NVR Wagon Group Updates

Glad the charter went well!

 

Why "Bucket"?

 

'Tis what Austerities were nicknamed - though it would seem many people didn't/don't know that!

 

Well, I did wonder if that was the reason - seems an odd nickname, but there you go! I've learned something today.

 

Just a brief update this week after the success of our charter. With a few little but none the less important jobs carried out....Josh and I just managed to make it back from Wansford in time for our local firework display

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2023/11/05/05-11-23-calm-after-the-storm/

The more observant among you might notice the frame shrank between construction and the tarp being fitted - the initial height prevented the tarp reaching all the wagon sides!

 

Hence the phrase 'bucket list', which means, literally, a long list of steam locos we would like to see.

(I'll get my coat...)

 

I think the name originated on the Bluebell back in the early sixties. Other early standard gauge schemes were starting up with industrial locos which those on the Bluebell, which had ex BR locos, referred to as just ‘buckets’.
Mind you, do remember bumping into two Bluebell people who were going up to the north east to look at the Lambton 0-6-2T’s with a view to acquiring one for their line. If that had happened I imagine the phrase would have quietly disappeared.

 

They should try hiring in No. 29 and finding out what they missed! I've often thought it was a great shame that more of the Lambton tanks didn't escape the cutters torch.

 

The rain mostly held off and we managed to brake the back of our next undertaking...

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2023/11/18/18-11-23-having-a-brake/

 

More brake work - valve and cylinder refurbishment...

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2023/11/25/25-11-23-component-overhauls/

 

Good work on those brake components. It is amazing how they actually work for so long with so little attention!

 

A double update on the vacuum brake work with work sessions last Saturday and today, although I only managed the Christmas meal

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2023/12/18/16-12-23-back-on-vac/

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2023/12/18/18-12-23-with-a-little-help-from-our-friends/

 

Good to see the wagons are finally becoming 'fitted'

 

@big.stu - is the intention to make all the vans in particular fitted?

 

We are indeed concentrating on the vans in order to achieve the Express Freight project aim of a fitted van rake. Wagons in the rake which are an easy win will also be done. Tim's brake van is already fitted, the conflat will be fitted, the Southern brake van is through piped. The two MOD wagons were air-braked so will be through piped, the other two opens may be fitted (I can't remember if they still have cylinders in place). We have enough cylinders to do everything in theory, but most need refurbishing. Once we've done as many vans and other wagons which still have most of their vac kit fitted, we will through pipe everything else. Depending on what's running in the rake, we expected to have a minimum of 30% of the rake braked, usually more. Sadly, the through piping from the grey Civils brake van was removed at some point, and unfortunately appears to have been disposed of

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our followers and supporters.
We have had another great year with plenty achieved and much to be proud of.
The selection of pictures give a small glimpse of all we have done in our continuing mission of restoration, demonstration, education, and heritage.
Join us again in 2024 for more exciting developments, which include driving courses, photo charters, visiting locos, more wagons put into traffic, and for the first time at NVR a fully fitted rake!
Our work is only possible with your support, so we hope to see some of you at our events in 2024 and welcome any financial donations big or small.

https://www.facebook.com/nvrwagons/...Gf3KzoxQcch3BpArdVSPADLgAqTKGfgt3Ts5VCodFR1Ql

Here's a small selection of the photos from the above post - loads more on FB...and the next session is on 30th December if anyone wants to join us

 

After an extended game of chicken over who was going to write up the last session, Tim finally cracked and did it (Actually, we've both been busy and ill, and finally one of us had the time and energy to do it...) At least it's out before the next session - which is this Saturday, 13th January - visitors/new volunteers all welcome!

https://nvrwagons.co.uk/2024/01/10/suck-it-and-see/

 

Interesting to see the production of the flat split pins. We needed a couple last year and had to do the same, seems surprising there is not a supplier out there for those.

 

Excellent progress there, @big.stu - is there a minimum time a vehicle brake must hold its vacuum for before releasing the brake?

 

I believe the time we were required to achieve was 15 mins, which we comfortably exceeded (there had been no apparent loss of vacuum on either wagon after 45 mins, at which point we needed to get the shunt out to the siding done between service trains).