In the heat on Saturday we had a good turnout to try and get some stuff achieved and welcomed a new potential member, John, to the team.
The main task was to start repainting Paul’s Brake Van, Southern S55550. However, in order to get it to a safe location for access on both sides it required a bit of hand shunting. Overton Yard is currently on a slight gradient, which will hopefully be corrected with the future yard plans, so the first move was easy, from the running rake siding down into the headshunt. The next move was slightly more of a struggle, uphill onto the back siding. After a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, the Brake Van was in a safe place for painting, but by now it was an early lunch for the team!
After lunch, the group split off into versions tasks. Steve went back to working on ‘Frank’ the little shunter and Tim went off to paint a point lever, whilst John, Gareth, Paul, and Mark started to sand down the Brake Van.
As previously mentioned, Tim was requested this week by the S&T manager to paint a point lever at Overton the next time he had the tin of Freight Brown paint open. This request was particularly amusing given the S&T manager’s constant leg pulling about everything wagon related being brown!
Tim then went to measure up for some upcoming track work in the headshunt, whilst the rest of the group managed to paint one side of the Brake Van.
Places are still available for our next driving course on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August. This is a rare opportunity to drive our freight train on a weekend around the service train.
With a lack of funds available for restoration at the moment, the group has spent some time having a bit of a tidy up at Overton and making assessments of future work to be done.
On Saturday 2nd May some off the team were at Overton and took the opportunity to look over the newly arrived Shark Brake Van.The vehicle is largely complete, but will need a fair amount of woodwork. An assessment was made of the plough mechanism and Tim got very carried away winding the plough down whilst pretending to be a pirate.
It was pleasing to see that the plough operated perfectly, so a bit of lubrication was applied to keep things in good order and at the same time the couplings were oiled.
Stu then spent some time checking the axle boxes on the Shark and the LMS Brake Van next to it. All looked really good in both sets of boxes, which is another positive.
The rest of the session was spent clearing up and tidying areas of the Overton site and getting together track components in preparation for some track work later this year. Paul also did a bit of tidying in his Southern Brake Van, S55550, in preparation for a repaint in the next few months.
On Friday 15th, Tim and Mark were involved in a shunt that rerailed Pig Iron wagon B744647. The wagon had been knocked off the end of the track in the tunnel many years ago and has sat in the dirt ever since as a bufferstop. The recovery was surprisingly easy and within minutes the wagon was pulled out into the sunshine for the first time in decades!
Unfortunately the wagon had its bearings stolen before arrival at the NVR, so oak blocks were placed in the axleboxes. These blocks have deteriorated and will need to be replaced. The cost of new bearings is likely to prevent the wagon returning to traffic, but the plan is to carry out a cosmetic restoration to secure the future of this unique historic artefact.
On Saturday 16th, Paul, Jason, Mark, Tim, and Stu were at Wansford spending time repainting the wagon group and miniature railway shop.The sun came out for a while which made the job very enjoyable and Tim even treated the team to ice lollies!
Once the shop was repainted, the team took a walk down towards the tunnel to look over the Pig Iron wagon. The slight surface rust has actually preserved the structure underneath very well and a quick brush over with a gloved hand found shiney metal underneath! It’s fair to say that the wagon looks much worse than it is, but the real issue is going to be the axle boxes due to their non standard size. As said earlier, new blocks will be required, so the wagon will need to go into the yard at Wansford to be lifted and repaired before moving to Overton for a cosmetic repaint.
This week we took delivery of another wagon to further the period objectives of the Wagon Group.
A second tar tanker moved from Llangollen to the NVR this Tuesday to join the tanker that arrived a few years ago from Northampton.
Both tankers will be restored into the livery of the Peterborough and District Tar Distillers once their turn comes up in the restoration queue. This company had premises on the NVR line at Fletton.
Screenshot
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 23/04/26 – And then there were two
Over the Easter weekend volunteers from the Wagon Group and TPO Group opened Overton Yard, not only to promote the Overton Goods, Coal and Travelling Post Office Project, but also for some Easter family fun.
