Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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6th May, 2026

High Speed Trains subject to graffiti attack​

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Coach 2 vandalism 4 May 2026


Over the May Bank Holiday, the East Lancashire Railway was a victim of vandalism.

A Class 43 locomotive and several coaches were covered in graffiti, with one coach repainted only as recently as February.
 
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Coach 3 vandalism 4 May 2026


Volunteers have been working to remove the paint using specialist products before it sets permanently.

Luckily, volunteers at the railway noticed the damage quickly and ensured the stock did not sustain lasting damage.

Further restoration work is required before everything is back up to standard.
 
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Cleaning of vandalism 4 May 2026


Greater Manchester Police has gathered evidence and confirmed increased patrols in the area.

Additional CCTV is also being installed to help prevent future instances.

However, should anyone have any information on the vandalism, they are prompted to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.


“This is a disgraceful and deeply frustrating attack on a railway run largely by volunteers, with many steam and diesel traction owned either by the ELR or groups and in some cases, private individuals who give their time freely to preserve our railway. It is nothing short of a kick in the teeth for those who work so hard to maintain and preserve historic traction and rolling stock.

What makes this even more infuriating is that this follows a similar incident less than 12 months ago, when nearly 30 glass panes across two coaches were smashed, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

We are working closely with the police and are determined to see those responsible identified and held accountable.

I want to place on record my sincere thanks to our outstanding volunteers, whose immediate and determined response ensured the damage was contained. Their commitment stands in stark contrast to the senseless actions of those responsible.”

Mike Kelly, Chairman of the East Lancashire Railway
 
7th May, 2026

Royal Mint Celebrate Duchess of Hamilton locomotive with commemorative £2 coin​

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Duchess of Hamilton 2026 UK £2 -Uncirculated Coin pack front


LMS Princess Coronation Class 6229 Duchess of Hamilton is being celebrated thanks to a partnership between the National Railway Museum and The Royal Mint.

The 1938-Crewe-built locomotive is currently on display at the National Railway Museum in York and now has its own official coin.

Artist Gary Breeze designed the £2 commemorative coin, featuring the locomotive in motion, highlighting its streamlined form.

The coin has been released with multiple variants, including gold Proof, silver Proof Colour, Brilliant Uncirculated Colour, and Brilliant Uncirculated
 
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Duchess of Hamilton 2026 UK £2 -Uncirculated Coin reverse


They hope to attract both collectors and enthusiasts, with each coin also accompanied by illustrated packaging, highlighting the locomotive’s story.

The special coin can now be bought, with prices starting at £17.50.

Further information on the coin can be found online.


“Duchess of Hamilton is one of Britain’s most extraordinary locomotives and is a true icon of speed, elegance and engineering ambition. It is a privilege to work with the National Railway Museum to bring this remarkable machine to an official UK £2 coin for the very first time. Gary Breeze’s design captures the locomotive’s streamlined beauty with real artistry, and we hope the release will resonate not only with coin collectors, but with all those who share a passion for Britain’s rich railway heritage.”

Phillippa Green, Licensing and Partnerships Manager at The Royal Mint
 
7th May, 2026

Network Rail grants Class 99s interim approval​

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Class 99 locomotives lined up at Leicester depot


Network Rail has granted new Class 99 locomotives being introduced by GB Railfreight (GBRf) an Interim Network Rail Statement of Compatibility (NRSC).

This is an important requirement for Class 99 locomotives to operate across Britain’s railway network.

Although being an interim statement, it marks an important step towards full certification, which GBRf and Network Rail will continue working towards.

The first six Class 99s have now entered GBRf’s fleet, which will allow an increase in driver training before the locomotives enter commercial service this summer.

Built by Stadler specifically for the UK market, Class 99s are bi-mode locomotives, which can be powered from overhead electric lines or a Stage V-compliant diesel engine on non-electrified routes.
 
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GB Railfreight’s new Class 99


Their bi-mode capability makes them suitable for operating throughout the UK, while also reducing emissions.

