Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Miniature Sheet​

A Miniature Sheet celebrating four of the UK’s Royal castles.

Windsor Castle in Berkshire, Dover Castle in Kent, Caenarfon Castle in Gwynedd and Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire are all captured in delightful illustrations by British artist Robert Ball.

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21st May, 2026

Lumo’s London to Stirling service launches with photos from Press Train​

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222601 arrives into Preston with the preview train


Lumo’s brand new service between Stirling and London Euston is launching in just a matter of days.

222601 has the pleasure of operating the press preview train, which was 1M01 0850 Stirling to London Euston.

The train from Preston was doing a round trip to London Euston.

Services from Stirling to London Euston will call at Larbert, Greenfaulds, Whifflet, Motherwell, Lockerbie, Carlisle, Preston (Lancs), Crewe, Nuneaton and Milton Keynes Central

The train has had new carpets installed, providing a lovely ambience.
 
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Carriage on 222601


Alstom has completed the new livery and work at their Widnes facility.

Lumo says that it wanted to establish itself in the market first, hence why the operator has chosen Ex-East Midlands Railway Class 222s for the service, which are leased from Beacon Rail.

The operator plans to have Hitachi battery trains on the line as soon as possible, but the 222s provide the cheapest and quickest way to have services running for passengers.
 
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Destination board on 222601


222s for Lumo have an extra carriage on each trainset, meaning their number allocation has been changed to be a 222/6


The new service launches on the 25th May, and Lumo says that the first services are all but sold out.

Lumo is an open-access operator, not a franchise, so income is vital to the operator.

Two ambassadors per train will check tickets, provide customer announcements, as well as take the refreshment trolley through the train.

Staff will be based at London Euston, Preston and Stirling, with a crew change taking place at Preston.
 
21st May, 2026

Welsh railway to host photo charter this month​

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Running Well Photo CharTR


The Talyllyn Railway is holding a Photo CharTR ‘Running Well’ on the 31st May.

No.9 ‘Alf’ will feature in the photo charter for the very first time.

The day begins at 7:30 am at Tywyn Wharf Station and arrives back around 3 pm.

Tickets still remain for the charter, with only 25 total spaces available.


Tickets cost £40 per person, with tickets available here.
 
21st May, 2026

Tornado set to conquer the Settle & Carlisle line in September​

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60163 Tornado brings The Northern Belle into Hellifield


A1 Class Pacific no. 60163 Tornado is set to storm the Northern Fells in September for a journey along the iconic Settle & Carlisle line.

On Saturday, 26th September, Tornado will haul the Vintage Trains “Great Northern” rail tour from Birmingham New Street to Carlisle.

After an early-morning departure from Birmingham New Street, the tour will pick up at Coleshill Parkway, Tamworth, Derby and Wakefield Kirkgate, before joining the Settle & Carlisle in its 150th anniversary year of passenger services for the climb to Carlisle.

After a short break, the return journey is along the Tyne Valley to Newcastle, where Tornado will head south along the East Coast Main Line before a diesel locomotive takes over for the last part of the through Midlands.

Adult tickets cost £125 for standard class, £240 in First class, and Pullman dining is £355 per person.

Private first-class compartments accommodating up to four people are also available at a cost of £1,080.

Tickets and further information about the tour, which Vintage Trains describes as one of the highlights of its 2026 programme, are available online at https://vintagetrains.co.uk/the-great-northern/.

Tornado was built by the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust in Darlington, North Yorkshire, and completed in 2008, when it became Britain’s first new mainline steam locomotive service since 1960.

During high-speed testing in 2017, Tornado travelled at 100mph, which no other British steam locomotive had matched since the 1960s.

Tornado has since made guest appearances, hauling Royal Trains, appeared in Paddington 2, and on Top Gear.

Before starring on the “Great Northern” rail tour, next Thursday, 28th May, Tornado is hauling a special fundraising train for the Great Central Railway (Nottingham), and on Saturday, 4th, and Sunday, 5th July, it will be hauling trains between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough on the Nene Valley Railway.


“Tornado on the Settle & Carlisle in its 150th anniversary year is a combination that deserves to be marked properly. We’re very pleased to be making it happen.”

