Bob Horton, First Chairman of Railtrack Dies
An appreciation from Phil Marsh.
Rail News in 2011
We keep our ear to the ground and you updated with all the exciting rail news and events in 2011. Check this section out regularly to stay up to date.
Repairs to LNER ‘Icon’ Flying Scotsman Now Estimated at £2.6m
The overhaul of the National Railway Museum’s iconic LNER locomotive Flying Scotsman has been followed with more than usual interest following the discovery of cracks as the engine was about to return to service.
‘Britannia’ Being Repainted, Ready for Royal Train Duties?
The first British Rail Standard Locomotive No. 70000 Britannia has been back in service for 7 months and is now back at Crewe where it is to be repainted into BR green.
New Passenger Facilities at Farringdon Station
The newly enlarged and improved Farringdon station was opened marking a major part of the first phase of the Thameslink project being completed, coinciding with the commencement of the Winter 2012 timetable.
First Station to Span the River Thames Opens with 12 Car Platforms
Life for any passenger using Blackfriars, but having to go to the Southbank area of The Thames was made considerably easier with the opening of Blackfriars’ new southern ticket hall and entrance/exit on December 12.
Heritage Steam News
A selection of December news from heritage railways.
Steam Events 2012
A round up of upcoming special steam events on heritage lines.
Repairs to GWR ‘King’ No. 6023 King Edward 11 Agreed by Great Western Society at Didcot
One of the most viewed news stories featured on rail.co.uk has been that of the failure of GWR King No. 6023 King Edward 11 with thousands of people accessing it, so this is the update concerning the repairs.
York Engineer’s Triangle Removal is Requested by Network Rail
Network Rail (NR) is requesting permission to remove the York locomotive turning triangle known as the ‘Engineers’ Triangle’ after the Olympics to create space for building works.
Notable Workings Week 49
A summary of notable workings for week 49 (December 5-11).
Narrow Gauge Stations in the News
A trio of station developments at narrow gauge railways are in the news this month: one revived, one hoping for HLF funding, one secures planning permission.
Britain’s Nocturnal Passenger Trains
We look at Britain’s “Sleeper” trains, which run between London, Devon, Cornwall and Scotland.
New Husband and Wife Team Take Over Evesham Vale LR
The 15in gauge Evesham Vale Light Railway will have new operators from January 3.
First Loco List for NRM’s Railfest 2012 Announced
The NRM has announced the 15 locomotives – all steam - booked to appear at its June 2-10 ‘Railfest 2012’ event, the largest railway event in the UK next year.
London’s New Railway - The Hanworth Loop
A new heritage railway takes shape in the capital.
Train Fares to Increase by 5.9% from January
UK Rail fares are set to increase by an average of 5.9% in January but this is 2% less than originally announced in mid-August.
Heritage Steam News December 2011
A round up of November news from heritage railways.
Network Rail’s Poor Performance Results in Licence Breach Decision by the Rail Regulator
The Office of The Rail Regulator (ORR) had warned Network Rail (NR) that the railway infrastructure company was not performing well with delays attributed to infrastructure growing, while punctuality targets were being missed by some distance.
West Hampstead Preparing for Thameslink 12 Car Trains from December 11
The long running but crucial Thameslink project is now about to deliver some key outputs with the introduction of 12 car trains from the start of the winter timetable on December 11.
Farringdon Interchange Upgrade Prepares for 12 Car Trains and for 140 Trains Every Hour!
The Thameslink project has had a huge impact on passengers using Farringdon for the last few years with no weekend or late evening services due to reconstruction upgrade works.
Pathfinder’s Festive Railtour Treat
Railtour company Pathfinder are providing a Christmas treat for rail enthusiasts who enjoy the combination of different traction and rare routes.
GB Railfreight Celebrates Tees Steel Win
Britain’s third largest Rail Freight haulier has beaten off competition to operate the main line rail requirements of a steel plant, being re-opened on December 8.
600,000 Piece LEGO Christmas Tree stuns Passengers at St. Pancras International
A 32 feet high Christmas Tree was erected at St. Pancras International on November 24 made from 600,000 pieces of lego, including the decorations!
