Marcus' Model Railway Journey

12th June, 2025

Government boosts rail investment in Wales​

TfW train at Wrexham General


The government is boasting that the funding increase that it announced yesterday (Wednesday 11 June) will mean that “Working people across Wales will benefit from better access to jobs and opportunities”.

As part of the UK Government‘s Spending Review outlined yesterday in the House of Commons, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced the investment of at least £445 million in Welsh railways.

The funding will be used in both North Wales and South Wales, and aims to improve connections and boost economic growth.

In particular, the upgrades aim to link advanced manufacturing centres in the north of the country and to improve connections between Wales’ capital city Cardiff and English city Bristol in the south.

Network Rail Wales & Western region Cardiff Central station


The work to be carried out will include repairing level crossings, building new stations and upgrading lines .

A plan to deliver a new public transport network across north Wales was unveiled last month, and earlier this year, plans were released for replacing two level crossings with ramped footbridges in the north of the country.

The government’s Spending Review also included funding for the steel, aerospace and automotive industries in Wales.

The UK government is also providing the Welsh government with what it describes as “the largest settlement in real terms since devolution in 1999”.

Rail services within Wales are run by Transport for Wales.

Other operators also run services to and from the country, including Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and CrossCountry.

Four-car-train on the Cambrian Line


“This UK Government is investing in Wales’ future and driving economic growth across the country.

“We promised we would deal with the historical under-investment in Wales’ rail network and the funding announced today in this Spending Review shows we are delivering on that pledge.

“Along with a record financial settlement for Welsh Government to improve public services, £118m more to help keep coal tips safe and investment in growing industries like aerospace, we are backing Wales’ potential and delivering for working people.”

Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens

13th June, 2025

Class 69 locomotive model to be produced to Raise Funds for Andy’s Man Club​

No. 69013 Model


An OO Scale model of GB Railfreight‘s Class 69 Diesel Locomotive No. 69013 is being produced in partnership with Bachmann Europe Plc to raise funds for charity.

They will be supporting Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity, who have the hashtag #itsokaytotalk branding on the life-size 69013.

The Class 69 recently debuted in its black livery back in April, and the new models will also be in this livery, aiming to be produced by late 2026.

No. 69013 in its black livery


Bachmann will donate each sale and is aiming to raise £13,000 to help Andy’s Man Club.

The lifesize 69013 is unique as it has the lower portions of its cab sheeting removed.

The model version will not have this feature due to the requirement of new tools, including a new body shell, which would divert funding from the charity.


“Bachmann has a long and proud history of producing the finest models and we go to great lengths to ensure that each one matches the prototype as closely as possible. You can imagine the dilemma we faced then, when No. 69013 with its unique features was selected for this charitable livery. From the outset of our Class 69 project we have been clear that we wanted to make at least one model that would support a worthy cause and after talking to our friends at GBRf and Andy’s Man Club, we all agreed that producing the model and making a big contribution to the charity was the most important thing here, so with their blessing we are delighted to present this model based on our highly-anticipated Class 69 tooling.”

Richard Proudman, Rail Brand Manager for Bachmann Europe

13th June, 2025

Iconic High Speed Train to haul services on County Durham railway for one day only​

43159


For one day only this August, a High Speed Train will run a special service on the Weardale Railway.

On the 17th August, 43089 and 43159 will haul services between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland West.

The HST will be running a charter train from Stanhope to Edinburgh the day before and will be stabled overnight in Stanhope, ready for its service on Sunday.

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring this iconic train to Weardale for a day of nostalgia, excitement, and community spirit. It’s a fantastic chance for locals and visitors to experience a piece of rail history on our scenic line – we can’t wait to welcome people on board”.

Royal Observatory Greenwich [Continued]​

June 12 2025
Commemorative

Presentation Pack​

Pack 666

The six main stamps are paired with The Royal Mint's new £2 Brilliant Uncirculated coin featuring the Prime Meridian and a 24-hour dial representing the Shepherd Gate Clock.

15th June, 2025

Coldstream Guards celebrate 375th Anniversary with help from London North Eastern Railway​

LNER Coldstream Guards celebrate the regiment’s 375th anniversary - Tuesday 10 June 2025


A hundred Coldstream Guards travelled with London North Eastern Railway earlier this week to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the regiment.

Azuma No. 800111, named ‘Thank You’, operated the 07:00 London King’s Cross to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

This train was named as a tribute to those who serve or have served in the armed forces.

The journey took three and a half hours, which is a stark contrast to the five week trek the Coldstream Guards would have taken in 1660.


“We’re thrilled to take the Coldstream Guards to Berwick and to support their anniversary celebrations, in a year which is also special to the railway.

“This year is the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, so it’s remarkable to think the Guards have been serving the country for almost twice the length of time the railway has been in existence. We wish them all the very best for such a significant year.”

