https://dartslf.com/forum/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:46:14 +0000 MyBB https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1833 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 21:23:39 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1833 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1829 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 05:18:56 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1829
and I'm the chairman of the Halton miniature railway,
the railway is 50 years old in 2029]]>
and I'm the chairman of the Halton miniature railway,
the railway is 50 years old in 2029]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1818 Sun, 09 Mar 2025 22:26:59 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1818 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1808 Fri, 13 Sep 2024 19:04:49 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1808 https://www.midlandsnorthwestraillink.co.uk/

Basically a connection between the 'not cancelled' part of HS2 and the planned route of Northern Powerhouse Rail. Top speed of around 180mph, rather than 225mph.]]> https://www.midlandsnorthwestraillink.co.uk/

Basically a connection between the 'not cancelled' part of HS2 and the planned route of Northern Powerhouse Rail. Top speed of around 180mph, rather than 225mph.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1790 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:11:06 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1790 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1784 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 10:33:58 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1784 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1758 Wed, 21 Dec 2022 18:30:51 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1758
They would be in January , June and Late September / Early October (Autumnal Regular changes ) .

Moving to january probably means that Reservations for Christmas could be offered a bit further in advance , instead of having to wait for the train companies press announcements of service alterations , i always thought a timetable change 12 days before Xmas was a recipe for disaster and chaos .]]>
They would be in January , June and Late September / Early October (Autumnal Regular changes ) .

Moving to january probably means that Reservations for Christmas could be offered a bit further in advance , instead of having to wait for the train companies press announcements of service alterations , i always thought a timetable change 12 days before Xmas was a recipe for disaster and chaos .]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1722 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:32:49 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1722
A fairly new company to the UK Rail Scene so more can be found out about them here;
https://www.slcoperations.com/]]>
A fairly new company to the UK Rail Scene so more can be found out about them here;
https://www.slcoperations.com/]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1721 Wed, 22 Dec 2021 21:31:05 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1721
For more info on the company;
https://loram.co.uk/]]>
For more info on the company;
https://loram.co.uk/]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1716 Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:43:50 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1716 SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2022
A RAILTOUR TO ‘WEASTE AND WASTE’ FREIGHT LOCATIONS, PLUS GOODS LOOPS AND SIDINGS – FEATURING A ‘TUG’.
We are again pleased to present a traditional railtour that includes visits to a freight only branch and to a freight terminal, in addition to a dozen loops and sidings that do not feature as ‘everyday’ for passengers.

Freight power in the form of a Class 66 will be at the head of the train from the start, taking us via the joining points to Wolverhampton, north of which are several sections of ‘rare track’ as we make our way via Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent to Crewe.

Here we have a leg-stretch whilst a Class 60 is added to the formation, the ‘Tug’ heading the train to Warrington and across Chat Moss to Eccles, for a visit to the Weaste branch. After reversal on the Eccles Up Goods Loop, the route takes us to Stockport and onto what is now the Chester line, as far as Northenden Junction, where the Waste Terminal is the next target.

From there the route lies through Altrincham and the Mid-Cheshire line to Northwich and on the usually freight-only line to Sandbach, then by way of the Manchester Independent line to Gresty Lane Jn and back into Crewe for a break, and where the Class 60 will be detached.

REQUESTED ROUTE: (Subject to confirmation)
Class 66 as per joining stations via Selly Oak to Birmingham New Street, then Perry Barr South Jn – Soho North Jn – Down Soho Goods Loop – Wolverhampton – Stafford Goods Loop – Stafford RMT – Searchlight Lane Jn – Stone – Sideway Loop – Stoke-on-Trent – Down Goods – Kidsgrove – Alsager Up & Down Goods Loop – Crewe Class 60 attaches – Warrington Bank Quay – Earlestown – Eccles – Weaste Branch (NR Limit) – Eccles Up Goods Loop – Ordsall Lane Jn – Manchester Piccadilly – Longsight Up & Down Goods – Stockport – Northenden Jn – Northenden Waste Terminal – Altrincham – Northwich – Middlewich – Sandbach – Up Manchester Independent – Up Salop Independent – Gresty Green Through Siding – Down Salop Goods Loop – Crewe Class 60 detaches, then Class 66 as the set-down stations back to Westbury

