Autocar’s first test runs
On the 17th March the NER 1903 autocar had a morning’s test running on the Great Central Railway. This followed earlier runs in the GCR’s Loughborough shed and a run within station limits at Loughborough a week earlier. The engineering team were pleased with the test, which went well, with the only issue being a warm axle box.
Video: Testing of the underframe and new engine
This testing of the underframe and new engine took place at the Great Central Railway, Loughborough, on 17th March 2016. The underframe was run several times between Loughborough and Quorn stations.
Video: Autocar’s first test runs
First test runs of the autocar on 17th March 2016.
Video: Autocar controls
A look at the autocar cab desk’s controls.
Video: Autocar moves under its own power
The autocar moves under its own power. Filmed in the GCR’s shed, this is one of the first tests of the engineering and a major milestone in our restoration of this pioneering vehicle.
Video: Autocar controls and instruments
Autocar controls and instruments.
Transport Trust Award & Autocar update
Transport Trust Award & Autocar update
Power unit arrives at Loughborough
Our work on both the autocoach and autocar chassis continues. The autocoach is progressing well and we anticipate it becoming operational later this year. Down at Loughborough the power unit is now attached to the chassis and is in the GCR shed.
Book: N.E.R. Buses. Lorries & Autocars (Hoole,1970)
Now available on the britishtransporttreasures.com website is N.E.R. Buses. Lorries & Autocars (Hoole,1970) for £2.95. The book features the Autocar, it is not the PB edition, but a special hardcover edition for libraries with a coloured plate of the NER coaching...
Autocoach and Autocar progress
We have been very busy in the last few months, with a team at Embsay working on the autocoach, and another team at Loughborough working on the mechanical parts of the autocar. The powerunit was run for the first time on April 15th and performed well, with the only issue arising being the time taken to prime the fuel system.
Engine housing and chassis
We have been very busy in the last few months, with a team at Embsay working on the autocoach, and another team at Loughborough working on the mechanical parts of the autocar.
Additional fundraising required!
Unfortunately, extra work has been needed to deal with issues as they arose and this has cost extra money. Our original budget and grant applications did not allow for these, as we did not know of the potential need. Our estimate is that the project needs an extra...
Ken Hoole Trust Grant, and progress on autocar and autocoach
The autocar: Work is now completed on the end, with Alan Chandler finishing this to a very high standard. An article on how he did this is in newsletter No. 20. We have done almost as much as we can on the autocar until the chassis returns from Loughborough in 2014,...
First photographs of autocar pair in daylight
Earlier this month, there was a chance to get a preview of how the autocar and its trailer will look when operational. The autocar is the world’s first non-steam powered railcar and the pioneer of internal combustion and electric propulsion. It is being restored at...
Video: Autocar and Autocoach see daylight for the first time together.
A shunting move at Embsay today allowed the two main vehicles of the 1903 NER Autocar Trust to be seen outside the shed and together for the first time. Restoration work is in progress, so do excuse the appearance.
Latest pictures of restoration
The engine housing assembly has been delivered to our base at Loughborough. This has the engine and generator installed, together with some of the electronics necessary to control their functions. The chassis is also at Loughborough and is shortly to be strengthened....
Latest pictures of restoration
Woodworking and electronic control gear progress
Woodworking has continued, with us now turning to the tongue and groove boarding. Alan has been working on the driving compartment end.
Progress on autocar chassis continues
Progress on autocar chassis
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