Nick Ralls, Managing Director, Vintage Trains
 
21st May, 2026

RAIB report released following Herefordshire trailer collision​

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Nordan Farm crossing collision


The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has released a report following a collision between a passenger train and an agricultural trailer at Nordan Farm in Herefordshire on the 22nd May 2025.

The train was travelling at around 80 mph when the accident occurred, resulting in 6 passengers and a member of staff receiving minor injuries.

Significant damage was caused to the train and trailer but the train did not derail.

The signaller gave permission for the tractor driver to use the crossing, having forgotten about the train and did not check the signal box equipment.

The accident may have occurred due to an interrupted routine and increased work load resulting in fatigue.

The investigation found that the risk assessment for the level crossing did not recognise the high risk or consider vehicles crossing which may be large and slow.

RAIB have made two recommendations for Network Rail including improving the effectiveness of the risk management process and how this may vary across seasons.

The second recommendation is at the actions taken by Network Rail and further assisting signallers and crossing users on vehicle size considerations.


Learning points identified reminds staff to comply with mobile phone policies and asses fatigue levels.

Signallers should also be utilising available indicators when considering level crossing requests and follow the correct processes.
 
22 May 2026

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Rail improvement work taking place this bank holiday weekend​

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TfW FLIRTs in Cardiff


With a busy Bank Holiday weekend and warm weather forecast, Transport for Wales (TfW) is encouraging passengers to plan ahead as essential rail improvements take place across the Cardiff and Valleys network.

Planned infrastructure improvements will close all lines through Cardiff Queen Street between Sunday 24 and Bank Holiday Monday 25 May.

To keep passengers moving, a combination of rail replacement buses and service diversions will operate across the local Cardiff and Valleys network.

Services will continue to run from Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr into Cardiff Central via the City Line (via Ninian park) with rail replacement services travelling between Radyr and Llandaf, Cathays, Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Bay.

Industrial action by West Midlands Railway will affect Shrewsbury - Wolverhampton and Hereford - Birmingham routes on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.

TfW services are expected to be busier than usual as a result, and extra capacity will be in place where possible.

With high temperatures forecast across the bank holiday weekend, services to popular coastal destinations such as Barry Island and the North Wales coast are expected to be busier than usual.

Passengers are also reminded of the recent timetable change that came into effect on Sunday 17 May, with some services now calling at different stations at different times.

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys, and prepare for the forecast hot weather by carrying water, staying hydrated and taking sensible precautions while travelling.

Sarah Higgins, Operations Director at Transport for Wales said: "Transport for Wales will be running its normal timetable over the Bank Holiday weekend, but some services may be much busier than usual due to industrial action at West Midlands Railway affecting Shrewsbury–Birmingham and Hereford–Birmingham services on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.

"With high temperatures also forecast, customers are encouraged to take extra care when travelling, check for the latest travel information using the TfW website, mobile app, or social media channels, and to stay hydrated."

For more information visit TfW website: www.tfw.wales


The following changes will apply on Sunday and Monday, with some additional arrangements in place on Monday only:

Rhymney / Caerphilly - Barry Island
Sunday and Monday:
  • Buses will replace trains between Rhymney / Caerphilly and Cardiff Central.
Radyr - Cardiff Central (via Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street)
Sunday and Monday:
  • Buses will replace trains between Radyr and Cardiff Central.
  • Services from Treherbert and Merthyr Tydfil will divert via the City Line (Fairwater).
Penarth - Coryton
Sunday and Monday:
  • Services from Penarth to Coryton will terminate at Cardiff Central.
  • Tickets will be accepted on Cardiff Bus routes 21, 23 and 27 at no extra cost.
Monday only:
  • Tickets will also be valid on Cardiff Bus routes 92, 93 and 94 between Penarth and Cardiff City Centre.
Cardiff Bay Line
Sunday and Monday:
  • Tickets will be accepted on Cardiff Bus route 6.
  • An additional hourly bus will operate between Radyr and Cardiff Bay, calling at Llandaf, Cathays and Cardiff Queen Street.
Customers can use our Rail Replacement Services page for information on bus replacements.

