Jump to content
 

NER 1903 Autocar


The White Rabbit
 Share

Recommended Posts

I travelled on the Autocar on one of its inaugural trips from Bolton Abbey Station to Embsay and return on Thursday,and what a superb vehicle it is.

A lovely sunny day  and its colours showed it off to perfection.

Well done to those involved for returning this vehicle to service .

Don.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

  • Like 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • RMweb Premium

Our visit was last Wednesday.  The vehicle was practically full (some extra chairs were put on at Bolton Abbey but were not needed).

Mostly gentlemen of a certain age, very knowledgeable too.

P1010239.JPG

P1010240.JPG

P1010241.JPG

P1010242.JPG

P1010243.JPG

  • Like 18
  • Friendly/supportive 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
  • RMweb Premium

And if you can't make it to Embsay, how about Warley?

 

We're pleased to be 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 in this project. If you are thinking about getting involved in any capacity, do come and talk to us. We'll also have some bits for sale and [of course] donations are always welcome. 

 

The autocar is operating for the next four Wednesdays, 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? 

  • Informative/Useful 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I've no chance of making it to Embsay, but Warley, now, that looks possible.

 

Is there any chance of arranging it so that the punters can get into the saloon? I'd love to see the interior 'in the flesh' so to speak, and I'm sure i'm not the only one.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

Sorry John. Access to the interior was something we hoped to arrange (we were originally in favour of doing this if possible, both for the passenger saloon and the engine room) but because of assorted regulations, disability access and suchlike, it's not something we're doing. The regulations are rather involved and we/the organisers would have had to hire a ramp in or quite possibly make a bespoke ramp (or even two - given the Warley crowds we initially thought about a one-way system to avoid crowding/congestion inside) specially for the event and this would have added significantly to the cost and space. 

 

I know it's not the same but we will have enlargements of various photos, including the interior, on display on the stand. 

 

Alternatively, sooner or later the autocar will go to other railways for passenger operations. I'm not aware of any hires definitely arranged right now but I'd put money on it visiting the GCR again in the not too distant future and we have connections with Llangollen so it may well visit there sometime. 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

It would be great to have a vintage traction (none steam) gala limited to stock that is pre 1950 in build or design. I can think of several locos and other preserved stock that would be suitable. 

  • Like 1
  • Agree 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

On 22/06/2019 at 15:56, The White Rabbit said:

Sorry John. Access to the interior was something we hoped to arrange (we were originally in favour of doing this if possible, both for the passenger saloon and the engine room) but because of assorted regulations, disability access and suchlike, it's not something we're doing. The regulations are rather involved and we/the organisers would have had to hire a ramp in or quite possibly make a bespoke ramp (or even two - given the Warley crowds we initially thought about a one-way system to avoid crowding/congestion inside) specially for the event and this would have added significantly to the cost and space. 

 

I know it's not the same but we will have enlargements of various photos, including the interior, on display on the stand. 

 

Alternatively, sooner or later the autocar will go to other railways for passenger operations. I'm not aware of any hires definitely arranged right now but I'd put money on it visiting the GCR again in the not too distant future and we have connections with Llangollen so it may well visit there sometime. 

 

I understand the problems. Llangollen would be wonderful - and convenient for me - so I'll cross my fungers and hope!

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
  • RMweb Premium

Time for an update. I need 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. And after Warley, the autocar will be off to the GCR for some engineering work and advanced fettling and may run there, possibly during their winter gala - now this does depend 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 and/or more details given 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). 

 

2015885105_3170Embsay230619(MClark)R.jpg.1685b32862fc1ebf658f2d3adbb08e57.jpg

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

 

2031244906_Autocar10Jul2019(AC)R.jpg.a7310430b958d94aecce9412aafa5fee.jpg

3170 seen in the landscape. Heading towards the photographer, 3170 has just passed through Stoneacre Loop which was 'switched out' on that day. The view from the saloon [towards the photographer] is as good as any first generation DMU. (Courtesy Alan Chandler)

 

  • Like 11
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...
  • RMweb Premium

Oh, it'll run this winter, the only uncertainty is whether just testing/proving runs or whether we're able to offer passengers rides. 

 

I've posted some photos on the Warley thread in the Exhibitions section, short version: it's there and looking good. Thanks Dava, that sort of thing is music to the ears, especially of the organisers! 

