Marcus' Model Railway Journey

Monday 7 Jul 2025

Passengers reminded to check before they travel as Severn Estuary major resilience work takes place between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Severn Estuary work


Passengers travelling between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction are advised to plan ahead as essential engineering work will close all railway lines through the Severn Estuary for three weeks, from 00:40 on Sunday 27 July until 08:40 on Sunday 17 August 2025.

These latest improvement works includes:

• Stabilisation of the slopes beside the tracks, with nearly 7,600 grouted rock anchors and netting over 32,000 square metres
• Track renewal and drainage improvements near Newnham Tunnel
• Vegetation management, platform line painting, and litter clearance activities at Chepstow and Lydney stations
• Signal upgrades and other infrastructure improvements under the Gloucester Area Signalling Project (GASP)

To allow engineers to work safely, no trains will run between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction throughout the closure period, with replacement bus services provided as follows:

• CrossCountry
  Buses will replace trains between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow.
• Transport for Wales
  Buses will run between Cheltenham Spa/Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail (Wales and Borders) said: “These works are part of the wider Severn Estuary Resilience Programme (SERP), a program designed to protect the railway lines in the area which - owing to its geography, geology and a changing climate – is especially prone to extreme weather and coastal erosion.”

“We have chosen this time of year so that it minimises the number of passengers and freight hauliers impacted by this essential work, while keeping our teams undertaking the work safe.”

“This latest stage continues our commitment to improve the long-term safety and reliability in an area historically prone to landslips.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as journey times may be extended.

Online journey planners will be updated ahead of the works, and station staff will be available to assist passengers.

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

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

If you live near the railway and would like to receive notification of our work by email, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/sign-up.

07 Jul 2025

Over 120,000 music fans rock Cardiff by train for Oasis​

TfW Oasis


Transport for Wales (TfW) trains successfully transported over 120,000 music fans safely into and out of Cardiff for the recent Oasis concert.

The long-awaited Oasis concert saw a number of fans choosing sustainable rail travel, demonstrating the efficiency and reliability of TfW's enhanced services.

This success is just one part of what’s been a truly vibrant summer of events, including Chris Brown and Lana Del Rey concerts at the Principality stadium and high numbers brought into the city for the first year of Blackweir Live.

Marie Daly, Chief Operating Officer at Transport for Wales said: " This summer has been exceptionally busy and we’re thrilled to have played such a key role in making the Oasis concert an unforgettable experience for thousands of fans.

"Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure smooth journeys, and we want to say a big diolch to all our passengers for their patience, understanding, and for choosing to travel by train."

TfW has implemented robust event travel plans, including additional and strengthened services and dedicated queuing systems, to manage the increase in passenger numbers.

The focus now shifts to an exciting lineup of concerts, including performances by Stereophonics, Kendrick Lamar and Catfish and the Bottlemen at the stadium, with Stevie Wonder at Blackweir.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance by checking the Transport for Wales website and app for the latest travel information and to check the times for their last service home.

Tuesday 8 Jul 2025

One week to go - Late-night buses to replace trains during engineering works between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Network Rail Wales generic


Passengers are advised to plan ahead as essential rail maintenance will affect services between Llandudno Junction and Holyhead from late Monday 14 July to early Friday 18 July 2025.

To minimise long-term disruption and maintain safety, Network Rail (Wales and Borders) will carry out overnight engineering works at multiple locations along the route. These works include:

• Tunnel inspections and rail testing
• Stoneblowing – a process where small stones are blown under the track to fill gaps and keep it correctly aligned, ensuring a smooth and stable ride
• Ongoing drainage and ditch maintenance to improve resilience against adverse weather

These upgrades are critical to ensuring the line remains safe and reliable, particularly ahead of the busy summer holiday and ferry travel season via Holyhead.

Rail replacement buses will operate between affected stations from 11pm to 7:45am each night during the works.

