Category: Steam locomotives

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Spring is in the air.

Here in the UK the first day of spring is Sunday 20th March, and if all runs as normal it will be a wet dismal day. In other words a typical British start to spring.

Spring also means the railway looks towards the years events.

So what do we have lined up for April?

As well as normal services we have:-
Driver Experience (Sold out) with a steam locomotive
Freight Driver Experience, your chance to drive a class 14 loco and freight wagons.
The Jolly Fisherman (Evening fish & chips while travelling along the line.)

More events planned through the year, so pop along to the railways wed site at nvr.org.uk and see what’s planned. You can book on-line and that goes for pre-booking tickets for standard service days.

If you have any questions that are not answered on the web site then either ring or drop the office an e-mail.

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An excellent Sunday

Yesterday saw the Duchess of Sutherland pull our middle service.

We were busy to say the least and nice to see the railway so active on a damp February Sunday

© Jason Isaac

February can normally be a quiet month. So this made the visit extra special.

As I type this the locomotive is on its way to Tyseley in Birmingham, but I am sure we will see it at the NVR again in the future.

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The Duchess of Sutherland.

The Duchess of Sutherland

We have a visitor at the railway this weekend. The Duchess of Sutherland arrives early evening on Saturday and leaves us on Monday morning.

Whilst with us it’s doing one run at 12.00 from Wansford on Sunday, tickets can be purchased on the NVR web site.

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There is nothing happening today, the trains are not running.

From the number of times I have heard the title of this post there seems to be a misconception that if there are no trains running then there is nothing happening.

This is far from the truth, there is something happening every single day connected with the railway and its operation.

Let’s take today for example..

The office at Wansford is operating with the staff working away at many tasks from bookings, to banking and planning future events. There is a considerable amount of administration day to day to keep the railway operating.

There will be various volunteers around Wansford undertaking various tasks including maintenance of locomotives and the site itself etc.

Many volunteers including myself work from home, at the moment of course I am writing this blog whilst keeping an eye on the webcams. People often from time to time pop onto the cam we have on YouTube to ask all sorts of questions, and I like to be hopefully available to help.

Volunteers could be working at one of the stations with maintenance tasks from cleaning to painting.

The list is endless with tasks that can be carried out across the railway over a week. So next time you think the railway has nothin happening because there are no trains look again more carefully, you may be surprised at what you see.

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Let’s have a bit of steam then.

Saturday 22nd January sees a steam service with all being well 92 Squadron running. Three services leaving Wansford at 10.00 12.00 and 14.00. With no services to Yarwell.

Steam services are always popular so a good day expected.

Tickets will be available to pre-book or on the day.

So nice to see the first steam service of the new year.

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Well another year gone!

Here we are at the end of another year. Today saw the last of the 2021 Santa trains run, and as always they were full and busy.

Now we have a short rest before we begin 2022 services on the 8th January with the Swedish Railcar.

It’s been a funny couple of years with great challenges and unexpected hurdles at every turn. But the railway is still running.

So if you have visited and spent money with us, thanks for your support, it is appreciated.

We look forward to seeing you in 2022, hopefully with more events and visiting locomotives.

So on behalf of the members & staff I would like to wish you all Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and we look forward to seeing you again in the coming year.

Thomas in the Christmas Spirit.
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The Polish Tank, another Santa loco through the eyes of a visitor.

Today saw the Polish Tank Engine hauling the Santa trains. Here are some images of it at Peterborough Nene Valley Station.

The images are © Christopher Walker

The Polish Tank Engine with a bit of steam
Off the front of the Santa’s to take on water.
Under the water tower.
Getting ready to go back to couple up to the coaches.

My thanks to Christopher for these images they are much appreciated.