The Big Shunt: trains begin running on the VoBR

Photo: As the rain arrives Andrew Woodhall shunts the torpedo wagon

Just six months after the Office of Road & Rail granted our mainline exemption licence to operate, we’ve run our first trains at Oldminster Sidings.

After inspections for track, points, rolling stock and locomotives, the Big Shunt began on Saturday August 30th. Starting with familiarisation runs for the engine drivers, the ‘Big Shunt’ saw a series of complex moves to position the locos and wagons in their correct locations for storage and maintenance. Our Ruston 88, trustee Andrew Woodhall’s Planet and the rolling chassis of Severnside Locomotive Company’s Andrew Barclay 2157 are now stored in a temporary shelter, which will protect them until the new workshop and maintenance building is constructed.

Grateful thanks go to the Veronica Awdry Charitable Trust for its generous grant towards rebuilding points 2 and 3, which made the Big Shunt possible. Also to Mike Speck, who supervised our drivers Frank Wooldridge and Andrew Woodhall, with essential support from Sam White, Andy Thompson, Steve Owen and Ken Bailey. And of course, thanks to all the members and volunteers who have supported the VoBR on our journey to become a working railway.

Chairman Howard Parker said, “After many years of hard work, we’re excited to be running trains on our own tracks. We’re now pushing hard for the next stage, to raise funds for our new workshop and maintenance facilities. Please help us achieve this by donating via the VoBR's website https://www.vobr.org.uk/donate "

From L to R

Row 1 Frank Wooldridge reverses the Ruston: The Planet, Fireless and 7 plank underframe, shortly before shunting; Locos in the temporary loco shed, which will soon have its cover in place

Row 2 It looks like the Fireless is in steam! In fact it’s the exhaust from the Planet, hidden behind; The Shunt in progress - our digger also provided motive power; Andrew Woodhall’s Planet propelling the Fireless

Row 3 The Ruston shunting the Andrew Barclay chassis, with the Planet in the background