When operating on electric power, the Class 99s emit lower emissions and offer reduced fuel consumption compared with traditional diesel-only locomotives.

They also have a greater haulage capability and improved reliability, and by eliminating the need to change traction between electrified and non-electrified lines, they provide a greater network flexibility.

The first six out of a total of 30 Class 99s on order have been accepted into GBRf’s fleet, and numbered 99001 to 99006.

Number 99007 will soon begin trials for fault-free running, and numbers 99008 and 99009 are being shipped to the UK later this month.

GB Railfreight staff are using Apple Vision Pro for remote learning to train them on the cab layout before they operate real locomotives.


”The granting of the Statement of Compatibility for our Class 99 locomotives is a significant moment for GB Railfreight and the wider sector. I would like to thank the teams at Network Rail and GB Railfreight who have worked tirelessly to reach this point. Achieving compatibility on Britain’s complex railway infrastructure is no small task, and this has been a collaborative effort throughout. The Class 99 represents the future of rail freight, combining improved performance with clear sustainability benefits. With this approval secured, we are now focused on bringing the locomotives into service.”

John Smith OBE, GB Railfreight Chief Executive Officer
 
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7th May, 2026

Steam Gala Tickets Go On Sale At North Tyneside Steam Railway​

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Peckett No. 1351 ‘Lion’


The North Tyneside Steam Railway have released tickets for their upcoming Steam Gala on the 5th-7th June.

Peckett No. 1351 ‘Lion’ will be returning to the railway for the gala for the first time in 52 years.

Lion will be joined by a second visitor, which is yet to be announced, who will join ‘Ashington No.5’ from their home fleet.

For fans of classic cars, on Saturday and Sunday, there will be over 30 cars on display, and their Sausage Supper Train will also run on Saturday.
 
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Peckett No. 1351 ‘Lion’


There is an intensive timetable planned for the event with numerous double headers for some great photo opportunities.


However, for those who want some extra special photographs, there is a Photographic Evening on the 5th June from 6-10 pm, with tickets for that to be released soon.

Further information on the gala and tickets can be found online.
 
7th May, 2026

Visitors announced for West Somerset Railway Summer Diesel Festival​

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Class 26 No. 26007


The West Somerset Railway has announced that a third visiting locomotive will attend their Summer Diesel Festival on the 4th – 7th June.

Making its debut at the railway will be Class 26 No. 26007, courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz.

26007 will join previously announced visitors Class 37 No. 37250 and Class 47 No. 47714.

The locomotive is currently painted in a two-tone grey Railfreight Coal Sector livery and will appear at the railway with this livery.

A lot is planned for the railways’ Summer Diesel Festival, and planning is still underway.

Further details will be announced in the coming weeks, but tickets can already be booked via their website.
 
7th May, 2026

Welsh narrow gauge railway converts steam locomotive to oil fired​

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No.9 Prince of Wales


The Vale of Rheidol Railway in Mid Wales has completed the conversion from coal to oil firing of 2-6-2T steam locomotive No.9 Prince of Wales.

Its first day back in traffic was Thursday, 30th April, which was fortuitous, as the previous day the railway had been forced to use diesel traction due to dry, windy conditions and the risk of significant local wildfires.

Conversion to oil firing was precipitated by prolonged dry weather in 2025, with its attendant risk of lineside fires, leading to over 30 trains being cancelled and a complete weekend closure.
 
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No.9 Prince of Wales during the conversion


Oil firing will provide operational resilience by enabling steam services to continue operating whenever coal firing is an unacceptable risk.

This is not the first time that the Vale of Rheidol has tried oil firing.

Oil-fired locomotives operated on the line in 1978, in response to the dry summer of 1976, but in 2011, the line reverted to coal in a move to prioritise authenticity and the visitor experience.


Changing conditions have since forced a reassessment, both by the closure of the coal mine at Ffos-y-fran and an increasing reliance on imported coal.

The cumulative effect has seen higher costs and reduced fuel quality, with each round trip from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge now requiring up to 30% more coal.

