Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Call that a flag? - that's a flag.........

30th May, 2026

Stadler hands over more FLIRT trains to Poland​

New Stadler FLIRT train for Poland


At a press conference held at Warsaw’s Warszawa Główna station in Poland on Monday, 25th May, Stadler handed over the latest two FLIRT trains that it is building for Koleje Mazowieckie, which operates trains in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship and Przewozy Region.

Stadler is increasing the rate of delivery of the units, and since the beginning of May, it has delivered 23 new trains out of a contract total of 75, which are designed to strengthen the operator’s fleet in the Mazovia region.

The original order took the form of a framework agreement and was signed in 2024.

By the end of this year, Stadler plans to have delivered 53 of the new FLIRT trains.

Stadler’s contract also includes maintenance, staff training, and repair of the new FLIRT trains.

Representatives at the press conference in Warsaw


The trains are being manufactured at Stadler’s factory in Siedlce, Poland, and some are already in service on regional trains across Mazovia.

Each train has ETCS Level 2, five carriages, a maximum speed of 160 km/h, and a total capacity of 582 passengers, including 261 seated.

With spacious entrance areas, there is easy access for passengers with disabilities, pushchairs, and bicycles.

They also feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, digital passenger information systems, and advanced safety systems, including CCTV monitoring, AED defibrillators, and emergency intercoms.

New Stadler FLIRT train for Poland


“Delivering a project of this scale within such a short timeframe requires excellent cooperation between the teams involved on both sides. Every week, we hand over additional vehicles, while production of the next units is already underway. Since the beginning of May, we have delivered 23 new trains to Koleje Mazowieckie — a record pace made possible thanks to tremendous commitment and very good cooperation with the customer. I would like to thank Koleje Mazowieckie for their openness, efficient communication, and partnership approach in implementing this project.”

Radosław Banach, CEO of Stadler Polska



“The new vehicles will provide our passengers with even greater comfort and travel safety. Their environmental aspect is also important. Thanks to their lightweight construction and energy recuperation system, FLIRT trains consume less electricity, which translates into both reduced environmental impact and lower operating costs.”

Czesław Sulima, Member of the Management Board and Operations Director of Koleje Mazowieckie

LNER Azuma No. 801 211 at Edinburgh Waverley

30th May, 2026

Stadler to supply FLIRT trains to Montenegro​

Stadler's FLIRT train


Rolling stock manufacturing company Stadler has signed a contract with Montenegro passenger transport operator Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore (ŽPCG) to supply three four-car FLIRT electric multiple units.

Stadler believes that the new trains will contribute significantly to modernising passenger rail transport in Montenegro, a Balkan state with a population of less than a million people that stands on the Adriatic Sea.

The company boasts that the units that it will supply offer enhanced standards of comfort and safety, and expects that this will make public transport a more attractive option for those wishing to travel.

The exterior design of the trains is inspired by Montenegro’s national identity and its national colours of red and gold.

Delegations from Stadler and Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore in Podgorica, Montenegro


Stadler’s FLIRT (Fast Light Inter-city Rapid Transit) platform is already running in several countries in Europe, including Serbia, Slovenia and Austria, and has secured orders to provide trains to Lithuania, the Netherlands and Poland.

Stadler originally developed FLIRT for the Swiss Federal Railways, and delivered the first units in 2004.

The FLIRT trains that Stadler will supply for operation in Montenegro will be very similar to the FLIRT units that are already running in its neighbouring country of Serbia.

The similarity in their designs will mean that the electric multiple units will be able to travel across the border between the two countries.

This will be the first time that this has been possible.

Left: Željko Davidović, Director Sales for Central and Eastern Europe, Stadler; Right: Dragana Lukšić, CEO of Željeznički prevoz Crne Gore


Montenegro is receiving funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to buy the new, modern units.

The Bank provides investment to strengthen economies in the continent and to make them more sustainable.


“These new trains will not only modernise public transport, but also serve as a visible symbol of progress, European integration and regional connectivity. We would like to thank ŽPCG, the Government of Montenegro, the EBRD and all project partners for their excellent cooperation and for the trust they have placed in us.”

Željko Davidović, Director of Sales Central and Eastern Europe at Stadler

30th May, 2026

Steam extravaganza at Welsh narrow-gauge railway​

Extreme Steam Extravaganza at the The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway


The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway is gearing up for its ‘Extreme Steam Extravaganza’ Summer Gala weekend in June.

To be held from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st June, one of the highlights promises to be ‘Fest-Motor-Rail’, when a pair of classic road cars, a Mini and an Austin A30, will be transported on one of the railway’s well wagons.

The scene promises to be an unusual type of freight on the narrow-gauge line and will no doubt attract the attention of many photographers.

Extreme Steam Extravaganza at the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway


Although the gala is being held from Friday to Sunday, for anyone arriving early, there are other activities the day before, on Thursday, 18th June, including ‘The Quarryman’ set, which is timed to depart from Blaenau Ffestiniog at 17:40, time enough for anyone travelling by the Transport for Wales train that arrives at Blaenau Ffestiniog at 17.25.

For anyone who has a Rover Ticket for Friday, 19th, or a 3-day Rover Ticket, their ticket will also be valid for travel on this train, with its arrival at Harbour Station timed to allow plenty of time for dinner and a drink in Spooner’s.

During the early evening of Thursday, early arrivals will have the chance to witness other activity taking place between Porthmadog and Minffordd while the railway makes sure everything is in the right place for the weekend.

The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway


A feature of the weekend will be a chance to vote for which engines visitors want to pull each train.

