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 May 2024 – The Nene Napier – Deltic Freight Driving Course

This course is now SOLD OUT!

Friday 24th May 2024 – An East Coast Freight Storm Photo Charter

This event was originally scheduled for Tuesday 2nd April, but has been postponed due to work on the locomotive taking longer than expected. All customers who have already booked will be contacted with arrangements for the new date.

Book here: https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/497/east-coast-freight-storm-charte

The Package

You will arrive at the Nene Valley Railways Wansford Station on Friday 24th May 2024 and participate in a short safety briefing by one of our members of staff.

We would like you to achieve your wishes and get the most out of capturing an A1 on freight and so A1 Class No 60163 ‘Tornado’ will be running at the head of our demonstration Goods Train throughout this event. This opportunity takes place between Yarwell and Peterborough Nene Valley Railway (PNVR) Stations with run pasts through Wansford Tunnel, Wansford Station, River Nene Bridge, Mill Lane, Longueville Junction, and PNVR. There will also be cameos at Wansford involving loading/unloading and the opportunity for shots on shed in Wansford Yard.

It has now been confirmed that Tornado will be facing west whilst at the NVR and unfortunately the locomotive will not be able to be turned. However, this will not detract from all we have planned on the day.

This charter begins at 9am with a briefing and then photography from 10am. Our cafe will also be open for you to purchase food and refreshments whilst you are with us should you wish to.

The Cost

The whole package is priced at £140.00 per person.

Considerations

The environment of a Steam Railway can be physically demanding and so a reasonable level of fitness is required to participate in this course.

On the grounds of health and safety we unfortunately cannot accept any participants under the age of 18 years.

Sturdy footwear is essential such as shoes or boots due to the terrain. Whilst many of the locations will involve access to a platform, there may be cause to use a ladder to access the lineside.

The locomotive for the event will be A1 Class No 60163 ‘Tornado’. Please be aware that Steam Locomotives are mechanical vehicles and subject to wear and tear which may result in delay or the short notice cancellation of this event.

One The Day

After a short briefing and welcome, you will be transported to Peterborough in our Pacer unit.

Under a full line possession to allow both the Goods Train and the Pacer in section, Tornado will already be at Peterborough and photographs will take place here. We will then move to Longueville Junction to simulate some double track action. Following this, the next location will be Mill Lane Bridge and, time permitting, a location on Castor Straight.

We will then return to Wansford for a lunchtime break, where refreshments can be purchased from our cafe.

After lunch we will capture some shots in and around Wansford Station, which will include some cameos with suitably dressed actors. Once complete at Wansford, we will move to Yarwell for some favourite tunnel shots, prior to returning to Wansford for any last pictures before the freight set is put away. Then you are welcome to take pictures on shed to conclude the day.

Locations

Peterborough Nene Valley Railway Station

At this location we will aim to have Tornado and the rake in the loop at the station. This will give photographers the opportunity to get shots from either the station side or by the signal box. This will be a static shoot, but will see Tornado ‘right line’ giving the impression of double track.

Longueville Junction

Here we will again have Tornado running ‘right line’, having backed up onto the Fletton Loop (right side of the picture). There will be an opportunity for several run pasts so that customers make the most of the location.

Mill Lane

A favourite with photographers. Here we will again enjoy several run pasts as Tornado storms under the bridge.

Castor Straight / Splash Dyke / Sutton Cross

Time permitting, there will be consideration for another location on the way back to Wansford, either at Splash Dyke, on Castor Straight, or perhaps Sutton Cross.

Wansford Station

After a short break for lunch we will explore different options for photographs at Wansford. These will certainly feature some runs in over the river bridge and some static shots in the platform, with the possibility of some shots towards the tunnel.

Wansford Tunnel / Yarwell

At Yarwell we will give the opportunity to see Tornado emerge from the tunnel several times before returning to Wansford.

On Shed at Wansford

To conclude the day, customers will have the chance to photograph Tornado on shed whilst the crew dispose of the locomotive.

The Rake

We have been working hard over the winter months to vacuum fit as much of our rake as possible. This means that for the first time in NVR history we are able to offer a fitted express goods rake of 18 wagons to compliment the locomotive for this event. The rake will be marshaled as follows: