This session we were back at Peterborough to continue work on the Tar Tanker. Whilst Gareth, Stu, Josh, Mark and Al got on with this Tim was welcoming new recruit Annika and showing her what we are about. After about an hour of Tim talking about how great wagons are she was still awake, so a very promising start!
After a spot of lunch, Tim decided to take a look at the north side of BR Van B780952. The usual problem was found, in that the bottom half of the body side planking was in poor condition. Tim then set about removing the internal boards ready to replace the external planks next time; though at one point he must’ve thought he was in ‘The Shining’ as he broke through a rotten plank and shouted “Here’s Timmy”!
It was also identified that B780952 will need new doors, but this was expected. However, a new roof was put on this van last year, so once the body is sorted it will be fit for traffic. We would ideally like to vacuum fit this van too.
By close of play the Tar Tanker had been cleaned of all the thick tar on the south side and one section of wall within B780952 had been loosened to be replaced next time.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 03/08/24 – More tar and a box van
Peterborough Museum is currently hosting an exhibition on Peterborough Railways. As part of this, there will be a series of talks and our very own Tim Hobman will be presenting a talk on wagons, freight traffic, and the current activities of the NVR wagon group.
With a shunt of wagons in Wansford tunnel imminent, it was decided to go and oil up some stuff to avoid damage. Several wagons are stored in the tunnel awaiting restoration, but even so, pulling them out without oil in the axleboxes might cause serious damage to the bearings or journals.
The first job was to open up the axleboxes, which according to most dates on the outside, hadn’t been inspected since 2013. This proved difficult in some cases and needed a bit of heat, but after a while we were in and inspecting the pads. All were found to be a bit dry, but in good condition. As expected some boxes had water in, which was sucked out, then a generous amount of oil was applied to the pads and the reservoirs filled.
The main issue with working on a Saturday was the running of trains. Tim was in charge of works and kept in constant contact with the signal box to ensure we were out of the tunnel for the passage of trains and suitable protection arrangements were in place. Unfortunately, after a train had passed we had to wait a while for smoke to clear, but this meant plenty of time for chatting about wagon matters.
Once all the wagons were inspected and oiled, we all packed up and headed to the East Coast Main Line to see A2 Class Locomotive No 60532 ‘Blue Peter’…lovely to see the loco back on the main line.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 13/07/24 – A bit of oiling and Blue Peter
This update is slightly late due to Tim having a busy week, but covers our efforts from last Saturday. It was a bit of a relaxed session, partly due to the heat, but also because we had a bit of a social on the train down to Overton station.
Once back at Peterborough, work continued on the Tar Tanker. One priority was to get the lid off and see what was inside. Luckily it’s not still full of tar and not surprisingly the inside is in great condition having been preserved by a generous coating of tar. More cleaning then took place on the tank and chassis before we called it a day. As a final treat, Mark brought his drone down for a shot from above.
On Saturday we headed back to Peterborough and started our next project, the Tar Tanker.
Nothing has been done to this wagon since arrival at the NVR 18 months ago, so the first job was to get into the axle boxes for an inspection. The boxes hadn’t been able to be opened on arrival due to the nuts being seized, so Tim set about warming them slightly and in no time things started to move.
Meanwhile, Colin, Mark, Stu and Josh began chipping the hardened Tar from the surface of the tank. The tar had clearly overflowed a time or two from the filler cap and so not only was the tank covered in tar, but also the chassis.
About lunchtime, Jason turned up to add some extra muscle to the job and by close of play the public side of the tank was almost cleaned off of hardened tar. Tim also reported that all axleboxes were in a good state, with all suffering from a buildup of water and sludge, but nothing that can’t be recovered.
It’s been a really busy couple of weeks, so not much time for a news update. This update is going to be a big one, so brace yourselves!
