58. NVR Autumn Diesel Gala-05.10.13

THE ARCHIVE FILES > Archive-2013 > 58. NVR Autumn Diesel Gala-05.10.13

I took a run from home east to the Peterborough area to join one of the Nene Valley Railway's ever-popular galas. The autumn diesel gala marks the end of the season and draws lots of enthusiasts and usually a visiting mainline locomotive of two. This year I decided to buy a ticket and do some travelling rather than linesiding as I usually do.

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Images 1-36 of 36 displayed.

14029, stabled, Wansford Yard
Resident Class 14 'Teddy Bear' is seen stabled in the yard at Wansford. Carrying its BR TOPS number of 14029 was one of nineteen of the original fifty-six produced with all being built at Swindon. They were designed for use on the Western Region for workings that were largely redundant by the time that they entered service! Many ended up moving to Hull Dairycoates for use on their huge docks network. They did not last long there being largely incapable of the work without being double-headed, something that required double-manning.
Keywords: 14029, stabled, Wansford Yard Teddy Bear

50026, stabled, Wansford Yard
50026 'Indomitable' is being prepared for service in Wansford Yard as part of the autumn Nene Valley diesel gala. It was later to lead a return service to Peterborough but it then failed and had to be assisted back to Wansford causing a delay to the gala services. My first photograph of 50026 was thirty-five years ago on far more familiar territory, see... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/25327932004/x50026-unidentified-up-working-bedwyn
Keywords: 50026 stabled Wansford Yard Indomitable

Nameplate, 47401, 09.24 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (1E44), Wansford station
The nameplate of 47401 whilst it waits to leave Wansford with the 09.24 gala service to Peterborough Nene Valley. 47401 is, of course, the pioneer member of the once-extensive class number as D1500. It entered service on 28.09.62 allocated, along with eighteen other Type 4s to the Eastern Region. It is now owned and operated by the 47401 PROJECT and is a welcome visitor for the autumn gala.
Keywords: Nameplate 47401 09.24 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 1E44 Wansford station North Eastern

45133, 08.55 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M42), Wansford station
Passing under Wansford's impressive signal gantry 45133 arrives at the station leading the 08.55 from Peterborough Nene Valley. The Peak is another visitor to the line being owned by the Class 45/1 Preservation Society.
Keywords: 45133 08.55 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M42 Wansford station Peak

20001, 09.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M43), Ferry Meadows TL153970
D8001 approaches Ferry Meadows leading the 09.30 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford. The train crew are struggling for sighting as they approach the station with the Class 20 working nose first despite the narrow body of the locomotive that contrasts with the continental stock with a very different loading gauge.
Keywords: 20001, 09.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M43), Ferry Meadows TL153970

50026, 10.02 Wansford-Peterborough Neve Valley-Wansford (2E45), Ferry Meadows TL153970
Making a smokey departure from Ferry Meadows station 50026 'Indomitable' leads the 10.02 Wansford to Peterborough Nene Valley service. Unfortunately, the Class 50 was to fail a little later in the day causing operational problems on day two of the diesel gala.
Keywords: 50026 10.02 Wansford-Peterborough Neve Valley-Wansford 2E45 Ferry Meadows TL153970 Indomitable

47401, 10.10 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M44), Ferry Meadows TL153970
Pioneer Class 47 47001 'North Eastern' approaches Ferry Meadows station working the Nene Valley gala 10.10 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford service. Like most of the trains that I observed, and travelled on for that matter, loadings were good with a healthy number of enthusiasts packing the coaches.
Keywords: 47401 10.10 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M44 Ferry Meadows TL153970 North Eastern

33108, 10.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (1E46), Ferry Meadows station
Another visiting locomotive to join a number that had arrived for the Nene Valley's autumn diesel gala arrives at Ferry Meadows hauling the 10.42 Wansford to Peterborough Nene Valley.33108 is one of a small number of Class 33s that were converted for push-pull operation with 4-TC sets between Waterloo and Weymouth. It is identified by its jumper cables that do rather clutter up the front of the locomotives that are otherwise of a clean and pleasant design (in my eyes at least!).
Keywords: 33108 10.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 1E46 Ferry Meadows station.jpg

50026, 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M45), Ferry Meadows station
Running a little late, the 10.50 Peterborough to Wansford gala service arrives at Ferry Meadows station hauled by 50026 'Indomitable'. I travelled on this train back to Wansford. This was to be its final run of the day as it was to be stood down on arrival following being declared a failure.
Keywords: 50026 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M45 Ferry Meadows station Indomitable

Wansford distant signal, from 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M45), Ailsworth TL109979
I normally position myself lineside on the other side of Wansford's home signal looking back towards the train when visiting the Nene Valley Railway, for example, see.... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30013191656/x60074-13-30-peterborough-nene-valley However, today I bought a ticket to ride so this alternative view of the Wansford distant signal makes for a change. I am travelling aboard the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford service hauled by 50026 'Indomitable'. The white building in the very distance is not a signal box as it appears but a small structure associated with the NVR's recreation of the TPO lineside exchange apparatus.
Keywords: Wansford distant signal 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M45 Ailsworth TL109979 upper quadrant

