Marcus' Model Railway Journey

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Peter Pan


A model Railway and Meccano will be out on display for the gala.

There will also be an opportunity for Lineside passes and Drive a diesel; however, these are subject to availability on the day.

Lastly, there will be a Sunday-only event which will see Galliard Folk Dancers perform.

Tickets can be bought on the day and online on their website.

The weekend is set to be a great few days for the railway and its visitors.

There are other themed days on the railway which are coming up soon, including their Princesses and Pirates event on the 13th July.

The railway also has its wheelchair friendly coach out in operation, allowing for all visitors to travel.
 
2nd July, 2025

Class 27 locomotive to visit The Greatest Gathering​

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27056 on the Great Central Railway


After a couple of electric announcements, we now head back to diesel power for the latest Greatest Gathering announcement.

Class 27 No. 27056 will be visiting for the three day event thanks to the Northampton Type 2 Group and Great Central Railway.

What announcement would you like next? Scroll down to find the full list of confirmed attendees!

The event will take place at Alstom‘s Derby Litchurch Lane Works between the 1st and 3rd August.

The locomotives confirmed to attend are (Alstom have also noted that examples from the same class may substitute):

Steam
  • LNER A4 No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley – courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust and Locomotive Services Group
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35018 British India Line – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • LMS 6P No. 46115 Scots Guardsman – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45596 Bahamas – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
  • SR Merchant Navy No. 35028 Clan Line – courtesy of the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society
  • LMS Black 5 (specific loco TBA) – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • Furness Railway No. 20 – courtesy of The Furness Railway Trust
  • Coal Tank No. 1054 – courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
  • GWR Hall No. 4930 Hagley Hall – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • LMS Stanier Mogul No. 13268 – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • GWR King No. 6023 King Edward II – courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre
  • LMS No. 46203 ‘Princess Margaret Rose’ – courtesy of the Princess Royal Class Locomotive Trust
  • BR Standard 5MT No. 73129 – courtesy of The Midland Railway – Butterley
  • BR 9F No. 92214 – courtesy of the Great Central Railway
  • Locomotive No. 1 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
  • Midland Railway No. 1000 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum
  • LMS Jubilee No. 45699 Galatea – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • George England ‘Prince’ – courtesy of the Ffestiniog Railway
  • Trangkil No. 4 – courtesy of the Statfold Barn Railway
  • Anne – courtesy of the Perrygrove Railway
  • Katie – courtesy of the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway
  • LNER A3 No. 60103 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations
  • LNER A1 No. 60163 Tornado – courtesy of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust
Diesel
  • BR Class 37 No. 37501 ‘Teesside Steelmaster’ – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 50 No. 50049 Defiance – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 57 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services
  • Class 66 No. 66301 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 69 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
  • Class 60 – courtesy of DCRail
  • Class 108 DMU – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 47 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co
  • Class 50 No. 50033 ‘Glorious’ – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 35 D7076 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway and Bury Hydraulic Group
  • Class 55 No. 55009 “Alycidon” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
  • Class 55 No. D9015 “Tulyar” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
  • Class 55 No. 55019 “Royal Highland Fusilier” – courtesy of Deltic Preservation Society
  • Class 40 No. 40106 – courtesy of the Class 40 Preservation Society / Severn Valley Railway
  • Class 43 No. 43159 (2+4 Formation – other powercar TBC) – courtesy of The 125 Group
  • Class 33 No. 33012 – courtesy of 71A Locomotive Group
  • Class 31 No. 31108 – courtesy of A1A Locomotives Ltd
  • Class 57/0 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • Class 26 No. 26007 – courtesy of Victor Korzeniewicz
