The group is responsible for organising freight driving experience courses and some freight photo charters. This helps to raise funds for the continued restoration of the fleet. Details of such events appear below:
Friday 17th April 2026 – Thomas’s Branch Line Goods Experience
Participants will begin with a short tutorial led by one of our resident drivers covering the basics of steam locomotive driving and the role of a Goods Guard.
You will then join five other participants to operate a genuine freight train hauled by Hudswell Clarke No. 1800 “Thomas”.
During the session you will:
• Drive the freight train between Wansford and Yarwell
• Drive the train between Wansford and Sutton Cross towards Peterborough
• Ride in the Brake Van and experience the duties of the Guard
• Visit the historic Wansford Signal Box to learn about railway signalling
Each participant will have two opportunities to drive the locomotive during the session.
The course runs in two groups of six participants.
Saturday 21st March 2026 – Road Rail Transfer Photographic Charter
WITH REGRET THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
Step back into the working world of Britain’s goods yards with this special photographic charter recreating the transfer of goods between road and rail.
The event focuses on vintage road vehicles interacting with railway wagons, complete with re-enactors loading and unloading freight to recreate scenes from a bygone era.
Please note: this is a static photographic charter. No locomotive or train movements form part of the event, although normal passenger services will be operating separately (Freedom Travel tickets required to travel).
After a short safety briefing, the yard will be set with a range of vintage vehicles and staged cameos throughout the day, allowing photographers to capture authentic working scenes.
Photography will take place within Overton Yard and around Ham Lane, traffic permitting.
Start: 09:30 briefing, Our café will be open during the day for food and refreshments.
NVR Wagon Group 