Marcus' Model Railway Journey

London Heathrow Airport.

5th June, 2026

Omaha steam locomotive has oil conversion completed​

Omaha at the NYMR


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has completed the conversion of USATC S160 locomotive No. 2253 ‘Omaha’ from coal firing to oil, marking what is believed to be the first full-size steam locomotive oil conversion undertaken in the UK since the end of main line steam operations.

Built by Baldwin Locomotive Works in the United States, No. 2253 arrived in Britain in May 1943 for service on the LNER, based at Neville Hill depot in Leeds.

The locomotive was one of 800 S160s produced in North America for the United States Army Transportation Corps and shipped overseas during the Second World War.

Omaha at the NYMR


Following the conflict, it entered service with the Polish State Railway as TR203-288 before returning to Britain in 1992.

Ownership passed to Peter Best in 2013.


The conversion project was carried out by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Engineering Department, with support from Tennessee-based FMW Solutions, a specialist in alternative fuel technologies and railway engineering.

Components were manufactured both in the United States and at the railway’s workshops in Grosmont.

As part of commissioning trials, the railway plans to use cold-pressed rapeseed oil supplied through Phoenix Group.

The locomotive can operate on a range of liquid fuels without modification.

‘Omaha’ is scheduled to re-enter traffic this summer, while longer-term plans include converting Austerity locomotive No. 3672 ‘Dame Vera Lynn’.


“Completing the oil conversion of No. 2253 is a huge achievement for the railway. This project not only advances our sustainability strategy by reducing particulate emissions but also ensures operational resilience during hot weather periods. With the cost and availability of high-quality steam coal becoming increasingly challenging, converting Omaha to oil secures the future of steam operations for our visitors and volunteers alike.”

Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at the NYMR.

5 June 2026

Transport for Wales enters final stages for tram-trains introduction​

TfW Class 398 Tram Train


Transport for Wales (TfW) is entering the final stages of preparation ahead of the introduction of its first brand‑new tram‑trains on Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay services this summer.

Training for traincrew is well under way, with test runs taking place most days.

TfW continues work to install nine new toilet facilities as well as five refurbished toilet facilities across the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines, helping ensure customers have access to toilets when the tram-trains are rolled out.

The South Wales Metro aims to improve connections between Cardiff and the Valleys, with more frequent and faster journeys.

TfW’s new fleet of fully electric tram-trains are key to delivering this ambitious Metro timetable.

The improved performance of the new trains, combined with the improvements TfW made to the infrastructure, will reduce journey times to around 50 minutes between Cardiff and Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr, with a train every 15 minutes.

These changes will be delivered gradually in phases.

Tram-trains will also allow TfW’s network to be expanded, as they’re able to run on light-rail tram lines in the future, as part of the Cardiff Crossrail project.

This will allow even more communities to access vital rail services.

The tram-trains are designed for Metro style hop-on-hop-off journeys, with level boarding from train to platform, three open and spacious carriages and improved spaces on board for wheelchairs and bikes.

The first of the 36 new tram-trains will be introduced onto Pontypridd to Cardiff Bay services this summer, replacing the older Class 150 trains that currently run on these services.

Dan Tipper, Chief Infrastructure Officer at TfW said: “Our teams are working extremely hard as we move into the final stages ahead of introducing our first tram‑trains into service.

With driver and train manager training nearing completion and testing taking place most days, we’re making strong progress towards launching these services.

“The tram‑trains are central to delivering the faster, more frequent journeys promised by the South Wales Metro and, alongside pay as you go, will support a true turn‑up‑and‑go service for communities across the Valleys.”

WATCH VIDEO:





New station toilets on the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines

As with other metro systems across the UK and Europe, TfW’s tram‑trains do not have toilets on board.

Transport for Wales recognises how important access to toilet facilities is for customers and has made a significant investment to improve provision where the tram-trains will run.

This includes the installation of nine new station toilets across the network, alongside the upgrade of five existing facilities.

These improvements mean that customers travelling on tram‑train services should never be more than 20 minutes away from a toilet when travelling on the network.

Each of the newly installed toilets have been designed with accessibility in mind, including:

• Wheelchair access.
• Support rails.
• Help points on the inside and outside of the toilets.
• Baby changing facilities.
• Sanitary product dispensers.

To keep passengers safe, TfW has upgraded the CCTV and lighting at all stations where the new toilets have been installed.

CCTV outside the toilets will be streamed live to TfW’s Integrated Control Centre in Taff's Well, where it’s managed 24/7 by a dedicated team.

Live help points will ensure customers can report any issues, and remote door locking aims to also help reduce vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

TfW will also employ mobile teams to keep the toilets clean and secure.

