Tyseley.

Purchasing them from the 2874 Trust will provide significant savings to the 4709 Group in costs for their setup, fabrication, and testing.

The two drawhooks required for the front and tender of 4709 were ordered from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd., based at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway at Toddington, which aims to restore, operate, and overhaul GWR Manor Class No. 7820 Dinmore Manor and GWR 2884 Class heavy freight locomotive No. 3850.

Other work required in connection with the evolution of 4709 is to construct a pony truck, which was scheduled to be completed by the end of last year.

To complete the construction of the 4709’s rolling chassis, the 4709 project needs to raise approximately £30,000.

Further information about the project to construct a tenth 4709 Class 2-8-0 is on the 4709 Group’s website at https://www.4709.org.uk/
 
17th April, 2026

Inspiration Train visits Innovation Centre​

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Porterbrook’s Ben Ackroyd and Olivia Wallace getting involved with the Primary Engineer challenges


The Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre has hosted Inspiration, the Railway 200 exhibition train, as part of its nationwide tour marking 200 years of the modern railway.

The train has been travelling across the UK since June 2025.

On 14 to 15 April, 140 Warwickshire pupils from Years 2 to 6 attended the 135-acre site, owned by Porterbrook, for an interactive educational visit.

Of these, 80 were participants in the Primary Engineer Rail Programme, delivered by the not-for-profit Primary Engineer in partnership with Porterbrook.

The initiative supports STEM learning by equipping teachers to deliver engineering-focused activities while raising pupils’ aspirations.

Visitors engaged with a range of hands-on exhibits, including virtual reality experiences that placed them in a train cab to operate services around the site’s newly electrified test track, the UK’s only continuous rail loop.
 
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The Railway 200 exhibition train Inspiration


Porterbrook, a rolling stock financier and asset manager, has played a central role in Railway 200, providing funding for the train’s national tour and its distinctive livery.


“The children that we’ve brought out, they’ve been absolutely amazed by the train, by the grandeur of everything and they’ve really enjoyed showing what they’ve been able to do.”

A teacher from Snitterfield Primary School.


“Primary Engineer brings the rail industry to schools, inspiring children to enjoy learning with engineering as the perfect focus bringing together curiosity, creativity, inclusivity, practical skills, and academic learning. For the last four years Porterbrook have worked with us to upskill and empower teachers to embed engineering in the curriculum and connect learning to real-world contexts. The children and teachers love visiting Long Marston and getting to visit Inspiration will only add to their knowledge and understanding of the rail industry.”

Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships North West England
 
17th April, 2026

Class 730/2 rollout honoured with award​

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LNR and WMR trains at Bletchley Depot


At the recent 2026 Rail Industry Planning Awards, London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway were both honoured.

The awards highlight the sister rail companies’ commitment to passengers and delivering adequate timetables.

They were awarded the ‘Short Term Planning Team of the Year Award’ following the rollout of their Class 730/2s last summer.

Additionally, the new trains have increased capacity on the network, leading to more people utilising it.

The operators were also praised for their planning when delivering extra support for major events such as football matches and concerts.


“I am so pleased our fantastic STP team has been recognised with this award.

“They work so hard to ensure we run a reliable service which works for passengers and supports travel to events across our network.

“Crucially, they also played a key role in bringing our new electric trains to the West Coast Main Line. It was a challenging rollout but they delivered it seamlessly so our customers could feel the benefit of these modern, spacious trains, as quickly as possible.”

Ashley Wilkes, head of planning, access and timetable strategy at LNR and WMR
 
18th April, 2026

Amtrak invites suppliers to bid for its largest-ever order​

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A new Amtrak train


Amtrak has started the procurement process for a fleet of new long-distance trains.

This will be the largest order for new trains that Amtrak has ever placed, and signals a new era for train travel across America.

A formal request has gone out to potential suppliers so that they can bid for the contract to replace Amtrak’s long-distance fleet.

After proposals have been submitted, there will be an extensive evaluation, with the selected supplier expected to be announced by the end of 2027.

Many of the cars in the existing fleet have been in service since the 1970s.

Amtrak worked closely with the Federal Railroad Administration to develop the fleet replacement programme, which aims to modernise overnight and cross-country travel, with more than 800 new cars, which will be in service across 14 long-distance routes.


These long-distance routes are an essential part of America’s transport network, as they link major cities with smaller towns and rural communities, and help support economic growth throughout the country.

One of the drivers behind the long-distance fleet replacement programme is to standardise the fleet, and whilst it makes for more competition among potential suppliers, it reduces the programme risk and accelerates the replacement of the current ageing fleet.

The plan envisages that single-level cars, instead of the current mix of bi-level and single-level cars, will operate all long-distance services.

As well as replacing its long-distance trains, Amtrak locomotives are going through a fleet modernisation program.

The new locomotives for long-distance services are high-powered ALC-42 units, with 125 on order, of which 79 have already been delivered.


Towards the end of last year, new next-generation Acela trains started operating on America’s only high-speed rail corridor.

Later this year, a new fleet of Airo trains will begin services on Amtrak Cascades, followed in the next few years by new trains on the Northeast Regional and other short- and mid-distance routes.

In February, Amtrak introduced an expanded dining menu for travellers in sleeping cars on its long-distance services.
 
18th April, 2026

Most train services will run as normal during May bank holidays​

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The early and late May bank holidays will see most of Britain’s passenger and freight services running as normal, with a few exceptions.

During the early May bank holiday from Saturday, 2nd to Monday, 4th May, services will be disrupted on the East Coast Main Line, in South East London, and on the Transpennine Route.

Over the late May bank holiday from 23rd to 25th May, services will again be disrupted on the Transpennine Route, but in addition, services between London and South Wales via the Severn Tunnel will also be disrupted.


East Coast Main Line (early and late May bank holidays):
  • Rail replacement bus services will replace trains between York and Darlington.
  • A limited train service will run between Northallerton and Darlington.
South East London (early May bank holiday only):
  • Charing Cross will be closed.
  • Cannon Street will be closed on Sunday. 3rd May only.
  • Trains will be diverted to London Victoria and Blackfriars.
Transpennine Route (early and late May bank holidays):
  • Because of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, a major programme of improvements between Manchester, Huddersfield and Leeds will run from Saturday, 2nd May though most of May and June.
  • Details on the effect on services can be found here https://thetrupgrade.co.uk/yourstation/upcomingclosures/.
  • Liverpool Lime Street will be closed on Sunday, 3rd and Monday, 4th May only.
Great Western Main Line (Saturday, 23rd May until Sunday, 7th June). Because of the Severn Tunnel being closed, the usual alternative arrangements will apply:
  • Buses replace trains between Newport and Bristol Parkway.
  • There will be one through train an hour between South Wales and London via Gloucester.
Thameslink (late May bank holiday only):
  • Thameslink trains from the north of London will start and end their journeys at King’s Cross & St Pancras.
  • Services from the south will start and end their journeys at London Bridge.

“There is no ‘right way’ to do major work on our railway, but bank holidays are still among the least busy times for us in terms of passenger numbers and freight services. Those extra days with fewer travellers give us an opportunity to do longer projects that we couldn’t do in a normal two-day weekend or overnight.”

“So while most of our railway is open as usual over the bank holidays this May, there are some exceptions, and we also have two major projects getting underway in Yorkshire and between Newport and Bristol that passengers should be aware of. I’d advise everyone to plan ahead and check before they travel.”

Anit Chandarana, Network Rail’s group director for System Operator
 
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