Volunteers welcomed enthusiasts and families with a treasure hunt, shunting puzzle, and colouring, as well as the wagon museum and TPO coaches being open, and Matt Bakers vintage vehicles being on display.
Our longtime supporter David Pond popped in and we put on a short demonstration for the public of loading and unloading, which David capturing images as follows:
Today we hosted the first driving course of the year with our resident Class 14 locomotive No 9529. With a fully booked experience, the course started at Overton for the morning session as 8 customers set off for Peterborough via Orton Mere.
Having enjoyed a turn each at driving, 2 costumers made way for another pair and the run back towards Overton.
A further swap of participants at Overton followed a run over Ham Lane, over the River Nene at Lynch Bridge and then a climb to Mill Lane. After a brief pause at Castor for a driver swap, the sixth customer took the train into Wansford. A slight complication regarding stock in the platform at Wansford meant a run right through to Yarwell for the loco to run round.
Heading back to Wansford, the final drivers took charge to take the train back to Overton once more.
Another round trip allowed the punters another go at driving before the lunch break, where the morning customers were joined by the afternoon eight.
During the lunch break a visit to the Signal Box at Wansford was arranged, then it was time to head back to Overton and bid farewell to the morning eight.
After another two round trips and plenty of happy customers, the course concluded at Overton and the freight rake was shunted back into the siding. A good day was had by all, and even Wagon Manager Tim was smiling!
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 06/03/26 – A Teddy Bears’ Picnic
Thin on the ground today with only Jason, Josh and Stu on site. Their attention being B778019.
First task removing all of the remaining corroded bolts that were left over from our Christmas strip of the vehicle.
This was followed by attention to the frames removing all of the loose rust and detritus both inside and outside of the frames.
With the grinder out the oversized bolts were also trimmed down on B777633
That concludes this bi-weekly update.
Keep an eye out on our Events and Social media pages as we have a number of events being released soon. A number of Freight Driving Experiences and an Overton yard based Photocharter.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 07/02/26 – Van Prep
So it comes to an end, both 2025 and our winter roof work. Over the past 9 weeks we have completed a fair amount of work which we are particularly proud of.
Although, first, we must go back to Monday 29th December 2025 with Mark, Tim and I on site.
Tim and Mark focusing on woodwork for both B774874 and B778019. B774874 having the bulk of its wood work complete, apart from 2 noggins. Whilst B778019 receives it first base layer of ply.
For me, my container BD 4304B, and a coat of BR Crimson, initially applied to the features and details, before the remaining larger flat areas.
It’s crazy to compare how faded it had become, although that is expected with 5 year old predominantly red paint. The images following the comparison being after its last repaint in July 2020 along with how it looked in July 2019 when I bought it. A year between purchase and completed restoration? I think something around that time may have slowed work a little.
The 30th with Mark and Tim continuing the woodwork, the final capping layer being applied to B778019 and both vans receiving a layer of bitumastic paint.
The final woodworking task being 3 new noggins, 2 for B774874 and 1 for B778019.
I did pop in for 4 hours to carry out a spot of signwriting, on a non running van, B777654.
Followed by more signwriting on New Year’s Eve, this time my Crimson Fiberglass Box.
After a couple of days off to see in the new year Maturday’s have returned as I spent the 3rd January 2026 sheeting the last vans of this Winter roof work.
B774874 and B778019 having one lorry sheet spread between them.
It’s at this point, I then dropped my phone from the top of the staging leaving me unable to capture any further images, although as these are the 9th and 10th roofs to be sheeted there are plenty of similar images across our other 4 updates.
Safe to say, these two are complete awaiting topcoat. (Images from my iPad).
My Container was also re-secured to the Conflat, that is after the lower frame was treated to a coat of black gloss.
Unfortunately I forgot my signwriting kit Saturday, so back in for an hour or so Sunday to complete the branding and apply lettering to the container plate over the doors.
