The “MGR Wagon Fund”

Announcement: 24 March 2007
Following our AGM at the Severn Valley Railway in March 2007, it was decided that the “MGR Wagon Fund” would be put on hold for the time being whilst we concentrate our efforts on attempting to secure a Class 58 for preservation. However, as the MGR traffic has played such a vital role in the history of the Class 58s, we hope to still be able to preserve at least one or two of these wagons in the near future. However, if members are willing to come forward now and assist with this project, we will happily give it our full support.

A brief background to the “MGR Wagon Fund” plan...

The Class 58 locomotive is inextricably linked to late BR’s biggest fleet of revenue earning wagons – the ‘H-coded’ MGR type wagons. We feel that in order to tell the complete story of the Class 58s the ideal solution would be to preserve a number of these wagons, especially now that they are being replaced in huge numbers by the new high capacity HTA wagons.

The H-coded ‘first generation’ family of wagons (HAA etc.) were developed to enable the bulk transport of coal from pit to power station in block trains. These wagons could be loaded automatically or by use of mechanical diggers but where these wagons really came into their own was with their ability to be unloaded automatically at the power stations. This was achieved by mechanical line-side equipment at the unloading bays which unlocked doors at the bottom of the wagon allowing the coal to be discharged. This was all done on the move without the need to constantly stop and re-start the train. This movement was done at a slow speed and this is the reason why the Class 56 and 58 locomotives have slow speed control systems fitted to them as standard. The majority of other classes of diesel locomotive can, of course, be associated with these wagons, in particular Classes 20, 26, 37, 47 and occasionally the Class 45s but the ‘MGR’ system will always be remembered for its use with Class 56 and 58 locomotives, as after all these locos were designed largely with this coal transport in mind. 

With the link between the wagons and the 58s firmly established, how could the preservation of some of these wagons be best achieved? We decided to include a question on the subject in the recent questionnaire sent out to you all in the last edition of Red Diamond. The purpose of this was to establish what the Group’s membership felt about the subject in terms of whether it was a good idea or not. Members’ opinions can clearly be seen from the questionnaire results which have been published in this issue of Red Diamond. Most of the members who sent in replies thought it was a good idea although a minority thought that it was a bad idea and because of that we are actively looking at starting a preservation fund.

Moving forward from this position what is the next move? The main aim of the Class 58 Locomotive Group is, of course, to preserve at least one of these locomotives. We are of the view that nothing should detract from this financially or otherwise.

So with this in mind it is felt that if we were to make a move to preserve some of these wagons, as part of preserving the legacy of the Class 58s, certain criteria will need to be in place. These would be:

• The project should not detract in any way from the preservation of a Class 58 locomotive.
• A separate fund should be set up for the preservation of HAA wagons but it would exist as a subsidiary of the C58LG.
• A Project Manager for the fund should be appointed who would report back to the committee of the C58LG. The Project Manager would be responsible for all aspects of the fund’s operation and management but must be a member of the C58LG and be fully accountable to the C58LG committee. It is felt best that the Fund Project Manager should not be a member of the C58LG committee as its primary aim is to manage the Group’s business and the preservation of a locomotive both in terms of finance and time.
• A home base should be found for any potential wagons, preferably the same location as our locomotive and cab base.
• Wagons and spares should be procured and transported to base for restoration to begin.

The advantages of an MGR fund to the C58LG could be many as it contributes to preserving the legacy of the 58s as well as preserving an important part of the rail history of this country. If a small rake, for example twelve wagons, could be established it ought to be possible for photo charters to be set up with preserved railways and other loco preservation groups. This would bring in funds for the wagons upkeep with a percentage of the funds going into the C58LG’s main funds thus helping to contribute to the purchase and upkeep of a locomotive.

Our main concern at the moment is the funding of this project. We are aware that there are a large number of wagon enthusiasts who would (hopefully) support us but how would a project of this size self-fund? Would we offer ‘membership’ with an annual subscription for being a member, and if so what would members get in return? Could our plans rely totally on donations or would we have to look at a share scheme to guarantee a constant income? Granted, once the wagons had been purchased and moved to the host railway(s), the expenditure would drop dramatically, but it is this initial finance that is the most important. If anyone has any ideas or suggestions please get in touch. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

Please note that none of the above has been decided upon as yet and the whole plan depends on whether any preserved railway, or railways, would be interested in hosting a small rake of these wagons. Letters to the majority of preserved railways are being compiled and will be sent out very soon. While we await the replies with bated breath, we can begin our search for a Project Manager. Think you are up to it? Please get in touch with our Chairman, Paul Fuller, who will happily persuade you to take on the role!

Should proposals be put forward which meet the above criteria, a vote of the Group’s membership will take place. In the meantime if you have any comments or suggestions on the subject or you are interested in becoming involved with the new fund, or perhaps even being the Project Manager, then please let us know!

Should the Fund not become a reality for whatever reason, the C58LG is still interested in preserving two H-coded MGR wagons for promotional purposes and we hope that members fully support our idea of preserving what is probably the biggest part of British Rail, its successors and Britain’s railway history…

The next page has a detailed history off the HAA-type MGR wagon fleet...

Any donations gratefully received!

If you would like to make a donation to the “MGR Wagon Fund”, please use the PayPal link below. Any amount you can give is much appreciated. I hope you will support us in this venture. Thank you.