Accompanying the increased costs has been an increased fire risk, even by using modern spark-arresting and ashpan mitigation systems.

The conversion of Prince of Wales has been designed so that it can be readily converted back to coal, with the original coal-fired configuration retained.

The oil-firing equipment has been installed in such a way that the locomotive can be converted back to coal within about one week.
 
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No.9 Prince of Wales during the conversion


Fuel costs were a key consideration in the decision to convert to oil, with the cost of coal around £125 per train, compared with oil costing approximately £240–£300 per train before the outbreak of the Iran War.

In a further move to have an additional non-spark-emitting locomotive available, the railway is currently overhauling Bagnall 0-6-0 diesel locomotive No. 3124.

In 2023, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway announced that WD 2-10-0 Dame Vera Lynn was to be converted to burn ‘liquid’ fuels, including heavy oil and recycled cooking oil, and in 2024, the railway converted No. 2253 Omaha from coal to oil-fired.


”Following the difficulties we experienced in 2025, it became clear that we needed greater flexibility in how we operate. Oil firing allows us to significantly reduce the risk of lineside fires while maintaining a steam-hauled service. This gives us genuine operational choice, and we can respond to weather conditions and fuel markets, rather than being constrained by them.”

Llyr ap Iolo, Vale of Rheidol CEO and Chief Engineer
 
7th May, 2026

Derby built Monorail Trains enter traffic in Cairo, Egypt​

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Cairo Monorail under test in the New Administrative Capital


History was made early yesterday morning as, for the first time since 2008, a British-made piece of rolling stock entered passenger service abroad, with the Cairo Monorail in Egypt welcoming new trains from Derby-based manufacturer Alstom.

The contract to build and operate the new system is worth £2.3 billion, with the contract to build the new rolling stock awarded via a competitive international tender to Alstom UK, backed by UK Export Finance.

The schedule for delivering the trains was tight, with the first train leaving Alstom’s Litchurch Lane on 14th June 2021, just 20 months after the original contract was signed, and the last of the 68 trains leaving on 16th January 2024.
 
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Staff at Litchurch Lane Works mark the final Cairo Monorail rail train assembled in Derby, UK


Cairo’s new monorail system is the first of its kind in Africa, and in its first phase, it will run for 26 miles above street level on precast beams, helping lower carbon emissions across Cairo, home to over 20 million people.

The driverless system is designed to carry up to 45,000 passengers per hour and is built on Alstom’s existing Innovia Monorail platform, which is also seen in large cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Las Vegas.
 
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Cairo Monorail under test over Mehwar El-Moshir Tantawy, Egypt


Alstom has worked in collaboration with UK Export Finance to improve its capacity to build new monorail rolling stock, which is now being used to develop rolling stock for projects across the ever-growing regions of the Middle East, Africa and Asia, where the demand for cost-effective, high-capacity rapid transit is ever increasing with the populations of these areas on the rise


“Alstom has proved again that UK rail can be an export powerhouse. Litchurch Lane is a unique end to end rolling stock Centre of Excellence. The Cairo programme shows this site can compete and win anywhere. With UK Export Finance, we are pursuing opportunities across the Middle East, Africa and Asia to support the UK Government’s plans to maximise trade opportunities now and in the future,”

Andrew DeLeone, Chief Executive Officer Alstom Europe
 
7th May, 2026

Severn Valley Railway opens volunteer positions for Inspiration visit​

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Inspiration at its first stop in June 2025


This May Half Term, the Railway 200 Inspiration Train returns to the Severn Valley Railway.

The railway is prompting members of the public to volunteer during the train’s visit from the 23rd to the 31st May.

Thousands have already visited the interactive train during its tour, which is now approaching the end.

The special train began its tour at the railway last year before visiting loads of stops, and even a virtual tour was launched.


The railway is looking for up to eight volunteers each day to help. No experience is required, but volunteers must be aged 18 or over and available from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.

Those interested can visit the railway’s website or contact them via contact@svrlive.com.