James Downey, LNER Finance Director and Executive Sponsor of the train operator’s armed forces network

Here is my Father's Day present from Neonlake

15th June, 2025

Public’s favourite UK railway artwork named​

Train Landscape, watercolour on paper (collage) by Eric Ravilious


A 1940s painting by Eric Ravilious has been named as the best loved railway artwork in the UK.

Train Landscape shows the chalk white horse of Westbury in Wiltshire, as viewed through the window of a third-class carriage.

The painting is now part of the collection at the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums and is now on public display.

The second most popular artwork was the evocative ‘Rain, Steam and Speed’ by J.M.W Turner and the third most popular choice was ‘Service by Night’ by David Shepherd (1931-2017).


‘Congratulations to Eric Ravilious’s ‘Train Landscape’ as our nation’s favourite railway artwork. This evocative watercolour invites us all to experience a railway journey through an artist’s eye, capturing a uniquely British perspective that resonates today. Art offers us a powerful way to engage with our past and this selection of artworks tell the unique story of Britain’s relationship with railways over 200 years. In the year of Railway 200, I encourage everyone to explore these magnificent works and find inspiration from our shared cultural heritage.’

Heritage Minister Baroness Twycross

[1844] Rain, Steam and Speed - The Great Western Railway; the painting depicts an early locomotive of the Great Western Railway crossing the River Thames on Brunel's recently completed Maidenhead Railway Bridge.

‘Service by Night’ by David Shepherd [1955]

16th June, 2025

Swanage Railway’s ‘Road to Rail’ Event Returns​

Roads to Rail steam rally in 2024


Swanage Railway volunteers will be fundraising through a special three-day steam rally, ‘Roads to Rail’, next to Norden station.

They will be recreating the past with over 60 traction and miniature locomotives, including steam rollers and showman’s engines.

They will be celebrating the past further through fairground rides, food and trade stalls and live music to make the family-friendly event fun for everyone.


‘Roads to Rail’ will run from Friday, the 27th June, until Sunday, 29th June and will be open 10 am – 11:30 pm and 10 am – 5 pm on the Sunday

Roads to Rail steam rally in 2024


Attractions will include falconry displays from the Liberty’s Own, Raptor and Reptile Centre, and Dorset Axeman, with children’s treasure hunts across the three days.

There will be an intensive steam service timetable during the event, including special services on Friday and Saturday evenings.


The ‘Roads to Rail’ event is now in its 5th year of running, with last year being a big hit with visitors.

The sponsors of this event include Avon Construction, Miles and Sons Estate Agents, Tradewind Graphics, Purbeck Kitchens, Northover Energy, Andrews Plant Hire and Haulage, Bridport Foundry, Jurassic Care, Abbas Cabins, and Collett Agricultural Engineering and Welding Fabricators.

Alexander Atkins at the Swanage Railway


Further information about pricing and timings can be found on the Swanage Railway’s website.


“With more exhibits than ever before, we are very proud to be hosting our fifth ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally which combines the nostalgia of steam rail travel with steam powered traction engines, steam rollers and vintage fairground rides.

“Going from strength to strength against the backdrop of the ruins of Corfe Castle – and with two arenas this year – this is an evocative festival of steam large and small for all of those who love vintage steam-powered vehicles on the road or on the rails.

“Last year’s ‘Roads to Rail’ event was incredibly successful and this year more than a hundred exhibitors have confirmed their attendance at the event featuring traction engines and trade stalls as well as a bar and beer tents, food stalls and live music on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

“Our ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally is a great day out for all the family and we hope that it will again draw in the crowds.

“Special events such as our ‘Roads to Rail’ three-day event are critical for helping to fund the continued operation and development of the Swanage Railway as well as drawing visitors to the wonderful Isle of Purbeck ahead of the main summer season.

“The ‘Roads to Rail’ steam rally takes a lot of dedicated planning and organising from our staff and volunteers and I would like to pay tribute to all the hard work that has been put into the event,”

Volunteer Swanage Railway Company commercial director Alexander Atkins

16th June, 2025

Flying Scotsman to reopen full length Severn Valley Railway this July!​

LNER Class A3 4-6-2 'Pacific' No 60103 "Flying Scotsman" - built in 1923 for the London & North Eastern Railway - at Didcot Railway Centre on 28 May 2025


60103 Flying Scotsman will haul the first passenger train along the fully reopened Severn Valley Railway.

Work is now underway to repair the damage caused by the landslip at Mor Brook.

The landslip closed the line between Hampton Loade and Bridgnorth.

Flying Scotsman will haul three trips a day on the 25th, 26th and 27th July as part of the Swingin Sixites event.


