NVA Motorail vehicles

[CNBRail]

Just wanted to share a project I am involved in that may be of interest to some on here. We have procured 4 of the old NVA Motorail vehicles and are converting them into universal barrier vehicles for use throughout europe.

More pics on the Meridian Generic Rail linkedin page https://www.linkedin.com/company/meridian-generic-rail-limited

 

[tomwills98]

Nice, how long does it normally take to convert one? I can't imagine they're in good nick after not being used for so long. Is that green FGW one from Cardiff Canton?

 

[Aictos]

Throughout Europe? What about the different gauges in use them eg Iberian, Irish and Russian gauges?

 

[bengley]

Throughout Europe? What about the different gauges in use them eg Iberian, Irish and Russian gauges?

One would imagine the parts of Europe which use standard gauge...

 

[Aictos]

One would imagine the parts of Europe which use standard gauge...

They did say thoughout Europe tho....

 

[The_Train]

They did say thoughout Europe tho....

Maybe they've come up with some pioneering multi-gauge bogie system that will revolutionise the railways across Europe! (Not that we care about Europe anymore of course - Rule Britannia and all that malarkey)

Or maybe the OP made a generalised statement not expecting to be pulled up on a minor detail when the meat of the post is to do with a positive bit of news regarding the refurb of some old rolling stock. Obviously not used to the pedantic nature of some within this hobby

Anyway, it's fantastic what you are doing @CNBRail and I wish you all the best with it. Definitely be interesting to see how it develops so keep us informed of progress and those future plans - can we expect to see them rolling on British rails?

 

[Aictos]

It’s still details that can confirm exactly where they see their vehicles heading tho

 

[headshot119]

Throughout Europe? What about the different gauges in use them eg Iberian, Irish and Russian gauges?

Well I mean I can't see them being used on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland either, but to me that didn't need to be spelled out...

 

[CNBRail]

Hi all, yep standard gauge only! They are likely to see a fair amount of use through Germany and Czechia as well as around the UK.
In terms of how long it takes... we are hoping to have the first vehicles out in July with the second pair in August/September, the problem being the lead time on wheel pans and yes one of the vehicles did indeed come from Canton!

 

[Meerkat]

Why the NVAs? Not saying there is any reason not to, just wondering if there was a reason other than being cheaply available?

 

[CNBRail]

Availability was one factor, also the doors will make loading equipment easier as MGRL (who now own the vehicles) do a lot of homologation testing at Velim. Also the hand brake is a requirement for operating in Europe and the end doors will make adjusting the coupler height more straightforward.

 

[tomwills98]

and yes one of the vehicles did indeed come from Canton!

I wondered where it went. It's been there for donkey's years, I'm surprised it could still move. This looks really cool, hope it goes well.

 

[Brian Aylott]

Just wanted to share a project I am involved in that may be of interest to some on here. We have procured 4 of the old NVA Motorail vehicles and are converting them into universal barrier vehicles for use throughout europe.
View attachment 73262 View attachment 73263
More pics on the Meridian Generic Rail linkedin page https://www.linkedin.com/company/meridian-generic-rail-limited

Which 4 in the Colas pools COCO & COCS (966003-09) have been obtained?
Are they being modified with with new couplers eg Dellners to make them 'Universal' barrier vehicles
Brian

 

[CNBRail]

96602, 96603, 96605, 96607. MGRL are working with Dellner but they will also have a height adjustment mechanism for the couplers.

 

[Defiance149]

96602, 96603, 96605, 96607. MGRL are working with Dellner but they will also have a height adjustment mechanism for the couplers.

Where are they currently located please? Clearly no longer at Barry or Canton, presumably somewhere in London?

 

[CNBRail]

Where are they currently located please? Clearly no longer at Barry or Canton, presumably somewhere in London?

The vehicles are currently in Foston having the car bodies repaired/painted.

 

[High Dyke]

The vehicles are currently in Foston having the car bodies repaired/painted.

I'm guessing not this Foston? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foston,_Lincolnshire

 

[doningtonphil]

Foston Derbyshire, near Burton on Trent