Quorn’s UK-wide wagon links!
THE Great Central Railway’s Quorn Wagon & Wagon group, which restores and maintains the line’s freight wagons and associated road vehicles, held an open event that not only showcased its completed and ongoing projects, but also brought together similar groups from around the country.
Held at Quorn & Woodhouse station over the weekend of October 22/23, it saw various wagons from the GCR freight train on display in the LNER station goods yard accompanied by the restored Scammell Scarabs, BRUTE luggage trollies, Leyland emergency response vehicles and more to celebrate one of the largest collections of railway vehicles in the UK.
The GCR freight trains are perhaps some of the best out there, making regular appearances at galas and other events throughout the year, with re-enactors and loading demonstrations often adding to the ambience. The iconic Windcutter rake is perhaps the set most synonymous with the railway, but there are sufficient wagons at present to make an equally impressive van train, as well as the beginnings of a rake of tankers, too.
Although it had been hoped to operate a freight train, last-minute issues arising unfortunately prevented this, but nevertheless a healthy number of visitors turned up over the two days.
Matt Baker, one of the event’s organisers, said: “Over the last few years, QW&WG has been busy restoring a variety of goods wagons that are operated by the railway during galas, events, and photographic charters. It was decided that it was time to showcase a selection so that visitors could see them close up and find out about their history, restoration, and their importance in railway preservation.
“Centre stage was restored Test Car 2 coupled to the Heavy Tractor Group’s Class 37 No. 37714 and an air-braked steel high wagon to recreate a typical 1980s slip/ brake test train that would have operated from the Railway Technical Centre in Derby. Guided tours provided an insight into why and how new goods wagons were tested for acceptance by BR.”
Representatives of wagon groups around the UK were invited, with attendees representing groups from the Mid-Hants, Bluebell and Nene Valley railways, as well as the National Wagon Preservation Group, each setting up informative display stands and selling merchandise to raise funds.
Shared network
The weekend was a boon for making and improving connections between the various groups, which have the potential to benefit all in the years to come.
Matthew Lander, a team leader of the Bluebell Railway’s wagon group, said: “It was good to learn how the different groups do different things. For example, we learnt that the Quorn team have recently trialled using shipping container paint on a few of their vehicles to see if it lasts longer than other exterior paints used before, with it giving a semi-gloss finish rather than full gloss.
“For many years there has been a carriage restorers’ convention held annually at different railways. A wagon version is long overdue and this was a great basis on which to build future events.
“With the rise in online visibility of wagon groups over the last few years, these sorts of events should show that we mean business and at times the things we do are done despite the railways we are based at.”
The Bluebell’s wagon group is approaching the end of its two current projects, with the first – Bulleid five plank open No. 12058 – essentially
“What it shows is the wide variety of efforts around the country to demonstrate and educate the public how freight on rail has evolved through the years.”
complete on the west side, apart some final painting and signwriting.
The east side is awaiting some welding to the LMS hinges that have been modified to match SR drawings, which will then allow final erection and drilling of the steelwork. It is set to be outshopped in unpainted oak, making it unique among the operating wagons in the railway’s operating collection.
Also in the workshops at Horsted Keynes is SR Engineer’s wagon
No. 62002, which is awaiting some mechanical attention including new pads in the axleboxes. Once complete, it will be finished off in SR engineering orange.
The Bluebell Railway Trust has agreed to match-fund up to £5000 in donations to the goods wagon fund when made through the website, with options for monthly Direct Debits available to support the group. Visit bluebell-railway. com/make-a-monthly-donation for more information.
Representing the Mid-Hants Railway’s wagon group, Chris Le Corney was also welcoming of the QW&WG’s open weekend, saying: “It was good to meet up and put a face to names I had previously only had email of phone contact with.
“Every wagon group seems to have a slightly different slant in their efforts. Some concentrate on wooden underframed pre-nationalisation wagons, some BR 1960 era, and some more modern air-braked wagons.
“Indeed, in addition at Quorn you can see all sorts of BR road vehicles, BRUTEs, packaging, and associated equipment.
“What it shows is the wide variety of efforts around the country to demonstrate and educate the public how freight on rail has evolved through the years. Obviously, it is difficult to justify restoring wagons and running freight trains purely on a commercial basis, and it was evident that there is quite a different level of financial and moral support from varying railways.
“It is, however, possible to get some good, free publicity in railway magazines from photographs of realistic demonstration freight trains and it is surely a better image for railways to have a rake of restored wagons than a linear siding scrapyard.”
The Mid Hants wagon team is currently restoring several vehicles (including SECR Dance Hall brake van No. 55506, which is now set to move into the Ropley workshops in the New Year), while simultaneously undertaking routine maintenance and running repairs to countless others in the line’s operating demonstration freight rake. One vehicle soon set to return to this is Presflo cement hopper No. PF29, which, despite being restored in 2009, has not run in the rake for several years.
Representing the Peterboroughbased Nene Valley Wagon Group, Tim Hobman said: “The QW&WG was a fantastic host which provided a display of wagons throughout Quorn yard, together with vintage vehicles, all of which were accompanied by information boards. On the Saturday evening, discussions were had regarding forming a fellowship of wagon groups to support each other and mutually promote wagon preservation.
“All groups in attendance agreed that the greatest challenge is getting the railways to which they belong to promote and support their causes, in some cases with the railways being obstructive.
“We all agreed that wagons and goods traffic are so important in telling the story of British Railways that every heritage railway should afford them a place. Since this weekend, further talks have been had and the first steps of forming the fellowship have been undertaken
– on the basis that together we are stronger.”
The NVR team has been progressively building an express freight rake comprising several varying ‘XP’ class wagons. More recently it has acquired a NCB Caerphilly Tar Plant tank wagon which is set to be restored as a vehicle from the Peterborough and District Tar Distillers in dedication to Doreen Foster, the last employee there and also a founder member of the NVR.
Modern presence
Wagon history has, of course, never stopped, and the National Wagon Preservation Group has filled a more modern gap with its MGR coal hoppers at the Chase water Railway.
Group co-chairman William Snook said: “We attended the event with high hopes of creating a network of like-minded freight enthusiasts to share tips and resources. The weekend did not disappoint and we came away very excited about what the future holds for railfreight preservation.
“We are still working hard on Project: MGR and have our eyes and wallets set on the last remaining hoppers for which we are still fundraising, but we are in a good position should one be listed for disposal.”
The group is about to undertake routine winter maintenance of the hopper fleet, where the air braking will be reinstated on some vehicles.
It is still looking for a home for TEA bogie tanker No. 87867, which is currently stored at Sutton Coldfield, and is preparing to announce another OO gauge exclusive of an asset from its collection. More information can be found at nwpg.co.uk
The QW&WG has already planned a second open weekend to take place over July 22/23, 2023. A new IO Group has been launched to allow individuals and groups to share knowledge and ideas, with hopes that it will lead to a joint ‘Railfreight Heritage’ community. Those who would like to join the group can sign up at groups.io/g/RailfreightHeritage
As we closed for press, the GCR was preparing for its November 19/20 end-of-season ‘The Last Hurrah’ gala. With up to five steam locomotives due be operating – including the debut of recently overhauled BR 2-6-0 class 2MT No. 78019 – and one diesel locomotive each day, the weekend additionally celebrated 30 years of preservation for the Windcutter mineral wagon rake. Although the original target of having 30 wagons in operation could not be met in time, the plans were not far off the mark, with 26 due to have been running, with two short rakes scheduled to passing during the day and later combining to form one long set.