A slightly late update covering a week of wagon activity….

On Friday 16th May we hosted another extremely successful freight driving course with GWR Prairie No 4144. With the freight rake being at Overton a slight adjustment to the timetable saw our course start and end from Overton. The new look course worked really well, with staff and participants having a great time.

The next day, Saturday 17th May, a few members of the wagon group were at Overton doing a few bits.

Matt got to work with some signwriting, whilst Tim was busy measuring and writing chain markings along the running line. This will aid the site plan that is currently being drawn up by NVR volunteer and former BR designer, Stan Thompson. As an aside, a very successful meeting was held recently at Overton to finalise the proposed track layout for the Overton Goods, Coal & Travelling Post Office Depot. This will then allow costings to be formed for infrastructure and will lead to the completion of the business plan.

Meanwhile, Paul and Jason made a start on the repaint of the Banana Van / Wagon Museum, but Tim forgot to take some pictures!

On Saturday 24th May the short freight was out again for the Welsh Valleys event. The freight left Overton behind Class 14 No 9529, then later in the day was behind No 4144 again.

Photos courtesy of David Pond and Lewis Morrissey

Whilst the freight was out, Matt Baker was busy in Overton yard starting the repaint of Tims Scammell trailer.

All road vehicles are in the process of being repainted into British Railways livery.

The next day, Sunday 25th May, Matt was back at Overton to continue the undercoat. Unfortunately, due to the Class 14 failing the freight was pulled from the event, leaving it stuck at Wansford.

The wagon group will be back at Overton on Saturday 31st for more progress. In the evening, Tim will be giving a talk to NVR members about wagons and the Overton Goods, Coal and Travelling Post Office Depot Project.