Marcus' Model Railway Journey

All twenty Metrovicks were initially allocated to the Midland Division of BR's London Midland Region, where they were often used in pairs on the overnight London–Glasgow "Condor" express freight service.

They were also used in pairs to cover for failures and were recorded as taking the London–Glasgow sleeper, a notoriously heavy train, forwards from Carlisle without problems.

After refurbishment in 1961 they were all transferred to the Barrow-in-Furness 12E depot.

They were withdrawn after only eleven years at work and in service.

The allocation of all twenty locomotives in October 1967 was Carlisle Upperby.

Despite the electrical and mechanical equipment being reliable, the Crossley engines were still giving problems and British Rail considered replacing the engines, as was done with the Class 31 diesels and, later, with Crossley-engined locomotives in Ireland.

A quotation was obtained by BR from English Electric for re-engining with an uprated version of the reliable 8SVT prime mover, already proven in the Class 20, and this was close to proceeding.

However, the entire class, along with other small non-standard diesel classes, was withdrawn from service during 1967–68, and all but one were scrapped by the end of 1969.

Their parts had been sold to make new metals by the end of 1971.


The only blue one!
British Railways Type 2 Metropolitan Vickers Co-Bo Diesel Locomotive D5701 built at Stockton in 1958. Only this one gained British Rail Blue livery. Carnforth 25th June 1968

Table of withdrawals


A single locomotive, D5705, survived by historical accident, being renumbered S15705 and used from December 1968 by the Research Division for its Tribology Test train.

It was superseded by a Class 24, and was used as carriage heating unit TDB968006 (based at Bath Road Depot, Bristol) before being preserved in 1985.

Prior to this, it spent several years in a semi-protected siding on the line from Gloucester, just outside Swindon Station.

It is currently on the East Lancashire Railway.

The Class 15 Preservation Society has signed an agreement with the owners of D5705 to become its custodians during its restoration and operation for the next ten years, although funding will remain separate.

D5705 Co-Bo Coalville Open Day 25th may 1991

Monday 21 Jul 2025

Ramped footbridge designs in North Wales following public feedback​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Prestatyn Illustration


Network Rail has updated its plans for new accessible footbridges in both Pensarn and Prestatyn, North Wales.

The designs have been modified to take on board feedback from drop-in sessions with residents as well as engagement with other community bodies.

Network Rail is working in partnership with Transport for Wales on their Network North Wales project to increase passenger services along the North Wales Coast by 50% as part of the Welsh Government's £800 million investment in a new train fleet.

To increase the number of services safely, Network Rail needs to close four level crossings (two in Pensarn and two in Prestatyn) to protect the public from the added risks.

In Pensarn, the revised proposal features a single-ramped footbridge connecting Ty Gwyn and Pen Uchaf level crossings.

Responding to community concerns, the bridge's design has been modified to reduce its height and visual impact, ensuring it blends in with the surrounding coastal landscape.

The updated plans also include provisions for active travel, with the bridge designed to integrate seamlessly into the local walking and cycling network.

For Prestatyn, an entirely new design for an accessible footbridge next to Bridge Road has been introduced.

This design replaces previous concepts and reflects local preferences, striking a balance between safety and community aesthetics.

The revised footbridge mirrors the height of the existing road bridge, aiming to minimise construction impact while making sure there is continued accessibility to the Morfa area.

Both locations have high-risk level crossings due to poor visibility and frequent use by vulnerable groups such as children, cyclists and dog walkers.

These crossings will need to be closed or managed differently ahead of the uplift to the timetable in May 2026.

Before the new bridges are built, temporary crossing solutions are being considered to maintain connectivity for residents until the new options are in place.


“These projects are a significant step forward in improving transport service in North Wales,” said Emma Osborn, Passenger Strategy Director for Network Rail (Wales and Borders). “Not only do they enhance connectivity and support the region’s growth, but they also prioritise the safety of our communities, which is paramount. We are dedicated to delivering these improvements with minimal disruption and maximum benefit to local residents.”

Lee Robinson, TfW’s Executive Director for Regional Transport and Integration said: “The closure of these crossings provides the opportunity to increase frequency and capacity for customers across North Wales, as well as reducing the risk of incidents at level crossings. Our ambition to deliver a fully integrated transport network - one network, one timetable, one ticket - is at the heart of these changes and we welcome the continued work with our partners at Network Rail to find suitable and safe local solutions.”

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "I welcome the decision to put community voices at the heart of transport infrastructure decisions that affect people's daily lives. These improvements will enable the delivery of the 50% increase in services on the North Wales Main Line as a key element of our Network North Wales vision while keeping residents safe and maintaining local connectivity. We are committed to ensuring better, accessible transport connections that are vital for connecting communities, supporting local economies and helping people access employment and services across North Wales.”