Monday 5th saw a team of Paul, Steve, Stu and Tim pop into complete the roofs of B774874 and B778019. The final roof paint coat completing our 9 week residence in the Carriage shed. The team also packed and tidied our kit ready for us to vacate.
Friday the 9th we conducted our shunt to leave Wansford, get Overton ready for the charter and move a coach into the carriage shed. Unfortunately with our focus on the task in hand we did not record our exploits with digital pixels.
The 10th, and our organised session for this update and it was charter prep and “set dressing.
Set oiled, Scarab loaded, Vans tided, Posters fitted, yard cleared, trailers moved, vehicles warmed up. It was a full day of taking care of the little details, finishing with a trip to Wansford to replace 78019 with 78064.
The 11th and the culmination of our efforts, Photocharter day.
I’m sure the next few days will see what the participants managed to take away. Our thanks to those who attended and supported our event, whether, volunteer, customer, re-enactor, night shoot technical assist or vehicle owner. Without you it’s a fruitless exercise for us so again thank you.
Special mention to the TPO group, thank you for the hard work you guys put in to the Morris Commercial some unique cameos were created, we have a bright future for both groups at Overton.
If you are wishing to join us for an event we still have spaces on our Freight Experience with the Swindon Type 1 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic D9529 “Teddy Bear” Follow the link below for more information and how to book:
Welcome to our Christmas update and our roofing momentum continues with Tim popping in on the 16th December to apply topcoat to both B777633 and B786075 completing Vehicles 6 and 7 of this winters project.
On to the 19th with Tim and I on site to reset the shed. After a touch of bauxite to the roof hoops and noggin retainers the completed vehicles were evicted to the east with our final 3 vehicles for roof work entering from the west. These being B953944, B774874 and B778019.
It was straight on to B953944 removing the roof furniture, chimney and the failed canvas.
After a sweep to remove loose debris a sheet was trimmed and laid over the roof, it was then stapled along one side and weighted along the other.
Tim took a closer look at B774874s roof, it was hoped that this would be a resheet, the wood however had other plans with very rotten planks, with Tim removing those that were unsound.
The 21st saw Jason and I on site continuing with the Brakevan. Stapling the rest of the sheet down after an additional day to stretch. Once again, like the Southern brake and what seems counterintuitive, holes were cut into the sheet for the chimney and vents.
Refitting the roof furniture was next, starting with the chimney, fire resistant sealant being applied between the roof and roof ring as well as between the roof ring and the chimney.
Followed by the fitting and sealing of the roof vents, roof handle and new rain strips. The hardwood strips being bent to a metal hoop, removed from a previous van. These being a more prototypical layout for the earlier era paint scheme carried by the Van, rather than a straight piece.
Slightly different to the other vehicles, we have decided to apply the roof paint direct to the sheet, as per the manufacturers guidelines to see if there will be any difference overtime.
The 23rd saw Paul, Steve and I on site, with Tim in towards the afternoon.
First job apply a coat of black to the Brakevans chimney. This sees vehicle 8 complete and the last of the in traffic vehicles that required roof work.
Steve, armed with a grinder started removing the roof hoops and noggin retainers from B774874.
Whilst Paul and I replaced the vacuum hoses on S55550 and fitted them to B780952, as well as a cylinder branch pipe blank, this will allow the vehicle to run as a through piped vehicle (test pending) until it receives a vacuum cylinder.
Tim arrived with his focus being the roof repairs to B774874
With our side quests complete Paul, Steve and I focused on removing all of the rotten, and burnt wood from B778019. Yes, burnt wood, the vehicle had to be removed from Wansford tunnel a few months ago after a stray cinder found its way into the dry wood.
A nice clean sheet to rebuild a van from.
On to the 27th and with no further space to the east and one further vehicle to enter the shed a shunt was carried out. The vehicles also being placed in order ready for the New Year return to Overton and our photocharter. B780952 also received its required test to the through pipe.
The vehicle entering the shed being B707261, although what it carries will be the object of my attention for the next few days. That being my 1959 Mickleover Transport built trial fiberglass container BD 4304B.