“Railway 200’s Inspiration has already delighted tens of thousands of people across the country, and we’re thrilled to welcome it back to the Severn Valley Railway. This is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer and be part of something truly special; supporting visitors, bringing the exhibition to life, and helping create memorable experiences for families during the half-term holiday. We’d love to hear from anyone who can lend a hand.”

SVR visitor engagement manager Lewis Maddox
 
7th May, 2026

Yorkshire railway to host Model Railway Show this weekend​

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This weekend (9th and 10th May), the Wensleydale Railway is hosting its Model Railway Show at Leeming Bar Station.

They have numerous layouts with various gauges, as well as trade stands and drinks on sale.

The show will be open from 10 am to 5 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday.

Entry costs £6 per adult, with under-16s going free.

Tickets can be bought via their website or on the day.

Additionally, passenger services will be running hauled by 33035, 37250 and 47714.

A full list of confirmed layouts can be found on their website, along with tickets.
 
Friday 8 May 2026

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Innovative Severn Tunnel upgrade to transform key rail link between South Wales and England​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Working inside Severn Tunnel


Passengers are advised to plan ahead as Network Rail carry out major upgrade in the Severn Tunnel and Bristol area, with replacement buses and diversionary routes in place to keep people moving from late May to early June.

This vital project will see Network Rail, and contractors ARQ, complete the transformation of the Severn Tunnel’s overhead power system, designed specifically to withstand the tunnel’s harsh, corrosive environment - making it more resilient, reducing the frequency of maintenance, and helping to minimise disruption for passengers.

The work will take place around the clock from Saturday 23 May until the early hours of Tuesday 9 June, with the railway closed between Newport and Bristol Parkway during this time.

The new system​

Running beneath the Severn Estuary, the 4.35-mile Severn Tunnel is one of the toughest environments on the UK rail network, where moisture and saltwater accelerate wear on equipment.

Since electrification, the overhead power system has been prone to corrosion and electrical wear, leading to more frequent maintenance.

To address this, Network Rail’s Wales and Borders team has developed and successfully trialled an innovative new system.

It uses a single 7km copper contact wire supported at regular intervals by modified bridge arms, to eliminate previous corrosion issues and improve performance.

Engineers will now install this system along the full length of the tunnel - using a world-first approach on this scale - to create a more resilient railway and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.
 
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Severn Tunnel


The programme of work involves:
  • Replacing 838 bridge arms that support the overhead electric wires in the Severn Tunnel
  • Renewing 9,000 metres of overhead wiring in the Severn Tunnel
  • Carrying out track and infrastructure upgrades, and drainage works in the Bristol and Patchway areas.

Alongside the tunnel work, Network Rail will also carry out improvements in the Bristol area, including upgrades to the railway serving the new Bristol Brabazon station on the former Filton airfield site.

The station is due to open in the autumn and will bring passenger services back to the Henbury line for the first time since 1964.
 
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Outside the Severn Tunnel


Nia Watkins, Regional Asset Manager at Network Rail Wales and Borders route, said: “Running beneath the Severn Estuary, the 4.35-mile Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network, making this work essential to maintain safe, reliable services and support its long-term future.

“Using an innovative solution developed by our teams at Network Rail, this complex and highly coordinated upgrade is being delivered at a world-first scale across the tunnel’s full length - making the railway more resilient and reducing the risk of future disruption for passengers and freight.

“Alongside this, we’re also renewing track that will serve the new Bristol Brabazon station, which will bring passenger services back to the Henbury and Portishead lines for the first time in over 60 years, supporting local communities and economic growth. The station is due to open later this year and will bring passenger services back to the Henbury line for the first time since 1964."

“We recognise this work requires the temporary closure of the railway between Newport and Bristol Parkway, and we’re grateful to passengers and local communities for their patience while we carry out these important upgrades.”