Wansford home signal, from the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M45), Wansford
50026 'Indomitable' slows the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford gala service on the approach to its destination. The train is passing Wansford's home bracket signal complete with a lower-mounted shunting disc signal. Wansford's signal box can also be seen on the other side of the girder bridge that spans the River Nene.
Keywords: Wansford home signal the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M45 Wansford 50026 'Indomitable'

56301, 11.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (2B60) from the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M45), Wansford station
A busy scene on arrival at Wansford station during the Nene Valley Railway's autumn diesel gala. 50026 'indomitable' brings the 10.50 from Peterborough NV into the station on what would be its last run of the gala with it being declared a failure on coming to a halt. Meanwhile, visiting Grid 56301 attracts a lot of attention as it waits to leave with the 11.22 to Peterborough. This scene reinforces what a significant income stream galas are becoming to heritage lines. Whilst steam is always popular, the ever-growing band of ageing diesel fans (rather like myself!) are quite willing to travel to an event and spend their money.
Keywords: 56301 11.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 2B60 from the 10.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M45 Wansford station Grid 50026 Indomitable

56301, running round, Peterborough Nene Valley station
56301 still wearing its Fastline paint scheme runs round at Peterbrough Nene Valley station. It had just arrived working the 11.22 from Wansford, which I had travelled on. The Grid was yet another visiting locomotive running at the NVR's 2013 diesel gala that was proving as popular as ever judging by the well-loaded trains that I travelled on.
Keywords: 56301 Peterborough Nene Valley station grid Fastline

56301, running round, Peterborough Nene Valley station
A second photograph of 56301 as it runs round at Peterborough Nene Valley station from where it will then lead the 12.10 return service to Wansford that I would travel on to enjoy some 'Grid action'! The locomotive has just drawn past the mysteriously named Woodstone Wharf signal box. This box was formally located at Welland Bridge in Spalding but is unrecognisable from when I photographed it back in 1981, see..... https://www.ontheupfast.com/p/21936chg/30047000102/welland-bridge-signal-box-ge-great
Keywords: 56301 Peterborough Nene Valley station Fastline Grid

1212, stabled, awaiting next service, Wansford station
'Helga' was built for Sweedish State Railways in 1958 and was in revenue service until the late 1970s after which it was eventually sold to the Nene Valley Railway in 1984. It is seen in the bay platform at Wansford station awaiting its next duty that would come a little later in the afternoon.
Keywords: 1212 awaiting next service Wansford station Helga

45133, 12.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (2E49), Wansford station
Peak 45133 waits to leave Wansford station working the lunchtime 12.42 service to Peterborough Nene Valley. It will pass under the large signal gantry that houses a superb Great Eastern somersault signal that has been pulled off permitting the departure of the train. 45133 was released into traffic in July 1961 as D40 undertaking a variety of duties both freight and passenger. In 1974 it became ETH-equipped and dedicated to Midland mainline work being replaced by the arrival of the HSTs ending its days working Trans Pennine services in May 1987. After languishing along with many other class members at March's Whitemoore Yard it was bought by the Class 45/1 Preservation Society in 1990.
Keywords: 45133 12.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 2E49 Wansford station Peak

56128, awaiting restoration, Wansford Yard
Still displaying the remnants of its Transrail livery 56128 sits on the turntable in Wansford's yard. Unfortunately, this Class 56 was not operational and did not feature in the Nene Valley's diesel gala. I am not sure what the future holds for this Grid but judging by its state it could be heading for spares to keep other class members operational.

NB I was wrong with my comments above. After many more years of neglect and being moved from one storage location to another it was rebuilt to become GBRf liveried (complete with DMU-style speed whiskers) 69006 in 2023. (Note added 01.25)
Keywords: 56128 awaiting restoration Wansford Yard Grid

47401 & 73050, stabled, Wansford Yard
Having finished its operational duties for the moment 47401 'North Eastern' rests in Wansford Yard. It has been stabled in front of BR Standard 73050 'City of Peterborough'.
Keywords: 47401 73050 Wansford Yard North Eastern City of Peterborough.