The last day covered by this update being the 28th. Just me on site sanding down my container after the chains were removed first.
Then applying a coat of primer/undercoat.
Once again we hope you had a very Merry Christmas, and we shall wish you a Happy New Year. Our next update will be the last of our Sunday following a session updates, as this will encompass our charter, so we hope to include a few images from that event.
We still have some space on this event which sees BR Standard 2MT 78019 running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. As well as our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page:
We also have a Fright Experience with the Swindon Type 1 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic D9529 “Teddy Bear” Follow the link below for more information and how to book:
This update takes us back to Friday 5th December, and with space running out to the east end of the Carriage and Wagon shed it was time for a shunt.
The four completed vehicles B761651, B771300, B785122 and B785122 were shunted out and taken over the River Nene Bridge to the ‘civil siding”. Remaining within the shed B777633, awaiting woodwork, has been joined by B786075 and our first Brakevan for roof work S55550.
To the west we have our remaining vehicles requiring roof work B953944, B774874 and B778019, the final two being out of traffic vehicles to keep us busy next year. The sheet previously fitted to B786075 being moved to B953944.
So straight on to it on the 6th, Jason, Paul and I on site, with S55550 being the focus of our attention. First up, removing the roof furniture and the multiple layers of felt.
After a sweep the next lorry side sheet was trimmed to size and draped over the roof. Unlike the vans there are no roof hoops so this requires stapling all round. Up next a stage that seems counterintuitive for weather proofing a roof, hole cutting for the ventilators and Chimney. The remaining process remains the same though, Drape, Weight, Trim and Staple.
Jasons attention then turned to B786075 as he striped the roof of the very badly failed canvas.
It was then on to sealing the Chimney, unfortunately the correct southern stove pipe cap is missing so a steel plate has been used, although the one fitted to the vehicle up to now was rather baggy.
A new plate was manufactured with a closer tolerance hole, this was then sealed to the roof with fire proof sealant and bolted down. A new inner plate will also be required but the focus for the time being was the outer roof skin.
Next task was the refitting of the roof ventilators, these were sealed and screwed into place.
Primer next, with the roof covering and the furniture receiving a coat.
It was then, whilst at home writing this portion of the update, I realised the ventilators were fitted incorrectly, 90° from where they should be, the points are meant to be side to side and not along the centre line.
Onto the 7th we go, Tim and I onsite and the first job, ventilators removed, sealant removed, sealant reapplied, ventilators refitted, but this time in the correct orientation.
Tim’s focus was the the woodwork of B777633
Unusually, I also carried out some woodwork, after discussion with the owner of S55550 we decided to apply southern style rain strips, instead of the short straight BR “economy” style.
Utilising a redundant metal strip from one of the previous vans as a template, I fitted the four new rain strips.
Primer was then applied to the strips as well as the now dirty areas of the roof.
It was then on to the inner plate for the chimney, an identical plate to the one on top, although a cut out to allow fitment and removal with the stove pipe in place.
A mid week session on the 10th with Gareth and Tim continuing the woodwork on B777633. First job manufacturing a new noggin to replace the rotten one. Then continuing with the roof repairs.
I was also on site for a short time to apply the top coat to S55550. First to the roof furniture before the rest of the roof.
Whilst the roof was drying I affixed new mesh to the inside of the ventilators. Before refitting the capping rings.
With the roof dry I first cut down the chimney as it stood too tall and was very roughly cut.
A coat of black was then applied and a circle at the base to represent the missing chimney cap. That completes the roof work on S55550 and vehicle number 5.
Gareth and Tim continued until the woodwork on B777633 was completed.
Finishing Wednesday with a coat of bitumen.
Saturday 13th was this updates scheduled session with Al, Jason, Paul, Tim and I on site.
There was a sizable amount of work this session with the focus for most being the woodwork of B786075.
For Jason and I however, it was our usual routine although this time sheeting B777633.