  • Class 58 No. 58023 – courtesy of Edward Stevenson
  • Class 20 No. 20007 – courtesy of Michael Owen
  • Class 20 No. 20205 – courtesy of Michael Owen
  • Class 70 No. 70008 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 42 No. D821 – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
  • Class 47 No. 47715 – courtesy of Rail Engineering Solutions
  • Class 67 No. 67005 ‘Kings Messenger’ – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 52 No. D1015 ‘Western Champion’ – courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group
  • Class 66 No. 66004 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 44 No. 44004 ‘Great Gable’ – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Company Ltd
  • Class 66 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 37 – courtesy of West Coast Railways
  • Class 23 No. D5910 – courtesy of The Baby Deltic Project
  • Class 142 No. 142013 – courtesy of Midland Railway – Butterley
  • Class 40 No. D213 – courtesy of Shaun Wright / Andania Engineering
  • Class 43 HST Powercars x2 – courtesy of RailAdventure
  • Class 37 No. D6700 – courtesy of the National Railway Museum, Great Central Railway and Heavy Tractor Group
  • Class 50 No. 50035 Ark Royal – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 50 No. 50044 Exeter – courtesy of the Class 50 Alliance
  • Class 47 No. 47593 Galloway Princess – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 45 No. 45118 The Royal Artilleryman – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 57 No. 57003 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 24 No. D5054 – courtesy of the East Lancashire Railway
  • Class 56 No. 56301 – courtesy of DC Rail / Cappagh Group
  • Class 37 No. 37401 ‘Mary Queen of Scots’ – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
  • Class 17 No. D8568 – courtesy of Diesel Traction Group
  • Class 46 No. 46045 – courtesy of Peak Locomotive Co Ltd
  • Class 57/3 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • Class 55 No. D9000 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
  • Class 37 No. 37418 – courtesy of Loram UK
  • Class 37 No. 37508 – courtesy of Loram UK
  • Class 150 No. 150235 – courtesy of Transport for Wales
  • Class 121 No. 55022 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
  • Class 27 No. 27056 – courtesy of the Northampton Type 2 Group / Great Central Railway
Electric
  • Class 507001 – courtesy of the Class 507 Preservation Society
  • Class 390 Pendolino No. 390119 in its Pride livery – courtesy of Avanti West Coast
  • Class 91 No. 91110 Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 331 – courtesy of Northern
  • 4VEP No. 3417 – courtesy of the Bluebell Railway
  • Class 91 No. 91101 Flying Scotsman – courtesy of London North Eastern Railway
  • Class 465 No. 465908 James Green – courtesy of Southeastern
  • Class 720 No. 720506 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
  • No. 12 Sarah Siddons – courtesy of Transport for London
  • Class 350 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
  • Class 92 No. 92011 – courtesy of DB Cargo UK
  • Class 323 No. 323221 – courtesy of Porterbrook
  • Class 90 No. 90040 – courtesy of Freightliner
  • Class 85 No. 85006 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
  • Class 83 No. 83012 – courtesy of AC Locomotive Group
  • Class 730 – courtesy of London Northwestern Railway
  • Class 87 No. 87002 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 86 No. 86101 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Ltd
  • Class 86 No. 86401 – courtesy of West Coast Railways Co.
  • Class 313 No. 313201 – courtesy of Peter Spokes / 400 Series Preservation Group
  • Class 373 power car No. 3999 – courtesy of Eurostar
  • Class 89 No. 89001 – courtesy of Locomotive Services Group
Bi-Mode
  • Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
  • Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
Hydrogen Power
  • Class 799 Hydroflex No. 799201 – courtesy of Porterbrook
Coaches / Wagons
  • JNA-T Wagon – courtesy of DCRail and Cappagh Group
  • Gold IIA-D wagon – courtesy of Drax Group
  • Railway 200 Exhibition Train – courtesy of GBRTT / National Railway Museum / Railway 200 Team
  • LMS Saloon No. 45029 – courtesy of Transport for London
  • 4 car 4TC set – courtesy of Transport for London
  • Inspection Saloon 975025 ‘Caroline’ – courtesy of Loram UK
  • RGX Rail Grinder – courtesy of Loram UK
Locomotive Groups
  • Front bogie and pair of driving wheels for 72010 Hengist – courtesy of The Standard Steam Locomotive Company
Other / Non-Rail Based Exhibits
  • G-NLSE, a Aerospatiale AS355F2 Ecureuil II – courtesy of Network Rail
  • Train Sim World Exhibit – courtesy of Dovetail Games
  • Thomas the Tank Engine: An Unlikely Fandom Premiere
 
