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.
Friday 15th May 2026 – DL83 Freight Experience
Participants will begin with a short tutorial led by one of our resident drivers covering the basics of diesel locomotive driving and the role of a Goods Guard.
You will then join five other participants to operate a genuine freight train hauled by London Transport Sentinel DL83.
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 8th August 2026 & Sunday 9th August 2026 – The Peak of Summer Freight Experience
Participants will begin with a short tutorial led by one of our resident drivers covering the basics of diesel locomotive driving and the role of a Goods Guard.
You will then join seven other participants to operate a genuine freight train hauled by Class 45 No. 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’.
During the session you will:
• Drive the freight train on part of the line between Wansford and 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 eight participants.
NVR Wagon Group 