For the latest travel updates, please visit www.journeycheck.com/tfwrail.

9th July, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks, Cleo had a Gin & Tonic.

I had a couple of pints of 'Abbott'.

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

Then we went shopping, Cleo bought herself some makeup.

We then went to 'Greggs' for a couple of baguettes and some chocolate muffins.

Then we went back to the 'Great Western' for some more drinks

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff and home again was the same bus number, it was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 267, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWR

Wednesday 9th July, 2025



ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Bought 6 of these items today.......

Lima L305668 50 Ton Hopper "BP Chemicals" PR8264​

9th July, 2025

Class 91 receives new National Railway Museum 50th Anniversary livery​

National Railway Museum 50th Anniversary Nameplate


A new livery is being added on one of London North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) InterCity 225 trains to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Railway Museum.

The Class 91 locomotive has been named ‘National Railway Museum 50 Years 1975-2025’ and celebrates not only the anniversary but the long-standing partnership the museum and LNER have.

Eversholt Rail, which leases the fleet to LNER, has supported the new special livery.

Over the years, the museum’s history has been marked with train namings, dating back to 1985, when a Class 43 HST power car No. 43038 was named ‘NRM – The First 10 Years’.


In 2015, the locomotive was renumbered to 43238 and received the new name of ‘National Railway Museum 40 Years 1975-2015’.

Today (8th July), the special livery was unveiled at the National Railway Museum surrounded by the likes of Mallard and Duchess of Hamilton.

No. 91105/ 91150 in its new NRM 50th anniversary livery


Both the name plate and livery have been applied, with the No. 91105 number temporarily changed to 91150 to mark the anniversary.

The locomotive will be remaining on display for the next couple of days and will depart on the 10th July to make trips along the mainline.


“We are so proud to unveil this special livery to celebrate a major milestone in the history of the National Railway Museum which is, unquestionably, a railway institution.

“LNER has a relationship with the NRM that goes back many years. Some of the most significant locomotives and artefacts in its collection, such as Flying Scotsman and Mallard, were created by the
original LNER following its inception over a century ago.

“Today, LNER carries close to 24 million customers each year across a near 1,000-mile route, and we
can’t wait to see this commemorative livery out on the network.”

David Horne, Managing Director at LNER

9th July, 2025

Clun Castle to visit Newcastle for first time since 1967​

Clun Castle travels south through Durham on 10th September 1967


In October, Castle Class No. 7029 Clun Castle will visit Newcastle-on-Tyne for the first time in 58 years.

On Saturday, 18th October, Clun Castle will haul Vintage Trains’ “The Cathedrals Express” from Birmingham to Newcastle.

The last time Clun Castle visited Newcastle was in September 1967 when it hauled the Newcastle Rail Tour, on a charter for the Gainsborough Model Railway Society, which travelled along the East Coast Mainline from Newcastle to Peterborough.

Clun Castle at Newcastle on 10th September 1967


Since then, Clun Castle has travelled far and wide throughout the UK and along parts of the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross to York, but has never travelled on the East Coast Main Line as far north as Newcastle.


Starting from Birmingham New Street at 7.00, the train will pick up at Coleshill Parkway at 7.20, Tamworth at 7.40, Burton-on-Trent at 7.55, Derby at 8.35, and York at 11.15, before continuing north to Newcastle where arrival is at 12.45.

Clun Castle at Newcastle on 10th September 1967


At Newcastle, there will be over three hours for tour participants to explore the city before the return journey departs at 16.25, with return arrivals at York 17.55, Derby 20.35, Burton-on-Trent 21.05, Tamworth 21.20, Coleshill Parkway 21.40, and Birmingham New Street at 22.00.


Clun Castle was built in May 1950 at Swindon Works to a Great Western Railway design, and is notable for hauling the last official steam-hauled passenger train from Paddington on 11th June 1965, and the “Farewell to Western Steam” rail tour, also from Paddington, in November 1965.

