What's better than one Aardman exhibition? How about two? Back to Bristol today, this time to the M Shed for the perfectly titled 'Cracking Exhibition, Gromit!'

"Wow, this documentary about the Railway Mania is fantastic! I love how they're using actors to depict the people their talking abo... oh, that's AI generated footage."

One last shot from MVR for today and it's this formation they had on the shuttle service. If an engine each end is 'top and tailing', what do you call this then? (other than a sandwich)

While the Flåm Railway may be the best railway I've ever been on, my favourite will always be the Moors Valley. They celebrated their 40th Anniversary this weekend, culminating in a parade of all the engines in service today.

So... I turned 30 last week, which is terrifying if you ask me. But birthdays mean presents, the last of which arrived today better late than never. I don't think I could've asked my parents for a nicer surprise.

Picked up this neat little LEGO set yesterday - is it me or does it look eerily similar to Bubs' Concession Stand?

Spent the last week in Norway and one of the places I stopped at was the Flåm Railway. Those who call it 'the best train journey in the world' are absolutely right. Both it and the Museum in Flåm are well worth a visit.

Off to Bristol today for "Aardman in Concert" - superb show and superb music as always. There was even a surprise in the form of a little engine down at the Harbour!

Question for my fellow gamers: if you could add an achievement to any game, what would it be? Mine would be beating the Rebel Flagship in FTL: Faster Than Light without taking any damage. After many runs ending with 1 or 2 hits, I finally achieved it a few nights ago.

I recently noticed something interesting about the old Hornby Class 06. Not only is it the same motor that all Hornby 0-4-0's have - it's actually in backwards with cylinders still attached and covered up by the rear steps. Strange, given there's a variant without cylinders...

Had a truly 'Grand Day Out' in London today visiting the "Inside Aardman" Exhibition at the Young V&A. An absolutely fascinating insight into how their make their films, along with plenty of their meticulously detailed models and sets.

It seems Summer has come early, but that wasn't going to stop me from visiting Didcot yesterday for their 'Heritage In Motion' Gala.

Went along to Bath yesterday (or to be precise, Oldfield Park) to see 71000 'Duke of Gloucester' once again. I took my brolly, but thankfully the rain held off.

I've had a pair of spare Capsule Plarail narrow gauge coach faces lying around for some time, so I decided to put them to good use. Here's a pair of troublesome tankers! I've decided to call them 'Luther' & 'Slick' (two references in one! If you get both, you get two cookies).

The things you find in charity shops... Well, y'know what they say; 'right place, right time'!

It's the last weekend in April and that can only mean one thing... Spring Steam Gala time at the Watercress Line!

Question: what are long, thin, nice to eat and used to be transported by rail? Answer:

Well folks, to commemorate Animal Crossing's 25th Anniversary I've decided to start welcoming visitors to my island in New Horizons. DA's under the map - feel free to come and have a look around. And yes... I am that predictable when it comes to names.

Hot tip for modern image rail enthusiasts - the Mallard Bridge outside Doncaster is an EXCELLENT place to spend an afternoon.

Stayed for the week in Doncaster, a place I've lots of fond memories of given that my Mum & Grandparents grew up there - my Grandpa even worked on 'Mallard' at The Plant! If you're ever there, do visit the Danum Museum - several fascinating artifacts & not one, but two engines.

Went up North for the week and of course I had to visit the National Railway Museum, where Flying Scotsman just so happened to be on display... 'Happy' is an incredible understatement.

As much as there are many places that I love in this big ol' world of ours, for me there really is no place quite like home. And I'm not just saying that because my home in particular happens to be just up the road from loveable animals and little trains.

So... Wonders of Sodor. What else can I really say about it? It's not perfect, but to coin a familiar Sudrian phrase, 'Nil Unquam Simile'. Honestly cannot thank @dovetailgamesdtg.bsky.social and everyone else who made it possible enough - it really is absolutely amazing.

Considering the fact that it is my local line, I somehow haven't been to the East Somerset since the Spring Gala of 2024. Thankfully this matter has been rectified, for today I went for a visit for the Spring Gala of 2026!

Hey @dan.nerdcubed.co.uk! In the words of Edward E. Hitler, "HERE IT IS! IT'S ARRIVED!!"

Went along to Salisbury today to see the Railway 200 'Inspiration' train - an absolutely fantastic and fascinating insight to the history of railways & the people behind them. What I wouldn't give to be one myself... one day J, one day.

Or alternatively, here's a few more of them.

Every copy of 'Rock 'n' Roll and Other Stories' is personalised.

While I'm saving further judgement of the new show until we get a trailer and a concrete idea of what it's going to be like... I don't like these new designs for one key reason: the faces. They don't look anywhere near as loveable as they used to.

Regardless of how the new series turns out, you know what the one thing I want to return with it is? The original theme tune. Not the exact same composition of course, a tasteful remix or rearrangement would be just fine. Mind you, as wishful as I am I know it probably won't...