We are spending today preserving yesterday, so you can enjoy it tomorrow.
The signal box at Orton Mere was re-opened on the 9th March 2024 after it’s rebuild following the arson attack on it.
Thomas was in attendance and carried passengers from Wansford Station and back again for the event.
The following images are © Jon Benton and my thanks to him for sending them to me.
The box looks excellent and it’s thanks to both the fundraisers, of all ages. And the team that did the practical work. They can all feel proud of their efforts.
Many regard January and February as quiet times of the year. But you just have to look below the surface to see this is not whooly true.
Yes the trains are not running public services so the number of visitors has gone down. But there is a lot going on behind the scenes with maintenance in various parts. Have a look at the work going on with the 73050 rebuild for example. That’s progressing well. Events for the coming year are being planned as well.
Just pop down to Wansford, you will perhaps not only be surprised, but perhaps see something you would like to get involved with.
Perhaps after all the railway is not as quiet as you think…
Here are a couple of pictures taken of the Thomas rebuild. They were taken a week apart.
they are © Nathan Wilson.
We hope Thomas will be back to carry passengers in the not too distant future.
Pleased to report that the Wansford cams have returned to the Railcam site following the extensive maintenance carried out on the Wansford box.
Today Matthew Alden-Farrow passed out as a signaller.
I have known Matt since he first joined the railway and his success is well deserved.
Matt posted this picture today of the Wansford box where he qualified. Nice to see work is progressing nicely on the refurbishment.
Some months ago the Orton Mere box was set on fire in an arson attack. With extensive damage being caused.
Her are three images showing some of the internal damage.
My thanks to Tim Hobman for all these images.
Since that time a lot of work has been put in to bring the box back into service. Here are three pictures of how work is progressing
As you can see the difference is remarkable.
Now work starts on reinstalling signalling etc.
We are lucky on the railway in that we have many skills and talents across the membership. With members who use them to enhance and improve the railway.
I look forward to posting more images when the box is fully completed.
From Nathan Wilson
A great day in the works today – water is going back into the boiler for the first time since being withdrawn for the boiler overhaul!
Work has commenced on 12 to 14 weeks. of refurbishment work on the box.
The box was built in 1907 by the LNWR, and is one of the largest signal boxes in preservation and in its original location.
Currently surrounded by scaffolding, it’s ready for the work to commence.
Should you wish to make a donation towards the cost of the work to preserve the box for many years to come please contact the office at the railway on 01780-784444. You donation will be most welcome irrespective of the amount.
The box will remain operational during the works.
The Department of Media Culture and Sport has announced that NVR has been awarded a grant of £669,873 from the Arts Council England, Cultural Investment Fund.
This supports the Nene Valley Railway in executing three major infrastructure projects:
1. To relay worn-out track through Wansford tunnel, including new drainage.
2. To relay track and roadway at Wansford Level Crossing.
3. To relay track in Wansford yard, where old track has been buried in ash for over forty years.
While infrastructure is one of the less glamourous aspects of railway preservation it is fundamental to being able to run trains. No track – no trains! This outstanding award means that we can look forward to running trains long into the future. The track renewals made possible by the grant will have a life-expectancy of around 40 years and are focussed at three weak areas on our line.
Work will start later this year and continue through 2024 and complete in mid-2025.
“With thanks to DCMS and Arts Council England for their support and investment in our railway heritage” @DCMS @ace_national @dcmsgovuk @aceagrams
Orton Mere signal box has been subject to an arson attack.
I have no idea how this will affect the operation of trains.
I will post more information as and when I have it.