[Stolen] Northampton and Lamport Railway hit by theft

We are very sad to report that over the last couple of weeks the NLR has suffered at least 2 incidents of theft of B4 bogie parts (for those who don’t know, ‘bogies’ are the 4-wheeled trucks that run under our passenger coaches).

The theft includes primary suspension parts, such as: slotted links, friction pads springs, etc. coupled with brake beams, hangers, brake blocks and secondary suspension parts.

The parts were taken from our operational spare bogie sets, which are essential to keep our carriages running if a fault develops.

We are still assessing the extent of the loses and extra security has been put in place.

Due to the amount of work involved in removing these parts, and a need for a car or van to remove them, we believe they are being stolen to order.

Any information, including such items being offered for sale or appearing at another heritage railway with no history attached, would greatly assist us in our search for the culprits. Please email webteam@nlr.org.uk if you can provide any information.

The NLR is run purely by our wonderful volunteers who give their spare time to help preserve our railway heritage. Events like this (unfortunately this is not the first targeted theft we’ve ever suffered) are extremely disheartening, undermine what we have worked hard to achieve and can cause a major setback in our progress, especially in what is already such an extremely challenging year.

 

I thought this theft occurred early in October, or is this another episode?

 

The persons responsible made various visits to the site over time begining in October.

 

Wow, I'm sorry that someone is so low as to do this. What on earth could they gain from these parts? Surely they don't have much use off the carriage, and the risks/ efforts involved would not be worth it for the price of scrap metal?