Pioneer MHA 394001 saved by the NWPG

The NWPG is happy to announce the acquisition of pioneer Coalfish wagon MHA 394001. The underframe was donated to this particular wagon from HAA 365673 (Lot 3997, Shildon 1981) and was converted in 1997 into its current guise at RFS, Doncaster.

Will (Co-Chair NWPG) says "We are so pleased to be able to preserve such an important example of railfreight history. Considering the underframe, a former HAA wagon, has survived for 43 years and only withdrawn due to modern equivalents. It is a testament to the highly skilled engineering teams of the days of British Rail."

The coalfish is synonymous with the engineering trains of the last 27 years and have proved their flexibility in moving fresh or spoiled ballast and sand across the UK. The wagon will be moved to into temporary storage whilst we finalise an agreement for its use on another preserved railway. Details to be announced in the near future.

Our intention will be to restore the wagon to as-converted state in 1997 over the coming years whilst it provides more years of valuable service in preservation.

The NWPG had made the some phone calls to get spare parts for the MGR wagon fleet, however, the conversations moved fast and we ended up coming away not only with spares, but this pioneer wagon as well. The whole deal was done within the hour.

The NWPG took this opportunity to sell some rarities and railwayana via their facebook page in order to raise as much funding as possible to pay for the wagon, spares and road movement.

A hearty thanks go to the CF Booths team for their cooperation and hard work in allowing us to secure the wagon and lots of spares to ensure the longevity of this coalfish and the MGRs.

The cost of the wagon and its spares is still not fully funded and we ask our readers to offer donations or peruse our items for sale via our facebook page "National Wagon Preservation Group" or the website "www.nwpg.co.uk"