From rust-bucket to stunning new attraction at hidden gem railway

Volunteers at East Yorkshire’s only heritage railway are preparing to celebrate a lengthy restoration project on an additional piece of rolling stock.

Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR), at Fimber, has spent five years restoring a former British Rail 20 ton brake van, which has become part of its active rolling stock. On Sunday, September 17, there will be a launch event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the wagon to the heritage line.

Since taking delivery of it on August 1 – Yorkshire Day – 2018, YWR members have worked outside in all weathers to bring the vehicle back in to traffic. Andy Barwick, of the restoration team, said: “When the goods brake van arrived, the railway had no wagon shed, so the restoration had to take place outside in the open, under a makeshift weather shelter built from old lorry tarpaulins.

“None of the existing members at the YWR had any previous experience of restoring a railway wagon, so advice was sought from other heritage railway experts, relating to the overhaul of the safety critical components and to obtain engineering drawings. The restoration team grew, and a plan was put together in order to ensure that things happened in the correct order.

“The team which consisted of skilled and unskilled volunteers, was entirely self-managed and work normally took place on a Wednesday. The team worked very well together, and we are very proud of what we have achieved on such a small railway, which started with very little in the way of engineering facilities.”

The brake van on its arrival at Yorkshire Wolds Railway on August 1 – Yorkshire Day – 2018 (Image: Mike Hopps)

Brake vans were compulsory on all goods trains up until 1968 and were normally marshalled at the rear of the train so both portions of the train could be brought to a standstill if a coupling broke. The YWR’s brake van was built in 1961 at the Ashford Wagon works in Kent to the diagram 507 design.

John Lidster, charities director, said: “All at the YWR should be proud of what has been achieved with the work done and our thanks go to the volunteers and suppliers, and donors that have made it happen. The brake van is a wonderful addition to the YWR fleet, and the ability to stand outside on the veranda to enjoy the now almost ¼-mile ride is one that must be experienced.”

Katy Bowser, business development director, said: “We are so pleased with the result of five years hard work that we wanted to put on launch event to celebrate. On September 17, we will be open from 10am to 4pm as usual but with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11.30am, after which brake van rides will officially start. It’s going to be a very exciting day.”

Volunteers at Yorkshire Wolds Railway with the restored brake van, in which visitors will be able to ride the track at Fimber (Image: Mike Hopps)

The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday until the end of October, from 10am to 4pm. Additionally, the visitor centre only will also be open every Wednesday until the end of October from 10am to 4pm.

Access to the visitor centre and car park is free, with a ride priced from £4.50 or a day pass from £8 (all trains run subject to availability). The YWR is always keen to involve new people, and anyone interested in becoming a member or volunteering, making a donation or just finding out more can visit the Yorkshire Wolds Railway website or call 01377 338053 for more information.

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