See for more;
https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events...ncheshire/]]> SATURDAY 5 MARCH 2022
A RAILTOUR TO ‘WEASTE AND WASTE’ FREIGHT LOCATIONS, PLUS GOODS LOOPS AND SIDINGS – FEATURING A ‘TUG’.
We are again pleased to present a traditional railtour that includes visits to a freight only branch and to a freight terminal, in addition to a dozen loops and sidings that do not feature as ‘everyday’ for passengers.

Freight power in the form of a Class 66 will be at the head of the train from the start, taking us via the joining points to Wolverhampton, north of which are several sections of ‘rare track’ as we make our way via Stafford and Stoke-on-Trent to Crewe.

Here we have a leg-stretch whilst a Class 60 is added to the formation, the ‘Tug’ heading the train to Warrington and across Chat Moss to Eccles, for a visit to the Weaste branch. After reversal on the Eccles Up Goods Loop, the route takes us to Stockport and onto what is now the Chester line, as far as Northenden Junction, where the Waste Terminal is the next target.

From there the route lies through Altrincham and the Mid-Cheshire line to Northwich and on the usually freight-only line to Sandbach, then by way of the Manchester Independent line to Gresty Lane Jn and back into Crewe for a break, and where the Class 60 will be detached.

REQUESTED ROUTE: (Subject to confirmation)
Class 66 as per joining stations via Selly Oak to Birmingham New Street, then Perry Barr South Jn – Soho North Jn – Down Soho Goods Loop – Wolverhampton – Stafford Goods Loop – Stafford RMT – Searchlight Lane Jn – Stone – Sideway Loop – Stoke-on-Trent – Down Goods – Kidsgrove – Alsager Up & Down Goods Loop – Crewe Class 60 attaches – Warrington Bank Quay – Earlestown – Eccles – Weaste Branch (NR Limit) – Eccles Up Goods Loop – Ordsall Lane Jn – Manchester Piccadilly – Longsight Up & Down Goods – Stockport – Northenden Jn – Northenden Waste Terminal – Altrincham – Northwich – Middlewich – Sandbach – Up Manchester Independent – Up Salop Independent – Gresty Green Through Siding – Down Salop Goods Loop – Crewe Class 60 detaches, then Class 66 as the set-down stations back to Westbury

See for more;
https://www.pathfindertours.co.uk/events...ncheshire/]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1712 Thu, 18 Nov 2021 16:29:42 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1712
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296]]>
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16473296]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1691 Thu, 20 May 2021 13:03:00 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1691
This new body will allow them to manage rail infrastructure, set timetables and prices, as well as sell train tickets in England.

As well as this, the government have also announced that from late-June, flexible tickets will be available to some people who commute two or three times per week.

This is reportedly the biggest overhaul of the rail network in the UK since privatisation in the mid 1990's

What this means:

• All tickets in the future will be sold by GBR, ending the system where passengers must buy them from multiple companies online and in stations.
• There will be a "significant rollout" of more pay as you go, contactless, and digital ticketing on smartphones.
• From next month, flexible season tickets will be available to those who commute at least two to three times per week. These tickets will go on sale on June 21st, then available for use a week later. This will allow passengers to travel on any eight days during a 28-day period.
  

GBR will also replace the current track operator, Network Rail. However GBR will not be able to oversee rail transport themselves until at least 2023.

Feel free to discuss this, if I've missed any important information or any errors, please let me know.

Sources:
https://twitter.com/i/events/1395291762285899780
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57176858]]>
This new body will allow them to manage rail infrastructure, set timetables and prices, as well as sell train tickets in England.

As well as this, the government have also announced that from late-June, flexible tickets will be available to some people who commute two or three times per week.

