We utilize essential cookies to ensure our website operates effectively and remains secure. Additionally, we'd like to request your permission to use optional cookies. These are intended to enhance your browsing experience by offering personalized content, displaying advertisements that are relevant to you, and helping us to further refine our website.
Choose "Accept all cookies" to agree to the use of both essential and optional cookies. Alternatively, select "Let me see" to customize your preferences.
Privacy Preference Centre
Our website utilizes cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to present you with content tailored to your preferences on this device and browser. Below, you will find detailed information about the function of cookies, enabling you to make informed choices about which cookies you wish to accept. Please note that disabling certain cookies might impact your user experience on our site. It's important to remember that cookie preferences need to be set individually for each device and browser you use. Clearing your browser's cache may also remove your cookie settings. You have the freedom to modify your cookie preferences at any point in the future.
For a comprehensive understanding of our use of cookies, please refer to our complete cookies policy.
These cookies are needed for the website to work and for us to fulfil our contractual obligations. This means they can't be switched off. They enable essential functionality such as security, accessibility and live chat support. They also help us to detect and prevent fraud. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but it means some parts of the site won't work.
Performance and Analytics
These cookies allow us to measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know how popular pages are, and to see how visitors move around the site. If you don't allow these cookies, we won't know when you've visited our site, and we won't be able to monitor its performance.
Functional
These cookies enable us to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we've added to our pages. If you don't allow these cookies, some or all of these services may not work properly.
Advertising
These cookies collect information about your browsing habits to show you personalised adverts. They may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They don't store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you don't allow these cookies, the adverts you see will be less relevant.
Slainte Mhor! Confused? That’s a wee bit of Gaelic for you English heathens.
It’s pronounced 'slancha vor'. It has a double meaning in Scottish history – it ostensibly meant 'great health', but was also a way of saying 'health to Marion' (Mhòr or Mor in Gaelic means Marion), a code word for Bonnie Prince Charlie. One of today’s very interesting items in this blog features the “Jacobite” service between Fort William and Mallaig -one of the world’s most beautiful train trips. Don’t worry, it’s not a Party Political Broadcast on behalf of the Scottish Nationalist Party and, anyway, I’m not in favour of Scottish independence. Why would you want to give up on Great Britain to become a wee country in the EU and that’s if the EU want Scotland! I understand Spain is not in favour!
Enough of politics. I’m afraid I’ve had a massive problem with my Internet connection recently I use wetransfer.com to send the huge files to webmaster, James in his lair at Tracksidesigns HQ but the connection has been so bad that they’re not getting through. This morning I tried to buy 4 Greggs Jam Doughnuts to arrive before NannyBarb returned home from a lunch with her sisters! I had limited time to do it but the connection was so slow I had to give up after 90 minutes of seething frustration as I knew NannyBarb would return soon. As it happens she got back home much earlier than I expected so it was probably lucky for me that I couldn’t order any on the sugary jemmy treats! So what, if I have a heart attack! I do recommend them to you. They are wonderfully messy.
Mmmm, JAMMY
Back to the blog. Because of the connection problems I began to think that, maybe, some of my blog creations were on the huge side. In the blog I like to include news from REAL railways. I do this because I think as rail modellers (not me, of course) you like to keep up to date with real rail news from round the world so I’m going to leave it up to you to decide if I continue bringing real stuff to your attention. When you’ve read this let me know by eMail (philipgcooper@hotmail.co.uk) or via Facebook Messenger, if you want me to carry on with real rail news or not. You are in charge!
SEAN SELLEY-WEST
Sean Selley-West has been rather quiet recently and he’s told me that he’s not felt the motivation for modelling. But you can’t keep a genius down for long and he’s getting back into it now. His plan is to update his newest winter-themed layout which will also incorporate a Christmas market. I have no doubt that Sean will work his magic to build something amazing. The man IS a genius. Sean’s sent in some photos of his preparation for us all to see.
Sean is a terrific modeller, one of the very best and I’ve got no doubts that he will create something very special which will amaze all of us. Keep us informed, Sean, please, with the development.
Don’t forget that Sean is always willing to give advice if you need it.