2nd July, 2025

South Wales rail excellence centre plans to deliver innovation projects​

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The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) in South Wales has revealed that groups involved in a rail innovation competition are developing projects that the Centre could deliver.

Last year, Innovate UK and the UK Government launched the competition at InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin.

Titled ‘Contracts for Innovation: International Rail Innovation Challenges’, its aim is to address major issues in the railway industry around the world.

The competition was funded through the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

It attracted 105 submissions, 44 of which received funding from the competition to develop their ideas to the stage of establishing feasibility.

These include a project that aims to reduce rail vehicle emissions using hydrogen-powered carbon clean and capture.
 
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Old track panels from the Severn Tunnel have found a new home at the GCRE in Wales


28 of the feasibility studies have stated that the GCRE could take their ideas forward.

GCRE is being established as a facility for world-class research, testing and innovation, covering aspects of the industry including rolling stock, infrastructure and new rail technologies.

GCRE Ltd Chief Executive Simon Jones explained that he sees the projects as showing the commercial potential of the Global Centre of Excellence facility
 
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Left: Simon Jones GCRE Ltd Chief Executive


“The ideas we have seen supported through the first phase of the programme relate to some of the most urgent and important challenges in international rail. They show us how we can develop the stronger, greener and more reliable passenger and freight railways we need across the world.

“What they also demonstrate very clearly is the importance of collaboration in getting there. The competition has brought together teams working in industry, academia and the supply chain from right across the world, all committed to working together to take forward their exciting projects.

“This competition is a critical one for GCRE as it shows the growing commercial appeal of the facility we are developing because of the unique infrastructure we will have on site. Nowhere else in Europe will have facilities like GCRE and that can be seen in the numbers of international teams wanting to come forward and work with us.”

Simon Jones, Chief Executive of GCRE Limited
 
2nd July, 2025

RailAdventure and Locomotive Services Ltd High Speed Trains to receive digital signalling​

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RailAdventure Class 43 at Loughborough


16 Class 43 power cars are being fitted with ETCS digital signalling as part of the East Coast Digital Programme.

Replacing lineside signals with in-cab displays will mean a more reliable railway.

Four power cars from RailAdventure are being fitted with the system to assist the company with freight and rolling stock movements.

Four power cars belong to Locomotive Services Ltd in Crewe and are used on charter trains across the country, whilst the remaining 8 are leased by Colas Rail for use on infrastructure trains, including the New Measurement Train.

Work on the 16 power cars are expected to be complete by mid-2026.


Ben Mason, Charter and Heritage Lead for ECDP said: “In this year of Railway200 we’re pleased to be equipping iconic older generation trains for the next generation railway.

“This work will enable the much loved Class 43s to continue providing vital freight movements, infrastructure work and charter services for many years to come. ECDP continues to progress and build capability as we work to deliver a more reliable, greener and even safer railway.”


Paul Maynard, Vice President, Integrated Communications Supervision (ICS), Hitachi Rail, said: “Giving Britain’s legendary InterCity 125 power cars a ‘digital brain’ shows how the past and future of rail can run side-by-side. By equipping these Class 43s with ETCS, we’re making them even safer and better connected, extending their working life for charter, freight, and infrastructure duties.

“Working shoulder-to-shoulder with Network Rail through the East Coast Digital Programme, we’re proving that brownfield integration can unlock quick wins on the journey to a fully digital railway.”