This is reportedly the biggest overhaul of the rail network in the UK since privatisation in the mid 1990's

What this means:

• All tickets in the future will be sold by GBR, ending the system where passengers must buy them from multiple companies online and in stations.
• There will be a "significant rollout" of more pay as you go, contactless, and digital ticketing on smartphones.
• From next month, flexible season tickets will be available to those who commute at least two to three times per week. These tickets will go on sale on June 21st, then available for use a week later. This will allow passengers to travel on any eight days during a 28-day period.
  

GBR will also replace the current track operator, Network Rail. However GBR will not be able to oversee rail transport themselves until at least 2023.

Feel free to discuss this, if I've missed any important information or any errors, please let me know.

Sources:
https://twitter.com/i/events/1395291762285899780
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57176858]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1685 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 00:22:55 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1685 https://railcolornews.com/2021/04/19/uk-...ower-cars/]]> https://railcolornews.com/2021/04/19/uk-...ower-cars/]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1665 Thu, 14 Jan 2021 17:48:50 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1665 https://www.gov.uk/government/consultati...of-england

As expected proposals for reducing the number of services through Castlefield, also use of paths through Stockport being reviewed. Under all proposals Alderley Edge to Southport is dropped, as is Crewe to Liverpool via Manchester.

The surprise option is 2tph Leeds to Chester via Victoria, with the Piccadilly to North Wales service diverted via Northwich with calls at Stockport, Altrincham, Knutsford & Northwich only. That is also the only option which will include any improvements on the Mid-Cheshire line, with the others being that the Mid-Cheshire line remains exactly how it was in May 2018, with not even peak time extras continuing to Manchester. That option would also see more clockface half-hourly services on the Crewe lines but it would mean fewer cross-Castlefield services and off-peak Hazel Grove would only be served by a half-hourly Buxton service. Another option reduces Buxton back to hourly again but retains Hazel Grove retains the Blackpool service. The other option is Alderley Edge gets the Blackpool service.]]> https://www.gov.uk/government/consultati...of-england

As expected proposals for reducing the number of services through Castlefield, also use of paths through Stockport being reviewed. Under all proposals Alderley Edge to Southport is dropped, as is Crewe to Liverpool via Manchester.

The surprise option is 2tph Leeds to Chester via Victoria, with the Piccadilly to North Wales service diverted via Northwich with calls at Stockport, Altrincham, Knutsford & Northwich only. That is also the only option which will include any improvements on the Mid-Cheshire line, with the others being that the Mid-Cheshire line remains exactly how it was in May 2018, with not even peak time extras continuing to Manchester. That option would also see more clockface half-hourly services on the Crewe lines but it would mean fewer cross-Castlefield services and off-peak Hazel Grove would only be served by a half-hourly Buxton service. Another option reduces Buxton back to hourly again but retains Hazel Grove retains the Blackpool service. The other option is Alderley Edge gets the Blackpool service.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1650 Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:12:31 +0000 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1650 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1635 Tue, 20 Oct 2020 14:35:42 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1635
As seen in timetable uplifts this year, there is a relationship between
increased levels of service and reduced network performance and
several operator plans for May 2021 have been identified as potential
risks to network performance including TPE. TPE had been working on
plans to return to a full service, with further service increases in line
with their franchise agreement. To maintain the current high levels of
performance it has been proposed to continue with the December 2020
level of service, with some minor amendments where necessary to
improve performance further and match passenger demand. The
System Operator (part of Network Rail) will work with TPE to identify
how the slots not proposed to be used might be retained to facilitate
driver training or reinstate services later in the timetable period should
circumstances require it.

