A Personal View of the NVR

The Beginning of the End

2012-02-09T21:43:00.004Z

It is pleasing to see that the last coach in the Belgian rake requiring major exterior work (No.21033) has found its way into the Carriage & Wagon shed, following completion of repair and repainting works to the roof of BR Mk1 SK E25347. Work to 21033 will most likely follow a similar path to SNCB 21013, restored during 2010/11 with progress charted on this blog (see Archives, right). Once No.21033 is completed in a year or two, it is expected that the Belgian rake should last in good condition for several years to come, and attention can then focus on the railway's collection of BR Mk1 coaches.

In time it is hoped to build up a second Mk1 rake in BR Maroon, which can operate alongside the existing "Blood and Custard" Mk1 rake and allow the necessary withdrawal of the rapidly-deteriorating green 'DSB' (Danish) stock. More volunteers in the Carriage Department would really speed progress on the carriage fleet, so if you fancy undertaking some engineering/restoration work in your spare time then please consider becoming a NVR member and lending a hand! No prior skill or experience necessary, and it fits in around your life rather than the other way around, being on an 'as and when' basis whenever you wish or as you are able.

Anyway, back to SNCB 21033. No time has been lost in removing the gangway ends and putting the overhead working gantry in place - the latter again proving its worth.

A small part of the rust affecting the bodyside can be seen here, along with the start being made on cutting the rivets to allow removal and replacement of the lower body panels.

Corrosion to the roof end has been cut out, ready to let in new metal that will need to be formed to the compound curve found here.

Approximately two-thirds of the roof has been sanded back so far.

Wagon Group Update

2012-02-02T20:27:00.000Z

The latest wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

Wagon Group Update

2012-01-24T21:24:00.001Z

A brief wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

More Mk1 Progress

2012-01-16T20:12:00.008Z

Over the last couple of weeks the ventilators have been reinstated on the freshly-painted roof of BR Mk1 SK E25347.

Despite appearances these vents are brand new replica items, not repainted originals.

The full extent of the roof, showing the large number of vents required per carriage.

Each of these is a work of art, handcrafted with incredible skill by Karl, one of our full-time carriage restorers and expert 'metal basher'.

The Class 107 DMU has now been removed from the railway - here is the centre car in failing light, which is/was the last vehicle of the 3-car set left on site. This is to also leave shortly (if it hasn't already), presumably to rejoin the two driving cars at another location, although I cannot be sure of this. Personally I'm quite sorry to see it leave, as although it needed quite a bit of work, it was quite an attractive vehicle both inside and out. Sadly it never ran a public train on the NVR under its own power. Having said that the C&W department is a small department, and the question remains as to whether the C&W resources could stretch to maintaining a DMU in addition to the large carriage fleet, many of which require a substantial amount of work.

Speaking of departures, it is also time to say "thank you and goodbye" to Cris Rees, who recently stepped down as NVR General Manager. I will never forget his friendly and encouraging welcome when I first hesitantly stepped into the office to sign up as an active volunteer, and his support when I first mooted the idea of a new NVR Wagon Group which is moving forward with active restoration work. Indeed this blog only exists thanks to his blessing. I very much hope his successor will help the railway accomplish new challenges in the future, onwards and upwards as they say!

Wagon Group Update

2012-01-07T22:50:00.000Z

The latest wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

In the carriage shed...

2012-01-01T15:48:00.009Z

Happy New Year to you all - apologies for the lack of updates over the hectic festive period, progress is being made on several fronts at the railway but I have not had time to sit down and update the blog! Particularly impressive progress is being made in the carriage shed, the new folding walkway system proving its worth. I am reliably informed it took ONE DAY to put the walkway in place AND strip THE WHOLE ROOF of BR Mk1 SK E25347. I believe this compares to about three days just to erect the previous scaffolding arrangements, let alone undertake any restoration work.

Here are the newly manufactured roof vents for the same coach, mentioned in an earlier posting.

A view taken approximately two weeks ago, the whole roof painted in primer/undercoat and the topcoat going on...

...about one third topcoated, seen here mid-December.

A more recent photo, taken at the end of the coach, just after Christmas. Topcoat completed (I am not sure if there have been/will be one, or two topcoats).

Although some work is required to the sides of this coach (particularly around the windows, which are flush-sided as originally built), these essential works to the roof have made an enormous visual difference and the whole vehicle now looks much smarter in appearance.

Also in the carriage shed, another platform barrow undergoes complete renovation. The timber superstructure is complete and painting has started, although I didn't get a photo of that for some unknown reason. The previously completed barrows and trolleys looked very smart under the canopies erected for the 'Santa Specials'.

Wagon Group Update

2011-12-19T20:33:00.000Z

The latest wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

New Arrivals

2011-12-14T21:44:00.010Z

As mentioned in an earlier posting on this blog, there have been two new stock arrivals on the railway. These are Swedish railcar No.1212, and a special ballast hopper to be paired with the TASC-45 civil engineering vehicle, which was recently returned to traffic after restoration from vandalised condition.

The bodywork of the railcar is in a bit of a state, but apparently it runs. The "International Railway Preservation Society" (IRPS) will be taking on the overhaul of the bodywork, so hopefully one day it will look as good as Swedish 'B' Class No.101, now cosmetically restored by the group.

The interior of the passenger saloon.

A not-very-good photo of one of the driving positions.

Much more detailed information about this vehicle can be found on the IRPS page here.

On a totally unrelated note, the "Battle of Britain Locomotive Society" (owners and restorers of Bulleid 4-6-2 No.34081 '92 Squadron') have an excellent write up on page 32 of the current "Steam Railway" magazine (Issue 396, December 2011). It is so good to see various projects around the railway appear in the railway media over recent weeks, with the "Heritage Railway" magazine feature on the TASC machine still to come (available in the shops from 22nd December). I hope this new appetite for publicity will continue, as any interest generated amongst railway enthusiasts and the wider public can only be a good thing!

Mk1's make progress

2011-12-12T13:44:00.010Z

Work to the roof of BR Mk1 SK E25347 has progressed rapidly over the last two or three weeks since SNCB (Belgian) coach No.21013 vacated the carriage shed (happily in time for the 'Santa Specials'). As the photos show, the roof has been roughly divided into three manageable chunks, cleaning/rubbing down and repainting being undertaken in sections.

This roof was in particularly poor condition cosmetically, what little paint remained was coming away in flakes! This has now been removed, and approximately two-thirds of the roof rubbed down...

...in preparation for the first coats of paint, seen here applied to the first third of the roof (these photos are now a week old, so may already be out of date). The corroded roof vents have also been removed, and replacements fabricated already. I'm quite amazed at the rate of progress on this vehicle as work only began towards the end of November!

E25347 seen above is from the current running fleet, however Allan has been busy applying the lining to his Mk1 TSO No.4466 which is being restored from non-running condition. It is hoped that this coach will be ready for traffic before too long, giving a fleet of seven operational BR Mk1's for the first time in many years, with others in the wings awaiting their turn for restoration.

D9518 finds a new home!

2011-12-06T21:35:00.003Z

D9518, the ex-BR Class 14 diesel that has resided in the damp Wansford tunnel for many years, has found a new home at Williton on the West Somerset Railway. It has been purchased by a member of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group based there, as an appropriate Western Region 'diesel-hydraulic' to add to their fleet.

The report on the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group website can be found here: http://www.depg.org/dec11shed/3rd/D9518.doc

Repairs and Tidying

2011-12-05T20:57:00.012Z

This week a couple of days were spent finishing off the new roof for one of the grounded van bodies at Wansford, and tidying this corner of the site by cutting and burning the vegetation on the embankment. Here we see the van bodies and embankment before work commenced, the lorry tarpaulin was not too bad but the supporting plywood was rotten and full of holes, allowing water to pool and pour into the van.

After installing the majority of the new boards a few weeks ago, the final ones were cut and fitted during the week, and felted as seen above.

The vans and embankment at the end of the day. Despite appearances these grounded 'Shocvan' bodies are structurally sound, they just look very tatty. A job for another day is to rebuild the doors with salvaged materials, and the whole lot can then be given a quick clean up and a lick of paint.

The new roof and tidied embankment makes quite a difference when compared to the first photo, which was taken only two weeks ago.

Yet More "Foreign Stuff"

2011-11-29T21:25:00.004Z

The tender lining and the Swedish State Railways (SJ) emblems have now been applied to 'B' Class 4-6-0 No.101. I have to say it looks rather smart!

101 basks in glorious November(!) sunshine.

Continuing the Swedish theme, last week a Swedish railcar touched down at Wansford - 1958-built SJ Class Y7 No.1212. This was once resident at NVR during the five year period 1984-89, so this is something of a homecoming (sort of)...

A press report from the Hartlepool Mail can be read here, including a picture of the railcar on a low loader beginning its journey.

Speaking of new arrivals, a companion vehicle has arrived for the TASC-45 machine, in the form of a special ballast hopper. A feature on the TASC-45 machine and its work on Wansford river bridge is to be included in the next issue of "Heritage Railway" magazine, in the shops from 22nd December. The current issue of the same magazine also contains an excellent four-page feature on the NVR's 'Santa Specials' - well worth a read, and good to see the NVR gaining wider publicity.

Carriage News

2011-11-21T21:51:00.007Z

SNCB No. 21013 was shunted out from the Carriage and Wagon shed on Saturday, after completion of its body rebuild. It was added into the rake for the 'Santa Specials' and the other SNCB coaches in the set received an external clean.

BR Mk1 SK E25347 then took its place in the carriage shed, presumably for repairs and repainting of the roof as a minimum.

The side sheeting on LMS TPO M30272M continues to make impressive progress after a period in the doldrums. In my view this is one of the most interesting vehicles on the railway, and it is very pleasing to see its restoration move forward once again.

Elsewhere, Terry has made progress with the new roof covering on LMS coach No.18017, which is being converted into volunteer sleeping accommodation.

Finally, not a coach but a wagon; Tim and I worked on re-roofing one of the stores vans. Unfortunately we were not able to complete it by close of play, so this awaits our attention next time. Here we see the rotten roof partially demolished, exposing a nest of dozy wasps in the process!

The new roof sheets going on. There is still more to do on this, but we feel we've done the worst of the job and hope to complete it next time.

Wagon Group Update

2011-11-14T20:09:00.001Z

A brief wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

"Foreign Stuff"

2011-11-12T10:35:00.007Z

Over recent weeks the IRPS has progressed with completing the cosmetic repaint of Swedish 'B' Class 4-6-0 No.101 into authentic Swedish State Railways ('SJ') livery. On my last visit, the headlamps were undergoing the process of making them operational which looks rather smart at night!

The freshly repainted tender, yet to be lined.

Red lining has now been added, and what appear to be authentic 'SJ' crests are going on the tender.

The interior panelling has gone back inside the eastern vestibule of Belgian coach No.21013, after complete replating.

Along with the electric tail lamps, the midnight blue Wagon-Lits Pullman livery (inauthentic for these coaches, but it does look rather good!) has now been applied to the eastern end...

...and the corridor connector and lettering has also gone on.

Reupholstery of the Belgian SNCB set is transforming the tired interior of these coaches. Meanwhile the DSB (green) set continues to deteriorate, and a bogie on 'driving trailer' coach No.1710 disintegrated the other week and requires repair work. Surprisingly, a number of the bogies on this set are constructed from timber, rather than steel as is usually used for carriage bogies.

Wagon Group Update

2011-11-06T18:39:00.002Z

The latest wagon news update is now available on the Wagon Group website:

http://nvrwagons.wordpress.com/news-blog/

NVR Wagon Group Launch

2011-10-30T19:57:00.002Z

After a lot of hard work behind the scenes, it gives me great pleasure to announce the official launch of the new NVR Wagon Group!