Jonathan ‘Gus’ Dunster, the SVR’s managing director said: ‘What a coup this is! Opportunities to travel behind this iconic loco on a heritage line are rare. It is incredibly exciting to have the best-known locomotive in the world at the head of our first full-line service this season! We are very grateful to the National Railway Museum for agreeing to this visit, and to Northern Steam Operations Limited and DB Cargo for their assistance too.

‘We’ll be pairing ‘Flying Scotsman with the SVR’s set of Gresley teak carriages, to make sure we celebrate both the SVR’s 60th anniversary and the reuniting of our full line in the most stunning way possible.’

Craig Bentley, director of the National Railway Museum, said:‘We are delighted to be able to make this visit from the world’s most famous steam locomotive possible, and to help Severn Valley Railway mark an important moment in its recovery. The National Railway Museum is keen to support heritage railways like the SVR in this, the 200th anniversary of the railways, and their determination to reach this milestone is truly inspiring.’

16th June, 2025

What next for steam locomotive 35011 General Steam Navigation?​

35011


The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society has released a strategy update after Swindon and Cricklade Railway advised them that a Merchant Navy locomotive no longer aligned with their future plans.

The news from the Swindon and Cricklade Railway followed on from the National Heritage Lottery Fund choosing not to pass the society’s Stage One bid.

With this news, 35011 will now move to a private site near Templecombe for storage until funds are reached to pay a contractor to start work on the rolling chassis.

An agreement has been made between the society at the Yeovil Railway Centre where volunteers can use their facilities, this will allow for items off 35011 to be removed and new parts fabricated.

Discussions are ongoing with Leaky Finders to start work on the frames, initially making unique frame stretchers required for an original Merchant Navy.

Work is ongoing behind the scenes to produce a Bill of Materials, which underpins future procurement phases.

When 35011 was withdrawn in 1966, it’s crank axle was donated to 35026.

This has been a major issue for the society and one that will be addressed in the coming months with design work nearly complete and an order placement for new materials imminent.

When components are procured and funding available, the locomotive will go into the works for restoration and rebuilding.

No company has been selected for this work yet but will be subject to a tender when funding allows.

17th June, 2025

British Steel awarded £500m rail contract to supply Network Rail​

Installing points at the new Cambridge South Station


A major rail deal has been agreed between Network Rail and British Steel.

The five-year contract is worth £500m and will see more than 337,000 tonnes of rail track manufactured.

The contract will start on the 1st July and will provide around 80% of the rail needs.

To ensure supply, Network Rail, which needs around 450,000 tonnes of rail in the next 5 years, will award smaller contracts to some European manufacturers.


“This landmark contract truly transforms the outlook for British Steel and its dedicated workforce in Scunthorpe, building on its decades-long partnership with Network Rail to produce rail for Britain’s railways.

“After taking urgent action to step in and save these historic blast furnaces from closure, we’ve now helped secure their long-term future by backing British Steel with meaningful Government contracts, protecting thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs in the process.

“This crucial investment in our railway infrastructure shows we are delivering on our Plan for Change commitment to raise living standards in every part of the UK and ensure economic growth is felt by working people in our proud industrial heartlands.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander

17th June, 2025

Boiler Overhaul of 76077 Receives Major Funding Boost​

76077 at Toddington


The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway recently held its Cotswold Festival of Steam Gala, which proved to be a resounding success.

Among the impressive fleet of locomotives present, both visiting and resident, was a 1956-built Standard Class 4 2-6-0 No. 76007.

During the gala, this locomotive didn’t make any trips and was confined to the David Page locomotive shed at Toddington.

This was due to the lack of a boiler; however, it still attracted new stakeholders interested in its restoration.

Members of the 76077 restoration team


Its boiler overhaul project earned £30,000 thanks to its new investors.

76077, a visitor turned resident, had been prepared specially in order to appear at the festival and appeared at a shareholder evening on the 6th June in Loughborough.

76077 appeared courtesy of Andrew Goodman of Railway Support Services, where shareholders and the general public could see its current restoration progress.

The £30,000 earnings from the gala and shareholder evening are set to be match-funded and mark the £300,000 boiler fund past its halfway mark.


“We are facing a large financial challenge with overhaul of the boiler at Leaky Finders in Devon. It has proven to need much more work than expected, with the estimated cost more than doubled from the original £150,000. But, at the same time, a businessman benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has offered £75,000 to be used in a match-funding project which was launched at the Cotswold Festival of Steam and this will go a long way towards funding the boiler overhaul.

“Thus, every £200 say, invested in shareholding, whether as a lump sum or by monthly standing order, is matched so that £400 goes into the boiler fund.

“It is an incredibly generous gesture and we are working flat-out to double that £75,000 as quickly as possible, which will see most of the boiler overhaul cost paid for.”

Ian Crowder, marketing director of owning group Toddington Standard Locomotive Ltd

17th June, 2025

Branch Line Society to run day out to Tytherington Quarry in July​

Class 60


The Branch Line Society has announced that it is to run a day out with the DCRail fleet on Saturday 12 July.