Clun Castle travelling south on 10 September 1967


In 2024, Clun Castle commemorated its then-fastest-ever non-stop run from Plymouth to Bristol in 133 minutes, 9 seconds, with a top speed of 96 mph.


“We think it’s fitting that in the year Clun celebrates her 75th birthday, and the modern railway its 200th, that we are able to take this historic locomotive back to locations she’s not visited in over half a century.”

Alex Knudsen, Sales & Marketing Manager at Vintage Trains

9th July, 2025

“West Midlands” carriage features as the Inspiration train arrives in Birmingham​

Inspiration Exhibition train at Birmingham Moor Street


The Inspiration train is now open to the public at Birmingham Moor Street station as part of its tour around the country, celebrating the bicentenary year of the first passenger railway opening in 1825.

The train, which started its nationwide tour at the Severn Valley Railway, is expected to play host to over 1,000 people a day during its time at Birmingham Moor Street station.

Exhibition train arriving at Birmingham Moor Street


The city of Birmingham, known for its manufacturing, metal working, textiles and glassware industries, is situated just to the east of the Black Country, which itself is well known for coal and iron ore mining.

Taking the historical element the West Midlands played in developing the railway network and the role it played in the industrial revolution, the Inspiration train presently conveys a special exhibition on board showcasing the history and present-day roles that the railways of the West Midlands have played throughout their existence.

While on display at Birmingham Moor Street, the train comprises four coaches.

Featuring a Railway Firsts carriage, Wonder Lab on Wheels carriage, Your Railway Future carriage & the West Midlands Partner Zone carriage.

Displays in the West Midlands Partner Zone carriage


Together, the coaches showcase the history of railways, host interactive displays, highlight the many roles and current vacancies in the rail industry, along with the history of rail in the West Midlands and its plans to grow its rail connectivity through partnerships between Network Rail, Train Operating Companies and Community Rail Partnerships.

The train will be at Birmingham Moor Street station until the 10th July and is open from 10 am – 5 pm. Advanced booking slots are closed, but a handful of walk-up slots are still available on a daily basis for those who have decided to take a spontaneous trip to see the exhibition train.

These slots are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.


“We are delighted to be part of the event at Moor Street to celebrate 200 years of Rail.

It is great to be able to look back at the history of rail and also to look ahead to the many exciting rail projects that are taking place across the West Midlands.”

Mal Drury-Rose, Executive Director of the West Midlands Rail Executive


“We are thrilled to be part of this celebration of all things rail.

It is especially significant for Midlands Connect to exhibit about our flagship project, Midlands Rail Hub, which has recently secured funding from Government to continue development. It will make train travel a first choice for many more people, boosting connections to 50 stations across the Midlands.

The railways of the future will see faster more frequent services, boosting opportunities and strengthening our economy.”

Andrew Clark, Rail Programme Lead at Midlands Connect,

10th July, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

Cleo needed to pick up an item of clothing from a shop she had visited last week, it's OK, gives us another excuse to visit Cardiff again.

We had lunch at home so we got into Cardiff at about 1400hrs

We went to 'The Prince of Wales' for a couple of drinks, Cleo had a Gin & Tonic.

I had a couple of pints of 'Abbott'.

She collected her order from the shop.

Then we went to the 'Be At One' and had a few cocktails.

It was very entertaining watching a new staff member being trained.

He made us some of our cocktails too, did a great job.

The cocktails we had today were 'Singapore Slings', 'Cuban Zombie' and 'Purple Pilot'.

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 263, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CN64 FWL

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

10 Jul 2025

TrawsCymru T1 and T1X: New evening buses and improved Sunday connection​

Traws Cymru


TrawsCymru T1 and T1X bus services are set to see a series of enhancements, with Transport for Wales (TfW) announcing new evening journeys and improved Sunday rail connections at Carmarthen.