The new website can be found here: www.nvrwagons.wordpress.com , a permanent link has also been added in the sidebar of this site.

News and progress updates about the wagons will be posted on that site from now on, while this site will continue to give regular, more general NVR-related postings.

In addition, I will post a link here whenever the 'News' section of the Wagon Group website is updated, so you need never miss out on progress updates!

Please consider donating to the new Wagon Group - any donations will be greatly appreciated, and every little helps!

Carriage restoration update

2011-10-24T20:23:00.008+01:00

A very pleasing sight at Wansford the other week was seeing the first side-sheeting in place on M30272M. As mentioned before on this blog, this historic vehicle is the only surviving coach from the 'Travelling Post Office' (TPO) train that was attacked during the 'Great Train Robbery' of 1963.

Terry has begun to line-out his LMS coach No.18017, which he has converted into volunteer sleeping accommodation. The coach is to be finished in lined LMS 'Crimson Lake' livery.

Currently the focus of attention of the full-time Carriage and Wagon staff is Belgian (SNCB) coach No.21013, which is having its end vestibules rebuilt. The east end is just about done (minus corridor connections)...

...whilst work on the west end continues.

A week later, black undercoat had gone on. This photo itself is probably now out of date, I will try to get a more recent picture soon, on my next visit.

B953944 Launch

2011-10-17T23:28:00.006+01:00

Saturday 15th October saw the official launch of Tim's brake van, with a mini exhibition held in the BR banana van, and public internal viewing of the brake van, part of the event. Both Tim and Alan gave short speeches before Alan ceremoniously broke a bottle of Champagne over a buffer. Two of Tim's unrestored 'A-Type' containers were also on display, along with his LNER hopper chassis, and the NVR's banana van. Here the line-up in Platform 1 can be seen.

Most of the lettering on the brake van is now complete.

The banana van contained a slide show projected onto the end wall showing photographs of the restoration, and a couple of poster information boards. One gave a history of the brake van and its restoration, plus Tim's plans for the hopper chassis and the 'A-Type' containers. The other set out the aims and objectives of the new NVR wagon group which is in the process of being established on the railway.

Fortunately we were blessed with gorgeous weather, and with 44422, 73050, and 71000 "Duke of Gloucester" all in steam, a gala atmosphere developed.

Very many thanks are due to all those who helped put on the event, particularly to James the diesel driver and Laura the guard, who put in a lot of physical effort to get the vehicles in the right place. Also thanks are due to all that attended, including a representative from "Steam Railway" magazine, and many thanks also for the donations that were collected on the day.

Ready to Launch...

2011-10-13T20:35:00.003+01:00

Apologies for the quiet spell this week, I've been working hard on information display panels for the official launch of Tim's BR Standard 20 ton brake van, B953944. The event will also gently publicise the new wagon group at NVR, which is to be launched imminently after a lot of work behind the scenes!

The event begins at 1pm on Saturday 15th October, and is a private invitation affair. However, we expect to open the temporary exhibition to the public for a short while after about 2.30pm, so if you are in the area it might be worth popping in and taking a look! If all goes to plan, this (small) exhibition should be set up in the BR Banana van at Wansford, where you will be welcome to take a look at our future plans and hopefully give us your support.

We hope to see you there!

Diesel Gala Photos

2011-10-07T20:14:00.011+01:00

Just a few photos of the various locos at the recent Diesel Gala, held over the three days 30th September - 2nd October.

'Peak' 45060 running round at Peterborough

20107 arriving at Peterborough

D5613 leading 31108, exiting the yard at Wansford

Class 14 "14029" (D9529) at Wansford a couple of weeks before the event.

56303 rests after Saturday's running

D6586 backs onto the Mk1s at Wansford

08622 ready to run a shuttle to Yarwell

37503 rests at Wansford

Going Bananas

2011-10-03T21:38:00.006+01:00

With the Diesel Gala in full swing, Tim and I spent most of the Saturday repainting the interior of the banana van at Peterborough. The intention is to use this van as a temporary exhibition space for the launch of Tim's brake van, B953944, on 15th October. It is planned to use the banana boxes (a pleasant surprise discovered inside the van) to help furnish the display.

The results of our efforts - much fresher than the previous stained and marked white-painted interior. If all goes to the plan, a couple of poster information display boards should be installed, and a slide show of images of the restoration of B953944 projected onto the end wall for the event.

I spent an hour or so at the end of the day rubbing down and applying the topcoat on the central section of the "Esso" tank. This vehicle can now be left for the winter months while we focus our efforts on a couple of goods vans.

Diesel Gala Update

2011-09-30T00:04:00.002+01:00

Sadly Class 25 25321 is now unable to make the gala, but has been replaced with another visitor, Class 31 31190.

2011 Diesel Gala

2011-09-27T13:48:00.009+01:00

It's that time of year again for one of NVR's biggest and best events!

Copied from the NVR website...

The visiting locos are:

37503, 20107 & 45060 Courtesy of Barrow Hill.
33201 Courtesy of BRCW Group Butterley.
25321 Courtesy of Midland Railway, Butterley & Derby Industrial Museum.
563xx Courtesy of BARS.
08622 courtesy of RMS LocoTech and Hansons Cement Ketton Works.
The home fleet of 14029 & 31108.
These are all subject to availability.

A small ceremony will be held on the Saturday at Wansford to commemorate 45060's 50th birthday.

14029 will be running shuttles from Wansford to Yarwell.

A rare opportunity to see on static display Class 14 ex D9518 NCB No7 which has been stored since preservation from Ashington Colliery in 1987 and is not normally accessible to public view.

Running engines for Friday - 31108, 25321, 33201, 37503 & 45060

Running Engines for Saturday & Sunday - 08622, 20107, 31108, 25321, 33201, 37503, 45060, 57xxx & 14029

Real Ale on sale

Working Timetable and Roster can be found here.

Carriage & Wagon Update

2011-09-25T13:11:00.012+01:00

SNCB 21013 (the bar car) has been back in the workshop for the last couple of months, for the rebuilding of the vestibule ends. The east end is complete...

...while the west end is now not too far from completion. The rebuilding of the sides of this vehicle were tracked on this blog during 2010, archived on the right hand side of this page.

Allan's Mk1 TSO No.4466 continues to progress towards completion, the lower half of the north side is beginning to see BR Maroon topcoat. As reported in a previous posting, the south side has been finished.

The south side of No.4466.

"Esso" tank No.1914 now has black undercoat on the middle section - just the topcoat to go...

A closer view.

The impressive output of platform barrows continues. It is good to see that the newly-restored barrows already outside have now been distributed and displayed around the platforms at Wansford, rather than being chained together in a corner as they were previously!

Finally, the C&W shed has gained its long-desired barrow crossing linking it to the other sheds and service area. It will now be a lot easier to put the bins out amongst other things!

"Esso" Tank Progress

2011-09-21T16:27:00.003+01:00

The lower half of the centre section of "Esso" tank No.1914 was wire brushed, degreased, and primed to match the top half.

This section now only requires black undercoat and black topcoat, and then the tanker is likely to be left alone over the winter months as the weather deteriorates. I will begin again in spring, the winter months will see timber replacement/repairs to other wagons which will make a nice change.

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" was out and about today, on 'Driver Experience' turns.

Black and blue

2011-09-18T09:42:00.007+01:00

Work has begun on painting the tender of Swedish 'B' Class 4-6-0 No.101 black, as part of its cosmetic restoration to authentic Swedish State Railways livery.

Although this particular locomotive never carried this livery, other examples of the class did. Looking good!

How No.101 should look when finished, complete with red lining and 'SJ' crest on the tender. (modified Martin Vos photo)

Just for completeness, here is the same image showing the loco in plain 'SJ' black (authentic for this particular engine). Personally I prefer this livery (where would we be without a good old livery debate - especially from those not involved in doing the work?) but even so I am very pleased the loco is no longer in a completely fictional state, and it looks so much better than it did. Congratulations to members of the IRPS seeing this project through.

Yet another Mk1 update

2011-09-15T07:16:00.005+01:00

BR Mk1 TSO No.4466 is definitely on the home straight, the remaining jobs being of a 'mechanical' nature, such as setting up the springs on the bogies and installing new batteries. The passenger doors on the running line side have now been painted to match the rest of the bodyside, which requires lining out and the application of BR emblem roundels and number transfers.

The bodyside of Mk1 TSO No.4627, extracted from the tunnel for drying out, has been cleaned up to make it a little more presentable in the medium-term.

"Tornado" visit confirmed!

2011-09-12T17:40:00.007+01:00

With the strong winds sweeping the country as I write, the above sounds far from good news! However, this "Tornado" is very welcome - No.60163, the first main line locomotive to be built in Britain since 1960, and the star of an episode of 'Top Gear' which featured an unprecedented race to Edinburgh (repeats available on TV channel "Dave", until the end of time).

"Tornado" races along the railway the class was designed and built for - the East Coast Main Line - in 2009.

The official announcement is below. Congratulations to Paul for this achievement!

EASTER WITH TORNADO 2012

Join the NVR and Celebrate Easter 2012 in Style with A1 No 60163 TORNADO!

TRAVEL BEHIND A1 No 60163 TORNADO AT THE NVR

Friday 6th April 2012, Take to the Regulator on a Driving Course with Tornado (Booking Essential)

Saturday 7th to Monday 9th April 2012 Travel behind Tornado along the Nene Valley Railway

• Special Fares
• Travel behind Tornado on Mk1 Coaches
• Real Ale Bars at Wansford and on the Train
• Tornado Souvenirs
• Line side Passes available

THE FENMAN

Dine in style aboard “The Fenman” hauled by A1 No 60163 TORNADO

Saturday 7th April departing Wansford at 19:00

Enjoy a evening meal served at your seat aboard “The Fenman” hauled by A1 No 60163 Tornado

• Welcome Drinks
• Three Course Meal served at your seat
• On Train Bar
• A Unique opportunity to Dine in style whist travelling behind Tornado
• £29.95 per head inclusive of Rail fare (Booking Essential)

Further details of the visit will be posted on the web site this week.

"East Meets West" Gala

2011-09-12T17:14:00.007+01:00

Just a few photos from the Sunday of the "East Meets West" weekend event, featuring visiting 71000 "Duke of Gloucester" and 4936 "Kinlet Hall" in action along with resident '5MT' 73050, '4F' 44422, and 'Austerity' 0-6-0ST No.22.

Unfortunately the Saturday of the event didn't quite go to plan, long delays being encountered and compounded as the timetable was very intense with no room for error. I am pleased to say that the timetable worked better on the Sunday, and even the weather was unexpectedly sunny and pleasant for the best part of the day - the forecast rain staying away.

One of the stars of the show - 71000 "Duke of Gloucester" at Wansford, near the end of the day. Not clear from this photo is how beautifully turned-out all the locos were.

The other star visitor - GWR 4-6-0 No.4936, "Kinlet Hall" crosses the goods train at Wansford station.

Crane demonstrations in the yard added an interesting side attraction, lifting the LMS 'Medfit' from one track to another. Shed tours were also in operation and seemed popular. Thanks to all who put donations in the pot!

By special arrangement the goods train was longer than normal - we managed to add a couple of the Civil Engineer's box vans and their 'Lowmac'. We also added authentic wagon labels to the spring clip on the solebar of some of the wagons - although we're not sure anyone noticed! As seen here, Tim's brake van got it's first proper outing this weekend and it performed faultlessly. It was also great to authentically run the goods train with the 'main line' locomotives such as '4F' 44422 and '5MT' 73050, a sight I wish to see again in future.

Building Update

2011-09-09T17:50:00.006+01:00

The cafe extension appears to be complete! Chairs and tables are now inside and set out for use.