Last year, the Society held a successful visit to Chessington South Coal Depot and Hove, and this year, the trip will include a visit to a rare freight branch in Gloucestershire, together with some unusual track.

DCRail is a national freight operator, which is well-known for its fleet of Class 56 and Class 60 locos.

The Branch Line Society’s day out will be operated by GB Railfreight, and a Class 57 will also be available to support the train during the day.

The journey will begin with the Class 57 hauling the train out of Derby. It will then travel down the Midland Mainline to East Midlands Parkway, where it will pick up passengers, and will then proceed through Corby and Kettering before reaching its next pick-up at Bedford.

The day will then continue with the train heading south to a track that is rarely used by passenger trains – the Hendon Chord – through which it will access the Up Hendon Line before travelling to Acton Yard for the day’s first change of locomotive.

The train will depart from Acton Yard double-headed behind two Class 60s. It will run around the edge of West London, picking up passengers at Clapham Junction and Wimbledon.

It will then run fast before to Basingstoke, Salisbury and Westbury, where passengers will have the opportunity to leave the train to stretch their legs.

The train will then continue to Bath Spa, where passengers may leave the train for almost four hours to look around Bath and its attractions.

Passengers have the option of staying on the train, which will travel on the Bristol Loop towards Yate, from where the train will branch off onto what the Society calls “the highlight of the day”, a visit to Tytherington Quarry.

Tytherington limestone Quarry is a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest covering an area of 0.9 hectares near the village of Tytherington in South Gloucestershire.

The limestone is used in ready-mixed and precast concrete products, and in asphalt that is used in road construction and maintenance.

Tytherington also supplies aggregates for HS2.

It is an active working quarry, operated by Hanson Aggregates.

It extracts around 1.8 million tonnes of aggregate, which are transported by regular freight train services onto the mainline.

Both Class 60s will run round at Tytherington, and the train will then head towards Bristol, again using the Bristol Loop to visit our next unusual location, Bristol East Depot.

At the depot, the Class 60s will be replaced by two Class 56s.

The train will then travel to Bristol Temple Meads via Kingsland Road, and passengers will have another opportunity to stretch their legs.

The 56s will run round, and the return journey will begin.

Derby station


The Class 56s will haul the train all the way back to Derby, beginning with running to Bath Spa to collect passengers who have been visiting the city.

It will then head to Swindon, then have a leg-stretch break at Reading.

The train will then take the Reading spur to divert towards Wokingham, Staines and Richmond, and will drop passengers off at Clapham Junction.

It will then skirt round London towards Gospel Oak, then join the East Coast Main Line and run fast to Potters Bar and Peterborough, where passengers may disembark.

The train will then branch off towards Melton Mowbray, then re-join the Midland Mainline and arrive back in Derby.

Profits from this train trip will be given to Martin House Hospice, which previous rail tours have also raised money for.

There will also be a charity raffle on board the train, which will also have a hand-pulled real ale bar and a buffet car.

18th June, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks, Cleo is still drinking Vodka Raspberry Crush with lemonade.

I had a couple of pints of 'Abbott'.

I popped into my model railway shop afterwards and I found a few items to buy.

Then we went to 'Be At One' and bought a few Cocktails.

Todays cocktails were:- 'Cuban Zombie', 'Purple Pilot', 'Baked Goods' and 'Toasted Coconut Old Fashioned'.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 545, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 EYR

The bus back home was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 270, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWU

Wednesday 18th June, 2025



ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Bought these items today.......

DAPOL B62 B119 GW GWR CONFLAT FLAT WAGON 39324 & CONTAINER LOAD​

Mainline 937393 Conflat & Container C & G Ayres Wagon No.39324​

CUBAN ZOMBIE - Four Santiago de Cuba rums, maraschino liqueur, grenadine, passion fruit, pineapple, lime, Angostura bitters

PURPLE PILOT - Tanqueray, butterfly pea flower, cherry, violet, maraschino liqueur, lemon, Schweppes Tropical Soda

Where we sit sometimes.

Another cocktail recipe........

BAKED GOODS - Courvoisier VSOP, vanilla liqueur, brown cacao, half & half, strawberry liqueur, Bournville chocolate garnish

TOASTED COCONUT OLD FASHIONED - Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva, toasted coconut, Angostura bitters

19th June, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have A Bus Adventure to Barry Island!

We caught the bus into Cardiff and then took the train to Barry Island.

After leaving the train we popped in the first pub we came across which was 'Finnegans'.

We had a walk around the promenade, popping into shops and had lunch in 'Greggs'.

Then we had a stroll around the fairground, the weather was really hot so we returned to 'Finnegans' for drinks and some dinner before returning to Cardiff

A lovely day out.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 551, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN17 BGK