As installation of the new facilities progresses, with six of nine toilets now nearing completion, Transport for Wales will provide temporary facilities at Pontypridd, Trefforest and Radyr while existing toilets at these stations are refurbished.

These temporary facilities will open in time for the first tram-trains to enter service.

Further information, including maps showing the new toilet locations, is available on the TfW website - https://tfw.wales/south-wales-metro-toilets

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Toilet facilities across the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines will be in place before tram‑trains enter service on these routes, ensuring customers are no more than 20 minutes away from a toilet while travelling on the tram‑trains.

Each new toilet facility will open as soon as construction is complete, with toilets at Aberdare and Abercynon stations expected to be the first to open.

Over half of the new toilets have already been installed at stations, and work is ongoing to open the facilities in time for the introduction of the first tram‑trains onto the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines.

For those travelling on board the tram-trains between Pontypridd and Cardiff Bay, passengers are advised to use customer toilets available at Pontypridd, Trefforest, Radyr, Cardiff Queen Street and Cardiff Central.

Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen - Mother of Dragons in Game of Thrones

Class 398 CITYLINK electric tram-train on test

Lucretia, wife of Quintus Lentulus Batiatus, played by Lucy Lawless

4144 in steaming action at Didcot on 31 May 2026

Class 104 DMU is seen at Rawtenstall Railway Station on the East Lancashire Heritage Railway on the 31st if May 2026

Approaching Euxton Balshaw Lane Station on Saturday morning at 07.26, 57313 heads the Northern Belle ECS from Carnforth to Liverpool Lime Street to form a special train to Carlisle over Shap.

Tangmere is taking over at Carnforth. 57601 on the rear.

Monday 8th June 2026

Marcus & Son Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

Sadly, Cleo was feeling a bit ill today, so Neo and I went into Cardiff instead.

Our first 'port of call' was the 'Great Western' where I had a pint of 'Abbot Reserve'

Then we went to Jolibee's and we had some food there.

We went to 'The Central Bar', where I had a pint of 'Honey Porter' followed by a pint of 'Port Stout'.

After that, we went window shopping at 'Menkind', Neo was very tempted to buy some 'Blokees Figures Vocaloid Hatsune Miku Terrace Party Blind Boxes'.

But he overcame his temptation and we went to 'The Gatekeeper', where I had two pints of 'XXXB EPA' and two pints of 'Leffe'.

We also had dinner there and then caught the bus home.

Cleo seemed a lot better, when we got home.

She said she enjoyed the peace and quiet.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 289, Volvo B8RLE MCV EvoRa, BU26 WMC

The bus home from Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 258, ADL Enviro200, CE63 NZO

Abbot Reserve​

Greene King​

Amber, Smooth, Pale, Rich, Warming, Toffee, Malts, Fruit, Cake

Distinctive full bodied, smooth and mature beer, bursting with fruit cake and toffee flavours from the mixture of pale, amber and crystal malts. Very complex, rich and warming

ABV​

6.5%

Malt​

Pale malt, Crystal malt, Amber malt

Hops​

First Gold, Fuggle

Honey Porter​

Milestone Brewery
Porter - English

4.9% ABV

Rich smooth porter with brewers gold, golding and galena hops.

Port Stout​

Hanlons Brewery

Stout - Other

4.8% ABV

Dark, chestnut beer whose bitter chocolate and roast malt taste from the large dose of roast barley added is softened by the addition of rich Ruby Port, combining the hoppy pepperiness from Phoenix and Bobek with vinous alcoholic fruitiness.

XXXB (Triple XB)​

Batemans Brewery
Bitter - Extra Special / Strong (ESB)

4.8% ABV

A malty multiple-winner of CAMRA’s Champion Premium Beer of Britain, Batemans much loved XXXB is what you’d call an English tawny beer. Just like the first batch crafted in 1978, it’s brewed with four malts and three varieties of hops, for a deliciously spicy, fruity and biscuity flavour.

8th June, 2026

Unique 0-4-0 tender tank steam locomotive entrusted to care of narrow gauge railway​

No. 9 'Jean'


Later this year, the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway (L&BR) at Woody Bay in Devon will become the custodians of a unique 0-4-0 tender tank steam locomotive, No. 9 Jean.

Jean was designed by Dr Alan ‘Chalky’ White and named after his late wife, with most of the construction taking place at Dr White’s home.

Construction was completed in the workshops of the Gartell Light Railway (GLR) in Templecombe, Somerset, where it entered service in 1998.

Jean is being entrusted to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway in accordance with Dr White’s final wishes.

No. 9 Jean will remain at the GLR throughout the 2026 season and will star at its events throughout the summer and autumn before being transported to Woody Bay after the GLR’s 2026 season ends.

