Millions across Britain will have access to new open access train services under new rail industry plans. David Parry/PA Wire The PA news agency reported that open access services on seven routes are currently being developed. Most trains in Britain are run by operators either owned or paid management fees by the UK, Scottish or Welsh governments. However, open access operators set their own fares, take on all revenue risk and receive no taxpayer-funded subsidies. The UK Government is also planning measures to encourage further proposals, despite concerns that open access services create addit ..read more

New-build GWR 4-6-0 No. 6880 Betton Grange ran for the first time when it was steamed in the yard at Tyseley Locomotive Works on Thursday, April 11 – opening a new chapter in Great Western Railway history. Pictures and video by Robin Jones. Resplendent in its line Brunswick Green livery No. 6880 – the 81st member of its class and now its sole representative – made several runs up and down the yard in the afternoon after its first fire was lit earlier. The runs were witnessed by a small group of invited guests comprising officials and volunteers of the 6880 Betton Grange Society Ltd and Tyseley ..read more

Network Rail has announced it will spend £3.4 million on repairs to the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Credit: RuslanKaln Work on the viaduct, which operates between Fort William and Mallaig in the Scottish Highlands, will take just under a year to complete. A start date has not yet been announced. Network Rail said there would be no disruption to trains that operate on the line while maintenance is carried out, and the structure’s appearance would not be changed. Engineers will assess the strength of the viaduct while carrying out work to protect it from water erosion, and will later complete concrete r ..read more

Parts of the country will have no train services on Friday as drivers at five train operators strike. Danny Lawson/PA Wire Passengers have been urged not to attempt to travel on Friday as five train operators have said they will not run any services amid a driver’s strike. Members of Aslef at Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern will walk out, mounting picket lines outside stations. A ban on overtime at 16 companies is also continuing until Saturday, which will cause disruption to services. On Saturday train drivers will walk out ..read more

Spain is a great place to go for fun things to do. This amazing tourist destination offers plenty of recreation options. There is something for everyone in Spain, whether you want to learn about culture, go on an outdoor trip, or just spend the day at the beach. Let us share some of the best things to do in Spain in order for you to get the max out of your vacay time. In case you want to combine rest and job hunting, you can visit  Jooble employment site for the exciting career opportunity. #1 — Go to Music Events & Festivals If you love jazz (just as we do) and happen to be in the Ba ..read more

The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has launched a fundraising appeal to replace the tyres on its flagship steam locomotive W24 Calbourne. Credit: ARG_Flickr Calbourne was constructed in 1891, and its steel tyres have worn down over the years meaning they now need to be replaced. Fitting the tyres is a highly specialist and lengthy task. The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has launched the urgent fundraising appeal in the hopes of getting Calbourne back in service as soon as possible. The locomotive has been with the railway since 1967 and is popular with visitors. Chairman Peter Taylor said: “We are ..read more

A train came off the tracks near Grange-Over-Sand in Cumbria, Northern has said. James Manning All lines between Barrow-in-Furness and Lancaster are currently blocked. Network Rail staff have been on site since in the early hours, the train company said. Ticket restrictions for other train operators like Transpennine Express and Avanti have been lifted, while road rail replacement vehicles have been requested, Northern said. Northern advised people to reconsider their journeys and check before they travel. This story will be updated as we learn more ..read more

Train drivers at 16 rail companies will stage a fresh wave of strikes in April as the long-running dispute over pay and conditions continues. Members of Aslef will hold a rolling programme of one-day walkouts between April 5 and 8, alongside a six-day ban on overtime. Train drivers have now not had a pay rise for five years, since April 2019, said Aslef. The union said it wanted to increase the pressure on the “intransigent” train companies and the “tone-deaf” government following a series of strikes stretching back 20 months. Drivers will strike on Friday April 5 at Avanti West Coast, East Mi ..read more

A new exhibition celebrating the life of Sir Nigel Gresley will open in Doncaster next month on the 100 year anniversary of Flying Scotsman’s official naming. Gresley: Genius of Steam and Speed will tell the story of the man who designed world-famous locomotives including Flying Scotsman and The Mallard. The exhibition will be held in Doncaster, the city where many of Gresley’s creations were built. On display will be a selection of Gresley’s letters and notebooks and a number of his personal artefacts such as his hat and passport to tell the story of Gresley’s life. As well as celebrating Gr ..read more

Locomotion in Shildon, County Durham is to undertake the museum’s biggest ever rail shunt to create Europe’s largest undercover display of historic rail vehicles. Managed by specialist teams from Locomotion and the National Railway Museum, the shunt will see 46 vehicles (and one road vehicle) moved carefully inside the newly constructed £8m New Hall. Locomotive Super D unloaded into New Hall. Locomotion is a partnership between the Science Museum Group and Durham County Council, with the latter having provided significant funding towards New Hall. Situated opposite the museum’s existing collec ..read more