Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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GBRf Class 66 No. 66792


Maritime Transport provides logistics services to many UK businesses, including Tesco, with which it signed a deal three years ago.


“It’s fantastic news that we will be continuing to deliver for Maritime. This new contract reflects the strength of our long-standing partnership, built on reliable operations and high-quality customer service.

“Together, we are helping ensure goods reach their destinations safely, efficiently and more sustainably.”

Julie Garn, Intermodal Director at GB Railfreight
 
4th May, 2026

Siemens to deliver up to 200 Double-Deck Trains to Swiss operator​

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Desiro


Rolling stock manufacturer Siemens Mobility Switzerland has revealed that it has been awarded by SBB to deliver 116 six-car Desiro DoSto double-deck trains, to be used on the Zurich S-Bahn network starting in 2031.

The contract, which is worth around two billion Swiss Francs, also includes an option for up to 84 additional trains.

Siemens explains that it designed the Desiro DoSto as a train that can “meet the needs of future metropolitan areas optimally”.

The vehicle offers space and comfort, and, says Siemens, sets new standards in sustainability.
 
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Desiro


Each train has around 540 seats and also includes eight spacious multi-purpose zones to facilitate easy boarding and alighting.

This represents around 30% more standing room and 10% more seating than the trains that the Desiro DoSto is replacing, a notable increase in capacity on popular routes.


The Desiro DoSto trains have low-floor entrances at all their doors, which enable passengers to access the vehicle easily.

First class accommodation has adjustable seats, fold-out tables, and a greater seat pitch.

Both first and second class carriages have power outlets at the seats.

The multi-purpose zones provide power outlets which can be used to charge e-bikes.

Passenger compartments feature customer information systems with more large screens.

A light strip above the doors displays which side passengers use to exit at each station.

The trains also have extra emergency intercoms, through which passengers can summon help in an urgent situation.

Because of its efficient traction components, integrated heat pumps and intelligent energy management via the vehicle control system, the train consumes a low level of energy.

The bodies of the carriages are built using 100% CO2-reduced aluminium.

Siemens Mobility is based in Wallisellen, and has been active in Switzerland for over a century, including decades of work with SBB.

The company runs several development departments and production facilities, and plans to manufacture the trains’ car bodies in Krefeld.

Project management, testing, approval runs, commissioning and operational introduction will also be carried out in Switzerland, in conjunction with local partners.

Siemens will also provide maintenance work during the warranty period.

For the last decade, more than 180 Vectron locomotives supplied by Siemens Mobility have made a major contribution to freight transport in Switzerland and internationally.

The company recently signed a framework agreement with train leasing and maintenance company Akiem to supply 80 Vectron locomotives.
 
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Passenger accommodation in the new trains


“The Desiro double-decker is based on our tried-and-tested Desiro HC platform, which has proven to be highly reliable in daily passenger service across numerous countries. Building on this proven foundation, we are providing SBB with an advanced solution that combines high capacity, comfort and sustainability, and is optimally designed to meet the requirements of modern commuter rail networks.

“With more than 440 trains from the Desiro HC family sold and over 200 million kilometers travelled, this platform stands for the highest levels of reliability, availability and cost-effectiveness.”

Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility
 
4th May, 2026

TV adverts promote Amtrak’s next-generation trains​

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New Acela train


Amtrak has launched new TV advertisements to promote its next-generation Acela trains.

Two commercials, titled ‘The Build’, a 30-second and a 15-second version, highlight the new trains’ electrifying speed, premium amenities, and smooth ride.

With a polished, sleek aesthetic and confident tone, the production showcases Amtrak’s commitment to a new era of travel by train.

Amtrak followed a creative route in creating the advertisement to introduce its new fleet; it is both dynamic and has reimagined some of the normal guidelines followed by auto advertising.

The accompanying music is modern and percussive sound, which produces a high-energy swagger, whilst next-generation visual effects animate the story.
 
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Amtrak is running a national advertising campaign, ‘Retrain Travel,’ encouraging customers to consider the benefits of travelling by train compared with the many problems often encountered when travelling by plane.


The new advertisement has extended the original campaign to reflect a broader aim to change people’s perception of Amtrak and to reposition it as the number one choice for both premium and everyday travel.

Amtrak and its creative agency, Mekanism, worked with award-winning director Warner Shaw to produce the advert with a cinematic eye, while creative and production partners, Stept and boutique VFX studio ArtJail, ensured that while the production highlighted the technical features of the new trains, it also focussed the train’s design and its engineering innovations.

The advertisement is scheduled to be shown on television, cable TV, YouTube, and major subscription streaming platforms during many major events throughout the summer, including the Kentucky Derby,

NBA Playoffs, and other live sporting events in key Northeast Corridor markets.

In February, Amtrak unveiled the first train in its new Airo fleet, and earlier this month, it started the procurement process for the largest order for new trains that it has ever placed.


“All of the distinct elements and benefits of our NextGen Acela fleet are reflected in ‘The Build’ to highlight what makes train travel so great. ‘The Build’ inspires customers traveling between Washington, DC and Boston by highlighting how they can comfortably speed past the cars stuck in traffic on I-95 and embrace some time for themselves.”

Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer
 
4th May, 2026

Sonic the Hedgehog returns to Sussex railway next weekend​

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Meet Sonic the Hedgehog at the Bluebell Railway


The Bluebell Railway in Sussex is inviting visitors to meet famous video game character Sonic the Hedgehog™ next weekend (Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May).

The blue, fast-running hedgehog character will appear at various points on the weekend days, and will be available for fans to take photographs, say hello, and join in the fun.