Dr White spent his early career at the aircraft manufacturer de Havilland, where he developed a wide knowledge of all aspects of aviation engineering, including many types of aircraft, from jet engines to helicopters.

He also worked in the stress office, drawing office, and various machine shops.

After leaving de Havilland, he joined Middlesex Polytechnic as a lab technician and, through various promotions, was appointed Assistant Dean.

Although his early career was in aviation, his biggest love was steam engineering, both on rails and on the road.

This unique, beautifully built, and carefully maintained steam locomotive will provide the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway with more flexibility for its special events and driver experiences, as well as offering an added attraction for the learning activities during its new youth volunteer programme.

Live views of the railway’s station at Woody Bay can be seen online via webcams that capture the station from the down starter signal.


“We are hugely grateful to the family of ‘Chalky’ White for putting their faith in us to take care of No. 9 Jean. We will ensure that our volunteers and visitors alike understand the importance of this extremely generous donation and the legacy of its truly remarkable builder. We will put this unique engine to good use, flying the flag for British narrow-gauge steam engineering at Woody Bay and further afield”.

Giles Perkins, Chair of the L&BR Trust

8th June, 2026

Tornado to return to North Yorkshire​

Tornado on the NYMR


The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has announced the return of A1 Pacific No. 60163 ‘Tornado’, scheduled to operate on the heritage line between 27 July and 8 August.

Built by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and completed in 2008, ‘Tornado’ was the first new-build steam locomotive constructed for the British main line network in more than 50 years.

The locomotive is also the sole surviving example of the Peppercorn A1 class and, in 2017, became the first steam locomotive in over half a century to officially reach 100mph on Britain’s railways.

Operations are planned for 27 July to 1 August and 3 August to 8 August, with return services departing Pickering at 09:55 am and 1:05 pm.

60163 Tornado awaits departure from Grosmont


Standard Tornado services cost £35 for adults aged 16 and over and £17.50 for children under 16, while babies and toddlers travel free.

Reduced fares are also available for groups, carers, and North Yorkshire Moors Railway membership holders.

On 29 July, passengers will have the option of upgrading their journey with a Fish & Chips experience.

Tickets for this service, including the catering upgrade, are priced at £60 per person.


“We’re really excited to be welcoming Tornado back to the NYMR. It’s one of the most remarkable steam locomotives of the modern era that appeals to rail enthusiasts and the wider public alike. Seeing Tornado in action on our historic line is a great experience for lifelong steam fans, or visitors who are discovering heritage railways for the first time.”

Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at NYMR

8th June, 2026

Nene Valley Railway to welcome iconic King Class locomotive​

6024 King Edward I at Williton, WSR


Nene Valley Railway has confirmed that GWR No. 6024 King Edward I will visit the line on 10-11 October, marking the first appearance of a King Class locomotive on the former LNWR route in Cambridgeshire.

The locomotive will haul passenger services on Saturday, 10 October, before taking charge of the railway’s Jolly Fisherman Train, The Cornish Riviera Express, that evening.

Further passenger services are scheduled for Sunday, 11 October.

Built at Swindon Works in 1930, King Edward I was designed for the heaviest express trains on the Great Western main line.

The locomotive has recently returned to steam and main line operation, following an extensive restoration and overhaul, making the Nene Valley appearance a comparatively rare opportunity to see and travel behind it.

Tickets are due to go on sale on Thursday, 11 June, with on-the-day sales available subject to availability.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman

Tuesday 9 Jun 2026

World-first Severn Tunnel upgrade completed on vital rail link between South Wales and England​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Severn Tunnel meets Severn Estuary - drone shot 2026


Train services are running through the Severn Tunnel once again after Network Rail completed a pioneering £23 million upgrade designed to improve reliability on one of Britain's most important cross-border rail routes.

Over 16 days, Network Rail and its contractor ARQ (AmcoGiffen, REL and QTS) have completed a pioneering upgrade to the overhead line equipment and power supply inside the Severn Tunnel, helping to improve reliability on one of the UK's most important cross-border rail routes.

The work marks the successful completion of a world-first engineering solution inside the 4.35-mile tunnel beneath the Severn Estuary, where a unique combination of saltwater, moisture and a highly corrosive atmosphere creates one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network.

Around 250 engineers worked around the clock, from 23 May, to deliver this innovative transformation, with the railway reopening on Tuesday 9 June.

Severn Tunnel 2026 - Aerial shot Severn Tunnel Wales side


A world-first solution

The Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments on the UK rail network.

Since electrification, its unique combination of saltwater and moisture has accelerated wear on overhead line equipment through bi-metallic corrosion, where different metals react in wet, salty conditions and deteriorate more quickly.

To address this long-standing challenge, Network Rail developed an innovative new overhead line system specifically designed for the tunnel's harsh environment.

