Diesel Driver Freight Experience
656 in steam back in 1976
I have been sent the following images by Kevin Mcelhone they were taken on 28th March 1976 when 656 was steamed for the first time.
All the images are Kevin’s copyright.
A nice day today.
Well here we are awaiting the last two returns from Peterborough and I must admit I have enjoyed today.
Lovely to see both services having steam on the front. The main service had 92 Squadron and the cream tea service had the Polish tank engine.
As near as makes no difference all services have been to time, and to top it off the sun has even shone from time to time.
it’s running days like this that keep you going when you have days where nothing seems to be right from start to finish. when no matter what you do nothing gets better, and to top it off it’s normally pouring with rain.
Would you believe it no sooner had I posted this than the second cream tea service arrived back late, Around 50 minutes to be accurate. no idea of the reason and I NEVER speculate.
So onwards and upwards as they say.
Normal steam service tomorrow so we shall see what that brings.
Hopefully tomorrow (Sunday) will run smoothly on all services..
Winding down, or are we?
Many people think that with the end of the summer holidays the railway will be winding down for the autumn and winter. Now this is I suppose a logical thought after all nothing happens in the autumn and winter at the railway.
This if course is not true, the railway never sleeps, it may have the odd doze but it never truly shuts down.
Let us look between now and Christmas. We are running services at weekends between now and the end of October. With several events planned and ready to go. Hopefully the first week of November should see the installing of the new crossing gates at Wansford and of course we have not only the preparation for the Santa services but the services themselves. Throughout this period S&T and the civil’s will be doing work out and about.
The office will function normally as will other departments. So as you can see the railway is far from winding down, and after Christmas the railway will start and do it all over again.
So please if you are able come along and support the railway, this is a lovely time of year to travel the line.
Jason’s picture of the month September 2022.
The Nene Valley Railway’s looked more like Peterborough’s New England when the line played host to an A4 and an A1 for its 2012 Steam Gala, Bittern awaits next duty at Wansford taken from the cab from resident Standard 5 73050 City of Peterborough.
The Wansford level crossing gates update.
The Level Crossing Gates. By Tony Dwight
Progress has been steady on the gates since last month, and we are now at a stage where we have three of the gates fully constructed.
Of these gate D has received two coats of primer, two coats of undercoat and two coats of white gloss paint. Gate A has reached the glossing stage and gate B is still awaiting its first primer coat.
The metal rods have been dry fitted but are at present removed and awaiting painting in white “Hammerite” before they are fitted permanently.
To facilitate John in the painting of the gates, Alan and Dave have made four trestles which allow the gates to be stood up and clamped against them this also frees up the bench for the continued construction of the other gates.
Gate C is in the process of have the cross bracings made and dry fitted as the drilling of the holes has to be done with cross bracings removed, they are then refitted and fixed into position, which also allows the chamfering of all of the edges.
It is understood that the fitting of these gates will be carried out during the first week of November as a joint exercise with the S & T department, and the workshop staff using the teleporter.
Once the gates are fitted into position, they will receive a final topcoat of white gloss, with the black metal work also being repainted.
The S & T department will be painting the red roundels and the stop lanterns prior to them being refitted to the new gates.
Charles Swift OBE.
It is with great sadness that I have to share the passing of the Nene Valley Railway’s Vice President Charles Swift OBE.
Charles sat on Peterborough City Council for more than 60 years and served as the youngest ever Mayor of Peterborough. He was also a railwayman starting his career working on steam at New England.
Charles was influential in supporting the foundation of the NVR and remained a great friend of the railway, more latterly in his role of Vice President.
Our condolences go to Charles’ family and many friends.
Mike Kerfoot – Chairman
Jason’s Photograph of the month August 2022
71000 Duke of Gloucester back onto its train during the railways 2011 Steam Gala.
Second Set Sundays.
On the following Sundays we will be running as well as the main service the Swedish Railcar.
The dates are:- 31st July, 14th August & 21st August.
Both the main service and the railcar will be doing three runs each , but the railcar will not be servingYarwell Junction. If you have a Rover ticket it will cover both trains.
Below is the timetable for the three Sundays.
The Wansford Level Crossing Gates. Update.
By Tony Dwight
Following my last post about the gates I thought that maybe some of you may be wondering why the gates need replacing so here are a few pictures that highlight the extremely poor state that the existing gates are in.
On a more positive note, progress on the gates is coming on well the fourth frame B has been made and gate D has progressed to having the cross bracing fitted and the five long steel rods installed. With the routering of the chamfers to the timber edges and the metal strengthening plates being fitted will release the gate for decoration.
I will report further progress on this most interesting project in due course.
NOTE:-
Maintenance like this is just a small part of the constant ongoing work to maintain and operate a heritage railway. Donations towards the rising costs are always most welcome irrespective of the amount.
The next project the team are taking on is making replacement stairs and handrails for the signal box
If you would like to donate then please contact the Wansford office on 01780-784444 between 10am and 3pm seven days a week.