Travel information

The railway will be closed between Newport and Bristol Parkway from Saturday 23 May until the end of Monday 8 June, reopening on the morning of Tuesday 9 June.
  • Replacement bus services will run between Newport and Bristol Parkway
  • Some trains will operate between London and South Wales via Gloucester (except Sunday 24 May)
  • A reduced service will run between London Paddington and Bristol Parkway
  • On Sunday 24 May, trains will not divert via Gloucester, with services operating only between Paddington and Bristol Parkway, and Newport and Swansea
Passengers are strongly advised to check before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys.
 
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NR and QTS working outside Severn Tunnel


Marcus Deegan, GWR's Station Manager at Bristol Parkway, said: “We know that bus replacement services are a significant ask of passengers, and we're genuinely grateful for their patience while this vital work is completed.

“This investment to improve and maintain the Severn Tunnel will make a real difference to the reliability and resilience of the route for many years ahead.

“The wider work taking place will also allow us to introduce train services to Bristol Brabazon later this year, and in time to Portishead and Pill - reconnecting people to rail and providing a vital economic catalyst across the area.

“Our team at Bristol Parkway is on hand to help customers navigate their options, and we've worked hard to put in place replacement services that keep people moving. The most important thing anyone can do is check their journey in advance at GWR.com and allow a little extra time.”

As part of GWR's Growing Places research, stations across the South West are projected to contribute £14 billion pounds in economic value and 238,000 of new jobs by 2036.
 
8th May, 2026

Trains resume after Staffordshire train derailment​

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Rerailed freight wagon in Oxley, Wolverhampton


Trains are resuming this morning after a freight train derailed earlier this week, with repair and recovery making progress.

The derailed freight wagon has been rerailed, and repairs to the infrastructure have been made.

The railway reopened at the start of service this morning (8th May).

Network Rail is working with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to find the cause of the derailment.


This continues to be a hugely challenging situation, but we have made good progress and will continue to use all our teams and our experience to reopen the railway as quickly as we can. Provided the recovery work continues as we have carefully planned, our focus is to reopen the railway for the start of service on Friday.

“While it was a low-speed, single wagon derailment, it has still caused significant disruption to passengers and extensive damage to the track and overhead power lines.

“Thank you for everyone’s patience while we manage this situation and please continue to check before you travel for the latest information.”

Martin Colmey, operations director for Network Rail’s Central route
 
8th May, 2026

High Speed Trains fitted with digital signalling in record time​

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Fitted vehicle 43468 at Loughborough


Digital in-cab signalling has been fitted to High Speed Train power cars in just eight weeks.

The third (43468) of 16 Class 43s being fitted with ETCS equipment has now returned to its owner, RailAdventure UK, just 8 weeks after arriving at UKRL’s Loughborough Facility.

The fourth unit (43484) is expected to be completed shortly, also in an eight-week schedule.

This is the quickest turnaround of an upgrade so far, with these units being used for freight and rolling stock movements as well as charter services.


The next four units belong to Locomotive Services Limited under the Midland Pullman brand, and the first of these, No. 43047, has now arrived at the former Brush Works
 
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43047 (Blue Pullman) ready for fitment work


The final eight Class 43s are from Colas Rail, and these will be used for infrastructure management, including Network Rail’s NMT Train.


“ECDP is all about learning by doing. We’ve had to re-learn how we retrofit older generation trains, and create a more streamlined and efficient assurance process.

“Hitachi and their fitment teams have really turned it around. We’re now in a strong place to quickly deliver the remaining 12 Class 43 units, using an efficient productionised process and avoiding unnecessary duplication. The significant progress we’ve made is all down to teamwork and collaboration.”

Ben Mason, charter and heritage lead for ECDP
“RailAdventure are pleased and proud of the progress made with the ETCS fitment on our first two pairs of Class 43s. We are looking forward to taking them out on the network for testing and shakedowns.

“This will put us in a good place to support the ECDP project with systems testing on the East Coast Main Line south later in the year.”

