Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Train on the Brecon Mountain Railway


To keep the trains running, the railway has ensured that all its steam locomotives have been fitted with spark arrestors to stop hot ashes from being thrown from the chimneys of their engines.

They have also reduced some trains in length to reduce the amount of work put on the locomotives, which reduces sparks being thrown from the chimney.

Lineside vegetation between the railway boundary fences has also been maintained to a very high standard.

This includes keeping the grass and undergrowth short; if a fire should start, the shorter vegetation keeps the flames nearer to the ground, which makes it easier to control and extinguish.

All members of staff are also on constant lookout for lineside fires, which are usually given away by light or dark smoke.

If a fire is detected, trains can be stopped to allow the fire to be extinguished using the railway’s specially designed firefighting train.

Inevitably, if the weather conditions get worse and a dread Black Ban on steam locomotives comes into operation, the Brecon Mountain Railway do have diesel locomotives on standby to continue running train services along the 9.5-mile line.

Brecon Mountain Railway diesels


While steam locomotives remain a key draw to the passenger experience in the Brecon Mountains, it is important to realise the responsibility and the safety of steam and the surrounding areas during times of extreme heat.

Protecting the wonderful scenery that the passengers come to see from the window of a train is just as important, and suitable steps must be taken when needed to ensure everyone can enjoy themselves safely, even if it means running shorter trains or temporarily stopping steam operation for a period of time.

The relationship the railways have with their surrounding neighbours along a line is extremely important.

Though extreme measures are never taken lightly, it does ensure that heritage railways can still operate in times of extreme heat.

15th July, 2026

Lumo unveils new livery to celebrate Pride​

Lumo's new Pride livery


Train operator Lumo has adorned one of its trains with a new Pride livery to give a platform to LGBTQ+ organisations and to celebrate their championing of inclusion across the country.

The re-liveried Pride train, Class 803 No. 803 003, was unveiled by community volunteers with help from a former Mr Gay GB.

The eco-friendly all-electric train operates on the East Coast Main Line between London King’s Cross, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Mr Gay GB 2025, Benjamin Lloyd


Logos displayed on the train feature Lumo’s Pride partners: Pride Radio, OUT North East, Edinburgh Pride, and Glasgow’s Pride.

They reflect Lumo’s continuing commitment to supporting inclusion throughout the year, rather than just during Pride season.

Last month, Lumo was declared top operator for value for money, and placed in the top three operators for customer satisfaction, and at the Proud Scotland awards, held in Glasgow earlier this year, Lumo was named as Best Small Employer in Scotland.

Although the train has carried a Pride branding since 2023, the latest livery highlights the organisations that work to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ people, and whose work is not confined to Pride events.

This year, Lumo is currently supporting more Pride events and organisations than ever before in recognition of the important role community organisations play in creating places where everyone feels welcome, respected and able to be themselves.

In April, Lumo made its presence felt at New York’s annual Tartan Day parade with a display of Lumo’s iconic tartan pattern.

Mr Gay GB 2025 and Lumo representatives


“We’re proud to welcome everyone onboard at Lumo. Each logo featured on this train represents an organisation that works incredibly hard throughout the year to champion inclusion, support LGBTQ+ communities and create places where people can feel safe to be themselves. We are pleased to help shine a light on that great work. At Lumo, we believe our role is about far more than connecting towns and cities. It’s about connecting people, communities and opportunities. That’s why we’re proud to place our partners’ logos alongside our own. It’s a visible reminder that when organisations work together, we can create something far greater than any of us could achieve alone.”