Newsletter & virtual AGM – members please read
We regret that the next issue of the newsletter, due to be delivered at the end of last week, will be delayed. It has been printed, however, it was delivered at the same time as our distributor's house was put into quarantine. We will send the hard copies out as soon...
Autocar Hanging Straps
Authentic leather straps have now been added to the autocar, following a kind donation from member Martin Barker to cover the cost of the straps. Note the original interior in the bottom picture as a comparison. Photo: Alan Chandler
Autumn 2020
Well, it's high time for an update in these challenging times. As the nine month gap in posts shows, we're still looking for a publicity officer. Regrettably, due to multiple family members' serious ill-health, this role is not something I can deal with now or for the...
Volunteer Vacancies
New volunteers are always welcome but there are certain roles we are particularly keen to fill: Our Secretary (who is also a Trustee) is standing down in November 2020 and we need an organised, reliable individual to take on his duties. The role involves keeping Trust...
Sir William McAlpine award
We're pleased to say the Trust was awarded the Sir William McAlpine award for the best preservation project in 2019. This was presented at Warley by Michael Pritchard of Peco and ALSRM Chairman David White. It's a credit to our volunteers' workmanship and efforts over...
The 2020 Great Central Railway Winter Steam Gala
After the Warley exhibition, the autocar moved to the GCR for some engineering adjustments and further tests. These were complete in time for the autocar to run in the 2020 Winter Gala over the 25th & 26th January. Judging by the photos and comments I've seen so...
Warley Model Railway Exhibition 2019
Our visit to Warley…
NEC November visit
I'm pleased to say we're attending Warley National Model Railway Exhibition as the prototype/centrepiece display this year. Held on the 23rd & 24th November in Hall 5 of the NEC, there'll be lots of layouts in various scales and gauges - and in the middle of them,...
1:76 scale model of the autocar
Rails of Sheffield plan to produce a 'OO' scale model of the autocar. Their web-page is at: https://railsofsheffield.com/news/articles/2902-ner-electric-autocar
Modern Traction Award
As well as the Manisty Award, the Trust has also been awarded the Modern Traction award from Rail Express. The two awards were presented on the Heritage Railway's Association's Awards night on the 9th February 2019. We now have more dates for the autocar to run at...
Manisty Award from HRA
We're very proud to announce that the autocar's restoration has received the Manisty Award. This is the Heritage Railway Association's most prestigious award and is awarded by the Board of the HRA for 'an exceptional and outstanding contribution to railway...
New Instagram account
Our media team have just added an Instagram account to our suite of social media channels. Follow us at: https://www.instagram.com/nerelectricautocar/
Photos from the launch
A selection of photos from the launch. Our thanks to the photographers.
The Autocar returns to service
A milestone in transport and restoration history was reached on Friday 19th October 2018 - the autocar and autocoach were formally launched into service by Sir Ron Cooke, Chair of Yorkshire and Humber Heritage Lottery Fund Committee and Stephen Middleton, Chairman of...
Brake Test 05-09-2018
Photo: The autocar at Skibeden (Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway) during brake tests on the 5th September. (Both video and photo courtesy Alan Chandler)
Launch date announced
Well, it feels like it's within our grasp, what we've been working towards for so long - the autocar running again. There's still work to do but we've set a launch date in October. This is for members and supporters, but the general public will have their chance as...
Into 2018
January is often a time for reflection on progress, doubly so for us as we often have our AGM that month. Since last autumn a lot of work has been done on the engine room end, with the flooring now down, the side panelling installed and the roof-work frames...
Guinness Book of Records and bodywork news
Well, the first news is we've official recognition by the Guinness Book of Records as the world's first internal combustion electric railcar. The 2018 edition is now out and we're on page 203... In terms of practical restoration, we've...
Autocar latest from Embsay Engineering Workshop
Grateful thanks to all who are making this unique, groundbreaking project come alive – Stephen Middleton.
Lifting the body onto the chassis
Here the autocar body is taken to Priors’s Lane P’way depot on the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway for lifting onto the autocar chassis.