These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to delivering more flexible, reliable, and integrated public transport services across Wales.

New evening journeys include:

T1 Service​

• From Carmarthen: New departures at 18:00 and 20:00
• From Aberystwyth: New departures at 19:35 and 22:35

T1X Service​

• From Aberystwyth: A new Sunday-only express departure at 20:35

The updated T1 timetable now offers better alignment with Sunday rail services at Carmarthen, making it easier for passengers to connect between bus and train services for longer-distance travel.

These enhancements are designed to support a wide range of travel needs from commuting and education to leisure and tourism, while promoting sustainable transport options throughout the region.

The enhanced T1 services will go live from 20 July complementing the recently announced changes to the T5 and from 31 August will be further enhanced with the launch of a new Aberystwyth–Aberaeron Day Ticket, allowing unlimited travel on both the T1 and T5 services.

Lee Robinson, Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration at TfW commented: "Having engaged with the community along this route and listened to their feedback, we are pleased to be able to introduce these improvements, which reflect our commitment to making public transport more accessible and better connected. Whether you're travelling for work, study, or leisure, these changes make it easier to get where you need to go—especially in the evenings and on weekends."

Passengers can view the updated timetables, buy tickets and plan their journeys via our website: https://traws.cymru/en

Or download the TrawsCymru mobile app which enables you to buy tickets, track your bus and even see how much carbon you’ve saved!

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Currently you can hop on board with 50% off selected app tickets.

Looking to explore Wales in a more affordable and sustainable way?

TrawsCymru is making it easier than ever with a 50% discount on selected tickets for first time app users.

Whether you're commuting, sightseeing, or simply just enjoying the journey, experience the convenience and comfort of TrawsCymru’s bus services for yourself.

Simply download the app, choose your route and ticket, and get moving for less.

For more information and terms and conditions visit https://traws.cymru/en/50oddiarap

Thursday 10 Jul 2025

One week to go - Passenger disruption expected as renewal works carried out between Shrewsbury and Crewe​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


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

11 Jul 2025

Crewe, Careers and Railway 200​

Crewe UTC


The railway has played a crucial role in shaping the diverse history and shared heritage of Wales and borders, and 2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of the modern railway.

TfW alongside industry professionals, communities, academia, and museums, are hosting a range of activities and events taking place across Wales and borders throughout the year to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future.

We’re delighted to announce we’ll be hosting a special, collaborative event with Crewe Engineering and Design UTC on Thursday, October 16.

Innovation, technology, and sustainability are central themes to Railway 200, and this will be reflected in the event.

The day will be hosted at the college and will include an exhibition hall with stands hosted by industry partners as well as a packed full day agenda of workshops to inspire young people to consider a career on the railway.

Crewe UTC delivers a unique engineering & design curriculum to students aged 14 to 19.

Based in the centre of Crewe, the college works closely with a range of employer partners who support the curriculum to ensure learners graduate 'Industry Ready'.

Dr Louise Moon, Transport for Wales’ Railway 200 Programme Lead said: “This event, held in the historically important town of Crewe, really showcases the future talent of our borders area and the opportunities for innovative future thinking for industry. Working in partnership is fundamental to delivering shared success within our communities and across the network”.

Will Chitty, Principal of Crewe UTC, said: “We are delighted to welcome Transport for Wales, our industry partners, and young people from across the region to a day dedicated to discovery and exploration. A diverse programme of engaging workshops, delivered in collaboration with industry partners, has been carefully curated to inspire and inform. By connecting students with industry experts, we aim to broaden their horizons, showcase potential career pathways, and raise aspirations.”

There is still time for partner schools to register to attend the event.

For more information please contact enquiries@creweutc.org.uk.

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Crewe UTC delivers a unique Engineering & Design curriculum which ensures learners graduate Industry Ready.

Railway 200 is a year long campaign to celebrate the birth of the modern railway and is designed to inspire the next generation of young people to seek careers in the railway.