Backed by a £23 million investment, the simplified design uses modified bridge arms and a continuous copper contact wire to create a more resilient and reliable railway while reducing future maintenance requirements.

Following a successful trial on the Cardiff-bound line in 2025, teams from Network Rail, and contractor ARQ, have now completed the installation on the Bristol-bound line, delivering the first large-scale deployment of the system anywhere in the world.

Severn Tunnel 2026 - measuring bridge arms


The project included:

• Replacing 838 overhead line support arms
• Installing 14,000 metres of new wiring
• Installing more than 7km single copper contact wire supported by modified bridge arms
• Removing and replacing 7,200 metres of ageing equipment throughout the tunnel

The pioneering upgrade will help improve reliability for passenger and freight services travelling through the tunnel, strengthening a vital rail link between South Wales and England for years to come.

Severn Tunnel 2026 - installing bridge arms


Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail Wales and Borders, said: "The Severn Tunnel is one of the most challenging environments anywhere on the UK rail network, so completing this upgrade is a significant achievement for everyone involved.

"Following a successful trial last year, we've now delivered a world-first engineering solution at scale, designed specifically to withstand the uniquely harsh conditions inside the tunnel. This is the result of years of innovation, planning and collaboration between Network Rail and our industry partners to solve a long-standing challenge on a vital rail link between South Wales and England.

"Investing in innovative solutions like this helps us build a more resilient and reliable railway for the future. By reducing the impact of corrosion and the need for maintenance, this new system will help keep passengers and freight moving on a route that plays a crucial role in connecting communities, supporting businesses and driving economic growth on both sides of the border.

"I'm incredibly proud of the hundreds of colleagues and contractors who worked around the clock to deliver this complex upgrade safely and successfully. I'd also like to thank passengers, freight operators and local communities for their patience and understanding while we carried out this essential work."

05-27-26 - Severn Tunnel


Vinny O’Holloran, Operations Director for ARQ, said: “It’s been great to see the level of effort and commitment of our 250 strong engineering and delivery team working tirelessly 24/7 for the past 16 days to deliver this vital overhead line renewal in the Severn Tunnel safely and efficiently.

"From working in the extreme heat, to overcoming the uniquely challenging conditions within the Severn Tunnel, our teams have shown outstanding resilience, skill and professionalism to successfully deliver this innovative, world‑first Overhead Line system.

"These essential works will help to create a stronger, more resilient rail infrastructure between Wales and England reducing future disruption to passengers and freight."

05-27-26 - Severn Tunnel


GWR’s Station Manager for Bristol Parkway and Swindon, Marcus Deegan, said: “We’re pleased that trains are now running again between Bristol and South Wales, and we’d like to thank customers for their patience while this important work has been carried out.

“These improvement works help support the reliability of trains using the Severn Tunnel route for years to come, better supporting the local and national economy."

Bristol bound Patchway tunnel track


Further upgrades delivered in Bristol

Alongside the Severn Tunnel upgrade, engineers used the railway closure to deliver a range of significant improvements across the Bristol area, to boost reliability and support future passenger growth across the Great Western route.

Bristol Brabazon station platform construction site on the former Filton Airfield


Tackling flooding and improving resilience

Engineers carried out major drainage improvements between Patchway and Pilning, replacing nearly 200 metres of pipe, refurbishing a further 700 metres, and upgrading 18 inspection chambers.

This work is vital in addressing long-standing flooding issues, particularly in the Bristol-bound Patchway tunnel, where water has previously led to speed restrictions.

Further drainage upgrades are planned in the coming months on the Filton West Chord, supporting the return of regular passenger services on the Henbury line this autumn - for the first time since 1964.

Bristol Brabazon station footbridge installation on the former Filton Airfield


Upgrading track for smoother journeys

Alongside drainage work, more than 1.5 kilometres of track has been renewed in the area.

Inside the confined space of the Patchway tunnel, teams replaced over half a kilometre of track, installing 742 new sleepers and 1,800 tonnes of ballast.

A further kilometre of track was renewed between Filton and Patchway, using 2,045 sleepers and 3,000 tonnes of ballast.

Engineers also renewed the junction at Filton West Curve, and completed track work on the Filton West Chord, which will enable the return of passenger services to the Henbury line this autumn.

Bristol Brabazon

At the new Bristol Brabazon station, built on the former Filton Airfield site, teams reached another key milestone.

A nine-piece footbridge was successfully installed using cranes and assembled on site within 24 hours.

Work has also progressed on platform construction, including the installation of coping stones along the platform edge.

The new Bristol Brabazon station is mainly funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with contributions from South Gloucestershire Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council and Great Western Railway, with Network Rail as a key partner.

Construction will continue over the coming weeks as the project remains on track for the station to open this autumn.