Kevin Walker, Managing Director, Rail Adventure, said: “RailAdventure are both proud and excited to play our part in the introduction of ETCS signalling on the ECML. Having supported the project through the last 12 months of testing by operating data collection test trains, having our own locomotives ETCS compliant will put in place our final building block for full ETCS readiness.”


Ben Ackroyd, Chief Operating Officer at Porterbrook, said: “Porterbrook is pleased to be playing our part in supporting Network Rail and our industry partners with the delivery of the ECDP. Having managed the Class 43 First-in-Class design and fitment as the lead ROSCO, it’s great to see more vehicles being upgraded now in the next phase of this important programme.”
 
2nd July, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks, Cleo just had a cup of tea.

I had a couple of pints of 'Abbott'.

I popped into my model railway shop afterwards and I found an item to buy.

Then we went shopping, Cleo bought herself some makeup, a dress and a hat.

We then went to 'The Gatekeeper' and had an all day brunch with extra black pudding.

The meal came with a discounted drink so I had a pint of 'Efes'

Then it was the bus home.

In my change from the pub I actually had, for the first time since he was crowned, a King Charles III £5 note!


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 258, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZO
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03 Jul 2025

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Transport for Wales introduces improvements for the TrawsCymru T5 service​

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T1 at depot Traws Cymru


Transport for Wales is delighted to announce that Richards Bros has been awarded the contract to operate the T5 TrawsCymru service, connecting key communities across West Wales.

The new contract will be introduced in two phases, bringing a range of improvements to public transport in the region.

The first phase begins on Sunday, 20 July 2025, with the introduction of a year-round Sunday service on the T5.

This will significantly improve weekend travel options for both residents and visitors.

In addition, a revised Sunday timetable on the T1 will be introduced, offering greater flexibility and convenience for passengers.

The second phase launches on Sunday, 31 August 2025, and includes several major upgrades:
  • Increased frequency on the T5 Monday to Saturday service, moving to an hourly timetable throughout the day.
  • Later evening journeys, improving access for those travelling for work, education, or leisure.
  • Introduction of new distance-based fares, offering fairer pricing and better value for passengers.
  • Launch of a new Aberystwyth–Aberaeron Day Ticket, allowing unlimited travel on both the T1 and T5 services.
Looking ahead, passengers can also look forward to the introduction of brand new, high-quality vehicles on the T5 route from March 2026, further enhancing comfort, accessibility, and environmental performance.

These improvements reflect Transport for Wales’ commitment to delivering a modern, reliable, and accessible bus network that supports sustainable travel and strengthens regional connectivity.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at Transport for Wales said: "We’re thrilled to be working with Richards Bros to deliver these exciting improvements to the T5 TrawsCymru service. This partnership reflects our commitment to building a modern, reliable, and accessible public transport network that meets the needs of communities across West Wales. The enhancements being introduced will make it easier for people to travel for work, education, and leisure, while also supporting our sustainability goals."

Simon Richards, Director, Richards Bros commented: "We’re proud to have been awarded the contract to operate the T5 service and look forward to working with TfW to deliver a high-quality, dependable service for passengers across West Wales. These improvements, including more frequent journeys and new fare options, will make a real difference to the communities we serve. We’re especially excited about the introduction of new vehicles in 2026, which will offer a more comfortable and environmentally friendly travel experience."

For more information, visit tfw.wales or follow @Transport_Wales on social media.

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3rd July, 2025

ORR rejects plans for direct London trains for Wrexham, Rochdale and Manchester passengers​

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Wrexham General Station


The Office of Rail and Road have rejected plans for direct trains to London from three companies, citing a lack of capacity on the West Coast Main Line.

All three applications have been rejected due to capacity on the southern end of the WCML, which could impact on current services and their performance.