Communities will be invited again to more local drop-ins after the summer.

More information on those will be shared in due course.

Both webpages have now been updated and can be found here:

Prestatyn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/prestatyn-level-crossings/

Pensarn: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/our-routes/wales/pensarn-level-crossings/

23rd July, 2025

Marcus & Cleo Have Another Bus Adventure into Cardiff!

We went to 'The Great Western' for a couple of drinks.

I popped into my model railway shop afterwards and bought a couple of things.

Then we went shopping, Cleo bought herself some clothes.

Then we went to the 'The Gatekeeper' for some more drinks and we also had our dinner there.

We had all day brunches with some black pudding. Tasty!!

Then it was the bus home.


The bus into Cardiff was a route diverted electric Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd No. 446, Yutong E12 , CK24 AVT

The bus back home was Cardiff Bus/Bws Caerdydd 251, Alexander Dennis (ADL) Enviro 200 Classic, CE63 NZF

Wednesday 23rd July, 2025



ETHNONRAIL UPDATE

FLEET AND ROLLING STOCK UPDATE

Today I bought a second-hand locomotive.

Hornby R2779 Class A4 4-6-2 4484 "Falcon" in LNER Blue​

And another locomotive and carriage set.....

Hornby R2435 "The Northumbrian" train pack with BR A4 Andrew K McCosh and 3 Gresley coaches​

23 Jul 2025

TfW Annual Report - Rail journeys up, rail revenue up and brand-new trains transforming Wales and Borders​

TfW 756


Transport for Wales has published their 2024/25 Annual Report and figures reveal that more people are using the rail network and positively impacting revenue figures for the not-for-profit organisation.

Key figures from the report include:

• 31.7 million train journeys made by customers – up a fifth from last year;
• 17.8% increase in rail revenue to £174.8 million;
• 77.1% of journeys made on new trains as of 24 May 2025;
• 1.2 million journeys on TrawsCymru bus contracts that TfW run – 11.4% increase on last year;
• £47 million of Active Travel funding distributed.

TfW has been on a transformational journey since they took over the Wales and Borders rail franchise in 2018, and this includes a £800 million investment into brand-new trains and over £1 billion investment into the South Wales Metro.

Electrification of the Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr lines has been completed this year, with new trains now providing an improved service to customers.

Since 2020, TfW has laid over 120km of overhead cables and 70km of high voltage cable as they continue to deliver the South Wales Metro project.

In November (2024), they became the first heavy rail train operator outside of London and the South East of England to introduce a new Pay As You Go system at 95 stations throughout South Wales.

Within the first three months of it’s introduction, over 150,000 journeys were made using the new technology.

WATCH VIDEO:



Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates said: "I am delighted with the progress TfW has made in transforming public transport across Wales and delivering an improved customer experience. Passengers are already experiencing benefits with more regular services, new trains, and better value fares.

“However, there is still an exciting programme of delivery ahead of us including the roll out of bus franchising, the development of Network North Wales, and the completion of South Wales metro. These improvements will help to connect communities, promote economic growth, and support new jobs.”

James Price, TfW CEO said: “TfW has continually invested in public transport since we launched publicly in 2018 and we are now really starting to benefit from these investments with 31.7 million rail journeys made between 2024/25, resulting in a 17.8% increase in our rail revenue to £174.8 million.

“Our new trains and the fundamental changes we’ve made to rail timetables to offer more services have allowed us to attract more people to our network.

“Across our TrawsCymru bus network we’ve also seen increases in customers and we’ve been able to adjust our summer timetables to meet seasonal demand.

“Through distributing £47 million for Active Travel projects we’ve been able to make it easier for people to walk, wheel or cycle and this is a key part in creating a fully multi-modal public transport network.”

Scott Waddington, TfW Chair added: "As I come to the end of my seven years as Chair of TfW, it is timely to reflect on the enormous progress I have witnessed during my tenure. The people of Wales are now seeing the benefits of our hard work.

"TfW has continually grown and evolved as an organisation and our investment into the public transport network is now very visible and is helping improve people's lives in Wales bringing social, economic and environmental benefits.

"Brand-new trains, buses and electrified services are now here in Wales and next year we'll see the introduction of tram-trains to our public transport network.

"I'd like to thank everyone at TfW for their dedication and hard work, and I look forward to watching the organisation continue to flourish."

For the full annual report visit: https://tfw.wales/about-us/transparency/publications/annual-report-and-financial-statements/2024-25

23rd July, 2025

Update on today’s locomotive movement​

D1015 at Kidderminster on SVR


Timings have been released for todays heritage movement from the Severn Valley Railway to Litchurch Lane Works in Derby.

The locomotives will be passing through Kidderminster (10:29), Rowley Regis (11:24), Walsall (12:44), Tamworth (13:51), Burton-on-Trent (14:08) on its way to Derby.