Votes can be cast by booking tickets in advance at https://www.festrail.co.uk/extreme-steam-extravaganza/.

With there being no special anniversaries to celebrate this year, the railway has opted for ‘Weird and Wonderful’ as something out of the ordinary for a working slogan.


The theme of the slogan will extend to many unusual train formations, unusual combinations of locomotives, and the chance for visitors to decide Sunday’s loco roster.

To deliver the planned intensive timetable, all sorts of complicated shunting will be needed, which will result in some sights that visitors may never have seen before.

Also taking place from Friday, 19th to Sunday, 21st June is a Mini Model Railway Show at The Gweithdy in Minffordd, where there will be a selection of model railway layouts, and a variety of stalls to browse. Entry to the show is free.

The weekend’s events will kick off with a special ‘Spirit of Steam & Song’ train on Friday, 19th June, which departs Porthmadog at 3:10 pm for Caernarfon.

Throughout May, residents in the local area have been able to travel on the railway for a 50% discount.

Kendo and shinai bag at a railway station.

It's been a banning day today!

Mixed Traction Day at the Lynton & Barnstaple

Ffestiniog Railway​

Mary Ann, Merddin Emrys and Prince line up in Harbour Station

31st May, 2026

Steam locomotive 45110 set for extended Cotswold stay​

45110 at chicken curve on the Gloucs and Warks on the 24th May


The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway has announced that an agreement is now in place that will see LMS Black 5 No. 45110 stay in the Cotswolds for an extended period.

The agreement has been signed between the GWSR and the locomotive owner, West Coast Railways.

45110 will be a resident at the railway for a further six months, providing plenty of opportunity for a ride behind the locomotive.

This is the first time in a number of years that 45110 has hauled passenger trains, making her debut at the Cotswold Festival of Steam gala recently.

The GWSR website will have a locomotive roster available so people can plan their visit.

Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii

No. 34046 hurries past Sarre with the 4.11pm Canterbury West – Bristol TM. 20th May.

60532 Blue Peter on it’s way northbound from Crewe to Preston (23.05.26)

‘34028 ‘Eddystone’ is seen hauling The Swanage Belle tour through Basingstoke’

1st June, 2026

Brand new Excursion Car arrives at Welsh Railway​

New ‘Excursion Car’ Built in Aberystwyth for Brecon Mountain Railway


A new carriage, built by the team at the Vale of Rheidol Railway’s workshop, has arrived at the Brecon Mountain Railway.

After 12 months of designing and construction, the new ‘Excursion Car’ complements the railway’s existing carriages.

The carriage has space for 34 passengers and 2 wheelchair spaces, which will be available for use after final checks have been completed.

The railway has seen increased passenger numbers, operating at 97% capacity during August last year.

The new carriage will help meet this new demand, as well as make the line more accessible for everyone.

New ‘Excursion Car’ Built in Aberystwyth for Brecon Mountain Railway


The carriage cost around £80,000, with a funding boost coming from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund via Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council.


“This is a fantastic example of the skills that still exist within the heritage railway sector here in Wales. To be able to design and build a completely new carriage in-house is something very special, and we are extremely proud to see it enter service at the Brecon Mountain Railway.

“Passenger demand at the railway continues to grow strongly, particularly during the peak summer season, so this additional capacity is very important for us. At the same time, the carriage has been designed with improved accessibility in mind, helping ensure more people can enjoy the experience in future.”

Stuart Williams, General Manager of the Brecon Mountain Railway

1st June, 2026

Installation progress made at new Bristol station​

The footbridge at Bristol Brabazon station in place


The brand-new Bristol Brabazon station has reached a new milestone with the installation of an accessible footbridge.

A crane lifted all nine pieces into place over the recent Bank Holiday Weekend.

Now that the deck and stairs are in place, cladding work will begin.

Alongside the bridge work, platform construction work has been progressing well with canopies, platform edges and more being installed over the next few weeks.

Lifting the footbridge at Bristol Brabazon station into place


The station is still set to open later this year, with a planned second phase ahead of the Aviva Arena opening in 2028.


“The installation of the accessible footbridge is a major milestone for Bristol Brabazon station and alongside the ongoing platform construction, marks significant and visible progress.

“Once complete, the new station will play a key role in connecting people to jobs, homes and opportunities, providing sustainable access to everything the wider region has to offer. We’re proud to be part of a project that supports both the growth of this new neighbourhood and stronger transport links across the West of England.”

Network Rail Western route director Marcus Jones

1st June, 2026

80% of train services now in public ownership​

Train in Great British Railways livery


Yesterday, Sunday, 31st May, train services operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), which includes those operating as Thameslink, Southern, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express, were transferred into public ownership.

Instead of being privately owned, GTR services will now be operated by DfT Operator Limited (DFTO), which is the department that now owns the railways, and is the government’s partner for delivering its Public Ownership Programme.

Until the formation of Great British Railways (GBR) is complete, the DFTO will be responsible for bringing into public ownership all railways and train operators currently managed by the Department for Transport or privately owned.

With the absorption of GTR into public ownership, 80 per cent of passenger train services that will eventually come under the auspices of Great British Railways are now being operated by publicly owned operators under DFTO.

With public ownership, the impetus behind the creation of Great British Railways, its focus is on improving the service to passengers.

One of the main drivers behind the creation of Great British Railways is to bring together public-sector train operators and Network Rail so they can work together as Great British Railways to improve performance and customer experience.

Common ownership will also provide the opportunity to reduce subsidies and improve safety and sustainability.

Other railways in public ownership include South Western Railway, which recently celebrated its first anniversary under DFTO.