The applications were:
  • Virgin Trains
    • Preston – London Euston via Manchester Victoria – five services a day and Rochdale – London Euston via Manchester Victoria – two daily services
    • London Euston – Liverpool Lime Street – 9 daily services
    • London Euston – Birmingham New Street – four daily services
  • Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway
    • London Euston – Wrexham – five daily services (Monday – Saturday) and four services on a Sunday
  • Lumo
    • London Euston – Rochdale – six services Monday – Saturday and five on a Sunday
The ORR says that they recognise the advantages of competition on the WCML, pointing out that they have already approved Grand Union Trains / First Groups plans for Stirling – London trains, which are expected to start running in 2026.


“After thorough assessment of each application, it was clear that there was insufficient capacity to approve any of the services without a serious negative impact on the level of train performance that passengers experience on the West Coast Main Line.

“We recognise the potential advantages of competition on the West Coast Main Line, which is why we approved in 2024 the new London-Stirling services that First Group are due to start operating in 2026. However, it is clear that the southern end of the route requires space in the timetable to provide resilience. Additional services within the current timetable structure and planned capacity use would further weaken punctuality and reliability, not just at the south end of the WCML but elsewhere as well.”

Stephanie Tobyn, ORR’s director of strategy, policy and reform
 
3rd July, 2025

Wheel Slide Protection installation to ScotRail HSTs on track​

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The integration of the Knorr-Bremse Wheel Slide Protection system is intended to help ScotRail enhance the reliability of its Inter7City High-Speed Train fleet


An update on Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK’s £3.67 million project, which will see ScotRail integrate its Wheel Slide Protection (WSP) technology on 52 HSTs.

The contract began in 2024 and is planned to be completed in August 2025.

The work to the 52 High Speed Trains is being carried out at ScotRail’s Haymarket depot where a team has a dedicated facility for the contracted work.

The contract has created 14 new roles within Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK due to having set up an office and welfare facilities at the depot.

The Wheel Slide Protection technology will improve the reliability of ScotRail’s Inter7City High Speed Train fleet, creating better journeys for passengers across the region.

Previously, Knorr-Bremse has fitted over 2,000 vehicles with this technology; however, this project is the first time they have managed the design, installation and management of the technology

The work includes removing the axle end covers, installing toothed wheels to the axle ends and equipping them with speed probes and fitting conduits and connection boxes onto the frames.

The system has been proven to improve the running of trains, including those on the Midland Main Lines. ScotRail’s fleet of electric multiple units is already fitted with this technology.

Both Knorr-Bremse and ScotRail have been working closely during the contract and have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing rail transport.


“This project showcases the dedication and skill of our Field Service Delivery team. Their work has been instrumental in integrating our Wheel Slide Protection technology into ScotRail’s fleet.”

Gwyn Hughes, Manager of Field Service Delivery at Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems UK
 
3rd July, 2025

Steam locomotive 6989 Wightwick Hall to feature in Harry Potter series​

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6989 "Wightwick Hall" on April 17, 2023


The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre has announced that their GWR Hall, No. 6989 Wightwick Hall, is to play the role of 5972 Hogwarts Castle in the Harry Potter series.

6989 is also a hall, which follows on from Olton Hall’s appearance in the original films.

The railway centre says that its appearance in the series will ensure its future for years to come.


"We are extremely proud to share that our beautifully restored steam loco Wightwick Hall will play the role of the iconic locomotive for the Hogwarts Express in the highly anticipated Harry Potter television series!"

Buckinghamshire Railway Centre spokesperson
 
3rd July, 2025

Mid Suffolk Light Railway Extension to be Opened​

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Sir Berkeley


The Mid Suffolk Light Railway have announced that their extension opening plans have been approved.

The extension will double the length of the previous journeys on the railway, giving visitors a return ride of almost two kilometres (1.2 miles).

They have been working on this extension for a few years, and they applied for a Transport for Work Order last year, which was approved in February 2025.

Passengers can travel in Victorian 4-wheeled steam-hauled trains, which will give a real feel for train travel in the early 20th century.

The new development will make the railway an even more prominent Suffolk attraction for all ages.