Sonic’s appearances will be at the railway’s Sheffield Park Station, and meeting the hedgehog will be free of charge for anyone who has bought a rail travel ticket.
 
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Night time on the Bluebell Railway


Sonic the Hedgehog was created by the Japanese game designers Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima, and has starred in a video game series named after him since 1991.


Sonic is also the mascot of the Japanese video game company Sega.

As well as Sonic’s visit, the award-winning Bluebell Railway has further plans for the upcoming half-term school holiday.

Enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take a nostalgic journey through the Sussex countryside, seated in a train hauled by one of the Bluebell Railway’s heritage steam locomotives.

More information about the Railway, its fleet of trains and its events is available from the Bluebell Railway website.
 
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Sheffield Park station viewed from the footbridge


The Bluebell Railway operates steam trains along an eleven-mile (17.7 km) line which crosses the border between East Sussex and West Sussex in southern England.

Trains run between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead stations, stopping at intermediate stations at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote.

The Bluebell operated its first train on 7 August 1960, which was less than three years after British Rail closed the railway line from East Grinstead to Lewes.

This made it the first preserved standard-gauge, steam-operated passenger railway in the world to run a public service.

Other events on the Bluebell Railway this year include murder mystery trains on various dates and a Giants of Steam Gala, which will take place in October.


“Relax and enjoy the charm of a bygone era while creating unforgettable family memories. Make the most of this incredible half-term adventure and plan your visit now.”

The Bluebell Railway
 
5th May, 2026

Llangollen to welcome visitors to upholstery conservation open day​

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A member of the Llangollen upholstery team at work


The Llangollen and Corwen Railway will be hosting a behind-the-scenes Open Day, focused on traditional railway upholstery, on Saturday, 9 May at its Pentrefelin Depot, off Abbey Road, Llangollen.

The event will offer visitors the opportunity to observe and learn about the techniques used to restore and maintain historic carriage interiors.

Skilled upholsterers from the railway will demonstrate processes ranging from the use of specialist materials to established restoration methods, providing insight into a less visible but essential aspect of heritage railway operations.

Visitors will see how original seat patterns are preserved and how carriage seating is stripped, repaired, and rebuilt using traditional craftsmanship to maintain historical accuracy across the fleet.
 
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Llangollen’s sycamore chain link seats


A central feature of the day will be demonstrations involving moquette, the durable woven fabric widely associated with public transport seating.

First introduced in the early 20th century and notably adopted on London Underground services in the 1930s, moquette is recognised for its resilience and distinctive patterned designs.


The event also marks the launch of a new upholstery volunteer group, intended to support the development of specialist skills within the railway’s restoration programme.

Two sessions are available to book, running from 10 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 4 pm.

Places are limited to 12 participants, with six allocated per session, and must be booked in advance by emailing volunteering@llangollen-railway.co.uk.


“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to see a side of the railway that many don’t realise exists. Upholstery is a vital part of our restoration work, and our team take great pride in maintaining the look and feel of our historic carriages. We’re also really excited to be launching a new group focused on upholstery projects, giving more people the chance to get involved and learn these valuable skills.”

Robin Crowley, Volunteer Co-ordinator and Trainee Upholsterer at the railway.
 
5th May, 2026

Major disruption to London and Gatwick Express services today​

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Services between Haywards Heath and Gatwick Airport have been disrupted due to an incident in the Balcombe area.

Major disruption is expected with services cancelled, delayed or revised.

Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express services will be affected by the disruption until around 13:00.

Passengers travelling on routes in and around London, and towards Brighton and Gatwick Airport, are advised to delay travel where possible to avoid most of the disruption.


Services have already been altered, and ticket acceptance will be in place.

Full details will be available online.
 
5th May, 2026

Ffestiniog celebrates first Harz Narrow Gauge Railways Skills Exchange Visit since 2015​

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Harz and Ffestiniog Skills Exchange Visit 2026


A long-standing twinning arrangement between the Ffestiniog Railway and the Harz Narrow Gauge Railways, established in 2006, has seen regular staff exchanges, which continued until 2015 before pausing due to operational challenges and the pandemic.

The programme has now resumed, with German colleagues visiting and working across the Welsh heritage railway as part of the first Skills Exchange.

Activities carried out during the visit included shadowing locomotive crews, guards, control, signalling, permanent way, workshops and customer-facing teams, alongside an induction and familiarisation day.
 
5th May, 2026

Ffestiniog offer local residents discounted travel this May​

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The beauty of Snowdonia


The Ffestiniog Railway is offering local residents a 50% discount on standard and first-class train services this May.

The offer will be running from 1 to 31 May, excluding 2 to 4 and 23 to 25 May.

Participating services include the Mountain Spirit (Porthmadog–Blaenau Ffestiniog), The Quarryman (Blaenau Ffestiniog–Porthmadog), Gelert Explorer (Caernarfon–Beddgelert), The Aberglaslyn (Porthmadog–Beddgelert), The Harbourmaster (Porthmadog–Caernarfon), and Snowdonia Star (Caernarfon–Porthmadog).

Bookings must use the voucher code RESIDENTS-MAY, which can be used when purchasing tickets online, by phone, at Booking Office counters, or onboard via the Guard.
 
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Ffestiniog Locals’ Discount poster 2026


The offer is open to residents whose primary address falls within postcode areas LL22 and LL78, excluding second homes and caravans.

Passengers are required to present proof of residency, such as a driving licence, at check-in on the day of travel.
 
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