Sean was soon back in the groove because he sent me theses hours later!
He has sealed the gaps in the foam sheets with white duct tape, and installed the platforms, trees and grass tufts. The market stalls are being scratch built (the building in the green thing). Once that’s done and the buildings etc are in place, then it’ll be ready for the snow.
You just can’t keep a great modeller down for long.
It’s great to see how a master craftsman goes about his work
WE move now to another master craftsman:
NEIL STANLEY
Like Sean, Neil is available if you need any advice. You can catch him in his Facebook group, “The Model Railway Group”In his spare time Neil teaches the art of weathering and general modelling to beginners. He also creates bespoke floodlight towers and electricity pylons to modellers. I’ve got 4 and they are fantastic.
King of the Class 37, 37025 Inverness TMD 2nd from the right
Crikey, that’s 2 brilliant modellers for you and here’s a video from yet another brilliant modeller who has built an epic layout.
I’m spoiling you lot!
DAVID STYLES
A View out of the window:
THE JACOBITE
LMS Black 5 No. 44871 and 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier have begun their Jacobite season. Described as the greatest railway journey in the world, this 84 mile round trip takes you past a list of impressive extremes. Starting near the highest mountain in Britain, Ben Nevis, it visits Britain's most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig; passes close by the deepest freshwater loch in Britain, to the deepest seawater loch in Europe, Loch Nevis!
The train stops en route to Mallaig at the village of Glenfinnan. Beyond Glenfinnan are the beautiful villages of Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar and Mallaig. You may alight at Arisaig by request to the guard. From here, on a clear summer's day, you can see the "Small Isles" of Rum, Eigg, Muck, Canna and the southern tip of Skye. The train continues on from here passing Morar and the silvery beaches used in the films "Highlander***" and "Local Hero*".
*What do you mean, you’ve never seen the film “Local Hero”? Even though no trainsare featured, it’s brilliant. The plot of the film is that the head of an American oil company (played by Burt Lancaster) has plans for a new refinery in Scotland and sends one of his employees to Scotland to buy the land but he meets some Scottish characters led by Peter Capaldi and the brilliant Rikki Fulton and some locals who think they’ll become millionaires but things start to go wrong when they then meet a beachcomber, Ben, sa canny customer played by Fulton Mackay. The end of the film is of the sound of a public telephone ringing. When you see it, you’ll understand!
The “Jacobite” is an apt name because it was Glenfinnan that Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his flag to begin the Jacobite Rebellion in 1745. It ended in April 1746 on Culloden Moor where, even now, you never hear any birds singing.
It was not a Scotland v England battle. If anything it was Catholic v Protestant and may Scots fought in the Government ranks.
The prince and, in my view, the son of the rightful heir to the throne, survived the battle and despite offers of a huge reward the Highlanders did not give him away and he eventually escaped to France. His escape was sung about in the Skye Boat Song.** The battle was a bloody massacre which saw the Government troops led by the Duke of Cumberland commit many war crimes torturing and killing the wounded and setting fire to homes in Inverness! I was born 209 years later just a few miles north of the battlefield.
44871 and 45407 head to Fort William // Credit: D.
www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/culloden
**I know you’re ready to sing the beautiful song so here’s the words. I can hear the bagpipes warming up:
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing,
Onward! the sailors cry;
Carry the lad that's born to be king
Over the sea to Skye.
Loud the winds howl, loud the waves roar,
Thunderclaps rend the air;
Baffled, our foes stand by the shore,
Follow they will not dare.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that's born to be king Over the sea to Skye.
Many's the lad, fought on that day
Well the claymore did wield;
When the night came, silently lay
Dead on Culloden's field.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that's born to be king Over the sea to Skye.
Though the waves leap, soft shall ye sleep,
Ocean's a royal bed.
Rocked in the deep, Flora will keep
Watch by your weary head.
Speed, bonnie boat, like a bird on the wing, Onward! the sailors cry; Carry the lad that's born to be king Over the sea to Skye.
Burned are their homes, exile and death
Scatter the loyal men;
Yet ere the sword cool in the sheath Charlie will come again.
