Nene Valley Railway

This: https://www.flickr.com/photos/188811740@N06/49981214562/

 

101 is next in line for overhaul once 73050 is finished I believe, or at least that was the plan. Personally I'd rather see 1178, the Swedish prairie tank, have its overhaul completed before the B is started.

 

Does the Austerity (2855) belong to the railway or is she privately owned?

They have had a couple of Austerities on loan over the last few years- I wonder if she factors into the future plans?

Chris

 

It would be good to see work on 1178 continue, though I understand it is absolutely knackered, hence the previous overhaul stalling. The overhaul of 101 is meant to be much more straight forward, even taking into account work already done on 1178.

The austerity is owned by the railway. I'm not sure what state that's in. Hudswell Clarke, Derek Crouch will be the next loco out after 656 and Thomas, so the loco fleet will be have a number of smaller engines. An austerity is on the small side for Santa's really.

The loco I'd love to see operating is the Danish E class pacific at Railworld... That would be impressive

 

Quoting yours to ask this question, what is the height Swedish B locomotives? They look super tall compared to a similar UK locomotive and I can't think of anywhere they've operated in the UK where they've been in danger of low hanging structures. Edit: looks like 1313 was at Bo'ness at the same time the bridge and canopy were up: http://www.scot-rail.co.uk/photo/scaled/11780/

 

Especially with the railway having half a dozen DSB coaches to stick behind it as well.

 

Not a problem on the NVR as it's Berne Gauge

 

I'm not sure about the height. It feels more tall enough when you're on top of it though, from memory!

The NVR was lucky with the loading gauge. The tunnel was built straight and without ventilation shafts, so is effectively double height to allow smoke to dissipate. There was a footbridge which had to be removed to accommodate Berne gauge in the late 70s and there's a permeant speed restriction over one of the river bridges due to the width. In addition the track was slewed on one of the two overbridges to allow the Kreiglok to fit I believe.

 

I don't think I've seen this covered elsewhere, but Orton Mere Signalbox has suffered serious fire damage...
Police link arson attacks that destroyed cars and a signal box in Ortons, Peterborough | Peterborough Telegraph (peterboroughtoday.co.uk)

 

A full update from the railway is due to be published later today, complete with fundraising appeal.

Trains are still able to run through the station, and the Fletton loop will still be accessible by manual use of points, however trains are not going to be able to cross at Orton Mere until repairs are made.

 

The PVFB posted this picture of the signal box when they arrive. As you can imagine, significant damage has been done.

 

Two local lads have taken it upon themselves to do a sponsored walk to raise funds, which the Railway is aware of, and are grateful for the local support.

One of the photos of the inside of the box has also appeared in the local press, which can be seen below

https://www.gofundme.com/f/nene-val...-_1wZ73H5xW6YnZypTIoOdbbUcw5akitk8w-m1YCUX2D8

 

How frequently is this box used?

 

It's manned most operating days to keep signalman competencies up to date.

It's actually needed to be used probably about 4 or 5 times a month, predominantly for movements on and off the Fletton branch, but also when the railway runs cream tea trains and fish and chip trains alongside the 1 train service train, and at various special events.

I understand the cream tea and service train this following weekend are being combined for the final round trip of the day this weekend.

The two fundraisers are now at £4,800 between them!

 

Deleted

 

I notice the details for the proposed visit/running weekend of the Coal Tank on 25th/26th March have gone from the website, has the unfortunate events surrounding the Orton Mere signal box meant this will no longer be going ahead?

 

LNWR COAL TANK
Due to issues beyond our control getting the loco out of KWVR, the loco now won’t make the LNWR weekend as planned so we have had to postpone the event. The loco will still be coming on hire to the NVR and staying until June and we will be running the loco as part of the general roster and looking to re arrange a LNWR event.

 

Shame they haven't sent anything out to people who've prebooked tickets...

 

Is there a link to the official NVR appeal ? I can't find anything on the website.

 

I understand it was decided not to run an official appeal for donations, and direct them towards the two lads who took it upon themselves to fundraise.

Donations can be made at https://nvr.org.uk/product.php/164/ and I am sure an email to the general email address highlighting what it is for would suffice. Donating directly to the railway also has the benefit of being gift aid-able.