A new year and a fresh start, the first task after the Christmas break, was a spot of housekeeping.

We decided to clear out B775702 ready for transformation into Fruit Van B875739. The van had been languishing full of old timber for years. Now cleared out we can see what needs doing and it’s clear that new wood will be required throughout.

Another job was to recover the Palvan to prevent damage prior to the new roof being fitted. The tarpaulin blew off in the winter winds, so another one is now in place.

January ends with a tale of two Brake Vans…

Since leaving the works Brake Van B954024 had some pealing paint, so armed with scrapers, sand paper and paint, we got to work rubbing down and repainting.

A start was also made on the repaint of Brake Van B953944 which was a few wagons down in the siding. Having been in traffic now for 12 years it is in need of some work. New wood is required in places, but whilst there was time we started repainting the bits that don’t need repair.

At the close of play, B954024 was repainted, apart from the lettering which will be reapplied later and B953944 had one end repainted.

The first February session saw a repaint of BR Van B785122 and the step boards on Brake Van B954024, which was a leftover job from the last session.

Signwriting was also applied to B954024 and a bit more painting of Brake Van B953944.

A start was also made to repainting BR Van B771300.

All this work is leading up to the years freight driving courses where we’d like the rake looking as good as possible, and of course our photographic charter with Sir Nigel Gresley.

February ends with a rub down and, repaint of BR van B786075, some filling, and completion of the sign writing on the MOD opens.

Followed by B771300 and B785122 receiving lettering, with all the vans then receiving details to their chassis.

It was also on with painting the ends of the vans whilst repairs were made to the label board on B785122.

To finish off those vans that had been painted, the headstocks, buffers and label boards were also touched up.

Off site, the Scammell trailer has been progressed. What remained of the side sheets were removed, new ones ordered and fitted. Beading applied and sealed as well as new floor planks throughout.

The timber of the tail gate was replaced and a roller shutter was sourced trimmed and has been trial fitted.

The trailer is seen with Matt’s Scarab in Quorn yard on the Great Central Railway after receiving primer.

On to March and work on the operational rake continues with signwriting of the hoppers, and what a fantastic job! Unfortunately, rain at about 4.30pm stopped play and one Hopper wasn’t completed. Three and a half Hoppers in one day is pretty good going though!

Meanwhile, on with repairs to B953944. The stove was lit to help paint dry on the inside, with a start being made taking out the ducket windows and painting the metal.

Rotten panelling under the duckets on both sides and rotten skirting was removed, new wood was fitted and further paint application before rain stopped work!

On the back of a good weekend session, a lone Tim managed to rub down and paint the south side of B953944, plus the inside of both veranda ends.

There was even time to put a bit of white on the brake wheel.

Also with some spare time Matt popped into Wansford and added the lettering to BR Van B786075.

Followed by some detailed touches with Bauxite to the fixings of Brake Van B953944, before adding the lettering to that too!

More trailer work off site, with the start of the top coat being applied

As well as 60×40 inch snap frame poster boards to each side,

The trailer has been moved to the Rothley and Mountsorrel Community Heritage Centre were it is now on display, receiving its final coat of grey in readiness for Signwriting.

The final work day of March and the first priority was an inspection and oiling of all wagons to ensure they are ready for traffic for our driving course and then the photographic charter with Sir Nigel Gresley.

A new wagon label holder to Van B786075, whilst more sign writing was applied.

Meanwhile, work continued on B953944, the chassis and step boards were cleaned and painted and Matt added some lettering to the bits of the Brake Van that had already been painted.

Friday 31st saw the first time we have run a Freight Experience course between Wansford and Yarwell.

It’s always a bit nerve wracking when you try something new, but we are pleased to say it was a resounding success. The course allowed customers the chance to drive through the tunnel to Yarwell and get involved in all aspects of running the railway, including a visit to the signal box to pull some levers, and a look in the sheds.

We have taken away a few suggestions of how the course could be slightly tweaked, but were very pleased with the positive comments and happy smiling participants and guests.

That concludes our review of Q1 of 2023 and what a productive 3 months it has been. We are looking forward to our charter with LNER A4 locomotive 60007 “Sir Nigel Gresley” and new for the next Quarter we will be switching to activity updates direct from this site. Don’t worry they will still be posted Facebook but will link back to our website. We would appreciate your thoughts on this so please comment on the site or reply to our Facebook.