A small update from the Churnet Valley Railway's supporting charity, the North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Ltd courtesy of their Chairman Pete Green.
The NSRC 2015 Raffle has come to its conclusion, with a total raised of just over £3000. The raffle this year was held to raise funds for the planned restoration of former Southern Region steam heat van no. ADS70185. This was one of five such vehicles that was built at Eastleigh Works on 20-ton mineral wagon underframes, and used for heating trains at Southampton Docks. Put into departmental use by BR, the vehicle found it’s way to Immingham before it was moved to MoD Kineton for storage from where a member of the CVR preserved it. The NSRC took this vehicle on in 2014 as a solution to removing the need for 24-hour cover over the Santa period, as well enabling the NSRC’s own 33102 to operate services solo in the winter months as this loco has no steam heat facility. Originally an unfitted vehicle, the restoration of 70185 is to see a replacement oil-fired boiler fitted along with a vacuum brake system with preliminary weatherproofing and cleaning up planned for early 2016.
- The First Prize in the NSRC Raffle was for £200 cash, and was won by the holder of ticket no. 15129 who lives in the Lichfield area.
- Second Prize was for a CVR Santa Family ticket, and was won by the holder of ticket no. 15347.
- Third prize was for a Family Membership of NSRC, and was won by the holder of ticket no. 12836 who comes from the Nottingham area.
Elsewhere, the engine from the Permaquip Personnel Carrier has now moved to the home of an NSRC member with many years of experience as a diesel engine fitter (and a steam lorry enthusiast). Dave Rushton (Engines) in Stoke have bored out the block to suit larger pistons, whilst our volunteer has reassembled the engine block with new pistons and gaskets. A new fuel injection pump is now needed to be sourced (and refurbished), as well as finding a new cam belt before the engine can then fit it back into the Permaquip!
Finally the NSRC has also gained a couple of small extra grants from both ASDA and Waitrose Community partner schemes this year. This totaled approximately £500 and will be used on small projects around the Churnet Valley.