Northern plan to re-instate further services from May 2021, building on
the December 2020 uplift from 89% to 92% of full-service provision.
However, several services will remain suspended due to predicted
levels of resource shortfalls. Details of the service uplifts and remaining
service suspensions have been shared with lead officers as part of the
North of England Contingency Group. Building on the experience of this
summer, this plan has been optimised in order to provide the capacity
and frequency for customers where it is needed most and a
reliable/punctual railway.

https://democracy.transportforthenorth.c...Issues.pdf]]>
As seen in timetable uplifts this year, there is a relationship between
increased levels of service and reduced network performance and
several operator plans for May 2021 have been identified as potential
risks to network performance including TPE. TPE had been working on
plans to return to a full service, with further service increases in line
with their franchise agreement. To maintain the current high levels of
performance it has been proposed to continue with the December 2020
level of service, with some minor amendments where necessary to
improve performance further and match passenger demand. The
System Operator (part of Network Rail) will work with TPE to identify
how the slots not proposed to be used might be retained to facilitate
driver training or reinstate services later in the timetable period should
circumstances require it.

Northern plan to re-instate further services from May 2021, building on
the December 2020 uplift from 89% to 92% of full-service provision.
However, several services will remain suspended due to predicted
levels of resource shortfalls. Details of the service uplifts and remaining
service suspensions have been shared with lead officers as part of the
North of England Contingency Group. Building on the experience of this
summer, this plan has been optimised in order to provide the capacity
and frequency for customers where it is needed most and a
reliable/punctual railway.

https://democracy.transportforthenorth.c...Issues.pdf]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1632 Fri, 11 Sep 2020 23:06:47 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1632
Ex Scotrail 314204 and Ex Gatwick Express 442401 and 442421 have been scrapped.

Ex Northern 319373 has been converted into a parcels unit on behalf of a ROG Subsidiary.

GBRf 66792 is here for repaint and should be released soon.

ROG 57305 is here for heavy overhaul and then repaint.]]>
Ex Scotrail 314204 and Ex Gatwick Express 442401 and 442421 have been scrapped.

Ex Northern 319373 has been converted into a parcels unit on behalf of a ROG Subsidiary.

GBRf 66792 is here for repaint and should be released soon.

ROG 57305 is here for heavy overhaul and then repaint.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1614 Thu, 04 Jun 2020 22:13:17 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1614 Operational;
142001 - National Railway Museum, Shildon (Will be going in GMPTE Orange)
142003 - Unknown Buyer, Eastleigh (in Paintshop)
142004 - Unknown Buyer (Stored with Northern)
142007 - Unknown Buyer, Eastleigh (in Paintshop)
142013 - Midland Railway, Butterley
142017 - East Kent Railway
142019 - Waverley Route Heritage Association
142020 - Waverley Route Heritage Association (Regional Railways: Tyne & Wear Yellow Livery)
142023 - Plym Valley Railway
142029 - Chasewater Railway
142030 - Chasewater Railway
142035 - Wensleydale Railway
142036 - East Kent Railway
142038 - Mid Norfolk Railway (Will be going in BR Provincial Blue)
142041 - Wensleydale Railway
142055 - Foxfield Light Railway
142061 - Mid Norfolk Railway
142084 - Rushden Historical Transport Society (Will be going in Regional Railways)
142091 - Rushden Historical Transport Society (Will be going in Regional Railways)
143603 - The Vale of Berkeley Railway
143612 - The Vale of Berkeley Railway
144003 - Great Central Rail Nottingham
144004 - Aln Valley Railway (at Wensleydale awaiting Road Transport)
144006 - Gobowen Cambrian Heritage Railway
144007 - Gobowen Cambrian Heritage Railway
144010 - Wensleydale Railway (Due to go to Llangollen)
144011 - Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
144013 - Telford Steam Railway
144014 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)
144016 - Aln Valley Railway (at Wensleydale awaiting Road Transport)
144017 - Appleby Frodingham Railway (Still in use with Northern)
144018 - Mid Norfolk Railway
144019 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)
144022 - Keith & Dufftown Railway
144023 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)

Non Operational;
142011 - Midland Railway (Component Donor to 013)
142027 - Chasewater Railway (Component Donor to 029 & 030)
142028 - Wensleydale Railway (Mobile Home Conversion)
142033 - Brewery Field, Bridgend (South Wales Police Training Unit)
142043 - Kingstanding Training Centre (Sussex Police Training Unit)
142045 - Kirk Merrington School (Conversion into Library)
142060 - Wensleydale Railway (Holiday Let and Arts Space Conversion)
144008 - Corby & District Model Railway (Static Exhibit)
144009 - Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue (in store at East Lancashire Railway)

