Steam trains win bank holiday reprieve as Network Rail lifts fire-risk ban

Steam trains will be able to run on the mainline during one of the busiest weeks of the year after heavy rain eased concerns about the threat of track-side fires.
Network Rail lifted a steam ban on popular routes in North West England including the Settle & Carlisle and Cumbrian Coast lines, while the operator of the Jacobite train in Scotland said it would switch back to steam from diesel.
Amber alerts indicating a risk of fire across the wider network were meanwhile downgraded after downpours on Friday night soaked lineside vegetation that had been tinderbox dry.
An expert on Network Rail's special trains team said that months of minimal rainfall had created 'brown corridors' at substantial risk of being ignited by embers jettisoned by steam engines.
He said: 'The entire country has been at high alert, but some routes, particularly in the North West, have been forced to ban steam in recent weeks as the risk has just been too great.
'But with the weather turning and rain arriving Friday night and over the weekend, the risk is reducing and steam can once again run on our metals.'
This year has seen the driest start to spring in England since 1956, with half the expected rainfall in April and only a quarter of the long-term average in March.
The trend continued into May, with warnings of imminent hosepipe bans and a summer drought, and wildfires breaking out in areas including Cumbria, Derbyshire and Dorset.
Network Rail responded with a series of curbs on steam trains culminating in a 10-day blanket ban in the North West.
However, with the heatwave ending as low pressure systems bring rainy conditions, Network Rail eased the restrictions in time for the spring bank holiday and school break.
The decision was based on forecasts from MetDesk, which provides the firm with predictions of fire risk, ice and leaf fall, as well as weather forecasts for every 500 yards of track.
North West England was moved from black alert to red status for Saturday, which meant that a steam locomotive could lead a train using limited power, assisted by a diesel engine at the rear.
The risk level was dropped to amber on Sunday, simply requiring operators to exercise caution.
West Coast Railways, the biggest operator of steam and classic diesel trains on the national network, said the reprieve was vital going into the busiest months for charter operations.
James Shuttleworth, the firm's commercial manager, said that the rainfall meant the Jacobite train in the Highlands – dubbed the 'Hogwarts Express' for its appearances in the Harry Potter franchise – will also be able to return to steam traction from diesel.
With most of its steam engines based in Carnforth in North West England, the ban had threatened to leave the firm unable to haul trains even in parts of the country that were unaffected. One locomotive in service when the clampdown was announced had been unable to return to base and was abandoned to York.
Mr Shuttleworth said the spring had been the driest he had known since 1995, when the newly launched Jacobite service was forced to use diesels.
Steam operators responded to months of bans at the time with measures to limit fire risk, including spark arresters and grills on engines.
West Coast is now permitted to make its own decisions regarding appropriate traction for the Jacobite in conjunction with managers at Network Rail's Fort William depot.
Mr Shuttleworth said: 'You've got to be responsible. It's also about accessibility and whether the fire brigade would be able to get to the site of a potential fire.'
In Scotland and other upland areas, he said, there's also the risk of a lineside fire spreading to forestry plantations or seams of peat, with the latter potentially taking months to burn out.
West Coast, like other operators, makes clear to passengers that there will be no refund in the event of steam engines being unable to run or breaking down.
The reprieve came too late for the Northern Belle luxury dining train, which relied on diesel haulage over the Settle & Carlisle route on Saturday.
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3 days ago