Santa Stopping Shopping Train Beats Christmas Traffic Congestion
The West Somerset Railway and First Great Western are jointly promoting a Christmas shopping train calling at many stations between Minehead, Bristol and Cardiff on December 10th.
Train Slides for THREE Miles with “Leaves on the Line”
We’ve all heard about ’Leaves on the line’ and moaned about it, but we look at how they affect rail services and how Network Rail keeps those seasonal delays down.
Nine Per Cent More Seats From Next Year for First Great Western Commuters
In an interesting announcement, it has been revealed that First Great Western (FGW) will be offering 9% more seats on their services to and from Paddington next year.
Hastings Diesels Ltd promote Mystery Trip with Secret Timings into South Eastern Unknowns
The popular preserved Hastings Diesel Unit could be leading people “Up the Garden of England Path” on a charter with a difference.
Runaway Train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Cuts Whitby Branch Line Services
A train comprised of Gresley designed and built carriages ran away from Grosmont station on November 15 and became derailed blocking the Network Rail line to Whitby.
Original Lamps from LNER A4 Locomotive Sir Nigel Gresley Disappear
It appears that two steam locomotive headlamps belonging to the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Preservation Trust (SNGLPT) may have been stolen.
London Bridge Redevelopment Moves Forward With Contract Awards
Network Rail has announced the award of two key contracts for the rebuilding of London Bridge station and associated track and signalling to remove a large bottleneck on the Thameslink route.
Kent Hosts Another Year of “Poppy Trains” With Differing Performance Results
But “Tangmere” is beset by issues arising from a seemingly bumbling Network Rail.
Virgin Trains to Receive a New 11 Car Class 390 (“Pendo 55”)
The latest member of The Class 390 “Pendolino” fleet arrived on Wednesday November 16 after being delivered from Italy via the Channel Tunnel.
The South East Gears up for the Winter
Network Rail returns two of four “GLV” coaches ahead of the predicted snow.
Steam Events to Look Forward to
The summer peak is over and the autumn steam gala events have finished, but there is plenty of steam action to look forward to on Britain’s heritage lines.
Class 66 Ownership and Operational Changes Review
Direct Rail Services, (DRS) - one of Britain’s freight operating companies, has reduced the size of its modern Class 66 fleet allowing Freightliner, Britain’s second largest freight operating company, take on the locomotives with immediate effect.
Regular Freight Commences on High Speed 1 to Europe
The first of a regular weekly rail-freight service to use the High Speed 1 rail route, the only European sized railway in the UK has commenced.
Season Spike in Class 60 Numbers Coincides With Super 60 Programme
The autumnal increase in the Class 60 fleet sees the first of the overhauled locomotives face their first leaf fall season.
Arriva Acquires Open Access Operator Grand Central Railway
Arriva PLC, the German owned UK Subsidiary, has taken over Grand Central, the East Coast main line Open Access Operator making it the largest UK rail operator by far.
Class 56s on Their Last Move Before Scrapping
DB Schenker, Britain’s largest freight company, has put the final nail in the coffin of its Class 56 fleet, “Grids”, as engines stored at Eastleigh are finally cleared out for scrapping.
Double Panniers to Run Charter Train on Freight Routes in the Midlands
Vintage Trains, the Tyseley based Railtour operator, are gearing up to operate what may be a contender for the unusual steam charter train of the year.
Notable Workings Week 41
A summary of notable workings for week 41 (10-16 October).
GB Railfreight Takes “EDs” on a Sunny Southern Charter
UK Railtours “Mine of Serpents” puts Hither Green’s heritage traction back on the running lines.
A Truly ACE Tour
Railtour follows route of classic named train.
Bluebell Gets Back to its Southern Roots
The world’s most famous steam railway hosts a Sunny Southern Gala.
Spitfire to Take “Logs” to Scotland
One of Britain’s leading “Enthusiast” Railtour Operators to take Class 50s from Preston to Edinburgh on November 19.
Fatal Pendolino Crash Caused by Faulty Maintenance
The cause of the only serious accident involving a Class 390 Pendolino train operated by Virgin on February 23, 2007 has now been announced.
Pannier Tank Evening Performance at Stratford
The Vintage Trains’ Pannier Tank No. 7752 will be undertaking a test run on November 10 between Hall Green and Stratford on Avon running as London Transport red liveried No. L94.