12/05/24 – Loaded Test
On Sunday 12th after the last passenger service it was time to test the complete raft of wagons. Before this, there were a few jobs, so Tim, Phil, and Alan set about fixing the doors on van B786075.
A bit later, Paul and Jason arrived to help ensure all vacuum pipes were connected and couplings tight. It was then time for Class 45 No 45041 ‘Royal Tank Regiment’ to take the wagons for a round trip. Everything worked like a dream…every wagon behaved as expected and the rake seemed to glide along the rails in the early evening light. There were congratulations all round for a job well done and a sense of relief there were no problems.
17/05/24 – The Nene Napier
On Friday 17th we hosted a freight driving course with visiting Deltic No 55009 ‘Alycidon’, which was in disguise as No 55013 ‘The Black Watch’.
This was another triumph, with 20 very happy customers and the freight train completing five round trips without incident. Our own wagon manager Tim Hobman was the Guard and even sported a new uniform for the occasion…looking very smart!
19/05/24 – The Northampton and Lamport Railway
On Sunday 19th a few members of the wagon group visited the NLR to make one of their engines dirty. This was a return favour for the use of their J94 at our Boston event last year.
Colin, Mark, Jason, Alan, and Tim headed over and spent the morning weathering the loco, before a pub lunch and a train ride. Not a bad effort we thought.
24/05/24 – Auxiliary Action
Friday 24th saw another wagon group event. This time our replacement for the Tornado Photographic Charter, ‘Auxiliary Action’ with Battle of Britain Class locomotive No 34081 ‘92 Squadron’ in disguise as No 34111 ‘Royal Auxiliary Air Force’.
Tim devised a plan that was completely untested, but worked like a dream, with everything working well and no delays during the day. The event featured our own Colin Dewey as a ganger, and operating staff moving luggage around on the platform. All customers and staff went away very happy with no regrets in sticking with us following the loss of Tornado.
Such is the dedication of the group, that some of us stayed behind to ensure the rake was ok for further running over the weekend.
25/05/24 – 27/05/24 – Locomotive Legends
Over the bank holiday weekend something happened that has not happened at the NVR for a long time…there was some standard running of the freight rake!
So excited by our recent efforts in providing a fitted rake, the powers that be at the railway decided to run the wagons on each day over the bank holiday weekend.
This saw the wagons out with the home fleet and the visiting Deltic, with Brakevan rides and plenty of publicity for our achievements.
We would like to take the opportunity to recognise each and every member of the wagon group for the fantastic work over the last few months to realise our fitted rake of wagons…
Colin Dewey, Phil Halstead, Steve Parker, Mark Barton, Jason Isaac, Alan Berrisford, Jon Denham, Chris Bourne, Paul Bricklebank, Stu and Josh Northfield, Gareth Evans and Ed Cordell.
But especially our leader Tim Hobman, without whom none of this would be possible. For motivating the team, organising the events, managing the publicity and finances, and bringing the knowledge and enthusiasm to continue our great work.
We have achieved more than we thought possible, but there is still more awesomeness to come!
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 12/05/24 – 27/05/24 – A fantastic fortnight.
The main job for Saturday was to oil and inspect all of the wagons required for both the Deltic driving course and the Tornado photo charter.
With a good turnout we all set about pulling axle boxes apart and checking pads, journals, and oil reservoirs. Splitting into teams of two made the job a lot smoother with a team opening boxes, one inspecting and oiling, and the final team reassembling.
Meanwhile, Tim headed into the shed and with the assistance of the engineering team managed to free a stuck screw coupling from the Conflat….just another little job ticked off the list.
Phil also found himself spare from oiling duties, so he got to work painting the chassis of the Medfit. Once Tim was done he joined Phil to paint the tricky bits.
During oiling duties, Tim took a phone call and decided to sit on a bag of gravel, not realising there was a dip in the middle. This caused a rather casual posture. He is sticking with the story ‘he fell’, but others are not so sure!