Brickwork continues to rise around the toilet and shower block attached to the overhaul workshop.

On an unrelated note, don't forget the steam gala tomorrow and Sunday; two impressive visiting locos and an intensive timetable should make for a good day out! Guided shed tours will be available at set times, as will footplate access to "Kinlet Hall" and "Duke of Gloucester" when they are awaiting their next duty (£1 minimum donation).

Another Mk1 Update

2011-09-06T14:06:00.009+01:00

The old bogies have been removed from BR Mk1 SK No.25639...

...and the newly overhauled bogies have been installed under the coach. It needs a bit of a clean up but should hopefully be in service for the steam gala on 10th/11th September, forming a six-coach Mk1 rake to be hauled by BR '5MT' 73050, LMS '4F' 44422, visiting BR '8P' "Duke of Gloucester" and GWR 4936 "Kinlet Hall'. This link takes you to the official page for the event - please note that the working timetable has also now been released and is available to view.

Despite Allan and his small team pulling out all the stops, TSO No.4466 won't be quite ready for the event this weekend unfortunately. However this does mean that the coach can be properly finished before entering traffic, including lining-out. It can be seen here that the lower bodyside has now been painted.

"Duke of Gloucester" times

2011-09-04T11:13:00.005+01:00

If all went to the revised plan, GWR No.4936 "Kinlet Hall" should have arrived at NVR a couple of days ago, on Friday 2nd September.

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" is due to arrive late on Monday 5th September, from Bristol via west London and the East Coast Main Line. Link to times here.

Wagon Progress

2011-09-03T13:48:00.009+01:00

This week I was fortunate to have a lot of assistance from a new NVR volunteer who was very keen to get stuck in. This meant progress on the "Esso" tank No.1914 was rather more rapid than usual. Between us we managed to strip off all the remaining paint on the selected section between joints, and wire-brush and prime the top half. The lower half will follow as soon as possible.

The rebuild of the timber panelling of Southern brake van No.S55550 continues, the second verandah end has now been completed, as has the end of the cabin.

Tim is working on the interior of his BR standard 20T brake, with painting of the cream/white complete. At the time of writing, brown on the lower half of the walls may now also be complete. The steam gala of 10th/11th September remains the target completion date of this van.

The two surviving 'new' containers have been moved on to the old coal hopper chassis, which will be their home in the medium-term until they are restored. Once properly roped up and sheeted over, which should happen very soon, the whole lot will be moved away from their current location and put somewhere rather more out of the public eye. It is hoped that much of the spare material left over from the restoration of the BR brake van above can be used to restore at least one of these in an economical way.

Talking of wrecks, the future is now looking a little brighter for these two vans, which have been stuck at the end of the Civil Engineers' siding near the signal box for many years now. The LMS CCT seen here is pretty rough and was in danger of going for scrap, but I am delighted to report that it has recently been purchased by a committed working member of the railway who intends to see it restored. Interestingly, it retains the modifications made for the James Bond "Octopussy" filming, including grab handles underneath for the stunt man to cling on to while the circus train in the movie, of which this wagon was part, sped along the track. Whilst the end doors will probably be replaced with the original LMS pattern (still in store from when they were swapped for the filming in 1982!) it is hoped to retain these more discreet modifications as a point of interest.

The adjacent BR 'Palvan' has also been purchased by the same person and its considerably superior condition should see it up for restoration fairly soon - two more pressing vans are likely to be in front of it in the restoration queue, but then its turn should come.

Beginnings and Endings

2011-08-30T10:36:00.011+01:00

Tim is pulling out all the stops to complete his BR 20T brake van in time for the steam gala on 10th/11th September. The exterior lettering is now complete, all that remains are a few interior jobs. It's been a long and difficult road but it just goes to show what is possible with enthusiasm and dedication when you consider it started out like this.

Detail of the chosen lettering scheme, with signwritten regional allocation. I understand this is an early paint scheme that was seen on these vehicles, but probably not this actual example due to its 1958 build date - near the end of the production run of these vans.

Allan has put the C1 Restriction and "TSO" lettering on the end of his BR Mk1 No.4466 and the end is very much in sight for this project too. Some paint and other relatively small jobs will see this coach ready for its running-in period.

An attempt has been made to clean the exterior of BR Mk1 No.4200, this is the coach that is heavily graffitied on one side (currently the publicly-visible side) as can be seen in the photo below:

Once cleaned up, the intention is to turn it on the turntable so the graffiti is hidden from our visitors whilst it awaits its turn for overhaul.

A small cleaning experiment has also been undertaken on the neighbouring disused Mk1 coaches. Whilst still in relatively poor condition, once cleaned up they shouldn't look too bad to visitors on passing trains.

Preserving Britain's Railway History (sort of...)

2011-08-27T10:32:00.010+01:00

Three 1950s BR 'A-type' containers arrived on the railway this week, from Rutland Railway Museum. These two have the corrugated end, the most common variation of the 'A-type' design...

...whilst the third is the all-wood design. They don't look great, but they don't look too bad, do they?

Oh dear. Rotten corner post betrays the illusion. One of the other containers has the same problem as well.

The all-wood container had to be moved so was tentatively picked up with the forklift.

Despite careful handling, there was no way of preventing it falling apart even more during transit.

All the wood was beyond saving so the decision was made to completely demolish it, but retain the metal parts in order to make a new wooden body. Here we see the container in flat-pack format!

This is planned to be a relatively long-term project so it will be quite a while before any progress is made. These parts will be loaded into the one container that does seem to be holding together for the time being, until we are ready to tackle it.

On an unrelated note, GWR 'Hall Class' No.4936 "Kinlet Hall" was due to arrive on the Friday for the steam gala on 10th/11th September. Unfortunately it got held up and should now arrive next week instead.

Wansford Site Progress

2011-08-23T08:14:00.003+01:00

Fresh paint continues to advance on Swedish 'B' class 4-6-0 No.101. The cab now sports topcoat to match the boiler, and rusted sections have been cut out from the tender platework in order to let in new metal.

The brickwork continues to rise around the lean-to building adjacent to the Heavy Overhaul Workshop.

Wagon Roundup

2011-08-18T10:56:00.007+01:00

The top half of the tunnel end of 'Vanfit' B759852 was quickly rubbed down and top coated.

It is more and more likely that this van will become part of the running fleet, after transferring the contents to another van which can remain static in this location. Whilst it makes sense to make this van a runner after all the effort that has gone into its restoration so far, unfortunately it requires new doors and some new timber on the other side, plus a new roof canvas/felt. The good news is that the doors are already built and in stock awaiting fitting, and thanks to the experience the restoration of this van has given me, I now have a relatively quick and easy method of replacing bodyside planks.

The first third of the southern side of the Esso tanker was given a coat of black topcoat. This means that the first third of the tank is completed, and properly protected from the weather. My plan is for the tank to remain in plain black until the rotten timber baulks are replaced (in a year or two, if funds can be raised?) then the whole thing will be rubbed down and given a second topcoat, followed by reinstatement of the "Esso" markings, lettering etc.

Another hour or two was spent needle-gunning the next section of the tank. I managed to get up to the middle bracing rail as seen here...

...and made the interesting discovery of this lettering under the paint. I think there was another line or two of text, but I couldn't prevent the needle-gun obliterating it. I will be more careful on the other side and try to preserve the whole thing for measuring/photographing so a record can be kept for the future. Study of other tankers in this 1950s/60s "Esso" livery suggests that this lettering doesn't appear to be a feature, and so I am led to believe that it belongs to its original WW2 Air Ministry livery. This tanker was constructed in 1941 as a 'Class A' tank, for the wartime job of transporting aviation fuel. It was later downgraded to become a 'Class B' tank, which means it was used to transport fuel and heating oils rather than 'Class A' spirits such as aviation fuel and petrol. For the record, the text reads, "NO LIGHT TO BE BROUGHT NEAR THIS TANK. THE COVER MUST BE KEPT SECURELY FASTENED". As mentioned, there may well have been another line or two which I was not able to save.

Speaking of lettering, Tim began the task of lettering his brake van. I believe it is hoped (and realistic) to have it ready by the steam gala on 10th/11th September.

More Mk1 News

2011-08-15T12:24:00.016+01:00

The newly restored bogies for SK E25639 are just about complete, and the coach has been brought into the yard alongside. This suggests that the bogie swap is imminent.

Under-restoration Mk1 TSO No.4466 basks in the sunshine. This will be the first BR maroon-liveried coach on the railway for several years.

4466 viewed from the other end last week, after the carriage shunt. This coach is very definitely on the home straight, one coat of topcoat is required on the doors and lower bodyside to make it presentable for use. Lining out will probably have to wait until after the steam gala and 1940s weekend, as this coach is desperately needed in service for these events! The BR emblem and number transfers have also arrived.

I am indebted to Allan Nunn, the owner and restorer of this coach, for sending these three photos of the interior through and filling in detail on progress. This end is finished, complete with reading lights and luggage racks.

The saloon at the other end, this awaits reading lights and luggage racks but then will be complete. A new ceiling went in a few months ago, this is at top-right. In time, the ceiling on the other side may also be replaced.

A closer view of the section of new ceiling. The previous ceiling collapsed over the winter, due to water damage.

A few mechanical parts need finishing in addition to the external painting and internal 'cosmetics' before the coach can be released into traffic for its running-in period. These include the passenger communication cord emergency braking system which needs adjustment, and the outer springs on the bogies which require replacement (these are in stock). Once everything is sorted out, we will have seven operational BR Mk1 coaches, hopefully followed by the others (see posting below) once restored. For the first time ever, the NVR would then have two 5-coach BR Mk1 rakes (with the option of arranging them together in various ways to match demand for special services), and the extremely tatty and unappealing green Danish (DSB) stock can then be withdrawn from service.

Mk1s Emerge

2011-08-12T00:56:00.015+01:00

The shunt to extract the out-of-use BR Mk1s from the tunnel for drying out and assessment for potential restoration went ahead as planned this week - today I got to see the results. The first coach in this line-up is Buffet coach No.1872, still in as-withdrawn BR "blue and grey" livery. Externally, this should clean up ok to improve its appearance before being restored.

Interior of No.1872, looking towards serving area. I love the retro 1950's diner-style ceiling in this vehicle - primrose yellow with chrome trim, and gorgeous 'flying saucer' ceiling lights.

The bar area of No.1872, don't ask what the magazine was about on the counter! Rather a bizarre find in a disused carriage...

Next in line is No.4627. Again, this can be cleaned externally relatively easily to improve its appearance before restoration commences.

No.4627 interior. Once restored, this could easily complement No.4686 and be used to serve at-seat dinners and cream teas.

Finally, we have No.4200, the former "Britannia Bar". Unfortunately it was attacked by vandals a few years ago and one side is plastered in graffiti.

A closer view of the damage, which covers the entire side of this vehicle.

The bar area in No.4200. This preservation-era modification is likely to be removed during the restoration, and replaced with the original seating bay layout giving a total of 64 seats.

Interior of No.4200, viewed from further up the carriage and showing its original layout. This is another vehicle that could complement No.4686, the 'club car', often used to serve meals and cream teas at special events.

We were also very pleased to see that space was left for a wagon or two under the bridge, as requested. Thanks John! The priority list has been drawn up and the first two vans will be brought to Wansford for attention as soon as possible.

Workshop Viewing Gallery

2011-08-07T18:45:00.003+01:00

Blockwork has started to go up around the staircase installed a few weeks ago. This will allow safe public viewing of the interior of the Heavy Overhaul Workshop, adding a new dimension to the shed areas at Wansford.