56301, 13.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (1E50), Wansford TL099980
An easy job for 56301 as it accelerates away Wansford working the 13.22 gala service to Peterborough Nene Valley. Whilst the sets of continental stock that the NVR operates are not always popular with enthusiasts, behind the Class 56 seen here in this livery they do not look particularly out of place.
Keywords: 56301 13.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 1E50 Wansford TL099980Grid

45133, 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M49), Sutton Cross TL103980
About halfway between Wansford and the ever-popular level crossing near Castor is an open spot that affords reasonable views of the Nene Valley Railway in both directions. 45133 brings the 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford service past this spot. After the sun of the morning cloud has spoilt the afternoon weather somewhat.
Keywords: 45133 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M49 Sutton Cross TL103980 Peak

45133, 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M49), Wansford TL099980
A second shot of 45133 working the 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford Nene Valley Railway gala service. It is seen on the approach to Wansford passing its home signal.
Keywords: 45133 13.30 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M49 Wansford TL099980 Peak

31108 (for failed 20001), 14.02 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (2B62), Sutton Cross TL103980
With the failure of 50026 'Indomitable' earlier in the day causing disruption to the Nene Valley's autumn gala further the timetable was put into a state of disarray again with 20001 also failing. The late running 14.02 Wansford to Peterborough Nene Valley gets away from its starting point with 31108 called in to substitute for the disgraced Class 20.
Keywords: 31108 failed 20001 14.02 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 2B62 Sutton Cross TL103980 A1A A1A Type 3

56301, 14.10 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M50), Sutton Cross TL103980
56301 approaches the journey's end leading the 14.10 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford autumn gala service. As a young schoolboy spotter, I remember being very excited when I saw my first Class 56 back in the late 1970s. Little did I think that as a 'late' middle-aged man, firstly I would still be out on the lineside and secondly, witnessing mainline registered Class 56s hauling passenger trains!
Keywords: 56301 14.10 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M50 Sutton Cross TL103980

50026, 14.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (2B63), Sutton Cross TL106979
Having been failed earlier in the day 50026 'Indomitable' has been repaired and back in operation again. It's a good job as pioneer Type 2 20001 had also been taken out of service within the last hour causing further issues with the intensive autumn gala timetable. The Class 50 leads the 14.42 Wansaford to Peterborough Nene Valley past Sutton Cross.
Keywords: 50026 14.42 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 2B63 Sutton Cross TL106979 Indomitable

31108, 14.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford (2M51), River Nene bridge, Wansford
Following the clouding over during the middle of the day, the sun has come out again in the late afternoon brightening up the scene at Wansford. 31108 (in lieu of 20001) brings the 14.50 Peterborough Nene Valley to Wansford towards the station crossing the attractive bridge that spans the River Nene.
Keywords: 31108 14.50 Peterborough Nene Valley-Wansford 2M51 River Nene bridge Wansford

9520, 15.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley (2E53), Wansford station
Teddybear 9520 had a criminally short career with British Railways of just four years (1964-1968)! It then spent many more years in industrial use with Northamptonshire iron ore mining company Stewart & Lloyds initially at Glendon Quarry between Kettering and Corby. With their excellent vision front and rear due to the raised cab, they were very useful locomotives for such work. Now in its preservation era, 9520 leaves Wansford station with the 15.22 diesel gala service to Peterborough Nene Valley.
Keywords: 9520 15.22 Wansford-Peterborough Nene Valley 2E53 Wansford station Teddy bear Class 14

47401, running round, Wansford station
In lovely autumn sunshine 47401 'Great Eastern' runs round at Wansford reversing back into the station preparing to work its next diesel gala service. It is passing the superbly preserved signal box located at the eastern end of the station
Keywords: 47401 running round Wansford station North eastern

56128, 31108 & 45133, Wansford Yard
A trio of British Rail's finest stand stabled in Wansford Yard. To the left is a very tatty 56128 facing a very uncertain future with no real plans for it at present. Centre stage is 31108 and to the right is ETH fitted 45138. Behind the Class 31 is the unmistakable sight of a former London Transport Routemaster bus.
Keywords: 56128 31108 45133 Wansford Yard BR British Railways

31108, 8001, DL83, Sentinel, no. 22 & 33108, stabled, Wansford Yard
An interesting lineup of motive power in Wansford's Yard catches some late afternoon sunshine. 31108 just pokes its nose into the scene to the left with a very smart 8001 in front. Next is a matching pair. (apart from their liveries) of Rolls Royce-powered Sentinal shunters. In green is DL83 which has a fascinating history that is described in incredible detail at .... https://davesrailphots.weebly.com/dl83.html Moving right is the 1964 red liveried (works number) 10202 'Barabel'. This started its life in the Oxfordshire ironstone quarries just north of Banbury. Finally, to the extreme right is 33108 resting between gala services.
Keywords: 31108 8001 DL83 Sentinel no. 22 33108 stabled Wansford Yard

31. (T) 1212 , 16.10 Wansford-Yarwell Junction (16.10 Wansford-Yarwell Junction), Wansford station

32. 1212, control cubicle

33. 1212, cab view, Wansford station

34. (T) 1212, 16.20 Yarwell Junction-Wansford (16.20 Yarwell Junction-Wansford), Yarwell Junction station

35. 56301, running round, from 1212, 16.20 Yarwell Junction-Wansford, approaching Wansford

36. Timetable & ticket, NVR diesel gala

Images 1-36 of 36 displayed.