• Buzz Feed

Epic Universe Ride Reviews: What's Worth The Lines

As you probably already know, Universal just recently opened its long-awaited third theme park in Orlando: Universal Epic Universe. Not only is this Universal's first new US park in over 20 years, but nearly every attraction inside Epic Universe is completely exclusive to the resort, meaning you won't find them at Universal Studios Hollywood, Japan, or any of their other parks around the world. From brand-new coasters to some truly impressive immersive dark rides and interactive experiences, the park is offering something completely fresh to guests. The attractions are located within the park's five immersive worlds: the retro-futuristic hub land Celestial Park, a Harry Potter land set in 1920s Paris and the Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe based on the Universal Classic Monsters, Super Nintendo World (a clone land of the one they have in Japan and Hollywood), and Isle of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon. As I mentioned in my food review post, I was lucky enough to be invited by Universal to attend the media preview ahead of Epic Universe's grand opening. Over the past few years, Universal had slowly been dropping details about the rides, and with soft previews running for a couple of months before my visit, I had a pretty solid idea of what to expect going in — at least, I thought I did. Here I am frying in the sun in front of Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment, one of the attractions I was most EXCITED to ride. Now, while the park doesn't have a ton of rides, it would be hard to do them all because of the crowds and the size of the park. So, I rode as many attractions as I could in order to give you my thoughts on them and, most importantly, whether they're worth waiting in line for. Full disclosure: While I was invited by Universal to Epic Universe, all opinions are my own. Hiccup's Wing Gliders in Isle of Berk Thoughts: Tucked away in the Isle of Berk, this coaster might not have the hype of Stardust Racers or the name recognition of a Harry Potter attraction, but don't sleep on it because this ride delivers in a huge way. It also travels throughout part of the land giving you great views of the Isle of Berk, while making you feel like you're flying on a dragon. I rode it more than once, and it was just as exciting the second time speaking of Harry Potter, this ride gets a lot of comparisons to Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and I can see why. I'd say this is a less scary version of Hagrid' I don't know if this is truly a family coaster, as it does have multiple launches, sharp turns, and some surprise bursts of speed. If you have kids and they're not used to roller coasters, I don't know if this would be a good first one to bring them on (unless they're on the older side or have ridden Hagrid's before). One con is that a lot of the queue is outdoors and not all of it is shaded, so in the heat, this could make waiting for the ride unpleasant. Bottom line: This is a must-do. Hiccup's Wing Gliders might not be the flashiest ride at Epic Universe, but it's easily one of the best. If you're a fan of Hagrid's or just want a coaster that nails the balance between thrills and fun, make this one a priority!!! Dragon Racer's Rally in Isle of Berk Thoughts: I didn't know what to expect from Dragon Racer's Rally. I hadn't really seen anything about it on TikTok or YouTube. Now, it looks super fun from the outside, with riders spinning and flipping through the sky like they're training to become full-on dragon racers. But once I got on, the experience kind of ride gives you some control over your "dragon vehicle," letting you attempt barrel rolls by shifting the wings yourself. In theory, that sounds cool, but in practice, I found it awkward and harder to pull off than expected. I spent more time trying to make the ride fun than actually enjoying it. I would say that on the plus side, it seemed like the queue, while outdoors, was shaded. Bottom line: This is a skip. Unless the line is a short wait, then it could be worth giving it a shot. Honestly, with Hiccup's Wing Gliders being such a standout attraction next door, I wouldn't rush back for this one. Meeting Toothless at Haddock Paddock in the Isle of Berk Thoughts: Okay, so this isn't really an attraction, and more of a meet-and-greet photo opp. I also get that a photo with Toothless sounds like a must-do, especially if you've got kids who love How to Train Your Dragon (some of the most popular animated films of recent years). But trying to get a photo with Toothless ended up being one of the more disappointing parts of my line was long, like, surprisingly long, and to make things worse, there's virtually no shade while you wait. In the Florida heat, that was a brutal combo, and I can't imagine trying to do it with kids. I never ended up getting my photo because my phone was running out of battery, and I ended up getting out of line. Bottom line: Unless you're a die-hard Toothless fan, this is one experience you can probably skip. With that said, I understand that with kids, you might not have the option to ignore this one, so it would be worth doing first thing in the morning (when it's cooler) or in the evening, when most people have already done it. And prepare your kids for realistic expectations about waiting in line for this one! Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment in Dark Universe Thoughts: We got a lot of first looks, concept art, and previews of the animatronics for Monsters Unchained. All of this led to it being one of the most highly anticipated attractions at Epic Universe, and from a technical and visual standpoint, it really is one of the best rides at any theme park anywhere. The queue alone is jaw-dropping, with very detailed sets and effects that really set the tone. Of course, the animatronics throughout the ride are next-level impressive. Another thing, I found it refreshing to see an attraction (and land) that wasn't tied to an existing IP. Sure, it's based on the Universal Monsters, but not based on the old movies. An original concept in a big theme park in 2025? That alone earns it is where I might get people yelling at me: Once the ride actually starts, things get a little shaky. The storyline felt oddly pieced together. Not that rides need huge storylines, but this one just didn't pay off narratively. Also, the ride system is the exact one used in Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, which immediately made me compare it to that, and IMHO, this ride isn't as good as Forbidden Journey. Bottom line: Okay, this one I think is just going to be a difference of opinion, but I would skip it. However, I know people love this ride, so you might too. If anything, it's worth checking out for the visuals and top-tier tech, and immersive world. Also, I would NOT bring little kids onto this ride because they might find this pretty scary. Curse of the Werewolf in Dark Universe Thoughts: I am going to state the common complaint about this ride: Yes, it's short, but it's also a ton of fun from start to finish and packs in a surprising amount of thrills for its size. With quick turns, smooth launches, and just the right amount of intensity, it strikes a great balance between family-friendly and genuinely thrilling (like there were a few moments where I thought my phone was going to fly out of my pocket). It also has a spinning coaster ride system, which makes it unique from most other coasters. Another pro is that this ride's queue, while outdoors, is forest-themed, so there are lots of trees to help protect you from the sun. Bottom line: Even if it's not the flashiest or longest ride at Epic Universe, Curse of the Werewolf is absolutely worth hopping on, especially if you love a smooth coaster with smaller thrills and zero filler. Constellation Carousel in Celestial Park Thoughts: I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to be wowed by a carousel, but Constellation Carousel ended up being a delightful surprise. From the glowing, Art Nouveau-style creatures to the starry lighting and ethereal music, the theming wonderfully matches Celestial really makes it stand out is the movement; the carousel vehicles don't just go up and down (pretty high!), they gently perform 360-degree rotations, which adds an almost floating sensation that's totally unique. Bottom line: Yes, this is just a carousel, but it's absolutely one you shouldn't skip. It's beautifully designed and whimsical, and perfect for the entire family. One thing I would recommend is riding this at night, when all the lights and effects are more visible and the carousel takes on a dreamy look. Stardust Racers in Celestial Park Thoughts: Stardust Racers is hands-down one of the must-do rides at Epic Universe. As the park's signature high-speed roller coaster and one of its overall signature rides, it delivers exactly what you'd hope for: an adrenaline-packed thrill ride. The dual-track setup adds an extra layer of excitement, especially when the coasters seem to narrowly miss each other in a perfectly timed near-collision said, if you're going in expecting something as intense or wild as VelociCoaster over at Islands of Adventure, temper those expectations just a tiny, tiny little bit. Stardust Racers is thrilling and fast, but with slightly less intensity. Bottom line: Do NOT skip!!! Stardust Racers is a fast-paced coaster that absolutely earns its place as a headliner. And likely a ride you might want to ride way more than once. Also, the green side is slightly more intense than the yellow side, if that makes a difference to you! Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: I've ridden this ride before at Universal Studios Hollywood, so I knew exactly what I was getting into. First off, it's definitely a cool concept, but the actual ride just doesn't land for me. The queue and theming are incredible (walking through Bowser's Castle is a legit highlight, and it's filled with a TON of Easter eggs), but once you're on the ride, it starts to fall apart a bit. The augmented reality headset is clunky and can be confusing, especially if it's your first time riding. It's hard to tell what's actually happening in the game part, and the gameplay mechanics (steering, aiming, and trying to hit targets) just feel a little awkward and overwhelming. Bottom line: If you've never been on it before, it's absolutely worth doing once just to experience it all, especially if you're a Nintendo fan. But it's definitely not something I'd wait more than 30–40 minutes for. Yoshi's Adventure in Super Nintendo World Thoughts: This ride is an exact clone of the one they have at Universal Studios Japan (in fact, the whole land seems to be an exact clone). I don't think I have ever done a POV watch of the attraction on YouTube, so I had no idea what to expect. I really, really, really wanted to like Yoshi's Adventure because it looks adorable, gives scenic views of the land, and adds so much kinetic energy to the land. But unfortunately, the experience just didn't do it for me. Views aside, the ride is extremely boring, with most of it out in the open sun with very little there's a light gameplay element where you're supposed to search for colored eggs, but I genuinely didn't realize that was even part of it until halfway through because I heard the people in front and behind me asking themselves if there was a game involved. Bottom line: I'd skip it. Yoshi's Adventure might be best for younger kids, who will enjoy the visuals. It's definitely not something I'd wait in line for. Mine-Cart Madness in Donkey Kong Country (located within Super Mario World) Thoughts: I had seen a few POV TikToks of this ride when it first opened in Japan, so I was really excited to ride this. And, it lived up to everything I expected, in fact, I walked off loving it way more than I expected. The ride does a great job mixing impressive tech, amazing animatronics, and some genuinely thrilling moments!!! Of course, there's also the "boom coaster" system that creates the illusion your cart is leaping across broken tracks, and it totally works. (Though I actually think it might even look better from the outside than while you're actually on it.)While some people have said the ride is too short, I actually thought the length was just right. Along with the other complaint that the ride is too shaky, as it's mimicking the sensation of being on a rickety mine track, which I also didn't mind, as I thought it added to the ride. With that said, be prepared because it is really shaky, and don't pull out your phones and try to film because I saw more than one person almost lose it due to the shaking. Bottom line: Mine-Cart Madness is a must-ride, full of great theming and thrills. This is also a great coaster for kids who are ready to ride something with a little more intensity to it. Le Cirque Arcanus in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Going into Le Cirque Arcanus, I had no idea what to expect. In fact, I might have skipped the show had the people I was with not suggested we check it out. I'd heard mixed things, with some people saying it wasn't good. But after seeing it myself? I honestly don't understand the criticism. I was genuinely impressed!Based on a traveling wizarding circus from the Fantastic Beasts films, the show blends live performance, optical illusions, and large-scale puppetry in a way that's visually striking and super immersive. The performers were great, and the puppets and magical creatures were especially well done. Also, the storytelling was really good, and I found myself wondering what was going to happen next. Bottom line: Le Cirque Arcanus might not be your typical theme park show, and yes, it could be a little intense for smaller kids, but for fans of darker fantasy and theatrical storytelling, it's absolutely worth checking out. Plus, its queue and theater spaces are nice and air conditioned, which makes it a perfect place to escape on a hot day. And lastly, Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic Thoughts: Immersive and detailed, like you stepped into the movie, from the moment you enter the queue, it's clear this ride is operating on another level. This is one of those rides that instantly cemented itself as a must-do, and not just for Harry Potter fans, but for anyone who loves immersive, story-driven you're on the ride, you find out the scale is massive, the details are rich, and the experience feels more in line with something like Pirates of the Caribbean. There is a scene where a Death Eater animatronic moves so fluidly that it took me a moment to realize he wasn't a person in a costume. Yes, the ride uses screens and a lot of them, a big complaint I've seen online. But honestly, it works 90% of the time. The screen effects are blended seamlessly with physical sets and effects, and it would've been nearly impossible to pull off the storyline demands without them. The transitions between practical and digital work well together, so that you're never really pulled out of the action. Bottom line: It goes without saying that this is a MUST-DO for me!!! My first thought upon entering the Battle at the Ministry was the line in Jurassic Park where John Hammond says, "Spared no expense." You can tell the amount of money and care Universal put into the attraction to make it big, bold, and flawlessly immersive!Now, there are no front-of-the-line passes available for this attraction, and waits can get into three-plus hours. So, if you go, keep that in mind as you might have to sacrifice doing other attractions to get on this one. Okay, with everything all said and done, most of the rides at Epic Universe absolutely live up to the hype! From the jaw-dropping scale of Battle at the Ministry to the unexpectedly fun Hiccup's Wing Gliders, these attractions are not only thrilling, they're also imaginative, ambitious, and soon-to-be classics. BTW, stay tuned, I'll be sharing my overall thoughts on the park experience and some helpful tips for making the most of your visit!!!