A lovely job is being made of the new brickwork, which is beginning to enclose the existing blockwork of the lean-to area of the workshop. This north-east corner of the building will provide new volunteer toilets and showers, a facility desperately required as the existing 'Portacabin' currently serving this role is a little precarious... I did point out that something is not quite right about the doorway, but at least it's secure!

Wagon Progress

2011-08-04T14:10:00.004+01:00

A full working day was spent up at Wansford yesterday; the photos below show some of the progress made.

The Esso tank received black undercoat over the green primer applied last week.

Now ready for a quick rub down and topcoat, before continuing with the next section.

The top half of the tunnel end of 'Vanfit' B759852 was wirebrushed, and green primer daubed over any bare metal.

Ian and Peter's Southern brake No.55550 continues to make progress, the cabin end undergoing panelling with new timber.

Elsewhere, Tim continued to make progress with his BR Standard 20 ton brake van, making a good start with fabricating a new vacuum brake linkage. In a quiet moment, Tim also helped me to stash away some wagon parts that were in potential danger of being scrapped.

A shunt is apparently arranged for next week, which may see some of the out-of-use BR Mk1 coaches brought out from the tunnel and moved on to the Carriage & Wagon siding for drying out and assessment for potential restoration. I expect they will be in quite a state, yet eminently repairable as parts and repair sections are relatively easy to get hold of. Photos after the shunt to follow asap...

"Tinkerbell" Update

2011-08-01T11:17:00.003+01:00

The bunker for Danish Class 'F' 0-6-0T No.656 "Tinkerbell" has been lifted into place on the frames (chassis). I don't know how temporary (or otherwise) this is at this stage, at the time of my visit only a few bolts were holding it in place. I believe most of the parts for this loco are now refurbished, and apart from the boiler, much of the remaining work is now general reassembly.

No.656 viewed from the front. The experimental fabric cylinder cladding has not been deemed to be a great success and will be replaced in due course!

Repairs to the boiler have been costed, and are relatively cheap (in steam engine terms). Further to this however, it is hoped that much of the boiler overhaul can be done in-house in order to save about two-thirds of the cost, and also provide an invaluable learning opportunity for boiler skills on the railway.

More volunteers to work on locos such as this, or financial donations, are always welcome - please contact the railway or simply drop by!

Going green

2011-07-29T18:06:00.008+01:00

Esso tank No.1914 at the start of the day, light surface rust has appeared over the last few weeks since the paint was stripped.

The needle-gunned area was wire-brushed, to remove the surface rust. The area was then degreased and green primer went on. The painting didn't take long, but the aforementioned preparation took most of the day! This is a view from the tank ladder as the primer was going on. Left to right, black topcoat (north side) feathered into black undercoat, green primer, wire-brushed and degreased bare metal. Note the state of the old paintwork/rust in the foreground!

Priming finished.

Current state of play of the tank: Green primer on one third of the south side; black undercoat and black topcoat to follow asap.

The other side: one third of the north side in first topcoat, which should protect it from the weather until I can replace the rotten timber baulks, whenever that might be.

Painting completed, an hour was spent needle-gunning the next, central section (bottom of the tank). As can be seen, an hour of needle-gunning doesn't go very far, which gives an idea of how long it has taken to do the work to date. I am aiming for the panel line which can be seen near the top of the tank as a natural break, when the painting process will begin once again.

Great Gala News!

2011-07-26T17:18:00.003+01:00

The following is from the NVR website:

"NVR STEAM GALA 2011
"EAST MEETS WEST”

It is with great pleasure the NVR can formally announce the two visiting Steam Locomotives for the NVR Steam Gala on September 10th and 11th.

The Locomotive line up will now be:

71000 Duke of Gloucester
GWR 4936 Kinlet Hall
73050 City of Peterborough
4F No 44422
J94 No 22

The Steam Gala web page will be updated as soon as possible with further details of this great event, the two locomotives will also be available for Driving Courses and dates will be announced as soon as possible."

Congratulations to all who have worked to make this possible, this is now an unmissable event!

An Appeal

2011-07-26T15:14:00.001+01:00

I would love to be able to widen the scope of this blog, and include contributions from other NVR working members if possible. Contributions can be as brief or infrequent as you like, and from any department - it would be great to hear of other projects and progress around the railway that I have missed, or am unable to cover in any great detail due to lack of knowledge! You would of course be fully credited, unless you specifically ask not to be.

If you wish to send any material for inclusion, please send it to NVRblog(AT)hotmail.co.uk - replacing the (AT) with @ - and put “NVR blog” in the subject line as an additional spam trap. I hope to hear from you!

I am hoping to pay a working visit later this week so expect an update soon…

Mk1 TSO 4466

2011-07-22T09:38:00.004+01:00

This photo is a little out of date (taken about three weeks ago), but the restoration of Allan's Mk1 coach No.4466 is making good progress and looking glorious in BR maroon. I believe Allan and his small team are aiming for completion later this year, which would give us seven operational BR Mk1 coaches for the first time in many years, once E25639 has received its 'new' bogies.

It may come as a surprise to many that there are 14 BR Mk1 coaches on the railway (not including the TPOs) so there is definitely the potential to build up a second rake of Mk1s from currently out-of-use resident stock. Indeed, the very poor condition of the green DSB coaches (all requiring an extremely expensive, complete rebuild due to their rotten floors in particular) may force the issue sooner rather than later.

BR Mk1 No.4466

Built by: BRCW, 1956
Diagram number: 93
Lot number: 30226
Type: TSO

Preserved 1986 by Scottish Railway Preservation Society. At Falkirk till 1988, Perth till 1991, then Bo'ness. Poor order, stored, underframe incomplete (as of 2006). To Nene Valley in October 2005 and now undergoing major overhaul.

Information from the Vintage Carriage Database, by the Vintage Carriages Trust.

Wagon Roundup

2011-07-13T16:40:00.009+01:00

Tim's gorgeous brake van, the body built from scratch, emerged from the shed...

...and was given a test run through the tunnel to Yarwell Junction and back. It rides very smoothly and is extremely solid and well put together, as well as looking absolutely stunning. I was extremely privileged to be invited to be a passenger on this run, which made my day! There are several bits to finish off however, but the end is very definitely in sight. Congratulations to Tim and his helpers during the last four years, this really is an incredible piece of work.

Much less impressive, but progress nonetheless, is Esso tank No.1914 which has seen its first coat of black topcoat. The wire brush/green primer/black undercoat/black topcoat process needs to be repeated on the other side, then the first third of the tank is done!

Viewed from the footbridge.

Some BR 'Freight Brown' topcoat was also applied to the lower half of the tunnel end of Vanfit B759852. Progress was also made on another project, which I hope to properly reveal at a later date...!

I am now on holiday for a few days, regular updates will resume shortly.

Shunting Locos

2011-07-13T15:01:00.012+01:00

After its temporary re-wheeling as an 0-4-0, Danish Class F No.656 "Tinkerbell" was moved into the new overhaul workshop from the old 2-road shed. I understand that this task was greatly aided by members of the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society, who very kindly stopped work on 34081 for a while, including into the evening, to help with carrying out the move across the site.

A relatively simple job like putting the wheels back on can give a real psychological boost to any rail vehicle restoration project. As the Bluebell railway has found with the restoration of SECR 'P' class No.178, a project like this is ideal for volunteers and staff to gain new skills and experience, without the time pressure of getting it in steam by a certain date.

The shunt also saw LMS brake composite No.18017 brought from under the A1 bridge to the end of the 'IRPS siding'. Terry is continuing its restoration and conversion into volunteer sleeping accommodation.

The LMS coach in its new home. This now potentially frees up the A1 bridge for a wagon restoration base, a request has gone in...

The previous view, photo taken February 2011. This begs the question, where have these scruffy locos gone?

A quick hunt reveals them under cover for the first time in many years, which has got to be a good thing. DB 64.305 now sits next to "Derek Crouch" in the shed, which has also been brought under cover from the end of the 'IRPS siding' during this latest shunt.

The two locos side-by-side.

A little loco with an intersting history. No.1539 'Derek Crouch'. This loco was built by Hudswell Clarke of Leeds in 1924, for Sir Robert McAlpine & Sons and used to construct the sugar beet factory at Wissington, near Downham Market, Norfolk. It seems the loco was then sold to the British Sugar Corporation, who then used the locomotive on the Wissington Light Railway between the factory and the LNER branch line. During this period the locomotive was named "Hayle", and later renamed as "Wissington Loco".

In 1955 No.1539 was sold to Derek Crouch (Contractors) Ltd, and gained its current name. It worked in an open-cast coal mine in Widdrington, Northumberland. It remained there until 1970, when it was placed in store. In 1972, it was placed with the Peterborough Locomotive Society (PLS) on 'permanent loan' (whatever that means?!)

In 1974 this locomotive worked the first PLS train along the Nene Valley line. The PLS became the present-day NVR, and as such No.1539 has a special place in the NVR history books.

As an aside, personally I'd like to see "Derek Crouch" cosmetically restored and become the publically-accessible footplate loco by the turntable. "Jacks Green", currently providing this role, could then be brought into the shed and potentially returned to steam as a useful British loco at a future date. One of our fitters has said to me that Jacks Green is a powerful loco and would surprise many with its capabilities!

Brief history of 1539 adapted from the NVR Stock Book 2007 Edition.

Bogie Overhaul

2011-07-09T22:11:00.002+01:00

The overhauls of the spare bogies for Mk1 E25639 are making good progress. The first one is just about complete, and a fine sight it makes too.

The frame of the second bogie was lifted off its wheelsets in order for its own overhaul to start. The 'wheel' in the centre of the axle seen here drives the belt-driven dynamo, which is supposed to charge the batteries for the coach electrics when the coach is on the move. The value of the workshop can be seen to good effect here, it is an extremely useful multi-functional space, all areas being accessible with the overhead gantry crane.

Cafe extension marches on...

2011-07-06T10:48:00.016+01:00

More of the beautifully crafted windows have been installed in the cafe extension - apologies for the photo quality, the light was fading by the time I took most of these pictures.

A view out from the interior, which has had a ceiling and well-chosen pendant lights installed. The station canopy brackets have also been attractively painted. The Swedish 'B' Class 4-6-0 with its 'Nord Express' line up is beginning to make a rather attractive scene to admire whilst having a cup of tea and a piece of cake.

Our new 'gate guardian' continues to undergo its cosmetic overhaul. Although it's not finished yet, the difference that this project is making to the first impression of the site is quite incredible...

...remember this?

It appears that top coat is going on, the loco is apparently going into an authentic SJ livery...

...something like this (modified by me from an original photo by Martin Vos). According to the IRPS, this is an authentic livery for the 'B' Class but not this specific locomotive.

On the wagon

2011-07-05T16:31:00.011+01:00

The first black undercoat has gone on Esso tank No.1914, giving an idea of what the new black paint will look like. Quite a difference when compared to the old peeling paint on adjacent sections of the tank.

Needle-gunning continued on the other side of this section, which is now ready for wirebrushing and green primer.

The lower section of the tunnel end of 'Vanfit' B759852 was quickly wire-brushed, and green primer dabbed on the cleaned-up rust spots. The restoration of this wagon is never going to win any awards, but for a static van it is good enough!

A group of volunteers have been continuing with the restoration of Southern Railway brake van No.55550. This was the view last week, when the scrap metal forming the ballast weight was temporarily removed.

Since the previous photo, the bare bones of the second new verandah are beginning to take shape. The steel corner posts have also been needle-gunned and primed.

TASC 45 Machine launched

2011-07-02T23:50:00.002+01:00

Somehow I missed this; a week or so ago the TASC-45 track machine was launched after its impressive restoration from vandalised condition. A few pictures of the launch ceremony (including indestuctible bottle of champagne...) begin from here.