23rd July, 2025

Steam locomotive 45596 Bahamas to Visit Great Central Railway Gala​

45596 Bahamas with the Kentish Belle over Culmers crossing, Nagden marsh


The Great Central Railway has announced its headline visitor for its Autumn Steam Gala taking place from the 2nd to 5th October

LMS Jubilee 45596 Bahamas will be making its last public appearance before it heads for its overhaul.

The Gala will provide visitors with a unique and final trip behind the locomotive until it returns, but it is currently unclear when that will be.

The 1934 double chimney locomotive will be running alongside resident locomotives and soon-to-be-announced guest locomotives.

23rd July, 2025

Swanage Railway Volunteers to Run the ‘Sunset Shuttle’​

DMMU Harman's Cross


A heritage diesel service, ‘Sunset Shuttle’, is being launched by Swanage Railway volunteers and will connect Swanage, Herston Halt, Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle.

The special service will be running on selected evenings throughout July, August, and early September.

The service will be running through the Swanage Regatta, the Purbeck Film Festival and the Swanage Folk Festival.

DMMU Corfe Castle


Depending on operation requirements, the shuttle may be hauled by a DMMU or Class 33 D6515 ‘Lt Jenny Lewis RN’.


“The Swanage Railway is proud partners with the Swanage Regatta and Carnival fireworks events, the Swanage Folk Festival and the Purbeck Film Festival which makes the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ the ideal scenic and stress-free rail connection to memorable and unforgettable summer experiences.

“There is no better way to enjoy the beautiful Isle of Purbeck countryside than from our summer holidays ‘Sunset Shuttle’ heritage diesel train service connecting hotels as well as camping and caravan sites with restaurants and bars in Corfe Castle and Swanage.

“Combining value and convenience, it has never been easier to leave the car and let the train take the strain while enjoying breath taking evening views of the Isle of Purbeck and the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle.

“Whether you are looking for a peaceful solo ride, a romantic outing or a family adventure, our ‘Sunset Shuttle’ offers a relaxed and nostalgic way to experience the beauty of the Isle of Purbeck at the golden hour.

“Our convenient ‘Sunset Shuttle’ evening train services make it easy and convenient to enjoy evenings out in Corfe Castle or Swanage, explore charming pubs, dine at local restaurants or experience summer events while skipping the stress and hassle of driving and finding somewhere to park with the train carrying you home.

“While discounted ‘Sunset Shuttle’ tickets are available – giving unlimited evening travel – daytime return tickets and Freedom of the Line unlimited travel tickets can also be used on the ‘Sunset Shuttle’ trains,”

Swanage Railway volunteer commercial director Alexander Atkins

23rd July, 2025

Steam locomotive No. 563 to visit the West Somerset Railway​

LSWR T3 4-4-0 No. 563


The West Somerset Railway has announced that its Autumn Steam Gala Weekend will be returning on the 17th -19th October.

They will be running an intensive timetable featuring a range of visiting locomotives.

They plan to run from early morning and into the evening, with some trains heading to the very end of their line, which usually stop at Bishops Lydeard.

The railway will be bursting with life, with its museums open, heritage displays and model railways to pair with the wide range of locomotives.

T3 Class No. 563 at Corfe Castle


They have announced that their first visiting locomotive will be London and South Western Railway T3 Class 4-4-0 No. 563, which will be making its debut thanks to the Swanage Railway Trust.

Further visiting locomotives will be announced in the coming months.

The Gala will also be seeing appearances from:

• GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’
• BR (W) Manor Class 4-6-0 7828 ‘Odney Manor’
• WSR Mogul 2-6-0 No. 935

Further information on the Gala can be found on the West Somerset Railway’s website.

Wednesday 23 Jul 2025

Railway neighbours are invited to stay informed about work near their homes​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders



Network Rail (Wales and Borders) is encouraging residents and businesses to join more than 16000 people already signed up to emails informing them of railway improvement work in their area.

These emails provide the latest information on essential upgrades such as track renewals, station enhancements, and other maintenance or improvement projects.

While notification letters are still sent by post to homes and businesses near the railway, the digital updates offer a faster, more cost-effective, environmentally-friendly alternative, with interactive and interesting updates through inclusion of videos and photos to support the key details of the work.

Subscribers will receive location-specific updates about nearby work and can also opt in to news on major projects across the Wales and Borders route.

A QR code is included in current notification letters making it even easier to switch to paperless updates.



Digital updates provide useful information such as:

• Dates and times of planned work
• Expected noise levels
• Road and/or footpath closures
• Any potential disruption to train services

You can register quickly and easily at: networkrail.co.uk/sign-up.

However, residents who prefer printed letters, or who don’t have internet access, will continue to receive postal updates to make sure they stay informed.