They will be opening the extension on the 2nd and 3rd of August, with Sir Berkeley running services across both days.

It is an exceptional leap forward for the railway, with planned celebrations for its opening with performances from Castleton Brass on the 3rd August.
 
Current Stamp Issue
July 3 2025
Commemorative

Mushrooms​

Royal Mail has issued 10 stamps that showcase the extraordinary diversity and ecological importance of mushrooms that can be found across the United Kingdom.

Royal Mail worked with mycologist Geoffrey Kibby, one of Britain’s foremost experts on identifying mushrooms in the field.

Kibby has written numerous books, which he also illustrates.

He also produces field guides on the larger fungi of both Europe and North America.

Chicken of The Woods - Laetiporus sulphureus​

2nd
The common name of this popular edible mushroom relates to its texture and taste when cooked. The very large, flattened brackets, up to 50cm across, are found on standing or fallen trees, especially oaks, chestnuts and other deciduous species. The yellow to orange colours and fleshy texture make it difficult to mistake for any other mushroom. The underside of each bracket has thousands of minute pores from which the spores are ejected. This mushroom appears in the early summer and continues throughout the autumn.

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Clustered Bonnet - Mycena inclinata​

2nd
Wherever you find fallen oak logs, you may see the clustered bonnet, one the most common and widespread British species of Mycena. The reddish brown stems, paler at the top, pale grey-brown caps and rather strong odour – sometimes likened to wet paint, cucumber or flour – are good identification characteristics. Several other species of Mycena grow in clumps on logs, but this is perhaps one of the easiest to identify.

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Scarlet Waxcup - Hygrocybe coccinea​

2nd
This is one of the most beautiful mushrooms. Its scarlet cap can be found in late autumn in open, undisturbed, unfertilised meadows. The lamellae, or gills, on the underside of the cap and the fragile, waxy stem are both reddish-orange, with the stem being almost white at the base, while the thin reddish flesh is nearly odourless. The caps can reach up to 4cm across. There are several other red species of waxcap, differing in subtleties of colour, texture, size and smell, all best identified using a good field guide.

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Morel - Morchella vulgaris​

2nd
Morels are found from March to May and are considered to be prized edibles. There are several very similar species, of which this is one of the more common its sponge-like head is where its spores are formed in special cells, from which they are ejected in huge numbers in a smoke-like puff. The greyish-brown head can be up to 8cm tall. When cut in half, the body is hollow. This mushroom is widespread in the UK and found in mixed woods on rich soils.

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Scarlet Elf Cup - Sarcoscypha austriaca​

2nd
Found in the late winter through spring, this beautiful species can reach 5–6cm across and often occurs in groups along fallen, mossy branches in wet or humid deciduous woodlands. It is widespread and locally frequent in some parts of the UK. The outer surface of the cup is whitish and finely woolly, formed of microscopic curly hairs. If disturbed by tapping, it often fires clouds of spores up from the inner cup surface. It has an almost identical twin, Sarcoscypha coccinea, differing in microscopic features.

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Penny Bun - Boletus edulis​

1st
Also known as cep, this is one of the most famous edible mushroom species in Europe, celebrated in numerous cuisines. A robust species, it has caps that can reach 25cm across, varying from yellowish brown to dark chestnut. The fleshy stems have a fine white mesh or network on the surface, while the spongy pores on the underside of the caps are white, then yellowish. The flesh is thick, white and unchanging when cut. This fairly common mushroom can be found in the autumn in mixed woods throughout the UK.

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Amethyst Deceiver - Laccaria amethystina​

1st
Small troops of amethyst deceivers may appear almost as soon as the autumn rains begin. They push up through the fallen leaf litter in forests across the UK. The amethyst deceiver’s small size and striking colour when fresh of bright amethyst violet on all its parts help make it one of the easier mushrooms to identify. However, when this mushroom is old, the colour fades to a dull greyish lilac or even buff. The violet gills may be dusted with the white spores it produces.