A mammoth effort saw B786075s roof ply repaired, with a reskin and a noggin receiving repair also.
It was given the usual coat of Bitumen before a sheet was draped over and weighted overnight.
A quick session on the 14th with Jason and I on site. Completing the bolting down and stapling of B786075s roof sheet.
Then it was on to a coat of primer for both B777633 and B786075
Van 6 and 7 ready for topcoat.
Once again another reminder, our first event for 2026 is on sale, We see BR Standard 2MT 78019 join us running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. Lilibet, my Scarab, as well as Wilbur my Morris Van and other vintage vehicles will be in action as we host our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page:
Also our Second event has been released, a reschedule of our cancelled Fright Experience with the Swindon Type 1 0-6-0 Diesel Hydraulic D9529 “Teddy Bear” Follow the link below for more information and how to book:
Our winter roof work continues with Tim popping in on the 18th to prime B761651 and B771300
Following up on the 19th to apply the topcoat. This being Bostik Flexacryl, a fiber reinforced roof paint.
The 21st with Tim and I on site, B761651 and B771300 receiving bauxite to the hoops and noggin retainers before exiting the east end of the shed.
Rolling in from the west we have B777633 and B759852, our next two “victims”.
With B761651 and B771300 out in the sun we applied the final touches under the roof edges.
This completes Van one and twos roof work.
The 22nd was Maturday with B759852 receiving my attention, I started with the usual removal of the metal work. This one, however, decided to put up a fight, all bolts unfortunately had to be removed with an angle grinder. Some clearly being removed for the first time since BR ownership.
The roof sheet, was then removed, this one being of traditional roof canvas construction.
This revealed 2 planks requiring repair, the rotten wood was sawn off and new partial planks fitted.
At 3pm Jason arrived with M12x130 coach bolts required for the noggin retainers. This means we could continue with, what seems so familiar now, lorry curtain side draped, east end roof hoop fitted, weights fitted, west hoop fitted, noggin retaining plates fitted, weights removed, roof edge stapled and trimmed.
This means Van three sheeted and ready for paint.
The 23rd saw Jason, Mark and I on site. Jason and I applying primer to B759852.
With the primer application complete we helped Mark with B777633 removing the expired roof covering and rotten wood.
B777633 is an additional van that has not been in traffic but clearly in dire need of a roof repair. This along with two other vans will be our projects for the start of 2026.
Tim on site on the 26th completing the wood work of B785122, he also applied a coating of bitumastic paint to help preserve the wood.
The 29th and our scheduled working session for this weeks update, first a little distraction, the TPO group have been working on a project for our charter in January and needed a little space to progress, so to assist them Lilibet was used to move my 15ft Flat with Container.
This gave us an opportunity to pose Lilibet and Wilbur together, a little glimpse of what will be on offer at our Charter.
Back to Wansford and Jason and I applying the top coat to B785122
Tim and Paul completing the final wood work on B785122, final bolting of the roof edges, fitting wooden strips to the edging to take staples and fitment of the noggins.
Mark focused on B777633, removing felt nails and the noggin retaining bolts before being joined by Jason and I, after our painting exploits, to removed the roof hoops.
With Tim and Paul finished on 122, they swapped with Jason and I and began the wood work on 633, whilst we began the sheeting of 122, and once again, and in the same update this time, lorry curtain side draped, east end roof hoop fitted, weights fitted, west hoop fitted, noggin retaining plates fitted, weights removed, roof edge stapled and trimmed.
It was then back to 852 to apply bauxite to the roof hoops and noggin retainers, completing Van number three.
If that wasn’t enough, it was back to 122 for a coat of primer.
The 29th concluded with One in Grey, One in White and a little more wood on the other.
The 30th saw a scout party go in to see if 122 had dried over night. The report back was good, so Jason and I mobilised to paint the top coat on to the roof, completing the Van.
Four Vans Complete.