Yahoo

3 days ago

• Yahoo

ScotRail issues warning of delays and cancellations on key routes this morning

Commuters have been warned to expect delays and cancellations on several key ScotRail services this morning. A signalling fault was detected in the Newton area this morning and has had a knock-on effect on train services in and around Glasgow. READ MORE: READ MORE: Scottish Citylink adds over 4000 seats on busiest routes for summer ScotRail has confirmed that multiple routes are affected, with some services facing cancellations, delays, or last-minute timetable changes. Services Affected Include: Glasgow Central to Lanark Glasgow Central to Edinburgh via Shotts Glasgow Central to Edinburgh via Carstairs NEW: We've been advised by Network Rail that they are currently dealing with a signalling fault in the Newton area which is affecting our services. — ScotRail (@ScotRail) June 18, 2025 The train operator has confirmed that Network Rail engineers are on site investigating the issue, but passengers should expect short-notice delays until repairs are completed. In a statement, ScotRail said: "We've been advised by Network Rail that they are currently dealing with a signalling fault in the Newton area which is affecting our services."

Forbes

4 days ago

• Forbes

Where To Go: Amazing Tours For Solo Travelers

Scotland is one of those destinations that you must see in person to truly experience. Just because you don't have someone to travel with, doesn't mean you shouldn't go at all. The world is full of incredible places to experience first-hand, from outdoor adventures to city escapes to serene and quiet vacations. Keep reading to learn about the best tours for solo travelers as well as tips for planning and what you should do once you arrive. The perfect time to visit is now. Experiencing the Scottish Highlands by rail is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Discover the incredible and indelible beauty of the Scottish highlands, full of lochs, glens, castles and fluffy highland cows and sheep on a journey with Vacations by Rail. You'll be well taken care of as a professional tour guide leads you through the nine-day Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands tour. Highlights of this once-in-a-lifetime tour include rides on the Jacobite Steam Train, or the 'Hogwarts Express', as it crosses the stunning 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct; Kyle Line, a lovely route that begins in Inverness and snakes through the rugged and verdant landscape; and West Highland Line, which has the most isolated train station in the UK, where you'll travel from Glasgow to Fort William. Beyond beautiful train crossings, you can expect this value-forward trip to also include a delightful cruise from Loch Ness to Urquhart Castle, a visit to the colorful chocolate-box village on the Isle of Mull, and a stop at the 13th-century well-preserved Eilean Donan Castle, located on a tiny island surrounded by Loch Duich. By the time you reach Edinburgh, at the end of the trip, your cameral roll will be jam packed with beautiful photos, and you'll have a lifetime of memories that you can sift through like multi-hued gems in your hand. A tour manager is included from start to finish. Once you arrive in Edinburgh, all of the logistics and planning will be taken care of. This local expert is always available should you need anything or want to ask questions to provide valuable context to what you're experiencing. Luggage transfers and all breakfasts are included as well. The views from the London Marriott Hotel County Hall are spectacular. There's much to experience in this massive city of nine million people, whether you want to see important historic landmarks like the Tower of London, a castle and former prison in the heart of the city, as well as the home to the famous Crown Jewels; Westminster Abbey, a gorgeous and looming Gothic church; Buckingham Palace, the home of the British monarch; St. Paul's Cathedral; or Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Best explored on foot, wear your comfy shoes (the Dillon Canvas shoes from Xero Shoes are a solid choice) and prepare to get your steps in. There's nothing more special than walking over the Victorian-era Tower Bridge or strolling around Kensington Palace and the British Museum. Located within walking distance to much of what London has to offer, the historic London Marriott Hotel County Hall, next to The London Eye, is perfect for you home-away-from-home. Gareth Walker, The Library restaurant manager at the hotel, is also a celebrated graffiti artist who offers masterclass opportunities for guests at Leake Street Arches, a former railway tunnel beneath Waterloo Station. 'I run the afternoon tea here, which is very shocking to people as they see me in my suit serving afternoon tea, then by night in the grimy tunnel working my magic on the walls,' Walker says. 'Marriott have been very supportive on my journey.' Expect to see wildlife and glaciers on this tour through Alaska's Kenai Fjords. One of the most diverse national parks in the US in terms of wildlife viewing is Kenai Fjords National Park. Hugging the south-central Alaska coast, just over two hours south of Anchorage, this national park is home to a wide range of marine wildlife: humpback, gray, and orca whales; sea otters, Steller sea lions, harbor seals, and Dall's porpoise; and a plethora of bird species including horned and tufted puffins, cormorants, and eagles. And, yes, big ole land mammals live here too: black and brown bears, moose, mountain goats, and porcupines, among other woodland creatures. For a one-stop-shop planning and logistics juggernaut, look no further than Pursuit, leaders in curating exclusive one-of-a-kind wilderness experiences in Alaska and beyond. You'll begin your adventure at Windsong Lodge in Seward, your gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, before heading to Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, located on the remote and rugged Fox Island. Kenai Fjords Tours will deliver you safely across Resurrection Bay, a 12-mile journey from Seward—the only way to reach the island. For a two or three-night stay, you'll be treated to delectable meals, a sweat session in the dry barrel sauna, a hike through the weathered forest to a panoramic look out, and a kayaking adventure like no other. Enjoy private waterfront cabin accommodations, with views of either Halibut Cove or the lagoon. You'll love searching for heart-shaped rocks on the beach and harbor seal noses poking out of the water. When you've finished your stay, you'll get the ride of your life as you see an abundance of wildlife and flora as well as glaciers on an educational cruise with Kenai Fjords Tours, operating since 1978. This multi-hour tour is led by a professional captain who will narrate the entire tour, giving you indispensable context and information for what you're seeing and experiencing. Be prepared for outdoor adventure by packing weather appropriate clothing—layers are key. From warm base layers to rain jackets to study footwear to clothing you can move in, check out new styles from Cotopaxi, Helly Hansen, Arc'Teryx, prAna, or Danner.