Friday 11 Jul 2025

One week to go: Overnight rail engineering works to affect journeys in and out of Cardiff, 19-21 July​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


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

Friday 11 Jul 2025

Two weeks to go: Passengers reminded to check before they travel as Severn Estuary major resilience work takes place between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Severn Estuary work


Passengers travelling between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction are advised to plan ahead as essential engineering work will close the railway through the Severn Estuary for three weeks, from 00:40 on Sunday 27 July until 08:40 on Sunday 17 August 2025.

These latest improvement works includes:

• Stabilisation of the slopes beside the tracks, with nearly 7,600 grouted rock anchors and netting over 32,000 square metres
• Track renewal and drainage improvements near Newnham Tunnel
• Vegetation management, platform line painting, and litter clearance activities at Chepstow and Lydney stations
• Signal upgrades and other infrastructure improvements under the Gloucester Area Signalling Project (GASP)

To allow engineers to work safely, no trains will run between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction throughout the closure period, with replacement bus services provided as follows:

• CrossCountry
  Buses will replace trains between Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow.
• Transport for Wales
  Buses will run between Cheltenham Spa/Gloucester and Severn Tunnel Junction via Lydney and Chepstow.

Nick Millington, Route Director at Network Rail (Wales and Borders) said: “These works are part of the wider Severn Estuary Resilience Programme (SERP), a program designed to protect the railway lines in the area which - owing to its geography, geology and a changing climate – is especially prone to extreme weather and coastal erosion.”

“We have chosen this time of year so that it minimises the number of passengers and freight hauliers impacted by this essential work, while keeping our teams undertaking the work safe.”

“This latest stage continues our commitment to improve the long-term safety and reliability in an area historically prone to landslips.”

Passengers are advised to check before they travel, as journey times may be extended.

Online journey planners will be updated ahead of the works, and station staff will be available to assist passengers.

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

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

If you live near the railway and would like to receive notification of our work by email, please visit www.networkrail.co.uk/sign-up.

11th July, 2025

Class 99 locomotives will haul Britannic Explorer services from 2027​

GB Railfreight's new Class 99


A new Belmond train, the Britannic Explorer, will be hauled by GB Railfreight, the leading UK transporter of goods.

The Explorer is the first luxury sleeper service to run across England and Wales, and GB Railfreight will be the long-standing provider for the service.

The service will offer three-day itineraries from London to Wales, Cornwall, and the Lake District, with an additional itinerary planned for 2026.

The Britannic Explorer will have 18 cabins, with three Grand Suites, an onboard spa, and gourmet meals made by Simon Rogan.

CGI of the Britannic Explorer’s Dining Car


The cabins feature a classic British design, allowing passengers to see the magnificent British countryside in style.

By 2027, both the Britannic Explorer and Royal Scotsman (which has been run by GB Railfreight for 10 years) services will be switching from the Class 66 to the bi-mode Class 99 to help reduce Belmond’s carbon footprint.

The first journey of the Explorer is set to run during the summer of this year, with further information available on their website.


“Belmond continue to redefine luxury travel, and I am so proud that we will be hauling the marvellous Britannic Explorer. There is no better way to explore the British countryside than by rail – in a digital age, sometimes we all need to switch off, sit back and enjoy your surroundings. The cabins look absolutely exquisite and I know many customers will be keen to be on the first train this summer!”

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer, GB Railfreight

13th July, 2025

World War Two Train Driver Honoured With a Plaque​

Charles Henry Pattenden Plaque at Bishopstone station


On the 3rd July, a new plaque was unveiled at Bishopstone station to commemorate the first death of a train driver in World War Two.

The plaque remembers Southern train driver Charles Henry Pattenden, who died on the 3rd July 1940.

A German Luftwaffe plane opened fire on the 17:37 train to Seaford, resulting in his death.

Charles’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren attended the plaque ceremony that was installed by Friends of Bishopstone Station (FOBS).