Finally, another reminder, our first event for 2026 is on sale, We see BR Standard 2MT 78019 join us running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. Lilibet, my Scarab, as well as Wilbur my Morris Van and other vintage vehicles will be in action as we host our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page: https://nvrwagons.co.uk/courses-and-experiences/
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 30/11/25 – Winter Roofers 2
Before we get into the main event of this update a little admin, on the 5th and in preparation for our January Charter, I moved Wilbur, my 1968 Morris Minor Van to Overton. Carrying on board my completed sack barrows.
So here we go, this winter we are focusing on repairing all of the roofs on the serviceable vans as well as a few extras to keep us in check for 2026.
On the 7th Tim and Stu took a trip to Dudley to replenished our supply of lorry side curtain sheets. Our thanks goes to Teversham Motors once again for the loan of their van
On the 8th with 3 vans in the running shed I made a start on stripping the life expired felt on B761651, this came away with relative ease and after preparation of a former lorry curtain side it was placed on the roof.
This was then secured by the east end roof hoop and weighted at the west end over night.
On to the 9th and after the over night “stretch” the west end roof hoop was fitted and both ends trimmed.
The weights were then moved over the Centre of the doors pulling the sheet over the width of the van whilst the noggin retaining plates were refitted.
This left the four corners of the sheet to be secured, these were tucked under the roof stapled and trimmed.
Van one ready for paint.
On to this weekend, 15th and 16th, and after a little shuffling, including a move into the carriage and wagon shed, we have now started the winter project proper.
First up, B771300, receiving the same work as B761651 last weekend, felt roofing removed, roof hoops and noggin retaining strips removed however a little wood repair was needed to the north west corner.
B785122 also received the same treatment as its sisters however a little more woodwork is required.
Rotten wood was removed and Jason gave angle grinding a go for the first time, slitting corroded roof bolts.
Tim and Mark tackling the wood requirements manging to complete the North side.
Jason and I looked at sheeting B771300. Again, same as last weekend, furniture removed from the sheet, East end hoop fitted, sheet weighted and stretched, Noggin retainers fitted, West hoop fitted. Excess sheet trimmed and corners stappled.
Thats 2 ready for roof paint and a 3rd making strides towards the same.
Another reminder, out first event for 2026 is now on sale, We see BR Standard 2MT 78019 join us running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. Lilibet, my Scarab will be in action as well as other vintage vehicles as we host our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page: https://nvrwagons.co.uk/courses-and-experiences/
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 16/11/25 – Winter Roofers
Another 2 weeks have passed, and what I am now referring to as Maturday saw me progressing with the signal post.
So the 25th August and with bright sun shining on the post, I decided to prime it and any areas of bare metal on the fixtures.
In no time this was dry so a coat of white gloss followed by black was then applied.
The lamp casing also saw similar treatment, following a quick sand, the inside as well as bare metal areas receiving primer.
This was followed by white gloss for the inside and black gloss for the outside. A new front pane has been ordered and should arrive during the week.
I also completed one of my out standing tasks, my Barrel Ramps, these have had a repaint, another coat of BR Crimson and lettered appropriately. The iron work receiving a coat of black gloss
On to the 29th and a new arrival for the group and the railway as a whole. A 1956 built BR Shark Ballast Plough Brake from lot 2657, built to diagram 1/587. This has been bought from the Great Central Railway and once restored will be a useful asset for any future track work.
So to the main session for this week. 1st November with the main aim getting materials ready for our big winter push. More on this next in the next update.
One item that was a little more photogenic, than moving sheets and tools, was the completion of the signal post.
The pane did indeed arrive and after a quick signwite and the mounting of a LED work light inside, I’ll let the images do the talking.
Don’t forget, out first event for 2026 is now on sale, We see BR Standard 2MT 78019 join us running as 78064, the last Standard 2 built. Lilibet, my Scarab will be in action as well as other vintage vehicles as we host our first evening shoot in Overton yard, more details and how to book is detailed on our events page: https://nvrwagons.co.uk/courses-and-experiences/
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 01/11/25 – Pre Winter Prep.
NVR Wagon Group 