 

 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...
  • RMweb Premium

And the autocar is due to run this weekend at the Great Central's Winter Gala - http://www.gcrailway.co.uk/special-events/winter-steam-gala/  - in the 'railcar' slot, three round trips on both Saturday & Sunday. I know we have some fans in that part of the world, so I hope you get chance to visit over the weekend. Sorry it's short notice but it's only just been confirmed after this afternoon's test. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
  • Informative/Useful 3
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

Thanks to the Autocar Trust for agreeing to run the Autocar during the GCR Winter Gala , a very popular experience for all those able to ride on it, even during the wet weather on Sunday.

 

Hoping it may be able to take a trip up the Mountsorrel Branch before it departs.

 

Dava

Autocar Rothley 26-1-20.jpg

Autocar Lboro loco yard 26-1-20.jpg

  • Like 4
  • Thanks 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • RMweb Premium

Yes, I couldn't make it to the GCR myself but everything I've heard so far suggests it's been popular. Perhaps a bit too popular, judging by some photos. We're working on the autocoach as fast as possible! 

 

A few more photos, courtesy Paul Abell and Sean Croshaw. My thanks to them.

 

Autocar 3170 Rothley Sean Croshaw photo I-7819_R.jpg

Autocar Rothley Sean Croshaw_I-7814_R.jpg

Autocar Rothley 25 Jan 2020 Paul Abell R.jpg

73156 plus NER Autocar 3170 Rothley 25 Jan 2020 Sean Croshaw photo IMG_7738 R.jpg

NER Autocar 3170 plus 62005 Rothley 25 Jan 2020 Sean Croshaw photo IMG_7843 R.jpg

NER Autocar Loughborough Central 25 Jan 2020 Paul Abell photo IMG_1663.JPG

  • Like 7
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...
  • RMweb Premium

Thanks to all those who've been complimentary about the GCR Gala and posted stills and videos online. The autocar's been very popular for a non-steam vehicle. It worked well for us and we hope to do it again. The AGM's been and gone. In between other things, I'm trying to get the winter newsletter out asap. Unfortunately I've a lot to deal with at the moment and could do with some help. Not just personally, but we could really use some assistance as an organisation. As with most volunteer groups, we're very keen to hear from people who are interested in practical work. (https://electricautocar.co.uk/volunteer-vacancies/) A donation, whether a few pounds via PayPal or a substantial cheque is always going to be welcome. However, to keep the autocar running and to do the things we'd like to do and make full use of this remarkable vehicle and the trailer autocoach, we need people to volunteer their time. For instance, just before Warley, I announced our new guide. It's had good feedback and we sold a good number at the Warley show. But we also need people to sell this on the autocar, whether at Embsay or when the autocar's 'on tour'. As well as volunteer stewards, we need someone to deal with online sales, setting up a 'shop' and fulfilling orders. We have quite a few products for sale but no-one to sell them.

How about yourself you may ask? Well, I chose my user name on a day I'd been rushing around fixing problems and despite my best efforts and some short-term gains, right now it's worse than ever. Due to the family illness that resulted in me missing Warley and serious ongoing care issues, I've had to take a step back from most of my activites, including the publicity and project work for the autocar. (Thanks to those who have expressed good wishes; I don't think 'Fate' was listening). Our secretary has advised of his retirement come November. Like me, he has increasing demands on him and we can't do it all. Other volunteers have put a lot of effort into the project for up to ten years and would like to reduce their workload. Knowing how much time and commitment they have put in, I fully understand why. 

 

The Secretary, Sales/Fundraising and Publicity roles are the well-defined roles we'd like to fill. We would also like to investigate building a museum come workshop for the autocar - we need someone to act as co-ordinator and manager for this and this is a rather more nebulous 'vacancy'. None of us have the necessary expertise or knowledge to work on this ourselves and depending on the early results, it could be set for 'an early bath' or develop into a very significant role, akin to the project engineer's role currently, though with a different subject.

We would like to build on what we've achieved so far and without suitable volunteers, it's not going to happen. I know many of you will have busy lives already and I know that feeling all too well - but if you can help, even if it is just a few hours a month, do please speak to us. Do not rely on 'the other fella' doing it. If you can't help, do you know a friend or neighbour who is/may be interested and might be able to? Thanks to technology, some roles can be done literally anywhere in the world, so whilst we don't expect a Thursday working party commute from our overseas members in Australia, or Texas, or British Columbia, or even the Isle of Colonsay to Embsay, if you can help with any 'back-room' or off-site tasks, don't be shy. Please help us with the most precious asset of all - your time. (Don't tell our Treasurer I said that ...) 

  • Like 1
  • Friendly/supportive 5
Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...