The Northampton and Lamport Railway (NLR) has launched a project to re-create an authentic rake of Iron Ore Tippler wagons.

Such trains were once a common site in Northamptonshire. Appropriately, the project is titled “The Ironstone Train Project”.

Northamptonshire has a long history of ironstone quarrying. Iron Ore Tippler wagons are synonymous with the Northampton to Market Harborough line, which the NLR is working to partially restore. 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.

Lamport exchange sidings on 6th April 1966. Credit: Bryan Jeyes

The aim is to recreate a scene of mineral wagons being shunted in Pitsford Sidings, as would have been a daily occurrence between 1925 and 1965. It is hoped to create a rake of at least six grey Iron Ore Tippler wagons, which were the type seen most commonly on the line in the 1950s and 1960s.

Three BR Tipplers are currently at the railway, with an agreement to bring in three more on long-term loan. If any more become available, they would like to acquire those as well.

The Ironstone Train will be used on demonstration goods trains during special events, and will also be available for photo charters. Educational and interpretive information displays will also be created to provide an understanding and appreciation of the local area’s rich history of ironstone quarrying.

A target of £9,000 has been set as the cost to restore the three tippler wagons already at the railway, as well as help with the cost of transport and restoration for the three additional wagons. A dedicated online fundraising page has been set up at: https://gofund.me/72819638

Donations can also be made by post by sending cheques to Ironstone Train Project, Northampton and Lamport Railway, Pitsford and Brampton Station, Pitsford Road, Chapel Brampton, NN6 8BA.

A range of incentives are available for those making donations:

• Anyone donating at least £150 will receive a year’s free membership to the Northampton and Lamport Railway, a free family ticket to any event (excluding Santa Specials), and a brake van ride on the ironstone train;
• Anyone donating at least £250 will receive the benefits above plus a footplate ride on the Ironstone Train.
• Anyone donating at least £500 will receive the benefits above plus a driver experience on the Ironstone Train.

Those donating over £150 should make sure that the NLR is provided with full contact details when donating.

Full information about the project is available at: https://www.nlr.org.uk/ironstone-train-project/