NWPG - What's our purpose?
Our aim is to preserve and exhibit a selection of iconic wagons built since the formation of British Rail in 1948 and educate the public on their historical importance.
Often, wagons are overlooked in preservation for the locomotives and coaches that provide an income for the railway. Typically, wagons have a shorter life span than locomotives and passenger stock and it has been noted in the past where en-masse scrappings over a short period of time have seen entire classes of wagons disappear for good.
The NWPG are turning this around, not only preserving these historically important pieces of rolling stock but also to create detailed histories of the wagons we preserve for all to read.
We have four projects;
Project: MGR
We own 6 MGR coal hoppers and in partnership with The Chasewater Railway, our collective efforts make 10 total, the latest acquisition being the Knottingley Gate Guardian 350002, the first production built MGR at Shildon Works!
Project: Petroleum
After a very successful fundraiser appeal, we now have 11 TTA tanks and 1 TEA Bogie Tank. One of the TTA tanks are privately owned. All of these wagons reside at the Dean Forest Railway and form "The Tank Train". Currently, the TEA Tank is withdrawn pending repairs to its braking systems.
Project: CDA
This is the collaboration between ourselves and the Bodmin Railway! We successfully raised funds to preserve 8 CDA wagons from the scrap man! Whilst there are regular running days, there will be one wagon rotated out for repairs and overhaul. Please see "Pit to Port Preservation" facebook page for updates!
Project: Railfreight
The aim of this project is to recreate the railfreight scene of British Rail between the 1970s and 1990s.
Currently the project is in partnership with a private individual who owns a selection of Railfreight-era vehicles, which are located at the Chasewater Railway. These wagons are on loan to the NWPG and we have assisted with their restoration.
The NWPG own pioneer coalfish conversion 394001 and a former MoD PDA Van (formerly VCA) in this project. The wagons are homed at the Telford Railway and the Dean Forest Railway respectively and are part of the project's scope.