Richard Branson’s Red and White Festive Specials
Virgin Trains will operate three services in December to take people to and from Christmas Markets in Chester and Manchester
GBRf Expands Class 73 Fleet – Despite Approaching Half a Century Old!
GB Railfreight commits to increasing and maintaining its fleet of heritage Class 73 Diesel Electric locomotives
Reading Station Upgrade Continues Apace - Amid Photography Ban?
Network Rail is leading a huge £500m project centred around Reading station on the Great West Main Line (GWML) which will also provide a new flyover and reinstate a dive-under allowing more trains to operate.
Virgin Awarded West Coast Main Line Franchise Extension to the End of 2012
Virgin Trains has at long last been awarded the franchise extension by The Department for Transport (DfT) that they had been lobbying for over the last few years.
African Rivers and German Ladies at Bredgar Autumn Event
Kent’s Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway made a late decision to hold an October 30 Autumn Steam Gala with pre-event publicity anticipated steaming at least five locomotives.
Spa Valley Masquerades as the Westerham Valley
The Spa Valley Railway goes from High Weald to North Downs for one week only!
Senior Management Changes Affect Four Train Operating Companies
Two train operating companies have announced that they have made changes to their top teams with Elaine Holt and Andy Pitt leaving their posts.
DB Schenker Expands Electric Fleet
Britain’s biggest freight company has had to restore many electric locomotives for work being cheaper to operate than their diesel fleet.
DRS Launches a Unique High-Cube Rail Service from Teesport Using New Lowliner Wagons
Direct Rail Services (DRS) started a new container service from the Teesport PD Ports’ container terminal using an innovative wagon to transport what are known as ‘high-cube boxes’ to areas of the UK previously inaccessible by rail.
60 Years Ago - General Rail News from 1951
The railways in 1951 were changing due to the implementation the Government’s plans following nationalisation in 1948, but of course this meant that political interference grew – especially in the finance area.
Class 150 DMUs to be Withdrawn in West Midlands by London Midland after Farewell Tour
The end of London Midland using the Class 150 train will be marked by a special train from Snow Hill to Worcester, Bridgorth and Stratford on Avon via the Lickey on November 12.
Stratford, London, to Become a Major Tourist Attraction With the ‘Olympic Orbit’
Construction of what is claimed to be the largest piece of artwork in the World and the UK’s largest sculpture named Orbit, reached a major milestone on October 28.
Steam Giants on the Move
Three Pacifics move to Mid-Hants Railway
British Haulage Record Created as ‘Deltic Gathering’ Draws the Crowds
Five Class 55s haul trains at the ELR.
Side-by-side Golden Age of Steam Streamliners
‘Mallard’ and ‘Duchess of Hamilton’ on show together.
Network Rail Wires Down at Bethnal Green Creates Havoc on Liverpool Street Services
Tuesday October 18th was not a good day for passengers using Liverpool Street services after the overhead wires came down at around 5am near Bethnal Green.
Massive Disruption After Wires Come Down at Bethnal Green on the Day National Express Lose Anglia Franchise to Dutch Railways
The Minister of State for Transport (Theresa Villiers) announced in a written statement that Abellio Greater Anglia Limited has been awarded the Greater Anglia (Short) franchise.
Time for the UK’s Largest Model Railway Show at the NEC, Birmingham
The Warley Model Railway show is the largest exhibition of model and miniature railways in the UK and takes place on November 19 and 20.
The Wanderer Returns for Avon Valley Gala
Avon Valley Railway holds biggest ever gala event over two days featuring four locomotives.
East Lancashire Railway Runs Five “Deltics” at Deltic Weekend
The East Lancashire Railway celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the “Deltic” (BR Class 55) of locomotive with an ever-popular Diesel Event dedicated to the type.
Last of the Autumn Steam Galas – NINE in Steam on The Watercress Line!
The final preserved railway tranche of steam galas will be held on the last weekend in October and the first weekend in November.
Minimum Gauge Secrets in the Forest
The Perrygrove Railway, just south of the Forest of Dean town of Coleford, is a 15in gauge line opened to the public in August 1996.