More Building Developments

2011-07-01T12:30:00.003+01:00

The café extension continues at an impressive pace, with window frames undergoing manufacture and fitting.

The external stairs have now been installed, leading up to a long-desired viewing gallery which is being created to allow the public to safely overlook goings-on in the Heavy Overhaul Workshop building. We’ll all have to be on our best behaviour, no swearing (which might be a challenge for some!) This shed currently contains 34081 ’92 Squadron’ which is undergoing overhaul and is making excellent progress, thanks to the superb efforts of the Battle of Britain Locomotive Society who deserve a huge amount of praise and support.

First new paint on Esso 1914...

2011-06-27T22:24:00.004+01:00

One side of the first section of Esso tank No.1914 was wire brushed and painted with green primer today.

Still a very long way to go! I need to get undercoat on top of the primer as soon as possible, as the primer is porous and doesn't offer much weather protection. Better than nothing however!

Casualty

2011-06-23T14:36:00.003+01:00

Scenes filmed around the tunnel at Wansford for 'Casualty' a few months ago were included in the episode broadcast on BBC1, Saturday 18th June.

Here is the iPlayer link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b0122tb9/

Some NVR footage is during the first five minutes, the main part starts after the 28min 30 sec mark. It has to be said that the locomotive continuity is questionable!

Corridors and Crossings

2011-06-23T10:54:00.003+01:00

LMS Brake Composite Corridor (BCK) No.18017 has received LMS corridor gangway connections. I believe that these originally came from some ex-LMS Irish coaches. This coach is undergoing conversion to volunteer sleeping accommodation, which is a much-needed facility on the railway.

Some mysterious yellow lines have appeared across the tracks by the Carriage and Wagon shed. Presumeably these are marking out the location for a new crossing to serve the shed, which again will be very useful.

Loco Overhaul Snippets

2011-06-17T17:44:00.004+01:00

D9529 (numbered in preservation as "14029") is now looking resplendent after its repaint and should be staying on the railway for a while once up and running. These locomotives are ideal for preserved line use, originally designed in the early 1960s as a diesel-powered equivalent of a GWR pannier tank for shunting and branch line work.

"14029"s previous 'industrial' appearance, this time last year.

IRPS member Chris has been busy continuing the sprucing up of static 'gate guardian' Swedish 'B' Class 4-6-0 No.101. He has wire-brushed, primed and undercoated the left-hand cylinder cladding. Over the past few weeks or so, the missing cab windows have had their glass replaced and have now been reinstalled on the cab. The adjacent Wagon-Lits Restaurant Car has also seen a good clean externally.

The wheels for Danish Class F 0-6-0T No.656 'Tinkerbell' were moved into the old shed, in order for them to be temporarily fitted to the frames and the whole lot moved into the Heavy Overhaul Workshop for overhaul to continue.

Wagon and Carriage

2011-06-14T10:00:00.006+01:00

Quite a lot going on at the moment on the carriage and wagon front. I spent my day needle-gunning more of the first section of the Esso tank. The platform side of this section is now ready for wire brushing and green primer, as is the top, and I am well on the way with stripping the yard side as can be seen here. It doesn't look much, but the area stripped so far represents many hours of work.

Peter was working on the Southern brake van No.55550 further along the platform. The second verandah end has been removed and will be replaced with new timber, matching the excellent job already completed on the other end. He is also planning on replacing the timber panelling in the sides at some point.

Peter has also burned out the bolts holding the steel deck at the same end in order to undertake repairs/refurbishment.

Tim's standard 20-ton BR van has received its top coats of BR 'freight brown' and templates for the lettering were also taped in place by the time of my visit.

And now to carriages... the spare bogies for temporarily withdrawn Mk1 E25639 are undergoing overhaul in the workshop. In the foreground, the wheelsets from the first bogie are undergoing servicing and painting. Behind can be seen the second bogie awaiting attention, in the condition in which they were recovered from outdoor storage.

The first bogie frame has also been cleaned and painted. Very surprisingly, the various Mk1 carriage bogie types (B1, B4, Commonwealth) are not as interchangeable as you might expect. So much for standardisation!

Cafe extension update

2011-06-09T21:39:00.004+01:00

View of the cafe extension (taken a week ago), which is coming on nicely. It will be interesting to see how it has progressed on my next visit.

I should be able to get up to Wansford very soon, and will hopefully be able to post an update actually related to Carriage and Wagon!

Wansford Station Building on the Beeb

2011-06-06T17:47:00.005+01:00

Wansford old station building is currently featured in an audio slideshow of 'buildings at risk' on the BBC website. The building is currently in a very sorry state and must be purchased, stabilised and restored before it simply falls down - in time, if continued to be left as it is, it will.

From the BBC:

"There are dozens of historic buildings across the UK that have fallen on hard times - and many of them have made SAVE Britain's Heritage's annual list of properties deemed to be in most need of saving from dereliction.

The charity's Buildings at Risk Officer, Rhiannon Tracy, takes a look at some of the unloved structures - and sees how the fortunes of other lucky buildings have been transformed."

The feature can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13567574

The NVR 'Friends' organisation is trying to raise funds for the purchase and rescue of the building but a lot of money is required - an appeal leaflet mentioned £160,000 just for the purchase of the building although this figure may well now be out of date. If the whole yard could be purchased there would be possibilities for also saving the brick-built ex-LNWR goods shed opposite the station building, and with a little imagination the empty land to the west could potentially accommodate a carriage shed, saving huge amounts of time and money on carriage overhauls. Perhaps we need to consider converting it into a railway pub or some other commercial venture to gain more income?!

VIDEO: Swanage Railway

2011-06-06T13:19:00.003+01:00

Nothing whatsoever to do with the NVR, but this weekend I paid a visit to the Swanage Railway in Dorset, one of my absolute favourite preserved lines.

Unusually for a British summer day the weather was hot, dry and sunny, ideal for a pretty steam railway that still carries lots of holidaymakers to the beautifully restored original seaside terminus at Swanage via Corfe Castle.

This video is an attempt to capture the atmosphere both of the day and the railway in general. Taken once again with my point-and-shoot (stills) camera, I am seriously considering upgrading to a proper video camera as I rather enjoy the film-making process and my current camera has many limitations!

More 'building' news

2011-05-30T14:43:00.003+01:00

TPO shop coach No.4635 has now undergone external cleaning to match the adjacent SR TPO, although extensive bodywork repairs are required. There were plans being formulated quite recently to remove this vehicle from this role before too long and replace it with another coach more suitable and appropriate for the job, but I do not know how these plans stand at present.

The back of the Barnwell building has now been restored and repainted.

Paint on, Paint off

2011-05-24T18:47:00.011+01:00

I painted the station end of B759852 today, so it now looks very presentable from anywhere on the station. Although less so when viewing the other end when passing on the train! I will do the headstock/buffers at some point when I feel like it.

I am only planning on doing the public sides for the moment, the lettering and tunnel end needs to be done next, whenever that might be.

A useful 'before and after' type shot as B759852 looked exactly like this last year.

Tim's incredible rebuild of BR brake van B953944 from an empty chassis is very nearly complete - the top coats are now beginning to go on this brand new body.

Similar view of the other side. Only a few weeks away now!

After painting the end of B759852, I spent a little time stripping some more paint off the Esso tank No.1914. The first 'Esso' logo is now completely obliterated!

I didn't get very far however as I had to pack up and head for home a little earlier than expected. Hopefully I can make some progress on it next week as I am itching to get primer and undercoat on this section of the tank.

Viewed from the footbridge, another day or so worth of work is required to take the remaining paint off this section (on the side facing away from the camera).

Site Updates

2011-05-19T11:02:00.007+01:00

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last few weeks, I have simply been too busy but things are beginning to return to normal.

The extension to the cafe is coming on nicely.

The IRPS have made a very good start on smartening up their storage containers/site huts, the rear of which make quite an impact on the site. We really must do something about those spare bogies/wheelsets carefully arranged in the middle of the yard! Could make an interesting load for the freight train if we can find a suitable wagon that is not in/earmarked for Engineering use?

Here is an older shot taken in February, showing the difference that this work is making around the 'IRPS corner'.

Change of plan for me today, I was hoping to strip more of the Esso tanker but unfortunately the necessary air lines (for the needle-gun) were all in use elsewhere. Hopefully I can return to it next week instead. Anyway in the meantime I quickly wire brushed the station end of static 'Vanfit' B759852 and dabbed green primer where necessary, ready for a coat of freight brown when the weather/time permits. A pity about the large rust hole visible in this photo, but as this van is only really intended for storage I'm not going to do anything about it for the moment except paint around it. One for the future perhaps?

Farewell D306

2011-05-13T17:34:00.006+01:00

Wednesday 11th May saw the sad departure of long-term resident Type 4/Class 40 D306 ‘Atlantic Conveyor’. It has gone to the owner’s railway workshops at Washwood Heath, from where it will be made available for hire. In further diesel news, Class 14s D9516 and D9523, also former long-term residents, have been sold and have both moved from the railway for new homes in the last few weeks, at the Wensleydale Railway (D9516) and Derwent Valley Light Railway (D9523).

Some pictures of the rail move of D306 can be seen here: http://presnews.wordpress.com/ (scroll down to the posting on 11th May), as can photos of D9523 and D9516 at their new homes on the postings of 22nd April and 18th April respectively.

D306 is a popular locomotive, and is one of only seven survivors of the class (in diesel preservation, that makes it a rare beast). It has been based at the NVR since 1990, when it moved from its previous home at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough. Whilst based there, it starred in the 1988 film ‘Buster’, in the central scenes depicting the Great Train Robbery of 1963. For the filming, D306 was fitted with split headcode boxes on the front and numbered as D326, the locomotive involved in that infamous event. The sequence can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDCYu8bIG2w (warning to the easily offended - contains some bad language).

Back to the present day, diesel services at the railway this year are likely to be solely in the capable hands of Class 14 D9520/No.45 and Class 31 31108, although the Autumn Diesel Gala should see plenty of interesting traction pay a visit to temporarily swell the ranks. Class 14 D9529, currently being overhauled and repainted in the Heavy Overhaul Workshop, will also hopefully stay around on the railway for a while once complete.

Blog break

2011-04-24T08:43:00.002+01:00

Unfortunately my workload is getting in the way of visiting the railway at the moment. I hope to be able to at least call by Wansford within two or three weeks, when normal service should resume.

'Christabel' Update

2011-04-18T12:25:00.006+01:00

After a quiet few months, fundraising and the gathering of support for the restoration of BR Mk1 SO No.4794 "Christabel" is now under way. Please see the new page for this project on the official NVR website: http://www.nvr.org.uk/projects/bel.php

No.4794 in the damp cutting, September 2010.

"Christabel" seen between the platforms at Wansford as part of the shunt to its new location, 1st February 2011.

The coach in its new home, the 'TPO platform' at Wansford. With your cash and support, this neglected carriage can be restored for use once again.

BR Mk1 No.4794

Build Location: York
Built by: BR, 1957
Diagram number: 94
Lot number: 30376
Type: SO

Preserved 1987 on isolated piece of track as 'Railway Inn' restaurant, Whittlesea. Donated to NVR late 1998, but not to Wansford until Nov 1999. Repainted brown and cream from previous faded red/cream livery. Bar. Some conversion work internally: no operating brake.

Information from the Vintage Carriage Database, by the Vintage Carriages Trust.

Building works

2011-04-18T10:35:00.004+01:00

The cafe extension at Wansford is coming on nicely. According to the latest 'Nene Steam' (Issue 100), the brick plinth will support timber panelled walls to approx. 3ft above floor level, with glazed panelling above that in LNWR style. Double doors will be located at both ends to give access the the outdoor seating on the platform. It will be interesting to watch it develop.

