Who pays for freight? A question for railways which run regular demonstration freights...

From the replies so far, it would appear that the "larger" heritage railways have established Wagon groups to look after freight wagons - but are the smaller/other railways just relying on individuals/owners?

 

Specifically on who pays: there was a comment in the latest issue of “Bluebell News” that the Bluebell Railway Trust will match fund from its general fund up to £5k per year of any donations made to the wagon group on the railway, the money going towards materials. You can donate here - choose “Wagon repair fund” from the drop down list of options.

https://www.bluebell-railway.com/make-a-donation/

Tom

 

An update on the overhaul of SR Engineer's wagon 62002

https://www.bluebell-railway.co.uk/bluebell/cw_news/62002_intermediate.html

Tom

 

For all those on here who appreciate seeing freight wagons on our heritage railways and want to support them, there are a few dedicated events on various railways which highlight their function. Obviously the more people who attend, the more the wagons are seen to be useful to the railways - and the more the wagons can be run and restored.
One such event is the GCR "Railways at Work Gala on March 19/20th, details on the GCR website.

 

And for those who would like to play with freight and support it at the same time, NVR Wagon Group will be running four of their popular Freight Driving Experience days this year. Unfortunately, due to a scheduling issue (not our fault, honest!) I can't yet confirm the date of the first event, but it should be in April, the other dates are hopefully not subject to any further changes!

? April - Class 14 diesel haulage
Friday 17th June - Intended to be 92 Squadron, followed by a separate evening freight photo charter
Friday 12 August - Motive power TBA
Friday 14th October - Motive power TBA

I'll post the full information for the April course as soon as I have it...

 

If only it was as simple as that!
The first problem is that on most railways the majority of locos are owned by owning groups, not the railway.
The second issue is that steaming fees only really cover the cost of the next overhaul, by using a loco that is either owned by the railway or on the sort of agreement where usage is for free in return for an overhaul, you aren't avoiding the cost, just kicking down the road.

 

April course with the Class 14 now confirmed as Friday 22nd April - tickets should be on sale shortly on the NVR website...

 

Now on sale here: https://nvr.org.uk/pro.../297/freight-driver-experience-2022

I'll put the full details in the NVR & Wagon Group threads shortly, along with some long overdue group activity reports (I'm at least three sessions behind!)