*** Don’t tell me that you haven’t seen Highlander either That’s madness. It’s a classic about a man who is immortal but doesn’t know it until Sean Connery turns up to tell him and warn him about the Kurgan!.The music (Queen) is pretty gppd too. Remember, there can be only ONE! I was going to find the words to “Who Wants To Live Forever” but remembered this was a blog about wee trains! But for those of you who like to sing in the bath:
By the way, don’t bother with any of the sequels, they’re crap!
MY DAD
In the last week I’ve been forced to set up a new internet provider because the provIder had (Utility Warehouse) was simply not working so now I’m in the hands of British Telecom and, I hope, a better router which actually works! I’ve also decided to get myself a new laptop, (SGIL) to replace my over worked Lenovo which worked well despite my abuse of it.
It’s early days with SGIL but it looks promising HOWEVER the new machine came with Windows11 and I’ve only just got used to Windows 10 on the Lenovo. They jury’s out on Windows 11 but I’ve been transferring files to the SGIL and I cam across this photo of a snowdrift my dad got caught in back, I think, in the 60s. I think the locos were either a Class 24 or 25. Dad and his mate were marooned for 2 or 3 days and helicopter had to be used to drop food to them. I feel sorry for his mate as Dad had a tendency to suddenly break into a song he had just composed!
We’re much softer these days and I’ve noticed how the English go into a complete panic at the first sight of snow flakes, immediately leaving work for home in their cars and creating icy gridlock. Up in Inverness me and my mates used to go out for fun in blizzards-we all thought we were Swedish rally drivers which is probably why I learned to love Saabs! Anyway, here’s the photo (at last).
When Men were MEN
Making Tracks 3
Making Tracks 3 has commissioned illustrator Tom Connell to produce a unique artwork of Milton Keynes Central Station to go with Pete Waterman’s brand-new ‘OO’ gauge layout.
Making Tracks 3 models the busy station at Milton Keynes Central in ‘OO’ gauge and will be on display at Chester Cathedral from July 26-September 2. The Tom Connell illustration will be a limited edition of 50 copies which will be signed by Pete Waterman and Tom Connell. They will be on sale from July 26 2023.
Milton Keynes Central has been illustrated for Making Tracks 3 by Tom Connell for a limited edition of 50 prints.
The Making Tracks 3 illustration features a pair of Freightliner Class 90s alongside a Class 390 Pendolino and Class 350 Desiro – three of the signature trains for the 64ft x 14ft 'OO’ gauge layout.
Full details of the illustration will be available on the Tom Connell Studio website from July 26 and in addition an exhibition on Tom Connell’s railway illustrations will form part of the Making Tracks event at Chester Cathedral.
I’m about to automate some points on my board so it’s lucky that the very clever boys and girls at DCC Concepts have put out one of their great videos.
And I nicked this from their brilliant website. Have a look
I find it very daunting to using electrickery and I tend to wait several weeks to find the courage to have a go .Luckily DCC Concepts produced an “idiots gulde” in plain English:
Aren’t we all! Anyway, never fear I’ve searched Youtube and found this old video of her an Warley 4 years ago. Doesn’t she look so very innocent. NO, John Batley, you cad, I will not ask her that!
SOCIETE DU GRAND PARIS
The Société du Grand Paris has contracted the Colas Rail / Alstom consortium, led by Colas Rail, to supply the track, overhead catenary system and linear equipment for the 2nd section of the Grand Paris Express line 17.
Line 17 will be 26.5 kilometres long and will connect 9 stations across 13 municipalities between Saint-Denis Pleyel and Le Mesnil-Amelot in under 25 minutes.
Line 17 of the Grand Paris Express metro project
Under this latest contract, the Colas Rail / Alstom consortium will supply and lay 10 kilometres of track, the rigid overhead catenary system and the linear equipment between Le Bourget Aéroport and Parc des Expositions. This will involve work within in a tunnel, in embankments and on a viaduct.
The first works will start by mid-2024 and will involve up to 200 employees from Alstom and Colas Rail.
This contract follows the two companies’ previous collaboration on projects such as the Grand Paris Express line 15 South-East section.
