Tanks on way to the Dean Forest Railway

National Wagon Preservation Group secures 11 TTA tank wagons for preservation.

THE National Wagon Preservation Group (NWPG), which owns and is custodian to a fleet of ‘modern’ vehicles – introduced since the Beeching era at several heritage lines around Britain – has now secured 11 TTA tank wagons. As reported last issue, the group sought to boost its fleet, which includes MGR coal hoppers, with the addition of four-wheeled tank wagons from scrap. NWPG recently welcomed a new member to the board, Chris Thorn, who stepped into the role of social media manager. Mr Thorn put forward his proposal for a new project within the group, Project: Petroleum. With the last of the TTA tanks recently being moved from Grangemouth oil refinery to Gascoigne Wood Yard for purging and disposal, the NWPG had to act fast. An agreement was made with the Dean Forest Railway (DFR) to home the wagons as part of a block train. The group had sufficient funds to save and transport two tanks, but was keen to save further examples. A fundraising appeal was opened via Crowdfunder for a wagon. An ambitious target of £10,500 was set to attempt to save three more tanks. The response was positive and the group raised £4155, plus a further £725 via direct donations. Two members also agreed to purchase one each, meaning the total wagons saved was up to five. However, on the last day of the appeal an email came in from an angel investor and another seasoned preservationist, together offering funding for a further six tanks, bringing the total tanks saved up to 11. The 11 TTA tanks will be joined by the NWPG’s TEA wagon, which has prototype Y25C Bogies. The TTA tanks were carefully chosen to ensure a wide range of history within them. As there are 11 tanks, steps are being taken to have the tanks moved across the rail network to the DFR, with a fitting tribute of traction on the cards. Although the details remained to confirmed at the time of writing, it was hoped there will be two Class 20s at the helm, subject to the usual caveats. The group has identified the 11 wagons to be numbered 60197, 60591, 60594, 60598, 60666, 60683, 60763, 60768, 60769, 60875 and 60878. The NWPG will look to have the tanks cleaned and tidied up as soon as practicable, with possible repaints coming in 2024. If you would like to

NWPG Among the TTA tanks saved from scrap is No. VTG 60683, built by Powell Duffryn of Cardiff and outshopped in 1966 as No. SMBP 3447, later becoming No. 65674. It is the last main line Powell Duffryn survivor with only one other extant in preservation. The tyre profiles are around 30mm and brake blocks approximately 12mm. There are no chassis twists, while the taps and instanters are complete and in working order.