3 Further unconfirmed 144s were part of Porterbrook's "Convert a Pacer" Competition and will eventually be going to Platform 1 Huddersfield Station, Fagley Primary School and Airedale NHS Trust.]]> Operational;
142001 - National Railway Museum, Shildon (Will be going in GMPTE Orange)
142003 - Unknown Buyer, Eastleigh (in Paintshop)
142004 - Unknown Buyer (Stored with Northern)
142007 - Unknown Buyer, Eastleigh (in Paintshop)
142013 - Midland Railway, Butterley
142017 - East Kent Railway
142019 - Waverley Route Heritage Association
142020 - Waverley Route Heritage Association (Regional Railways: Tyne & Wear Yellow Livery)
142023 - Plym Valley Railway
142029 - Chasewater Railway
142030 - Chasewater Railway
142035 - Wensleydale Railway
142036 - East Kent Railway
142038 - Mid Norfolk Railway (Will be going in BR Provincial Blue)
142041 - Wensleydale Railway
142055 - Foxfield Light Railway
142061 - Mid Norfolk Railway
142084 - Rushden Historical Transport Society (Will be going in Regional Railways)
142091 - Rushden Historical Transport Society (Will be going in Regional Railways)
143603 - The Vale of Berkeley Railway
143612 - The Vale of Berkeley Railway
144003 - Great Central Rail Nottingham
144004 - Aln Valley Railway (at Wensleydale awaiting Road Transport)
144006 - Gobowen Cambrian Heritage Railway
144007 - Gobowen Cambrian Heritage Railway
144010 - Wensleydale Railway (Due to go to Llangollen)
144011 - Keighley & Worth Valley Railway
144013 - Telford Steam Railway
144014 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)
144016 - Aln Valley Railway (at Wensleydale awaiting Road Transport)
144017 - Appleby Frodingham Railway (Still in use with Northern)
144018 - Mid Norfolk Railway
144019 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)
144022 - Keith & Dufftown Railway
144023 - Vintage Trains, Tyseley (Mainline Operational)

Non Operational;
142011 - Midland Railway (Component Donor to 013)
142027 - Chasewater Railway (Component Donor to 029 & 030)
142028 - Wensleydale Railway (Mobile Home Conversion)
142033 - Brewery Field, Bridgend (South Wales Police Training Unit)
142043 - Kingstanding Training Centre (Sussex Police Training Unit)
142045 - Kirk Merrington School (Conversion into Library)
142060 - Wensleydale Railway (Holiday Let and Arts Space Conversion)
144008 - Corby & District Model Railway (Static Exhibit)
144009 - Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue (in store at East Lancashire Railway)

3 Further unconfirmed 144s were part of Porterbrook's "Convert a Pacer" Competition and will eventually be going to Platform 1 Huddersfield Station, Fagley Primary School and Airedale NHS Trust.]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1613 Wed, 03 Jun 2020 20:06:24 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1613
As the title suggests there is a Petition to Isle Of Man Government to show the level of support existing for a Re-Opened Douglas to Peel Railway.

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/DouglastoPeelRailway and I'd greatly appreciate it if you could sign and share to get the message out.

Thanks for all your time and support!]]>
As the title suggests there is a Petition to Isle Of Man Government to show the level of support existing for a Re-Opened Douglas to Peel Railway.

The petition can be found at https://www.change.org/DouglastoPeelRailway and I'd greatly appreciate it if you could sign and share to get the message out.

Thanks for all your time and support!]]> https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1610 Fri, 22 May 2020 08:14:52 +0100 https://dartslf.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1610
https://www.railwaygazette.com/policy/li...87.article]]>
https://www.railwaygazette.com/policy/li...87.article]]>