BORDEAUX-LYON
In a recent blog I brought you news of a potential new service between Bordeaux and Lyon. It has now been given the go-ahead and starts Summer 2024.
Independent railway operator, Railcoop has announced that its first passenger service between Bordeaux and Lyon will launch in the summer of 2024.
Railcoop will initially offer a two-day return trip between Bordeaux and Lyon.
Each single trip will take just under 8 hours and will serve Bordeaux, Libourne, Périgueux, Limoges, Saint-Sulpice-Laurière, Guéret, Montluçon, Gannat, Saint-Germain-des-Fossés, Roanne and Lyon.
The service will operate overhauled Class X72500 diesel multiple units built by Alstom
The service will run using former SNCF X72500 three-coach trainsets, which ACCM is overhauling on behalf of Railcoop.
Prior to commencing passenger service, Railcoop says it still needs to raise 4.1 million EUR in 2023.
Meanwhile, the cooperative is continuing to roll out its freight service between Capdenac and Saint Gaudens, which has been running since May 2022.
BEST LUXURY TRAINS IN THE WORLD (according to Timeout magazine)
Photograph: Altrendo Images / Shutterstock.com
1. The Eastern & Oriental Express
The world-famous Orient Express is somewhat incorrectly titled, seeing as it travels around Europe and Europe alone. But this route from Bangkok to Singapore ticks more boxes on the moniker front. It also runs through a stretch of scenery that will take your breath away, if that breath hasn’t already been snatched by the onboard decor and tremendous service.
Ancient wonders and cosmopolitan cities collide (not literally) in a blur of exquisite glamour aboard this stunner. Tickets can stretch upwards of $3,000 (£2,450), but you very much pay for what you get.
2. Rocky Mountaineer
Faultless service, delicious food and comfortable seats are all an integral part of the luxury train experience, but you can’t beat the overwhelming majesty of nature. Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer train understands this, hence the panoramic views, opening up the wonder of the route between Vancouver and Banff for all to enjoy. Sure, economy seats are available, but they don’t come with the views, so go all out and allow yourself this top-notch two-night experience.
3. The Deccan Odyssey
India knows exactly how to put together a luxury tourist train. A spin-off of the famed Palace on Wheels, the Deccan Odyssey offers six different routes, from the hidden splendour of Gujarat to the natural magic of Maharashtra, but you can’t really go wrong with any of them. It is mind-bendingly expensive (tickets start at $7,320 or £5,980), but who expects low prices to follow the word ‘luxury’? Fools, that’s who. You are basically travelling in a limousine on wheels across one of the world’s biggest countries, after all.
Photograph: Fritz16 / Shutterstock.com
4. The Ghan
Australia is a land of iconic travel experiences, and a trip on The Ghan is right up there, a trundling train treat that coasts from Darwin to Adelaide. Keen geographers will realise that the train runs from the very northern tip of Australia to the bottom, making The Ghan a unique way to see the heart of this fantastic nation. There isn’t a whole lot in the centre of Australia (a lot of camels, by the way), but the overwhelming immensity of it all is incredible. The name is a shortened take on the route’s original moniker, The Afghan Express.
5. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
When one thinks of luxurious trains, the Orient Express immediately forces its way into the discussion. How could it not? This iconic train has been immortalised in literature, cinema and everything else since it first set off in 1883, covering the distance between Paris and Istanbul (then Constantinople) in less than 76 hours. It was known as the world’s most luxurious train for a reason, all glass panels, refined leather seats and beds that offered the sort of sleep that, yes, travellers can only dream of. Seven historic cars have been renovated for the modern day, bringing the 1800s glamour into the twenty-first century.
6. Seven Stars in Kyushu
Japan’s finest luxury train experience is undoubtedly the Seven Stars in Kyushu, a circular tour from Hakata that runs through Nagasaki and Yufuin over two days. A four-day option is also available, perfect for those who have money to spare and are looking for a seven-star (yes, seven) railway experience. Trains in Japan are a thing of wonder, but there is something about the Seven Stars that makes it stand out. It is a gorgeous celebration of Japanese art, from the walls to the cabins to washbasins.
