NLR Ironstone Train Project

 

The Ironstone Train Project aims to assemble an authentic rake of Iron Ore Tippler wagons, which were once a common site in Northamptonshire.

 

The county has a long history of ironstone quarrying and these wagons are synonymous with the history of the Northampton to Market Harborough line, which the Northampton and Lamport Railway (NLR) is working to partially restore.

 

Historically, the line was not only a frequent route for ironstone trains passing through the county, but also had several ironstone quarries along its route, including Pitsford Quarry, where the exchange sidings are preserved as part of the NLR.

 

The aim is to create a rake of at least 6 grey ‘Iron Ore Tippler’ wagons (the type most common on our line in the 1950s and 1960s), which will be used on demonstration goods trains during special events. We have purchased one BR Tippler and have managed to bring 5 more to the NLR on long-term loan. 

The Ironstone Train will be used on demonstration goods trains during special events and will also be available for photo charters.

 

The Project also includes the creation of supporting educational and interpretive information to help enrich the public understanding and appreciation of the local area’s rich history of ironstone quarrying.

 

For more information, visit the Northampton and Lamport Railway website. You can also follow the Ironstone Train Project on the NLR’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

WE NEED TO RAISE £3,000 TO MAKE THIS DREAM A REALITY.

Your support will help us restore all 6 tippler wagons and have a fully operation train in the near future.

Donations will go to Northampton Steam Railway Ltd (the NLR's operating company) and will be ring-fenced for this Project only.

Donation Incentives

Donate at least £150 – Receive a year’s free membership to the Northampton and Lamport Railway CIO, a free family ticket to any event (excluding Santa Specials) and a BRAKEVAN RIDE on the Ironstone Train.

Donate at least £250 – As above plus a FOOTPLATE RIDE on the Ironstone Train.

Donate at least £500 – As above plus DRIVER EXPERIENCE on the Ironstone Train.

If donating over £150, please ensure you provide us with your contact details when donating!

 

PHOTO ABOVE: Hudswell Clarke No.1631 0-6-0ST ‘No.65’ prepares to pull away from the quarry face at Pitsford with a train of wagons filled with ironstone (early 1960s)

PHOTO ABOVE: In 2021, the NLR purchased its first BR Iron Ore Tippler from a private owner. The wagon had previously been based at the Somerset and Dorset Heritage Railway at Midsomer Norton. Built at Derby in 1961 to diagram 1/185, it has a carrying capacity of 26 tons.

*June 2022 - fundraising total lowered (from £9,000 to £3,000), as transportation costs for bringing the additional wagons to the railway has already been met via other means.