Category: Steam locomotives

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656 steams again.

News from the MPD – 656 has passed the in steam boiler test today with the inspector giving us the thumbs up this afternoon! He was really happy with everything he saw.

We took the opportunity to take some runs from the coal road up to the limit of shunt at the tunnel and back, carrying out 7 return trips and everything was setting nicely, and importantly all the bearings were nice and cool.

I also took the opportunity to stop next to the DSB in the Oundle line, we could easily have been in Denmark rather than Wansford!

A massive shoutout must go to Dave O’Connell seen here just after we inspected the bearings for temperature, without him today wouldn’t have happened. 

656 after it’s boiler test
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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..

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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.

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Summer Holiday Fun.

As you can see from the previous post we have Wednesday activities again during the school summer holidays.

The rover ticket will give you the chance to explore and enjoy the scenery and changing landscape along the line, which passes over the River Nene twice and follows it for the latter part of the journey to Peterborough.

Please bring your children and have a great mid-week day out, details from the office on the number shown.

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It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum

To put it mildly the last two days have been a bit hot!

Monday got up to38c and Tuesday got to 40.8c here at blog HQ!

Far too hot for me a mere retired delicate flower.

Because of fire risk and crew safety last weekend saw the railway run a diesel service with the Peak on Saturday and the Swedish railcar on Sunday. Most people chose to stay at home and try and keep cool as much as possible.

This weekend will again be diesel only with the Class 14 out on Saturday and The Peak out on Sunday.

Looking at the television there are many discussions on global warming etc and the effect on future weather. Personally I think it’s beyond dispute that things are getting warmer. How this will affect peoples leisure and work activities is open to debate. This will also have an effect on tourist attractions amongst them heritage railways. What that effect will be is of course unknown at the moment. Without doubt interesting years ahead.

I am sure that those running the national train network will be having many thoughts on the subject as well.

Trying to plan for the mainly unknown will not be easy.

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Locomotives at The Nene Valley Railway.

One of the most asked questions is what locomotives are there at the railway.

Well here is a selection, and my thanks to Chris Walker for the images

92 Squadron
The Class 14
The Green Sentinel
The Maroon Sentinel
The Polish Tank Engine
The Swedish Railcar
The Blue Circle
The Pacer
The Peak 45041
Thomas

When you visit the railway if you do not see a specific locomotive then feel free to ask the staff as to its current status.

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The First Day of Summer.

Well today is the first day of summer and we have started off with wall to wall sunshine and a nice temperature of just over 27.5c at peak.

So what’s ahead for the railway over the summer? Well I guess the honest answer is that nobody knows. We have some super events announced and in the pipeline. I am sure that, weather permitting we will have a great summer.

If you’re reading this as a working member of the railway then enjoy the summer and above all have fun. If you’re not a member then please if you can come along and visit.

It has often been said that the railways greatest asset are it’s working members. So please come along and say hello to them, look round the stations and ride the trains. Or in other words have a great day out.

Please take a look at our website at nvr.org.uk and see what tempts you.