On Tuesday there was shunting to be done to get the wagons in the correct order for our events, so Tim and Mark were on site moving things around. They were assisted by Paul Roe driving DL83 and Ian Watson in the Signalbox. Everything was in the wrong order, but thanks to Tim’s carefully worked out plan, what could’ve taken several hours was achieved in no time.
Then, midway through the afternoon something very shiny and blue arrived in the form of Deltic 55013 ‘The Black Watch’. The loco is looking fantastic and will be impressive with the wagons next Friday.
There are still places available on our photographic charter with Tornado. For more info and to book visit our events page….we need your support to continue our good work!
If you’ve missed the news, we now have a vacuum fitted rake, but there were still a few outstanding little jobs to tick off before we can have a play with the Deltic and Tornado.
There was another good turnout of wagon group members, so we split up into pairs to get stuff achieved. We had one vacuum cylinder sitting on the workbench unrestored, so Paul and Alan set about stripping it down. This cylinder will go under the next van to be restored, so it was worth getting it ready and by doing so clearing up at Wansford.
Meanwhile, Colin was repairing the wooden slats on the cable drum inside the Southern Open and Tim, with the help of Mark, were finishing fitting the release cord to the valve on van B759852. Phil had teamed up with Jason and were painting those couple of cylinders that we’d neglected to paint before fitting.
Just before lunch Tim painted some swan necks that had been missed and then it was a short walk to the running rake for a few jobs. The gaiter and cord needed replacing on Tim’s brake van and then a 60mph sign was painted ready for the Tornado photo charter.
It was also nice to see 92 Sqn out and about.
After a spot of lunch, Phil and Jason set off to paint over the recent graffiti on the Mackerel wagon. Then, as we’d ticked off most of the jobs it was decided to start to repaint the Medfit into BR livery, again, ready for Tornado. By the close of play lots had been achieved, with the chassis to be painted on the Medfit next time.
Well that’s it, we’ve done it, and should be rightly very proud. At the end of November we embarked on a massive project to realise the dream of the founding members of the NVR Wagon Group which started as ‘The Express Freight Project’, but later became dedicated to Paul Foxwell. Right from the start of the group, Paul Foxwell and Tim Hobman had an aspiration to see a fully fitted freight at the NVR and now we are within sniffing distance!
After several months of work and a few thousand pounds we have vacuum fitted most of the wagons and through-piped others to allow us to run a train of 18 vehicles with a continuous vacuum pipe.
Over the Easter weekend we put in two days work, with another day last Saturday, which saw the final vehicles fully fitted.
With three vehicles to go, on Good Friday the priority was to fit the valve, branch pipe, and release cord to the Conflat, then get an overhauled cylinder under the Shoc Open. By close of play, both the Conflat and the Shoc Open were fully fitted and tested, with the same success as the rest of our efforts.
Tuesday 2nd April was supposed to be our Tornado event (which is now on Friday 24th May), so we thought we’d still have a session to progress the work. The focus was the Southern Open, so the wagon was chocked and the brakes quickly taken apart. The existing cylinder was dropped out and by the afternoon an overhauled cylinder was fitted.
With the finish line in sight, on Saturday 6th May we set out to tackle the final van. Tim finished off the Southern Open with a valve and branch pipe, whilst Colin and Stu started to take the brakes apart on van B759852.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team were preparing the overhauled cylinder for fitting and Stu was then checking the final fitting of his homework project, the newly made outside cylinder hanger.
It was then all hands to the pump to fit the cylinder. Once the cylinder was in, Tim assumed his usual position, laying down on the job, to fit the final bits.
All wagons in the running rake are now complete in terms of vac fitting or through piping, with the majority of the wagons currently in the Oundle Siding, but at the end of the day a good feeling was to see four wagons on the turntable in the yard which are fully fitted. The rake will require a loaded test run and there are a few little jobs to be done, but we have made it and will be shouting our achievements from the rooftops!!!