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Collared Earthstar - Geastrum michelianum​

1st
This mushroom starts growing closed up, rather like an onion, but then the outer tissues split and fold back into star-like arms, lifting the central ball up from the ground. Inside the ball are spores that puff out when the ball is struck by rain drops or falling debris. Earthstars are fairly common in the autumn in mixed woodlands and hedgerows and can reach up to 12cm across. This mushroom is also commonly called Geastrum triplex, but that is now known to be a different species from Southeast Asia.

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Fly Agaric - Amanita muscaria​

1st
This is the classic toadstool illustrated in children’s books of fairy tales around the world, but many people do not realise that it is a real fungus. Widespread over the whole of the UK from around August to December, it is most commonly found in birch woods, although it will grow with other trees too. The white spots are the remains of a veil that once covered the entire fungus when young. The fly agaric is one of several poisonous species in the genus Amanita, some of which are deadly.

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Turkey Tail - Trametes versicolor​

1st
Bracket fungi, or polypores, produce bracketshaped bodies and usually grow on tree trunks or branches. One of the most common of the smaller bracket fungi found in deciduous woodlands throughout the UK, turkey tail is remarkably variable in the colour of the concentric zones, with purples, browns, greens and even bluish shades all being common. The fruiting bodies are tough but flexible, and the pale cream undersides have thousands of minute pores from which the spores are ejected.

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Friday 4 Jul 2025
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Overnight rail engineering works to affect journeys in and out of Cardiff, 19-21 July​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Cardiff Principality Stadium


Passengers travelling to and from Cardiff over the weekend of 19–21 July are advised to check their journey plans in advance due to essential overnight rail engineering work.

Network Rail is carrying out critical upgrades between Cardiff Central and Newport.

This work is essential for the continued safety and reliability of the railway and will involve renewing rails, sleepers, and track stone, as well as work on the switches and crossings used to direct trains from one track to another.

The work will require overnight line closures from 1am on Sunday 20 July until 2:30am on Monday 21 July.

This means there will be some amended train services:

Saturday 19 July:
  • 20:30 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central will terminate at Hereford. A replacement bus will operate from Hereford to Cardiff Central.
  • 23:18 Cardiff Central to Gloucester will not run. A replacement bus will run from Cardiff Central to Gloucester.
Sunday 20 July:
  • 09:30 Newport to Milford Haven will start from Cardiff Central. A replacement bus will run from Newport to Cardiff Central, departing at 09:14.
  • 09:53 Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly will start from Hereford. A replacement bus will run from Cardiff Central to Hereford.
Services between South Wales and Bristol will also be affected on Sunday 20 July while important drainage and track work is taking place in the Bristol area:
  • Until around 11:30, trains between Cardiff Central and Portsmouth Harbour or Exeter St Davids will start or terminate at Bristol Parkway instead of Cardiff Central. Replacement buses are planned between Bristol Parkway and Newport.
  • Until around 16:00, trains between South Wales and London will use an alternative route between Swindon and Newport, stopping at Gloucester instead of Bristol Parkway.
Passengers, weekend travellers and concert-goers - notably those travelling to see Kendrick Lamar at the Principality Stadium on 19 July - are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Check the latest travel information at www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail
 
4th July, 2025

Inspiration’s Next Stop is Birmingham Moor Street​

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Railway 200 exhibition train partner carriage


Following its recent start, Inspiration, the Railway 200 exhibition train, will be heading to Birmingham next week.

The train will be based at Birmingham Moor Street from the 8th July until the 10th July.

Tickets are free to book to visit the train as it tours across the country for the next year.

The stop next week is the second stop out of sixty and the only time it stops in Birmingham.

Inspiration features 4 carriages which follow different themes, including railway developments and highlighting STEM careers in rail.
 