Back in January, FOBS director Graham Moore appealed for more information on this attack, and Ivor Pattenden, Charles’ grandson, came forward with information when he attended an event at the station’s community space.

Charles Henry Pattenden


Graham’s research uncovered a timeline of events which led to the attack, and a booklet has been produced to showcase his findings.


“We were really amazed to see Ivor turn up to one of our Meet Up Mondays at the station, and he really helped us piece together this 85-year-old puzzle.

“I am so proud of the work that’s gone into this by our community group, especially by our researcher Graham Moore.”

Barbara Mine, chair of Friends of Bishopstone Station

13th July, 2025



Marcus and Neo watch wrestling in Cardiff

The Brilliance @jamesellispw retains the ATTCK! Pro Championship at RAIN IN JULY

Then caught the train to Cathays from Queen Street

Class 231 'Flirt' to Cathays

The train home a Class 150 'Sprinter' from Cathays to Cardiff Central

14th July 2025

Pete Waterman’s model railway is heading to The Greatest Gathering​

Making Tracks 3


Alstom has announced that Pete Waterman’s Making Tracks model railway will be on display at The Greatest Gathering this August.

The 64ft OO gauge layout is a recreating of Milton Keynes Central.

Other layouts are also attending, including Mick Bryan’s Deadmans Lane, Eric French’s Harefield Road, Twelve Trees Junction, courtesy of Key Model World, and Mark Pearson’s Welby Lane RTC.

Key Model World will also debut a new layout based on a section of Derby Litchurch Lane.

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
• Class 57 No. 57604 ‘Pendennis Castle’ – courtesy of Great Western Railway
• Class 11 No. 12099 – courtesy of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust
• Sentinel No. 10077 – courtesy of the Plym Valley Railway
• Class 08 No. 13000 – courtesy of James Williams
• Class 59 No. 59201 – courtesy of Freightliner
• Class 47 No. 47739 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 66 No. 66710 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 66 No. 66719 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 68 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services

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
• Class 80X – courtesy of Great Western Railway
• Class 455 No. 455868 – courtesy of South Western Railway

Bi-Mode

• Class 93 – courtesy of Rail Operations Group
• Class 755 – courtesy of Greater Anglia
• Class 73 No. 73119 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 73 No. 73136 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 99 – courtesy of GB Railfreight
• Class 88 No. 88010 – courtesy of Direct Rail Services

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

Model Railways

• Making Tracks 3 – courtesy of Pete Waterman OBE
• Deadmans Lane – courtesy of Mick Bryan
• Harefield Lane – courtesy of Eric French
• Twelve Trees Junction – courtesy of Key Model World
• Welby Lane RTC – courtesy of Mark Pearson
• Derby Litchurch Lane Inspired Layout – courtesy of Key Model World

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

14th July, 2025

Rylan helps launch new Smurfs Livery for Lumo Train​

Rylan with the new Smurfs Livery


On one of its all-electric trains, Lumo has unveiled a new design inspired by the new Smurfs movie.

The design was unveiled at a special event at London King’s Cross, with guests who starred in the film, such as Rylan, who plays Vanity Smurf.

Lumo have partnered with Paramount Pictures, who have produced the film, to see a carriage of VIP guests travel to Edinburgh for a Smurfs-themed day,

Over the years, the Smurfs have been promoting sustainability, which Lumo is very passionate about, having made its trains all-electric.

The train is now in regular service and can be seen travelling between London King’s Cross, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Stevenage.


“Everyone at Lumo is very excited to be working with Paramount Pictures to spread the word about the brilliant new Smurfs movie.

“The Smurfs are well known for promoting sustainability and we’re proud to be green at heart as a company too. That, coupled with their iconic blue colour, made this the perfect partnership. I’m delighted with our new ‘Smurfs train’ and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy spotting it along our route this summer.”

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of Lumo