The old waiting room ('The Barnwell Building', as it was formerly the station building at Barnwell) is also undergoing some maintenance. Rotten planks are in the process of being replaced and the rear of the building is undergoing repainting. This asset is sadly a little under-utilised at present but I believe there are plans in the pipeline to present at least part of it as a steam-era Stationmaster's office.

Tanks Again

2011-04-14T17:52:00.009+01:00

The shed staff kindly shunted the Esso tanker from the turntable and back into the bay platform, so an air line (for the needle-gun) could reach from the shed.

There was no other option other than to clamber up on top of the tank to continue the needle-gunning. This was the unusual view of the engine sheds from my lofty perch. I should mention at this point that I really don't like heights - even relatively modest ones - it was ok when I was settled in position but I was considerably wobbly when climbing up there in the first place!

Paint is now removed from the top of the tank on the eastern end.

At the end of the day progress was noticeable. Just as the metal was fully exposed, it started to rain - typical! The tank will be stripped and painted in sections where the steel sheets are butted together, in order to minimise the time that the metal is unprotected from the elements. There is probably 1-2 days worth of needle-gunning still required on this section, before rust treating with acid, priming, then undercoat. At one day a week that's at least five weeks work - hence the need for more volunteers!

New Arrival

2011-04-12T09:55:00.002+01:00

LMS BG (gangwayed brake van) No.31359 arrived safely on Monday at Ferry Meadows station, from the Battlefield Railway. The intention is to restore it for use with the LMS TPO M30272M, which interestingly, is the only surviving rail vehicle from the Great Train Robbery of 1963.

The next victim

2011-04-09T09:04:00.004+01:00

Change of plan - the operational 'Palvan' had gone back to Peterborough during the weekend so the repaint of that will have to wait a bit longer. This means that a major bugbear of mine, the appallingly shabby 'Esso' fuel oil tanker has been bumped up the queue.

This tank wagon is currently used for boiler washouts so permanently lives in Wansford yard. As a consequence, it is a wagon that is very visible to the visiting public, and its current state does not give the best impression.

A couple of hours on Wednesday were spent examining it and experimenting to decide the best course of action. After playing around with a scraper and chisel, it became apparent that needle-gunning and full repaint was the best course of action to take, as the existing paint is not as stable a base for repainting as it initially appeared. Being a smooth-sided vehicle with large expanses of 'flat' surfaces, it will also be much less forgiving in terms of paint finish than some of the timber planked wagons.

As I only had a couple of hours available, I made a start but didn't get very far. The rotten timber baulks need replacing but will be left for the time being as new hardwood means £££! For the moment I will work on a decent cosmetic repaint, leaving the timber for now. In future, it is hoped to replace them and bring the wagon up to operational use in the demonstration goods train. A newer, larger tanker standing at Ferry Meadows would then become the washout tanker (after cosmetic restoration to 1960s condition of course).

The proposed new washout tanker currently out of use at Ferry Meadows station. This is a 32 ton tank, No.5181, built in 1965 by Metro-Cammell of Saltley.

Back to the 1941-built tank, there is clearly still a long way to go!

Back to Carriage & Wagon

2011-04-05T18:14:00.009+01:00

I thought it was about time I put something up about restoration work as that has been lacking in recent postings.

I arrived at Wansford and discovered someone had very kindly painted the remaining half of the 'Vanfit' in my absence over the last couple of weeks.

I had to find something to do, and as the stencils for the lettering are not yet complete, I decided to smarten up the underframe with a quick coat of gloss black. The ends can wait until another time, I want to paint an operational wagon ('Palvan' B778810) first.

The public side of this van is now looking quite smart.

Speaking of repaints, the TPO brake No.80456 emerged from the sheds in an incomplete state in order to be used on the TPO exchanges at the gala weekend.

Since the outshopping of freshly painted 'Thomas' from the C&W shed in February, SNCB 21013 has returned to the workshop and is seeing its end vestibules substantially rebuilt.

VIDEO: Mixed Traffic and Transportation Gala

2011-04-04T22:07:00.004+01:00

The "Mixed Traffic and Transportation" Gala this weekend (a replacement for last years Spring Diesel Gala) was a lot of fun. It was nice to see that the gala weekend seemed quite busy, so hopefully all the hard work put into the event by those organising and running it has paid off.

Since I recently discovered video-editing software on my PC, I decided to experiment with the video option on my camera for the first time. Apologies for the wobbly camera work (I only have a 'point and shoot', and more importantly, no tripod!) but here are the results - the first (and so far, only), thing I've ever uploaded to Youtube!

Mixed Traffic Reminder

2011-03-30T11:31:00.013+01:00

Just a reminder that the 'Mixed Traffic Gala' is this weekend - 2nd/3rd April (both days).

The loco allocation/roster is now up on the working timetable.

In addition, the following link will take you to the main event page on the official website, which gives the full list of attractions available (much more than just the trains - the shed tours (limited availability) are particularly unusual at the NVR but there is much else besides).

This event has undergone some changes to the locomotives since being originally advertised. Barring anything unforeseen, the steam fleet is now set as BR '5MT' 73050, '4F' 44422, Austerity 0-6-0ST No.22, and Polish 0-8-0T No.5485. The latter will be on the lovely 1930s Belgian SNCB coaches all day, the event is a good opportunity to experience travel in these.

Please note that Class 40 D306 will sadly not now be available but Class 31 31108 and Class 14 D9520/No.45 will be used from the diesel fleet.

73050 will share passenger duties on the BR Mk1 rake...

...with Fowler 4F No.44422.

'Austerity' 0-6-0ST No.22 will be on the goods wagons, which make fabulous clanging and rumbling noises as they are pushed around and bump into each other.

Polish 0-8-0T will be on the 1930s SNCB 'Corporate' set as seen here (take the opportunity to ride on these special coaches, they are much nicer in my view than the basic, Danish (DSB) green set).

Class 31 31108 will be on the TPO demonstration runs in operation during this event. This loco was featured in the recent 'Eastenders' level crossing drama.

Finally, Class 14 D9520/Corby Quarries No.45 will be making a light engine move to Peterborough (NV) at 9.20am. At 10.25am it will leave Peterborough with the goods wagons, arriving back at Wansford at 10.55am. After this run, D9520 will work shuttles through the tunnel to Yarwell Junction, using the SNCB rake and giving No.5485 a breather.

We very much hope to see you there!

Wednesday at Wansford

2011-03-24T14:20:00.012Z

Recent 'Before and After' pictures of the loco siding at Wansford...

The view from the car park at Wansford until recently. 'Kriegslok' and other shabby engines resembling a scrap line - welcome to the NVR!

Much better - the 'B' Class undergoing cosmetic restoration when weather and volunteer labour allows.

The cafe extension is progressing well, utilising old platform canopy supports as part of the construction.

Blast from the past - 5MT 73050 was in the workshop being worked on when I visited, alongside were the old cabsides it wore when it was in BR Green livery many years ago.

The restoration of the TASC 45 machine is just about there. The tipper body has been refurbished and mounted back on the vehicle.

This will be a very useful tool for various civil engineering jobs around the railway. A lot of credit is due to the volunteers who have seen this through to completion.

Tim's brake continues to make excellent progress. Sadly his page on Fotopic is down (Fotopic has mysteriously disappeared at present, but I will keep the links on the right-hand side of this page for the time being in case it comes back). The lookout duckets have now been installed into the bodyside.

Also in the yard is Ian's Southern Railway brake van No.55550 which has seen attention from a paintbrush after extensive timber and solebar repairs. It also has new flooring and stepboards. I just need to find some time to improve the operational wagons to go with these brake vans!

The other SR vehicle at Wansford, TPO No.4920, has seen the completion of its heavy clean. Its looking a darned sight better than it did. A start has been made on the neighbouring BR Mk1 coach that forms the TPO second-hand bookshop, but this coach is in more poorly condition and may be replaced before long.

Loco and C&W Shed tours should be in operation during the Steam Gala on 2nd/3rd April, so if you want to see some of the hidden aspects of the railway come along for a good day out and a nosey behind the scenes!

Comings and Goings

2011-03-23T20:37:00.004Z

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last couple of weeks - I've just had too much going on to even call by for a visit!

The 'Kriegslok'...

...has gone! The concrete for the foundations in the foreground has been poured too, and even the weather has got better!

Fowler '4F' 44422 has now returned from work undertaken at Crewe over the winter, and is now reunited with its tender that stayed on the NVR during this period. We're all very pleased to see her back, a really lovely engine and due to take part in the 'Mixed Traffic Gala' on 2nd/3rd April. An interesting set of pictures showing her journey back from Crewe can be seen here.

Mixed Traffic Gala: 2nd & 3rd April

2011-03-14T12:06:00.003Z

On the weekend of 2nd and 3rd of April, the railway is holding a 'Mixed Traffic Gala', with all available Locomotives in service. From the steam fleet this should include BR Standard '5MT' 73050, Fowler '4F' 44422, 0-6-0ST 'Austerity' No.22, and Polish 0-8-0T No.5485. Diesels in operation should be the popular 'Type 4'/Class 40 D306, at least one of the Class 14s, and Class 31 31108. Sadly at present it seems that the hoped-for guest steam locomotive will not be paying a visit, however this event is a rare chance to sample much of the operational home fleet over one weekend!

The following attractions will also be available over the weekend:

Freight Train in operation

Travelling Post Office in operation

Mail Exchanges at Sutton Cross at 12.51

Mail exchanges at Yarwell from 13.00 - 13.30 & 15.00 - 15.30

Steam Crane in operation at Wansford (Display Saturday/Operation Sunday Only) - crane demonstrations have not been seen at Wansford for several years.

Vintage vehicles & buses

Shed tours of Locomotive Shed and Carriage and Wagon department - as far as I am aware, this is something we have not really done before, so please come along to support us!

Lineside Passes

Intensive Timetable

Mark 1 carriages & SNCB set (the attractive 1930s Continental coaches, as seen externally in the recent Poirot 'Murder on the Orient Express') in operation.

Club Car in operation (supplementary fare applies, limited places available, please see the main NVR website: http://www.nvr.org.uk/timetable/mt.php

Trade Stalls, including:

Bufferbeams
Somerset and Dorset Heritage Trust
M&B Models Model Railway Specialist
Battle of Britain Locomotive Society
International Railway Preservation Society
Renown & Repulse Group

7 1/4 Gauge Class 14 Locomotive (DISPLAY ONLY)

Other attractions to be confirmed.

Please note, Special Fares will apply for this event.

Link to Working Timetable.

We hope to see you there!

Wash and brush up

2011-03-10T11:56:00.017Z

Efforts are being made to tidy up Wansford station site to give a better impression to visitors - more volunteers would be very welcome to help with this, no special skills are required but it makes a huge visual difference to the place. All you need is to be a NVR member. Here we see 0-6-0ST 'Jacks Green' after being scrubbed up to meet his visitors - a big improvement. The face is not always present - it tends to be put in place for 'Thomas' events as our younger visitors recognise the engine as a cheeky green 0-4-0ST from the Rev. Awdry's stories. Longer term, it would be nice to see this engine return to the authentic light green it wore in service at Nassington ironstone quarry, a truly local locomotive. It is a sister engine to 'Ring Haw', also preserved and currently restored to operating condition at the North Norfolk Railway.

As a comparison, here is an earlier shot of 'Jacks Green' last year before cleaning. It shines now!

Sister loco 'Ring Haw' at Sheringham, North Norfolk Railway, in authentic Nassington livery. Could 'Jacks Green' look like this one day?