Controversy Surrounds Withdrawal of GWR ‘King’ King Edward 11 at Didcot After a 22 Year Restoration
The blue liveried Great Western Railway ‘King’ No. 6023 King Edward 11 is at the centre of a blazing row at Didcot following boiler leaks.
Sand Line Gala at Leighton Buzzard Narrow Gauge Railway
The Leighton Buzzard narrow Gauge Railway celebrated two anniversaries recently by holding a Gala event which took visitors back to the line’s roots.
Seven Deltics Thrill at Shildon
Unique gathering of Class 55s and their prototype.
Five Deltic Convoy Stuns Masses
A convoy of five “Deltic” locomotives has left many enthusiasts in awe, 30 years since the withdrawal of the type from front line service.
Flying Scotsman’s Multi-Million Pound Repair Bill
The purchase and overhaul of the National Railway Museum’s Iconic steam locomotive, No. 4472 Flying Scotsman now looks as though it could cost up to FOUR MILLION POUNDS.
Cannon Street’s Giant Bronze Plumber
Whilst we may associate world famous sculptor Martin Jennings with John Betjeman at St Pancras International, a new seven foot bronze statue of a Plumbers Apprentice at London's Cannon Street terminus has been inveiled.
Network Rail Unilaterally Bans Weekday Steam on the East Coast Main Line
Following the fires in the Doncaster area on September 2 caused by former Southern Railway ‘King Arthur’ No. 30777 Sir Lamiel, Network Rail (NR) has taken draconian action and banned all steam trains on the East Coast Main Line on weekdays with immediate effect.
Derwent Valley Marks Closure Anniversary
30 years since independent railway closed.
Cambridge Naming and Speed Record
Class 379 EMU named ‘City of Cambridge’.
New Trams Boost for Blackpool
First of modern fleet arrives.
Farewell to George Hinchcliffe – Flying Scotsman’s North American Manager, Rescuer and Pioneering Steam Preservationist
George Hinchcliffe has died aged 89 marking the end of a remarkable career including managing and rescuing Flying Scotsman from its American tour in1973.
Autumn Steam Gala Weekends Continue Unabated on Weekend of October 15 and 16th
The Autumn steam gala season carries on over the middle weekend on October in Buckinghamshire, Wales and the north.
Mid-Hants Members' Day
Three in steam plus DEMU in use.
Steam Locomotive Builders Alan Keef Ltd Opens its Doors
A small factory alongside a house and garden amid the rolling hills of Herefordshire is maybe not the most obvious location for a significant railway business.
Notable Workings Week 38
A summary of notable workings for week 38 (19 - 25 September).
Freight Line Charter Frenzy on October 22nd!
A couple of new freight line tours have been announced to take place this month making this Autumn somewhat of a freight line frenzy!
Sellafield Closure Hits Cumbrian Coast Steam Charter Trains
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) which now runs Sellafield and 18 other UK nuclear sites has placed an instant ban on steam charter trains using their Sellafield facilities.
Notable Workings Week 37
A summary of notable workings for week 37 (12 - 18 September).
Rail Blue Charters Suspend Operations Indefinitely
Rail Blue Charters has announced that it is to suspend operations for the rest of the year at least, following six consecutive charter train cancellations.
Cruise Liner Charter Train Details
Cruise Liner Express trains are operated by Direct Rail Services for passengers embarking on a cruise from Southampton Docks or returning from their cruise.
£70m Route Upgrade Completed
The partial redoubling of the 51 mile Oxford to Worcester Cotswold route was completed in September by Network Rail in conjunction with First Great Western, Gloucestershire County Council and the Department for Transport.
Chiltern Railways Launch ‘Mainline’ Silver Service Between London, Banbury and Birmingham
Chiltern Railways has introduced direct competition to Virgin with their London to Birmingham services running under the ‘Mainline’ banner introduced last month.
Notable Workings Week 36
A summary of notable workings for week 36 (5 - 11 September).
Take An American Steam Experience in the South Wales Brecon Mountains
Do you want a taste of American railroading without travelling there? Experience in the heyday of the famed 2ft gauge networks of Maine (USA) near Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales in the Brecon Beacons.