7. Rovos Rail
Africa’s premium train journey experience is undoubtedly the Rovos Rail, with a variety of trips available covering everything from 48-hour runs to 15-day explorative itineraries. These bespoke trains are a sight to behold, with gorgeous armchairs and all the wine one can handle waiting within. Throw in a stunning dining car, observation decks and a total absence of TV and radio, and you’ve got a nostalgic experience to remember.
8. The Heritage Palace on Wheels
The Heritage Palace on Wheels (FKA The Palace on Wheels) has 14 luxurious cabins with all the mod cons, but it is the dining section on this beauty that really take the breath away. The food is spectacular in and of itself, but the decor and design make dining on the Heritage Palace on Wheels one of India’s great romantic experiences. The famous name has since incorporated the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels into its stable, although the insecurity of the past few years has rendered the train’s future somewhat uncertain. Climb aboard while you still can.
9. The Blue Train
Traversing the 1,600km or so between Pretoria and Cape Town by train is one of South Africa’s most amazing travel experiences, so why not go all out and embrace the luxury of it all? One of the fanciest trains on the planet, The Blue Train styles itself as a window into the soul of Africa and we’re inclined to agree.
10. The Royal Scotsman
The UK’s most famous train now exists as an opulent reminder of a very different time. The name remains in use as modern trains hurtle between Edinburgh and London, but those looking to climb aboard the iconic locomotive of yesteryear must dig deep into their pockets and dress to the nines as they do. Still, it is worth it, right? The Flying Scotsman is an exercise in British luxury, a time machine to the nineteenth century through the eyes of a very wealthy traveller indeed.
South America’s first luxury sleeper train first set off in May 2017, bringing the romance of the rails to this most romantic of continents. The train runs from Cusco (the capital of the Incan Empire, no less) to the white city of Arequipa, showcasing the best of the Peruvian Andes along the way.
OK so according to Timeout Magazine these are the best luxury trains. I would love to travel the Trans-Siberian Express which is not a luxury train and parts of it are very basic but the idea of travelling through China, Mongolia and, finally, Russia is, for me, very exciting.I’d be glued to the window unless some of my fellow passengers was passing round the vodka! There’s a lot of that sort of socialising I hear! If you want to find out about it I recommend you try this website:
It is a magnificent website full of money-saving tips
FRANCE TO INVEST €100 BILLION IN RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE
On 24 February, Prime Minister of France and former Minister of Transport, Élisabeth Borne presented the nation’s future plan for transport, which prioritises a 100 billion EUR investment in railway infrastructure.
Borne said that rail is “the backbone of mobility” and is key to a successful ecological transition. The government of France is thus committing to a New Rail Deal in collaboration with SNCF, the European Union and local authorities to invest 100 billion EUR in its infrastructure by 2040.
The Prime Minister presented the future plan for transport: decarbonising the car, massive support for rail, improvement of transport networks and priority of daily transport
This investment will help modernise the nation’s aging rail network in order to deliver more reliable and frequent services.
Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne said:
“For our fellow citizens, modernising the network will mean more trains, better punctuality and shorter journey times. It is under these conditions, and under these conditions only, that the train will be fully an attractive and credible alternative to the car.”
In addition, the funds will further develop the current network by adding new lines and better connections to existing stations to ensure all communities can conveniently access public transport.
These improvements are to enable more passengers to choose to travel by train rather than private cars, and will thus reduce local greenhouse gas emissions.
Borne added:
“Talking about metropolitan RERs is not just talking about trains, it's about building complete transport networks for the French. It means getting closer to a station or developing public transport where it is absent. It is when our fellow citizens can find regular, easily accessible and reliable public transit that they will be able to reduce their car use.
“I know that we are deciding on an important investment, but it is necessary and essential, to improve the quality of our transport, to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, to continue to develop a solid industrial sector, because 80% of railway investments benefit French companies.”
If you would like to read more blog posts from Phil check back every two weeks or sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on site news or when the blog posts go live.
The views and opinions expressed within the content are solely the author's and do not reflect the opinions and beliefs of Trackside Signs or its affiliates.