More panels of the Southern Railway TPO No.4920 have been washed and T Cut, quite a difference to its appearance of the last few years as can be seen when compared to the panels not yet done on the right. The 'Night Mail' project aims to provide desperately required covered accommodation for all the TPO vehicles and the two Wagon-Lits cars on the railway. The work will be done in a phased way, modifications to the trackwork at Ferry Meadows to allow rail access to the site are planned this Easter as a first step.

View from the ground of 4920. The metal sheeting really requires repair/replacement due to corrosion, but this will have to wait until manpower is available. However this major clean up helps its appearance a lot for now. Using T cut/general cleaning has been recommended rather than a quick repaint, because it will make life easier when full restoration work of the bodysides (needed quite soon) is carried out.

Comparison shot of 4920 before work started. The battered and bruised trolley in the foreground was removed from public view some months ago for restoration, I am pleased to report that its restoration is now very nearly complete!

The distinctive headlamp has been refitted to the Swedish 'B' class
4-6-0. It appears to have been designed to assist trainspotting at night, which is most thoughtful.

The new 'Nord Express' line up in the late afternoon sunshine. Quite an improvement on the jumble of tatty withdrawn locomotives that were in this prime location until a few weeks ago...

The previous arrangement, seen here one year ago almost to the day. Have I really been doing this that long?!

Halfway there...

2011-03-08T22:41:00.003Z

For the first time in months I have been able to spend a few hours volunteering! Even more amazingly, my visit coincided with gorgeous sunny weather so I was able to progress the first topcoat of 'Vanfit' B759852. It is lovely to finally be spending time improving its appearance - until today, every session so far had made it look worse cosmetically, as it underwent the process of plank replacement and patch repainting.

The ends have been left for a later date.

I got as far as the door centre line today, another productive afternoon will see the other half completed.

There were quite a few changes on site that I noticed today, I will upload photos of these during the week whenever I have time.

More from last week...

2011-02-28T15:51:00.007Z

Sadly I am unlikely to be able to get up to the railway this week, so to reduce the time period between updates, here are a few more photos from my visit last week.

The two scruffiest locomotives on site, DB 2-6-2T No.64.305 and
0-6-0ST No.1539 'Derek Crouch' (behind the scaffolding), now find themselves at the far end of the former loco siding beyond the yard gate. Hopefully in time these two can be tidied up but it is not a priority at the moment, especially with limited manpower available - we desperately need more volunteers please! In the foreground is CIWL Sleeping Car No.3916, undergoing active restoration, and forming the tail end of the 'Nord Express' line-up now occupying the public part of this siding. Eventually it is planned to allow public access to these coaches.

Work to Southern brake van No.55550 continues in the yard, the new timber verandah has been painted. If work continues at this impressive rate, in the fairly near future we may go from one operational brake van, to three! (Tim's brake van in the shed is a few months away from completion).

The restoration of the platform trolley continues in the workshop, a host of small metalwork parts to go on it have already been cleaned and painted.

That's probably it for now, hopefully I can get some fresh pictures early next week.

Hive of Activity

2011-02-22T15:38:00.011Z

Quite a lot going on today for Post No.100 of this Blog! I called in at Wansford today expecting it to be quiet as is usual for a Tuesday afternoon. It was therefore a very pleasant surprise to find the level crossing gates closed across the road and 'Thomas' in steam - I'd completely forgotten about half term!

The car park was full and lots of visitors were milling about - very good to see, especially as the weather wasn't much to write about.

'Thomas' back in service after his repaint, which was undertaken over the last few weeks in the C&W shed. SNCB coach No.21013 is now due to go back in for a few weeks, to have the external refurbishment of the end vestibules completed.

The main reason for my visit today was to have a look at the new arrangements on the 'loco siding'. As mentioned in the previous post, the Kriegslok had been removed from the head of the siding where it had stood for many years, and replaced with the Swedish 'B' Class No.101 last week. The CIWL Restaurant Car and Sleeping Car are now coupled up behind No.101, as a representation of 'The Nord Express'. However I was unable to get any decent shots of the newly-formed display train, as major work was under way pouring concrete for the foundations of the cafe extension.

'The Nord Express' steaming out of the front gate...

The view from the car park. It looks like the train has paused at a wayside station! Cosmetic restoration of the loco, and full restoration of the Sleeping Car, is ongoing thanks to the efforts of the IRPS.

The 'Kriegslok' No.Ty2-7173 is temporarily residing on the turntable before it leaves the site for its new home. In the foreground are preparations for the foundations of a 'new' and exciting building project that is replacing the previous education building on this site. More about that in a future post perhaps...

An alternative view of the 'Kriegslok', come and see it while you still can!

This was the site two weeks ago...

...and this was taken today. The 'Vanfit' box van in both images (No.B785122) is being prepared for use in the Civil Engineers' train.

The refurbished power unit has been lowered into Rolls-Royce 'Sentinel' 0-6-0DH No.22. In time, this locomotive will be restored back to original appearance, losing its 'London Transport' identity in favour of the livery it wore when delivered in 1967 to 'Stewart & Lloyd Minerals Ltd.', Corby.

101 Shunt

2011-02-19T11:06:00.002Z

According to the IRPS, the shunt to extract the 'Kriegslok' 2-10-0 and place Swedish 'B' Class No.101 at the head of the 'engine siding' has now taken place, along with the CIWL Sleeping and Restaurant Cars arranged behind it. Photos to follow soon after my next visit.

Departure time approaches...

2011-02-15T15:48:00.013Z

In the last few days, preparations have begun at Wansford to extract the 'Kriegslok' 2-10-0 for shipment to its new home back on the Continent. I must admit that I had expected it to be gone already, however it soon became apparent that I had misunderstood the arrangements and that it should be leaving in a few weeks time (early/mid March). Apologies for any confusion caused by your
dim-witted scribe!

As part of the preparations for the move, the Wagon-Lits Dining Car No.2975 has been pulled out from its previous location next to the TPO bookshop carriage. This is rather a fine vehicle but is currently in a poor state - the IRPS are aiming to restore this carriage when they've completed the restoration of Wagon-Lits Sleeping Car No.3916. When the 'Kriegslok' leaves, creating a bit of space, these two coaches will be coupled together behind the Swedish 'B' Class
4-6-0 as a representation of the 'Nord Express'.

BR Mk1 SO No.4794 ('Christabel') is now in the space vacated by the Wagon-Lits Dining Car.

Further down the same siding, semi-restored 'Vanfit' B759852 sports its new undercoat. Definitely not painting weather today! The shorter length of 'Christabel' compared to the Wagon-Lits Dining Car means that these four vans have moved towards the station slightly.

The SR TPO No.4920 shows the result of cleaning/T-Cutting in an effort to make it more presentable. Certainly an improvement when compared to the doors and panels on the right-hand side which have not yet been attended to. The high-level windows are in store, being repaired.

Carriage & Wagon

2011-02-10T12:04:00.006Z

Sadly my enforced absence from proper volunteering continues (too much work on), but I was pleased to see that the south side of 'Vanfit' B759852 has been painted in undercoat whilst I have been away. It now looks reminiscent of the white 'meat van' conversion recently undertaken at the Mid-Hants Railway!

Alternative view. Apologies for the the quality of the photos, a rake of coaches was in the way today.

Work on restoring privately-owned Southern Railway brake van No.55550 continues. The repaired solebar area has now been painted underframe black and the verandah has been reconstructed and primed. It's lovely to see more wagons given the attention they deserve.

A set of spare bogies have been loaded with the crane and brought up to Wansford, appropriately enough on the 'Bogie Bolster C'. These are to be overhauled and put under BR Mk1 No.25639, which has been temporarily removed from service due to worn flanges/tyres.

Cascaded into Departmental use...

2011-02-10T11:42:00.002Z

Further to last weeks update, the double-deck education classroom 'Portacabin' has now been completely removed from its previous site (it was to the left of the green shipping containers in this photo). It is being re-erected in a new location for use as staff offices, and I am very pleased to say it is now safely out of public view. The site is already looking much better for it.

The large 'Kriegslok' loco in the background is due to leave the site in a couple of days, the yard will see a major shunt to release it and the opportunity will be taken to rearrange many of the static vehicles at Wansford. Swedish Class 'B' 4-6-0 No.101 will become the new 'gate guardian', cosmetic refurbishment of the loco for this role is ongoing as and when the IRPS volunteers have time.

Flying Visit 1st Feb 2011

2011-02-01T15:17:00.022Z

A few visible changes on site since my visit last week, but as I didn't have much time to hang around today I'm in the dark as to what's actually going on...

The top deck of the former 'Education Building' has gone! Personally I'm hoping for good, as it really was a bizarre eyesore in a very public part of the site. Presumably better accommodation has been found for the NVR's education groups. Will the remaining lower portion disappear too? Fingers crossed!

BR Mk1 SO No.4794 'Christabel' has moved down from the damp cutting where it has been stored for the last few years, and temporarily into Wansford station. I'm not quite sure what the plan is for this coach now, there were plans being formulated to restore it but these seem to have gone quiet recently. The bodywork doesn't appear to be in particularly good condition upon cursory inspection (and no, I'm not just looking at the paint!) but it is still eminently restorable and I'm hoping the project hasn't died a death.

Elsewhere on site...

Corby Quarries No.22/London Transport No. DL83 (Rolls-Royce Sentinel 0-6-0 diesel-hydraulic shunter, works No.10271, built 1967) has had it's engine removed for replacement with a reconditioned power unit. The marvellous reconstruction of BR standard 20T brake van No.B953944 has joined No.22/DL83 in the workshop, moved from its previous location in the shed.

The platform barrow in the C&W shed continues it's renaissance, the timber work is becoming trolley-shaped (restored metal parts still to be fitted) and is painted in white primer.

The Southern Railway TPO No.4920 was undergoing an attempt to clean up the existing shabby 'grey' paintwork. The sections that had been done looked considerably greener and more appealing than the rest of the coach!

Wansford Site Roundup 25 Jan 2011

2011-01-27T11:41:00.009Z

I called by Wansford this week hoping to spend a couple of hours getting the first layer of undercoat on Vanfit B759852. However the weather refused to play ball (very wet) and I had work to be getting on with elsewhere, so my visit became a quick visit instead to see progress around the site.

Dave has completed the refurbishment of the first platform bench and work continues on the restoration of a platform trolley.

The small platform outside the cafe is being prepared for the construction of a new canopy over the outdoor seating. The top surface of the platform has been removed as part of this.

The 'Kriegslok' 2-10-0 No.7173 is being smuggled back to the Continent piece by piece! The boiler went back several weeks ago, and now the chimney has been removed (in reality for clearance reasons when on the low loader, the 'Kriegslok' is a big loco. When it first arrived for use on the NVR, the track had to be moved over specially in the area of Lynch Farm Over Bridge for the loco to fit). The move is expected to happen next month, at which point the wider site should be reorganised at the same time.

The repaint of BPOT No.80456 from late Post Office Red into original BR Blue/Grey by the TPO Group continues. Rubbing back has been undertaken on the bodyside and the solebar has been primed.

Finally for this week, volunteers from the very pro-active 'Battle of Britain Locomotive Society' have been working extremely hard on Bulleid 4-6-2 34081 '92 Squadron', and the boiler was lifted from the chassis last week. The boiler is presently on the 'Weltrol' and will go away for overhaul. As an aside, I can thoroughly recommend the '92 Squadron Ale' which is excellent and is available in several local (Hertfordshire) specialised food and drink shops, as well as Tesco stores across the eastern region - it's well worth seeking out. Even better, the society receive a donation for every bottle or barrel sold.

Irony

2011-01-21T22:50:00.007Z

Humble pie time for me this week... No sooner had I corrected 'The Railway Magazine' on the status and livery of '14029', I learned that BPOT 80456 was not to be outshopped in early Post Office Red as expected and reported in 'Nene Steam', but BR Blue & Grey! I'm very pleased for this last-minute decision, as the carriage will now emerge in a livery appropriate for its condition and age (1968) and will offer something different to the impressive PO Red rake at the GCR. 'Type 4' D306 in its 'transition' livery will look particulary good with these coaches in tow.