DB Shenker put up Class 56 Fleet for Sale
Freight operators DB Shenker has offered for sale 33 of its Class 56 diesel fleet currently stored at Crewe, Toton, Warrington, Barrow Hill and Eastleigh.
The Monster and the Big Pit Demonstrates Industrial Steam in The Valleys
The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway brought stirring sights and amazing sounds of hard working industrial steam during its September 17-18 Autumn Gala.
Preserved Railway Autumn Steam Gala News
The Autumn steam gala season progresses over the second weekend in October at two popular preserved steam railways when up to 20 steam engines may appear!
South West Trains voted Passenger Train Operator of The Year
South West Trains has a good reputation for operating an efficient service on one of the busiest routes in Britain and has just been voted the best Passenger Operator in the UK.
Notable Workings Week 35
A summary of notable workings for week 35 (29August – 4 September).
West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala
'Battle of Britain' No. 34070 Manston, owned by Southern Locomotives Ltd and based at the Swanage Railway, is the headline guest for the West Somerset Railway’s September 29-October 2 Autumn Steam Gala.
North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway Autumn Gala
North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway bills no less than NINE engines for their Autumn Steam Gala between September 30 and October 2.
Welsh Narrow Gauge Railway News
Joan and Jack enjoy a steamy weekend on the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway and Rhiw Valley Light Railway news.
Railways and Life in 1943 Wartime Whitby, Grosmont and Pickering
Experience 1943 Wartime living conditions and steam train travel between Whitby, Grosmont and Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors and Esk Valley Railway this Autumn.
Flying Scotsman’s Continuing Expensive Delay
In late September it looked increasingly unlikely that iconic steam locomotive No. 4472, Flying Scotsman would be steaming anywhere this year with indications it could be well into 2012 before the A3 turns a wheel under its own power.
A Fantastic Deal for a Fantastic Cause
A massive 25% discount is now on offer to anyone booking a table of four on the CLIC Sargent Train of Hope scenic charity railtour. That’s buy three get one free!
999 at Chinnor
It's all change at Chinnor as 999 arrives.
Mid September General News Roundup
A summary of the most relevant rail news this September so far...
Seventy Years Ago - Railways at War
Taking a look back at the railway scene 70 years ago.
September Charter News
All the Charter news from September 2011.
September Rail News
Network Rail News Roundup.
September Heritage Steam News
All of the heritage steam news from September.
National Railway Museum Shuttles to run without Flying Scotsman
The first series of National Railway Museum (NRM) promoted shuttle trains between the York NRM and its Shildon Locomotion northern base.
Celebrations Galore at Essex Railway Beer Festival!
Join the UK’s premier railway-based beer festival from September 6 to September 10 inclusive!
Notable Workings Week 34
A summary of notable workings for week 34 (22 - 28 August).
Notable Workings Week 33
A summary of notable workings for week 33 (15 - 21 August).
The Swanley Park Railway
Swanley Park was purchased by the local council from a Farmer 30 years ago and very soon opened for public use as a civic amenity. It now celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Blue Engine Blues
August did not bring the best of news for two prestige locomotives carrying blue livery.
Electric Weekend in Coventry to Showcase Icons of Rail Travel
Get ready for another train-tastic weekend in Coventry, as Electric Railway Museum throw its doors open for visitors to explore its rich collection.
Notable Workings Week 32
A summary of notable workings for week 32 (8 - 14 August).
Mid-August News
Early August news roundup.
Notable Workings Week 31
A summary of notable workings for week 31 (1 - 7 August).
100 Years Ago
Take a look back at the railway scene 100 years ago.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway News
The latest GWR news.
National Collection News
Read on for national collection updates.
Routes & Branches 1
Spitfire Railtours announced their intention to run two “Routes & Branches” railtours from London.
August Charter News
All the charter news from August 2011.
August 1st News Roundup
A selection of exciting rail news including record breaking and free ice creams!
Historic Locomotive Arrives in Coventry
One of the fastest and most influential trains in the world is being welcomed into its new home at Coventry’s Electric Railway Museum.
July Heritage News
A roundup of July's steam heritage news.
Llanberis Lake Celebrates 40 Years
Llanberis Lake Railway's 40th birthday is celebrated in style.
