Hello everyone!

So first, let's rip the plaster off and get this out of the way, after a few months of contemplation, I have come to the decision to cancel two events this year, the Spook Service, and Tracks to Trenches, which will sadly end the eleven year streak of these events.

This choice was not an easy one to make, but due to unavailability of people, the passing of Lia still weighs heavily on me, and the fact the last three months of every year have become some of the most stressful process of non stop event promotion, decorating, and even more promotion, it was a choice I needed to make this year for my own sanity.

Santa Specials WILL BE happening, along with season changes, on Remembrance Sunday, and the 11th of November you will see the WW1 locos trundling up and down the ZZR but without stations being decorated.

Next year, I plan to try and move Tracks to Trenches out of November to one of the quieter ZZR months where no events are sandwiched either side of it, allowing it to shine, this will allow November to be a breathing space during the event promotion cycle.

To make sure this notice isn’t just me imparting some sad news on you, let's share this year's event and season change dates. With a break from tradition, we shall also announce the spring change over of 2027!

 

2026/2027 Event Dates:

Autumn Season Change: 12th of October.

Little Coverston Bonfire Night: 7th of November

Amalia Remembered: 10th of November.

Winter Season Change: 7th of December.

Santa Specials: 14th of December 2026 - 4th of January 2027.

Spring Change Over: 1st of February 2027.
 

Autumn Season Change.

As summer fades and the air cools, a quiet magic settles over the line. The crisp morning air carries the scent of coal. Watch as the amber and rust-coloured leaves roll by from the comfort of our carriages. Treat yourself, and let the steady sway of our locomotives take you back to a gentler time.

Trains:

Passenger Service: Galway.

Goods Service: Sandy.

 

Little Coverston Bonfire Night.

"Remember, remember, the fifth of November...Gunpowder, Treason and Trains!"

Join us for a spectacular evening of sparks, steam, and fun. Enjoy a ride in our historic carriages pulled by Gwlith. Fun, frolicking and refreshment await all who dare ride to the end of the line.

Passenger Service: Gwlith.

Goods Service: Sandy.

 

Amalia Remembered.

Today, we remember one of Second Life's unsung greats, Amalia Illios, who had a positive impact on everyone she met. She would always say she wasn’t a rock star, but to me that never stopped her being utterly incredible in my eyes. On this day we run the locomotive she inspired and is named in honour of her, as is tradition adorned with a black ribbon and headboard.

Trains:

Passenger Service: Illios.

Goods Service: Sandy.
 

Winter Season Change.

As autumn gives way to winter and frost fills the air giving our trains that christmas card look, smoke quietly drifts from the engine shed as our volunteers work to bring a little bit of magic to the line. Write your name in the frosty windows and watch your breath in the air while you wait at one of our stations for the hot chocolate toting passenger service to glide to your rescue.

Passenger Service: Montgomery.

Goods Service: Sandy.

 

Santa Specials.

Step back in time to hear the comforting sounds from our magical Christmas train. As the air fills with clouds of steam and we wait to whisk you away through an adventure true to the season. The click-clack of the tracks beneath you while we head to our friend Father Christmas himself resplendent at our decorated village station

Passenger Service: Festive Illios.

Goods Service: Festive Sandy.

 

Spring Season Change.

As winters slumber passes us by, volunteers peer past the doors putting their polish and oil back on the shelves ready to welcome the spring air. Locomotives pushed out into the crisp air the sunshine glinting from the brasswork as they are readied for the spring changeover. Daffodils sway in the wind as the train slips past as if they are straining to get a look. It's time to check the timetables and see if you can head out along the line for an early break, maybe jump the ferry at the last stop and head out into the bay and destinations seldom seen.

Passenger Service: Illios.

Goods Service: Sandy.

Final Remarks

As always a massive thank you to Eesoov for writing the flavour text for this years events, she always knows how to set the tone perfectly.

This year has been incredibly hard, for me and everyone at the ZZR, but as always, without the support of you and everyone who rides the ZZR, messages me to let me know how much they enjoy it, this year could of been much harder, without the support from Eesoov, Libby, Valerie, Cuthbert, and my amazing partner Firefly, I believe i would of likely not remained in SL after losing Lia.

So on a happier note, I hope to see you at this year's events, and of course, keep on chuffin!

Zen, and Eesoov.