However '14029' (D9529) will still emerge in BR Blue!

The privately owned Southern Railway brakevan has come up to Wansford yard from Peterborough for restoration work to be undertaken. The buffers have been put back on and the rust explosion on the solebar has been repaired. The new steelwork has been painted in green primer as seen on the left-hand side of the photo.

The 'Lowmac' has been emptied of the canopy supports that it has carried for some years. These are now being cleaned up, hopefully for re-use in construction of a new canopy outsite the cafe.

I spent a little time painting the bare timber patches of 'Vanfit' B759852 with white primer (in the best tradition of Airfix kits, I got some on my best jumper). It is now ready for undercoat.

Repaints

2011-01-12T10:55:00.013Z

Apologies for the lack of updates recently, my personal workload continues to be extremely restrictive and occupies all my waking hours at the moment. However I had a chance yesterday to take a quick break and call in to Wansford.

Page 81 of the February 2011 issue of 'The Railway Magazine' contains a news item that states Class 14 D9529/'14029' has been repainted into BR Green livery. This report is not quite accurate, firstly the maintenance and repaint is not yet completed, secondly, the paint going on is BR Blue!

'14029' as delivered to the NVR for maintenance/repaint - June 2010.

As above.

Undergoing maintenance/beginning of repaint in the small loco shed, December 2010.

Moved into the Heavy Overhaul Workshop where work continues (January 11th 2011). Definitely BR Blue!

Work continues to prepare BPOT 80456 for painting into early Post Office Red.

As above.

Finally, 'Thomas' has come into the C&W shed for his long-promised coat of paint.

Rubbing down continues.

Bodybuilding

2010-12-30T14:56:00.006Z

Tim and Co. continue to make great progress with the standard 20T BR brake van No. B953944, the body being built from scratch and mounted on the now-restored bare chassis over the last few years. The roof timber has gone on, and since this photo taken a couple of weeks back, has been trimmed to length.

An overall view of the van which is already out of date! Tim's Fotopic site found here has a comprehensive collection of photos taken during the restoration, with more being added as work progresses.

Another platform trolley undergoes a complete rebuild - this is the primed metalwork from the broken one that was next to the Southern TPO...

...and this is the remains of the rotten woodwork!

Every Sunday in January should see steam-hauled services operating on the NVR (yellow timetable), and also on Saturday 1st and Monday 3rd January. So if you have been suffering from steam withdrawal symptoms over the Christmas period, come along to the railway for a day out riding the rails!

Out and about at Wansford - in daylight!

2010-12-23T12:09:00.009Z

NSB (Norwegian State Railways) 2-6-0 No.377, 'King Haakon 7'. This attractive engine is on loan from Bressingham during the 'Santa' season whilst our other steam locos on site undergo essential repairs. I believe the brown diesel shunter behind, English Electric 0-4-0 D1123 'Muriel', is undergoing investigative work by volunteers in order to fix an oil leak.

SNCB No.21013 also in daylight and out of the shed. It should be coming back into the shed in the New Year for further attention to the end vestibules, which aren't too bad and were deliberately left in order to get the coach serviceable for the 'Santa' trains.

Now the LMS steam crane has been completed, a TPO coach (I think it is brake tender vehicle No.80456) has taken up residence in the Heavy Overhaul Workshop. The old paint is being stripped off to reveal quite severe corrosion in several places. The new livery is to be early Post Office red, although the coaches are in post-1963 (Great Train Robbery) condition with small bodyside windows, and most of our examples weren't built until the late 1960s anyway - when they would have been painted in the then current blue and grey livery.

A view of the other side. In the foreground can be seen the steps which are intended to lead to a first-floor viewing gallery in this workshop at some point in the future.

A close up of some of the corrosion on the end of the carriage. There are also holes around the bodyside windows.

Finally for now, I would like to wish all readers, volunteers, staff, and visitors a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Great News!

2010-12-17T14:52:00.003Z

Further to previous postings, I am very pleased to hear that the new owner of the 'Toby'/Y6 Tram loco is a keen NVR supporter and working member and wishes to keep the engine on the railway.

This is great news, and with a little imagination in how it is used it could be a real asset at the railway. Thomas on the 'main line' and Toby up to Yarwell? Hiring in the always unusual, now unique, surviving Wisbech & Upwell coach (number 7, built 1884) from the North Norfolk Railway for a special event? An authentic short goods train photo charter with a couple of general open wagons and vans? An unusual 'Driver Experience'?

Although it has a vertical boiler and outside cylinders (unlike the real 'Y6's), the bodywork and side skirts will hide these internal details. The engines frames (chassis) have already been rebuilt and extended, presumeably to 'Y6' dimensions, which offers a unique opportunity to recreate one of these lost locomotives in appearance at least.

Workshop Overhaul

2010-12-17T13:49:00.004Z

The new overhead gantry is undergoing installation, with some other bits still to add, such as hand-rails and walkway spans to the ends. This gantry can be swung up and out of the way quite quickly, unlike the previous scaffold towers that took a lot of time to set up each time they were needed. The railway is indebted to volunteer Andy, who has made this long-desired piece of equipment a reality.

The BR Mk1 coach in the background of the above shot is 4466 - owned, and being restored by, a very supportive working member of the railway - which has come into the shed over the Christmas period for roof repairs. I believe the intention is for this one to emerge in BR Maroon, and its restoration will hopefully lead on to the creation of a second rake of Mk1s at the railway. I am unsure how close this coach is to completion, but it is clear that a lot of work has been carried out on the bodywork over the last few years.

We also have a new carpentry area shaping up nicely in a corner, which I may find useful when I can get back to wagon work...

Moving 4466 into the C&W shed has freed up a little space in the siding outside. The maroon LMS coach (BCK 18017) nearest the camera is due to be moved into the main yard at Wansford to have corridor connections reinstated (for cosmetic purposes; internally the coach is being converted into overnight volunteer accommodation). I've no idea what is happening with the Class 56 Diesel under the bridge - it could be a source of spares for other Class 56's that operate on the mainline but I could be wrong on this. I believe the BR Green DMU car that is next in line is still undergoing rectification work to eventually bring it into passenger use, and the 'blood and custard' Mk1 bringing up the rear (E25639 if I remember correctly) was a serviceable coach until recently, but the flanges are worn out so is now out of use. The plan is to bring some spare Mk1 bogies into the yard/workshop early in the new year for overhaul, then put them under this coach to get it back into service as soon as possible.

I am hoping to take advantage of this general move around of stock, and reserve a slot on this siding for wagon restoration work - it is ideally located for proximity to C&W tools and equipment, power supply etc - but we are rather pressured for space at Wansford so I will have to wait and see what happens.

Going green

2010-12-11T12:46:00.005Z

As mentioned in the previous post, this week I saw that Gordon had progressed 'Vanfit' B759852 in my absence. He has wire brushed the metalwork on the lower panels and painted with green primer as a fill-in job between carriage maintenance duties.

He has also needle-gunned and painted the end piece (to the left of the 'VANFIT' lettering in the photo). This had been stripped back to bare metal a few years ago, but had not been painted to protect it from the elements. Due to the lack of C&W volunteers, the stripped lower panel was then unfortunately left to rust up all over again. It is good to see that it has now been properly dealt with.

This side of the van is now ready for pink undercoat but the weather must warm up first. When I carried out this visit, the sides of the van were coated in a thick crusting of ice, apparently the temperature at Wansford has been down to -12 on some mornings during this cold snap!

Flying Visit 3 - 7th Dec 2010

2010-12-08T18:24:00.002Z

I called in very briefly to a sub-zero Wansford this week, and found 'King Haakon 7' and 'Thomas' being warmed up in the yard. 'King Haakon 7' seen here (if you squint a bit) is a lovely little Norwegian 2-6-0, and at her (or should that be 'his'?) usual Bressingham home only runs on a short demonstration line. Being a Continental locomotive, the NVR is the only railway of any length it can run on in the UK. (Continental stock, which is larger than UK stock, will not fit through many UK platforms and bridges).

During my brief visit I was pleasantly surprised to see that Gordon has made a little progress on 'Vanfit' B759852 over the last few weeks during my absence - pictures and report to follow shortly. I have not been able to properly volunteer for a couple of months now, but am hoping to put in a few hours work at Christmas. Hopefully the cold weather we are experiencing at the moment will ease up a bit by then, as the freezing temperatures are no good for painting jobs.

'King Haakon 7'

2010-12-03T21:47:00.002Z

I have just noticed that the official NVR website announces the visit of Norwegian 2-6-0 'King Haakon 7' to the railway for the 'Santa' season, courtesy of Bressingham Steam Museum.

It is due to operate its first trains on Wednesday December 8th.

'Y6' Replica Tram Loco - Sold

2010-12-02T17:30:00.003Z

The sadly stalled project to reconstruct Belgian Cockerill steam tram loco No.1626 into a replica GER 'Y6' now has a new owner, after being put up for sale on an online/telephone auction website by its previous private owner.

It would be wonderful if the new owner chooses to complete and run their new purchase at the NVR, but of course there is now a possibility that this engine will move away from the railway for a new home base. I have no further information at present, so do not wish to speculate. Whatever happens, it will be lovely to see work resume on the engine and the restoration/rebuilding finally completed after a number of years.

Santa Claus is coming to town...

2010-11-26T21:28:00.013Z

Preparations continued this week for the 'Santa Specials', which are running from Sunday 28th November. The marquee shelter over the platform at Wansford was undergoing assembly, a load of christmas trees have arrived on site, and the Continental coaches were being prepared and decorated.

However the big news is that SNCB 21013 is now complete! Launched without fanfare, it is seen here coupled to SNCB 23009, ready to provide First Class accommodation for the 'Santa' trains.

These two SNCB coaches are now in excellent external condition, leaving No.21033 as the only Belgian coach on the railway still requiring attention to its bodywork.

The carriage restoration shed vacated by 21013 looked very strange and surprisingly big without a coach in it! I believe the plan is to carry out improvements to the workshop over the next few weeks whilst it is empty, including a clever fold-away scaffolding system to be hung from the shed framework. After that, 'Thomas' should be coming into the shed for a repaint as he is starting to look a little shabby.

'A really useful engine' who has definitely earned a repaint...

'Kriegslok' Boiler Preparations

2010-11-25T10:45:00.009Z

As has been mentioned earlier on this blog and elsewhere, the massive 'Kriegslok' (War Locomotive) 2-10-0 No. Ty2-7173 has been sold by its private owner, and will be leaving the railway for a new home in Belgium at some point in the not-too-distant future.

Included in the deal is a spare 'Kriegslok' boiler, which last week was placed on a 'Weltrol' wagon by the LMS steam crane. The boiler was due to leave yesterday (Wednesday 24th Nov) and preparations on site had been carried out to enable lorry access, including emptying the 'Civil Engineering' display track.

The displaced Engineers' trolleys.

The spare boiler had sat in the yard at Wansford for several years, but at the time of my visit was perched on the 'Weltrol' to be shunted down to the lorry loading area (adjacent to the 'new' station building). If everything went to plan, this boiler has now left, leaving the 'Weltrol' free for the next job - carrying the boiler of under-overhaul 34081 '92 Squadron'.

The two remaining boilers on site - in the foreground is that from Danish Class F 0-6-0T 'Tinkerbell', behind it is the boiler from Swedish Class S 2-6-2T No.1178. The overhaul of the former is being undertaken by a team of volunteers, whereas the overhaul of the latter is sadly on ice due to lack of resources at this moment in time.