A Grand (Central) Day Out
Eliot Andersen reports on Grand Central.
High Speed Rail Link Two (HS2) – The Great Debate
Phil Marsh takes an objective look at the High Speed UK rail debate.
July Charter News
All the charter news from July 2011.
633 News Update 21st July
Find out more about the Duchess' plans to possibly return to the main line.
Mid July News Roundup
A summary of this month's exciting rail news so far.
Notable Workings July 11-17
A summary of notable workings from week 27 (July 11-17).
Visit the Biggest Preserved Steam Gala Events by Rail
Find details here on how to visit the biggest and best steam gala events by rail.
SR ‘Schools’ No. 925 Cheltenham overhaul Update
The 4-4-0 Maunsell designed ‘Schools’ Class V s once again inside Eastleigh Works being overhauled.
Notable Workings July 4-10, 2011
A summary of notable train workings from July 4-10.
ERTMS Update
An update on the progress of the European Rail Traffic Management System.
Adrian Shooter Announces Retirement
Adrian Shooter has announced his intention to retire at the end of December.
Buying a Ticket at Baldock Station
Read all about Phil's experiences at Baldock Station.
July 1st News Roundup
A summary of railway news from July 1st.
East Anglian Railway Museum to run on Main Line?
The East Anglian Railway Museum (EARM) have taken an important delivery!
30 Years Ago
Taking a look back at the railways scene 30 years ago.
Preserved Steam Events June/July
Events for end of June/early July
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National Rail News Roundup – June 2011
A roundup of of all Network Rail projects currently underway in June 2011.
Chiltern Railways’ Dave Newell Honoured
Dave was honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list and was awarded an MBE for his work. It is well deserved.
June Heritage News
Read on for a roundup of June's heritage news.
Notes and News June 16th
Notes and News from June 16th.
Notes and News June 9th
Notes and News from June 9-15th
Notes and News June 4th - 8th
Notes and News from June 4-8th.
Notes and News June 3rd
Notes and News from June 3rd.
British-based Trio Steam in France
A trio of UK-based narrow gauge steam locomotives crossed the channel to star in a major gala in Picardy over June 2-5.
Magnificent Steam Rail Motor runs at Didcot
The Great Western Society’s steam Railmotor No. 93 has entered service at Didcot Railway Centre.
Notes and News June 2nd
Notes and News from June 2nd.
Notes and News June 1st
Notes and News from 1st June.
Isle of Wight Gala Report
A report from the Isle of Wight steam gala on May 28.
May Heritage Steam News Round up
All the steam news for May
Great ‘Coffee Pot’ gathering at Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire’s 2ft gauge Leighton Buzzard Railway aimed to set a new world record for the number of ‘Coffee Pot’ locomotives in one location over May 14-15.
European Rail Traffic Management System
The system has been introduced on the Cambrian and ends steam operations.
Ffestiniog Celebrates175th Anniversary
Ffestiniog celebrates its 175th anniversary and completion of revived Welsh Highland Railway
May Notes and News
Notes and News from May
Chiltern Railways Unveil New Train
Chiltern Railways unveil new train and finish station upgrade project.
News Roundup - May 31st
Current news from the rail world.
End of Restaurant Cars on the UK Rail Network
The end of full dining services on the national network.
Notes and News
Notes and news from the rail world
Behind The Great Britain 4 UK Railtour
Behind the scenes of the Great Britain 4 UK Railtour - April 2011
Train of Hope Charity Steam Tour
Crewe-Warrington-Wigan-Preston-Shap-Carlisle-Settle-Crewe
Forty years ago
A look at the railway scene in Spring 1971
By train in search of an Eccles Cake
Finding a real Eccles cake in Eccles
Wrexham General - Newest train stabling point?
A man tried to take a pony for a train ride on May 14 on the 1902hrs Holyhead service at Wrexham General station.
Rail News Roundup - May
An in-depth rail news roundup for May.
50 Years Ago
Railway round up from March and April 1961
The King's 'Royal Saloon'
Severn Valley Railway unveils The King's Royal Saloon
Isle of Wight Steam Railway 40th Anniversary Gala
The award winning Isle of Wight Steam Railway is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
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