THE PRESERVED RAILWAY WITH THE MOST WAGONS?

Which preserved railway has the most wagons on them?
Even if they are wrecks or are in A1 condition.

And if you can how many wagons are preserved on the Seven Valley Railway?:heh:

 

How about contacting an existing NatPres contributor?

Steve [Beastiboy] runs www.preservedrailwaystocklist.org.uk
This is his attempt to locate and identify all the Locomotives and Rolling Stock still extant in the UK at Preservation, Private and Industrial sites throughout the country.
It's a wonderful read and really seems to be quite comprehensive.

 

Cheers Peter
Below is a list of sites with 50+ wagons. Two clear winners and a few that may surprise you.
Steve

Great Central Railway = 179
Gloucester & Warwickshire Railway = 171
Severn Valley Railway = 124
Dean Forest Railway = 107
Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway = 105
North Yorkshire Moors Railway = 101
East Lancashire Railway = 98
Bowes Railway = 90
Midland Railway Centre = 90
Llangollen Railway = 79
Rutland Railway Museum = 78
Buckinghamshire Railway Centre = 77
Bluebell Railway = 76
Didcot Railway Centre = 74
Foxfield Railway = 72
Tanfield Railway = 71
Caledonian Railway = 70
West Somerset Railway = 68
Chasewater Railway = 65
Mangapps Railway Museum = 65
Mid Hants Railway = 65
Peak Rail = 65
Nene Valley Railway = 64
Swanage Railway = 64
Beamish Open Air Museum = 51
South Devon Railway = 50

 

We had a count-up at Embsay and got past 50...

 

Waggon preservation...

Very much the poor relation, in many cases! (there are exceptions.....)
I feel that they should get far more attention that they do, after all most railways originally started as a means of moving goods rather than people. And restorations are not as expensive, nor as time consuming, as for large, flashy locos.....

To be serious....waggons are an imortant part of railway heritage, and their preservation is important. Some organisations are doing their bit already, but as with most things, more is always needed. (Before the rot sets in too far)
And I know a certain small business who do a good job....(plug...plug....plug!!! well, why not!)

StoneRoad

 

in all honesty, it is locos and coaching stock that earn the money though, it is interesting listening to different people from different railways, and how such restorations are funded

 

Goods wagons, in my opinion, do have a potential to earn money. Clips from the Middleton's 50th show them being used on passenger trains and I was in the brakevan at York on the short trips run there recently. Outside passenger trains I would of thought goods wagons are suitable for photocharters when run and maybe driver experience courses with shunting. Their final income is through their use in permanent way trains to assist in moving equipment and material to allow maintenance of the trackbed so passenger trains can run.

Back to the most wagons. I wasn't surprised that the Great Central featured as having a large quantity of goods wagons as I remember seeing a fair number of wagons when I was last there. When I have a bit more time I'll have a look at the link that was posted. Thanks Peter for posting the link and Steve for the details on wagon numbers.

Regards
Duncan

 

How are restorations funded?
well, to the best of my knowledge, it ranges from the "capital" funds of the owning body, via private owners and commercial sponsorship, it also includes grant aid of various sorts (HLF, PRISM etc)
Other funding sources have included insurance monies, and I should also include special appeals!
If I have missed anything out, please add it to the list!

 

Our group look after the working wagons on the civils fleet on the NYMR.
We do have an allocation of a budget but not that great. Supplemented by our groups fund raising efforts.
Check out the website for details of group purchases and projects.
We do not aim, at the moment, to restore vehicles to as built condition for display, our intention is to keep the working wagons doing what they where meant for.
Other groups on the NYMR such as the Pickering Wagon Group look after vehicles in the display freight train, although one or two of the vehicles in that are ours as well.

 

Hi Tim
The Embsay has been a little problematic in the past. I have 39 wagons here based on a trip report from early this year. A lot of the info was of unidentified stock & in their own words, 'I'm no good at telling different types of vans etc' I've sorted most of these from either your website or the odd photo I've been sent to determine type. Other reports have mentioned noting several unidentified vans & opens but I don't know if these were additonal items or sightings of what I already have listed.
If you know anyone in the C&W department who may be able to help please let me know. The Tanfield is another place where there are likely more wagons than I have mentioned.
Cheers
Steve

 

Thanks Steve, very interesting. I am surprised how far down the list the Bowes Railway is - its because you see them all so heavily concentrated in one place. I am struggling to think where all the NYMR wagons are hiding though.

 

The NYMR civils fleet wagons are all over the place.
Newbridge as home base, Levisham especially in the new extended siding, Goathland and Grosmont.
Situation varies all the time as work progresses.
4 wagons that were at Grosmont on Tuesday worked that night loading scrap material and should now be back in Newbridge.
Generally 2 - 3 are in the shed at Newbridge undergoing overhaul at any one time.

 

I think foxfield only have 67 waggons, please correct me if im worng.
(clearly not trying to point score)

:whistle:

im very surpised at the Bowes Railway, never realised how many they had.

 

Mine includes a BR Container, LMS brakevan body and 3 narrow gauge mine tubs at the Foxfield as well as several ex tanks reduced to underframes (a couple carry coach bodies I believe). Not sure if you're counting these in your total?
The Bowes total is a liitle misleading as the 90 includes NG, of which 59 are standard gauge. On the NG front the Ffestiniog is pushing 200 probably. I have 172 confirmed but know I'm missing some.
Also bear in mind I certainly don't expect my figures to be 100% correct but hopefully in most case will be fairly accurate.
Steve

 

You can take 4 off the Midland Railway's total and add them to Peak Rail's, although most are being used for parts only rather than being rebuilt.

 

Thanks GVLR
I'm aware of two, see below. Not 100% but I think they're something to do with Mr Briddon. If you have any idea on the other two I'll be grateful for any info.
Cheers
Steve

Number Origin Class/Type Owner/Operator Liv Details Notes Other Number Movements
87 PO 10t 4w 5pl Flatbed Peak Rail GR /???? (Wooden Frame) RNAD I/d 6/'Lot21' ex MRC, to Peak Rail 5/7/10
97 MR 10t 4w 5pl Open Peak Rail GR Derby 1920 7/(W12)'Lot31' ex MRC, to Peak Rail 5/7/10

 

The Talyllyn's General Appendix lists 51 wagons, if you include those 2'3" gauge wagons that belong to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum rather than to the TR itself. Plus an interesting variety of wierd and wonderful un-numbered trolleys, boiler carriers etc around Pendre.

 

Hi Hussra
I didn't include NG lines in my list. Mainly because I know I'm missing many. I have details for 47 at Talyllyn so I'm close on that one as you mention 51. I'm confident I'm close on the Ffestiniog and both the WHR's but the rest....? For example I have 2 confirmed wagons at Brecon which is clearly well short! Another problem is they're usually not identifiable and difficult to track if they move from site to site.
Steve

 

Only thing these had to do with me was that I ended up moving them! I don't own them.... wagons aren't exactly my thing!