We would like to thank all those who have contributed to the current work, especially the NVR charity shop who made a very generous financial contribution.
If you haven’t booked already and would like to see our fitted rake in action, then visit our events page to see more details about our photo charter. As our group is self-funding, your support at our events will keep our wagons rolling.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 29/03/24, 02/04/24, & 06/04/24 – Triumph and Success
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.
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
Copyright – Jason Isaac
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
Copyright – Jason Isaac
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
Copyright – Jason Isaac
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
Copyright – Nathan WilsonCopyright – Nathan Wilson
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
Copyright – Nathan Wilson
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:
The weekend saw a busy couple of days for the wagon group, with our Thomas driving course on Saturday and a working session on Sunday.
Firstly, the Thomas driving course was a massive success with happy customers and positive comments all round. It was the first time we had tried running a driving course on a standard running day and it worked really well. Everyone enjoyed the buzz of seeing Thomas with the wagons alongside the coaching stock of the passenger service. There were also plenty of pictures taken to mark the occasion…..
There was even a video…..
Secondly, there was a working session on Sunday to progress more vac fitting. Following a shunt, we now have the final wagons in the yard to complete our project and so we are now on the home straight. To start with Tim was out with his paintbrush, touching up some black paint on chassis, and then painting swan necks brown and white accordingly for fitted and through-piped wagons.
Whilst Tim was painting, Paul and Mark were overhauling a cylinder ready for the Conflat. Once Stu and Josh turned up a lunchtime the fitting began. The issue was that the tie-bar between the horn guides was stubborn to remove and so we decided to put the overhauled cylinder between the rails then move the wagon over the top and lift into position. This was easier said than done, but after a fair bit of sweat and tears the cylinder was in place.
This now only leaves one van and two opens to vac fit before we have the rake complete, so we are well on course for our Tornado photo charter.
On the subject of the photo charter, we have just published more information on our events page, including the order of the rake….please take a look and consider joining us.
This week there has been two full sessions and a bit of homework.
On Saturday there was a team effort to get two jobs achieved. The first of these was stripping and cleaning three vacuum cylinders. Paul, Mark, Alan, Colin, Stu and Josh focused on this and in no time the cylinders were taken apart. One cylinder, which had been stored for a while had been greased inside and so this had to be cleaned off. The casings were then cleaned and painted black.
The second job involved fitting new vacuum pipes to the two Ministry of Defence (MOD) open wagons. These wagons had been converted to air brakes in MOD service and the original vacuum pipes had been removed. As part of our current project we didn’t want two wagons in the train with no continuous vacuum pipe, so we decided to through-pipe these wagons. After plenty of deliberation, we chose to do this in plastic welded pipe for ease of fitting. This pipe is suitably pressure rated for the job. Tim was joined by his brother James for the day to get this achieved.
On Tuesday there was another session which involved finishing off the MOD wagons with vacuum hoses and assembling the cylinders that were overhauled on Saturday. Whilst Tim and Mark finished the MODs, Phil, Paul and Alan carried on with the cylinders and then everyone made a start fitting the cylinder to the Conflat wagon still in the yard. Unfortunately, the cylinder fitting wasn’t completed, but after hours Tim and Mark took a walk to the running rake and fitted vacuum hoses to the Hoppers. This means all running wagons now have hoses, with the MOD wagons now through-piped.
As a bit of homework, Tim spent some time on Friday making some blanking pipes that will be used on the Hoppers. For the time being the Hoppers will be through-piped, so these pipes are needed to blank of the branch that normally goes to the cylinder.
Don’t forget we still have places available to drive Thomas this coming Saturday, as well as places available on our photographic charter with Tornado on Friday 24th May. We would really appreciate any support you can give by attending these events and providing us with the funds to continue our good work.
For further information and to book, visit our events page on our website.
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on 09/03/24 – More pipes and hoses
NVR Wagon Group 