Kevin Walker, managing director, RailAdventure
 
8th May, 2026

Tanfield Railway set to see 17 steam engines in steam for record-breaking weekend​

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Locomotives outside Marley Hill engine shed


The Tanfield Railway are holding their Spring Gala Weekend this weekend, on the 9th and 10th May 2026, and will feature the largest gathering of steam locomotives in the railway’s history.

The full working collection will be in operation, with six steam locomotives and three diesel locomotives operating an intensive timetable across both days.

Freight trains, shunting displays and shuttle services will feature across the weekend alongside eleven visiting road steam engines from Northern Miniature Road Locomotive Society and friends.

Tickets and timetables can be found on the Tanfield Railway’s website.
 
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Northern Miniature Road Locomotive Society locomotives


“Winning Railway of the Year was a proud moment for our volunteers. This Spring Gala is our way of celebrating that achievement. By bringing together our full home fleet alongside a record number of road steam engines, we are creating a truly historic spectacle that honours the North East’s engineering legacy.

David Watchman, General Manager
 
8th May, 2026

Severn Valley Railway officially opens Kidderminster platform extension​

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Stanier Mogul 13268 departs Kidderminster Town Station


The Severn Valley Railway officially opened the extended platform at Kidderminster Town station on 7 May 2026, delivering a long-planned upgrade at its busiest station.

The project has lengthened the platform by around 60 metres, which now enables a full nine-coach train and locomotive to stand in the run-round position.

Construction work included reinforced block walls filled with approximately 400 cubic metres of material, together with the installation of hundreds of edging blocks and coping stones, many reclaimed from elsewhere on the railway.

Kidderminster Town was designed and constructed in the mid-1980s to resemble a station from the Great Western Railway era.

The station handles around 80% of visitors to the Severn Valley Railway’s six stations.
 
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Celebrations as the SVR opens its new platform extension at Kidderminster Town Station


The extension is expected to improve operational flexibility, enhance visitor access to railway operations, and support modern safety requirements.

Volunteers and staff involved in the scheme attended the official opening ceremony.


“What began as a straightforward extension quickly developed into a complex engineering challenge. The existing track alignment on platform 2, set on a tight radius, required careful repositioning while retaining original points to control costs. Additional works included carefully positioning the former Radyr bracket signal, moving the barrow crossing, and regrading the access road to the TMD.”

Antony Bartlam, Project manager.


“Our sincere thanks go to everyone involved for their hard work and support. This wonderful achievement now opens the way for another ambitious project at Kidderminster. With a longer platform in place, the time has come to complete Kidderminster Town station, as it was always intended to be.

“Very soon, we’ll be launching a major fundraising campaign to pay for the construction of a stunning GWR-style platform canopy. This will protect our visitors and give them a welcome worthy of the SVR’s gateway station, using a combination of reclaimed steelwork and newly manufactured components.”

Gus Dunster, SVR managing director.
 
8th May, 2026

Flying Scotsman and Sir Nigel Gresley to visit Wabtec’s Doncaster site for farewell event​

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60103 Flying Scotsman at The Greatest Gathering 2025


UPDATE: A link to tickets will be shared once ticket sales are live on the 11th May

Both Flying Scotsman and Sir Nigel Gresley will be joining up to attend a special event in Doncaster next month (20th June).

The event is being run by Wabtec UK and City of Doncaster Council to celebrate the contribution of the Doncaster site to the UK railway industry.

Doncaster is the birthplace of both Flying Scotsman and Sir Nigel Gresley, and Wabtec wants to recognise the achievements of the site as it approaches the end of its operational journey later this year.


60007 Sir Nigel Gresley will be in steam for the event, with Flying Scotsman on static display alongside Class 37s, Class 56s and a Class 58.

The event will also have shunting demonstrations with other displays and stands from groups and societies.

Tickets will go on sale on the 11th May 2026 and will be for two timed slots, 10 am until 2 pm and 2 pm until 6 pm.


“The work of Sir Nigel Gresley has created a lasting legacy for Doncaster’s railway industry, and I am delighted that this special event will celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of an iconic steam locomotive engineer. I hope many people enjoy the splendid displays.”

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones
 
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