NER Autocar - restoration progress

[sawdust]

I'm in complete agreement, well done!

Sawdust.

[richard]

congrats!

[Autocar Publicity]

Thankyou all. The newsletter has been sent out (12th/13th December) and should either be with members now or in the very near future. Plenty of rather good pictures, I was spoilt for choice. The Trust's AGM is in January and the paperwork associated with this went out with the newsletter and other bits and bats.

News from Sheffield is that Rails have received a 'healthy' number of pre-orders and the model was given coverage in Warners/BRM/RM Web videos from Warley. (Rails' flyer is attached below).

No posts yet on 2019 running dates at Embsay or visits elsewhere but it is only a matter of time before we'll be able to announce these. As the cliche goes, watch this space... and a Happy Christmas to you all.

[Autocar Publicity]

Running dates at Embsay - if you see https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.or ... /timetable for details, but basically Easter - July on Wednesdays and then most of the first week in September and the remaining Wednesdays that month. The first three Sundays in November. You can buy tickets online and I've been told the four inaugural running days round Easter are c75% booked already.

[Autocar Publicity]

And a couple of pictures from the HRA awards dinner/presentation:

The Manisty Award, courtesy Robin Jones of Heritage Railway (https://www.heritagerailway.co.uk/)

And I can now reveal we also won another award, the Rail Express Modern Traction Award. (https://www.railexpress.co.uk/)

Photo courtesy of an un-named attendee using a member's phone.

I guess it shows the nature of the project, that we've won awards for a restoration and for a 'modern' powerunit.

[Autocar Publicity]

Now in regular passenger service at Embsay on Wednesdays until the middle of July. Below, courtesy Alan Chandler, with the autocar at Holywell Halt.

[manna]

G'Day Gents

Fantastic achievement, when is it going to 'Tour' Australia ???????????

manna

[JASd17]

Well, I will be making my way over to Embsay again.

John

[Autocar Publicity]

G'Day Gents

Fantastic achievement, when is it going to 'Tour' Australia ???????????

manna

Just as soon as some very kind, very rich person pays for the transport out (and back!) for it and a few of us...

[Autocar Publicity]

Well, I will be making my way over to Embsay again.

John

It'll be good to see you again John. (And good on yer mate for braving all those crocodile infested swamps and trekking hundreds of miles across deserts to see the autocar - that's dedication ).

[JASd17]

And that is just travelling through Yorkshire!

Actually Simon there is a story about my journey back from Embsay in October, which I will relate when I see you next.

John

[Autocar Publicity]

And if you can't make it to Embsay, through all those crocs and over deserts, how about Warley?

I'm pleased to say we're the full size exhibit this year. As well as No. 3170 herself, there will be key members of the restoration staffing our stand, so it's a prime opportunity to have a chat with some of the principal players. Especially if you are thinking about getting involved in any capacity (and we are keen for 'new blood' to join our band of volunteers) do come and talk to us. We'll also have some bits for sale and [of course] donations are always welcome. 

Right now, the autocar is operating for the next four Wednesdays at Embsay, as part of the 'shake-down' programme. We want to ensure everything is working properly before we go to other railways. There's some work to do over the summer holidays, both mechanical and cosmetic, then we're running again on Wednesdays in September (also Monday, Thursday & Friday on the first week). The first three Sundays in November and then - a trip to the Midlands...

See you there? 

[Mercator II]

Hell yeah, definatly see you there

Good luck with the rest of the shake down

[Autocar Publicity]

Good evening all.

Just to let you know, contrary to what I said earlier, the autocar won't be running the Sundays in November. There's no heating installed yet (one of the things we are fund-raising for) and the railway felt it wouldn't be a good time of the year to run an unheated train. Sorry for any disappointment caused.

On a more positive note, preparations for Warley are proceeding and we look forward to seeing many of you there. After Warley, the autocar will be off to the GCR for some work and advanced testing and may run there - this depends on various things, so we're stressing the may at the moment. Other visits are planned for 2020, including a visit to Didcot at Easter. (More hires to be announced when we're not going to pre-empt hosts' gala announcements).

There's a newsletter due to go to the printers next week and a DVD in advanced stages of production.

As ever, if you can help, especially in volunteering your time and skills, do get in touch. As well as 'dirty fingernail' roles, we'd like to hear from people willing to act as explainers/stewards and/or act as a fund-raiser, researcher, professional consultant (especially re civil engineering, as we are looking at the possibility of building a museum/workshop).

3170 attracting plenty of interest at Embsay. With platform 2 clear of carriages, the photographers can get a good view. (Courtesy M Clark)

3170 set in the landscape. Heading towards the photographer, 3170 has just passed through Stoneacre Loop. The view from the saloon is as good as any first generation DMU. (Courtesy Alan Chandler)

[Mercator II]

Looking forward to seeing it at Warley, will drop by for sure

Safe travelling to Birmingham