Rail Press

LMS 2MT 46447 Returns To The East Somerset Railway Just last weekend, LMS 2MT No. 46447 returned to service at the East Somerset Railway, so we asked the team some questions about the return of this Locomotive Q: What was the most challenging task of 46447's Overhaul? A: The overhaul was reasonably straight forward this time. Having done the much tougher job ten years previous of the restoration from Barry Scrap Yard condition, this time we were only addressing minimal wear on bearings, lots of stripping and cleaning for inspection and then also fortunately the boiler is still in very good condition. There were some lower platework on the boiler which needed replacing which we did in house. Q: How long is 46447 expected to stay in traffic at the ESR?   A: 46447 will remain at the ESR for at least ten years and will be used for any of the ESR’s services including normal service trains, dining trains, galas, santa trains, photo charters etc. Q : Does this feel like a signifi...

Nene Valley Railway Launch 'Resilience' Fundraiser The Nene Valley Railway has launched a Resilience Fundraiser to keep their Railway going, below is an image showing how much essential items cost for the railway.  If you can, please make a donation to the NVR to ensure they can stay running for generations to come. https://www.nvr.org.uk/product.php/164

Class 701 In Great British Railways Livery Minutes ago, unit 701006 left Bournemouth TCD bound for Wimbledon Depot, scheduled for a press event tommorow at London Waterloo station. The unit is complete and will likely enter service in the coming days. Photo by Southuktrains.

Great British Railways Full Livery Revealed  Earlier today the first unit to be put in GBR livery was seen shunting around Lovers Walk TRSMD depot. The unit is former GWR Class 387/1 387172. According to online rumours there will be a press event next week for an official look at the livery. We will keep you all updated as soon as we know more. Photo by an unknown user.

Preserved Class 50 To Head To Scotland Next Month It’s now confirmed that this June, a Class 50 from the Class 50 Alliance will head to Scotland on a three‑day charter. The trip begins on Saturday 6 June at Kidderminster, where the locomotive will depart for the first leg of the journey. Day one concludes at Polmont. On Sunday 7 June, the Class 50 will take the train to Oban, before returning to Polmont later that day. The charter then leaves Polmont on Monday, making its way back to Kidderminster to complete the tour. The trip was first announced in April and will be operated by the Branch Line Society . Further information, including ticket options, can be found here:   https://www.branchline.uk/fixture.php

Class 37/6 - 37667 'Flopsie' Repainted Into LSL Black Recently 37667 left Eastleigh Arlington in LSL lined black livery, a livery that's now all too common across LSL's diesel fleet. Photo by Eric Wombell   I would like to add an extra apology note for the delay in this post. This was due to my lack of knowledge that 37667 had left the works.

  Class 59 Repainted Into 1980s Yeoman Inspired Livery Earlier today Facebook user George Derkacz shown a photo of 59001 'Yeoman Endeavour' in it's new livery which is inspired heavily by the livery it first worn upon it's delivery to the UK in 1986. The Class 59 will see its debut in the livery this weekend at the Severn Valley Railway Diesel Gala. You can track its progress to the SVR here: https://live.rail-record.co.uk/train.php/?c=R44261&d=2026-05-13

BR Class 455/8 455868 To Be Scrapped In Days Earlier today BR Blue livery Class 455/8 455868 was spotted en route to EMR Kingsbury for scrapping. The special heritage livery was revealed in early 2024 to commemorate the long and reliable life of the Class 455s which were then withdrawn just a year later. Photo and info from Nigel Tippy.

Derailment At The Nene Valley Railway Causes Blockage Earlier today a derailment occurred in Wansford Yard on the Nene Valley Railway and has caused blockages in the yard.  This however comes with the negative that BR Class 45/0 45041 'Royal Tank Regiment' will not be joining the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala lineup unless a VSTP (Very Short Term Planning) move happens. If 45041 cannot attend it will likely disrupt and cause a rework to the weekends timetables.

Class 99 To Make Gala Debut This Month Swanage Railway have officially confirmed the final guest for the highly anticipated annual Diesel Gala taking place 8-10th May 2026 , the guest is confirmed to be a newly imported Stadler Class 99 , courtesy of GB Railfreight . More information about the Gala can be viewed using the link below. https://www.swanagerailway.co.uk/events/view/diesel-gala-and-beer-festival-2026