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Inspiration Railway 200 train


Chiltern and Birmingham have already been celebrating Railway 200 ahead of Inspiration’s visit with new artwork created at Birmingham New Street.

There are limited tickets available for Birmingham, and booking is essential. Further information and booking can be found here.


“There are only a few days to go until the people of Birmingham get to visit this unique train which celebrates the 200-year anniversary of the modern railway.

“Whether you have just finished your exams and thinking about your career options, or you work in a local office and want to learn more about rail improvements in the West Midlands, the exhibition train offers something for all ages.

“We are delighted to have partnered with Midlands Connect, West Midlands Rail Executive and Heart of England Community Rail Partnership to tell the story of the future of rail travel in the West Midlands.”

Zach Bailey, Regional Growth Manager at Chiltern Railways
 
Saturday 5 Jul 2025
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Two weeks to go - Passenger disruption expected as renewal works carried out between Shrewsbury and Crewe​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

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Passengers at Shrewsbury Station


Major railway renewal work between Shrewsbury and Crewe will be taking place from 1am on Saturday 19 July to 4am on Monday 21 July.

This work includes the replacement of track, sleepers, and ballast (stones on which sleepers are laid), as well as infrastructure improvements near Nantwich, Wrenbury, and Tilstock.

To enable these essential safety and reliability upgrades, the railway line between Prees and Crewe will be closed in both directions throughout the weekend.

During this time all trains between Shrewsbury and Crewe will be diverted via Wrexham General and Chester, terminating at Crewe.

A rail replacement bus service will serve intermediate stations between Shrewsbury and Crewe.

A shuttle train service will operate between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, and a reduced shuttle service will also run between Chester and Crewe.

Road closures will also be in place at Nantwich and Shrewbridge level crossings, with several level crossings operating under local control to facilitate safe access for engineering teams and machinery.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys.

Check the latest travel information at www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail

For more updates and to sign up for notifications, visit www.networkrail.co.uk/sign-up
 

RWBY: Volume 9​


After the harrowing events of Volume 8, our heroines are thrust into an unknown world – the Ever After!

However, once Team RWBY explores this strange and mysterious realm, they quickly discover it might not be quite as unknown as they first assumed.

As they journey to find a way back home, they'll have to overcome some of their toughest challenges yet – the struggle of their own identities, and whether or not they're equipped to stop Salem.

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6th July, 2025

Steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley to visit Newcastle train depot open day​

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60007 Sir Nigel Gresley on June 11, 2025


In September, the public will have a rare chance to see what goes on inside a train maintenance depot when train operator Northern holds an Open Day at Heaton TrainCare Centre in Newcastle, Northumberland.

The Open Day is being held to celebrate Heaton’s 150 years of railway history as part of the national Railway 200 celebration.

Heaton is one of Britain’s oldest working depots, and to mark its 150th anniversary, and as part of Railway 200, on the weekend of Saturday, 20th and Sunday, 21st September, Northern is throwing open the doors to the depot for a weekend full of heritage, hands-on experiences, and the chance to go behind the scenes to see what goes into keeping trains running.

The weekend promises to offer something for everyone, including train enthusiasts, curious visitors, and families looking for a day out.

On show will be the past, present and future of Britain’s railways at one of the country’s oldest railway depots.

The star of the show will be London and North Eastern Railway A4 Class Pacific steam locomotive Sir Nigel Gresley, which has been beautifully restored and is packed with history.

Also on show will be Northern’s Class 15x series of diesel multiple units, which are the mainstay of its regional train services, and train fleets from London North Eastern Railway and TransPennine Express, with other heritage trains to be announced soon.

As well as the trains, there will be guided tours of the depot, tasty food stalls, and hands-on family activities.

All money raised from the weekend’s events will be donated to local charities chosen by the depot’s TrainCare team and Northern’s charity partner, the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA)

Open Days are occasionally held by other operators, including Direct Rail Services (DRS) and London Transport at its Acton depot and museum.
 
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