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22nd May, 2026

Driver seriously injured during shunting operation in South Lanarkshire​

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The train involved in the accident at Carstairs station


The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation following a driver being injured during a shunting operation.

The accident occurred at around 00:45 on the 28th April 2026, when a driver was seriously injured during shunting at Carstairs station, South Lanarkshire.

The operation involved two portions of the Caledonian Sleeper service (1C11, from Edinburgh, and train 1M11, from Glasgow), which had been coupled together.

The locomotive from 1C11 was detached, allowing the rest of the combined train to continue on its journey.

The driver and driver assessor for 1C11 positioned themselves on the track to conduct training with the coupling equipment.


They were positioned close to the locomotive during this training when 1M11 moved towards them.

The train was spotted just before it reached them, with both attempting to move clear.

The driver assessor was able to move clear and remained unhurt. Unfortunately, the driver sustained serious injuries to their hand after becoming trapped.

RAIB’s investigation will identify the events leading up to the accident, considering the actions of those involved, the planning of the shunting operation, arrangements for staff working on or near the tracks, risk management, and any underlying factors.
 
22nd May, 2026

Investigation launched following overspeeding incident in Nottinghamshire​

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Forward-facing CCTV from the train involved showing the junction signal set for the diverging route


The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is investigating an overspeeding incident which occurred earlier this month.

On the 4th May 2026, the 12:09 Leeds to Nottingham service (Northern operated) was involved in the overspeeding incident at around 13:47 at Trowell North and South Junctions in Nottinghamshire.

The train was routed over five sets of points with a permitted speed of 30 mph.

The train reached the first set of points at 70 mph, which was reduced to 45 mph by the last set of points.
 
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Northern Train at Leeds Station


The speed at which the train was travelling when it traversed the points caused it to lurch sideways, throwing some passengers from their seats and resulting in minor injuries, but thankfully, the train did not derail.

RAIB’s investigation will assess the events leading to the incident, considering how the train was being driven, factors influencing the driver, the condition of the signalling equipment, injuries reported, and any underlying factors.
 
22nd May, 2026

Suffolk railway to host 1940s event​

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The MSLR train at Aspall Halt, with duty loco 0-4-0 ‘May’ built in 1915 and G.E.R. coaches.


This weekend, the Mid-Suffolk Light Railway is hosting their Middy in the 1940s event (24th and 25th).

The event recreates the theme of the end of war days, with reenactors, memorabilia displays and military and vintage vehicles.

Visitors can enjoy a steam ride, hauled by Peckett & Sons 0-4-0 ST ‘May’, on the railway’s veteran Great Eastern Railway coaches.
 
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Middy in the 1940s event


Both days will feature 1940s-style live music from Sarah Mai, and more music from the Gislingham Variety Club on the 25th.


Additionally, depending on the weather, there will be a flypast of one of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s famous aircraft on the 24th.

Further information on the event can be found on the railway’s website.
 
22nd May, 2026

Had a coin hunt today and found a £2 coin for the collection.

XVII Commonwealth Games - Scotland​

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Commemorative issue​

XVII Commonwealth Games, Manchester 2002

Series: Commonwealth Games

Obverse​

Fourth crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II right, wearing the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland tiara, legend around.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRA·REG·FID·DEF ·
IRB

Unabridged legend: Elizabeth II Dei Gratia Regina Fidei Defensatrix

Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen Defender of the Faith

Engraver: Ian Rank-Broadley

Reverse​

A moving figure of an athlete holding a banner, divided into lines to symbolise lanes of a running track with Scottish flag, legend and denomination right.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
£2
XVII COMMONWEALTH GAMES 2002
MB

Engraver: Matthew Bonaccorsi

Edge​

Milled with incuse lettering

Script: Latin

Lettering: SPIRIT·OF·FRIENDSHIP·MANCHESTER·2002
 

Castles Collectors Sheet​

Includes the eight main Special Stamps, featuring castles from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

The stamps are paired with stunning aerial shots of the featured castles.

Stamps and labels are set against an atmospheric shot of Castell Rhaglan/Raglan Castle in Wales.

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